Kids will learn how things they encounter every day operate by building
their own models with this hands-on activity book. Projects include
building a working model of the human hand's muscles, bones, and tendons
using drinking straws, tape, and string; using a pair of two-liter
bottles and a length of rubber tubing to learn how a toilet flushes; and
discovering how musical instruments make sounds by fashioning a
harmonica, saxophone, drum, flute, or oboe. All devices are designed to
use recycled or nearly free materials and common tools. Kids are
encouraged to modify and improve the designs, or create an entirely new
device using the concepts explored. Each project includes materials and
tools lists, step-by-step instructions with photographs, a summary of
the science concept demonstrated, and follow-up questions to gauge
student understanding for use in the classroom.