Ordinary folks can construct 13 awesome ballistic devices in their garage or basement workshops using inexpensive household or hardware store materials and this step-by-step guide. Clear instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build projects ranging from the simple-a match-powered rocket-to the more complex-a scale-model, table-top catapult-to the offbeat-a tennis ball cannon. With a strong emphasis on safety, the book also gives tips on troubleshooting, explains the physics behind the projects, and profiles scientists and extraordinary experimenters such as Alfred Nobel, Robert Goddard, and Isaac Newton. This book will be indispensable for the legions of backyard toy-rocket launchers and fireworks fanatics who wish every day was the fourth of July.
I bought this book for my 11 year old son, thinking he would be able to put some of these together himself. These are clearly devices that rquire supervision not only for firing, but also for constructing. Very cool, but not for independent assembly.
"great book"
Written By: Steven L. Shumaker
I am very pleased with this book. It gives very simple instructions for some very exciting "science projects" and even explains the theories that make these things work. Very fun for father and son time in the garage.
"This book is awesome"
Written By: C. Mcmillan
Do you have children? Do you have nephews? Do you have friends with kids? Are you ok with possibly angering your neighbors? Then this is the book for you. This book is full of the kind of stuff that we all took a shot at when we were younger (only this book shows you a safer way to do it). This book is a great way to get kids away from the TV and out into the yard. It will even show them that science (at least experimentation) can be fun. I have done several of the projects in this book, and it brought back a lot of memories, and made some new ones. There is nothing better than a cheering 11 year old after you hurl a pumpkin down the street with a catapult. So, get this book, pick a project, and relive your childhood (and enhance someone else's.)
"Tons of Fun!"
Written By: Deanna Dennis
This is one dads and boys will get a kick out of together. The text is easy and enjoyable (even for mom) to read. Whether you are using it for science or history (making sort-of replicas or understanding the technology of certain periods) or for your budding engineer, you will find this a great place to start.
If you are an advanced ballistician (or whatever you call yourselves), check this out at the library first - it really is a beginner's book. Also, redstoneprojects.com has a nice selection of working replica and/or tabletop model catapults from different historical eras if you're more interested in authenticity.
Depending on the kids' ages, you will probably want to be sure they understand these are not projects to do alone in their spare time but rather with an adult present (yes, dad counts). Our son is permitted to work on parts gathering & building on his own but knows "ground zero" is a family affair. Your kids might be different - read it yourself first, and you'll see what I mean.
Yes, it's dangerous (you can tell by the title & cover art) - but so is life! Have fun!
"Fun Book for Big Kids and Little Kids"
Written By: P. Scholle
This book I had as a child and can't find it so we wanted to get it for our 11 year old son's birthday. Lots of fun science experiments - we will have fun!