The Big Book of Air & Space Activities [Paperback]

Jani Macari Pallis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071348204 | ISBN-13: 978-0071348201 | Publication Date: December 14, 1999 | Edition: 1

Written by an aeronautical engineer and award-winning educator, THE BIG BOOK OF AIR AND SPACE FLIGHT ACTIVITIES -- the colorfully illustrated companion to the NASA-sponsored Internet site www.wings.ucdavis.edu --enables kids age 8-12 to discover how the forces of nature affect our everyday lives. Packed with interesting information and plenty of "fun facts," this fascinating volume includes dozens of hands-on activities that can be completed using readily available supplies and feature easy-to-follow instructions and scientific explanations. Kids will: Construct a wind tunnel and use it to see how air currents affect the lift, turning, rolling, and dive of a variety of different shapes; Determine their own centers of gravity; Experiment with building different towers and bridges to support objects of varying weights; Make a seed helicopter; design, build, and fly a kite; make a balloon out of tissue paper and send it into in the air; construct a model airplane out of cookies, candies, and other treats, and much more! Whether the book is enjoyed on its own or used in conjunction with the web site, kids will have a great time exploring: The history of air and space flight, from the first parachutist in 2200 BC to the International Space Station due to be completed in 2004; Flight in nature from dandelion seeds to insects to birds. The fundamental forces that affect flight. The various parts of air and space vehicles. The uses of man-made flying machines, including kites, parachutes, gliders, blimps, airplanes, and spacecraft. Ideal for students, teachers, and parents, this book is a great reference for science fair projects, extra-credit work, or just for the thrill of exploration.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Embark on an Exciting Adventure into the Worlds of Aeronautics and Aerospace. The colorfully illustrated companion to the NASA-sponsored Internet site www.wings.ucdavis.edu. Packed with tons of "fun facts about how and why everything flies," this book features dozens of hands-on activities, with easy-to-follow instructions that show you how to use everyday materials to: Construct a wind tunnel to see how air currents affect different shapes. Build towers and bridges to support objects of different weights. Make a paper helicopter; design, build, and fly a kite; make a hot-air balloon out of tissue paper and launch it; construct a model airplane out of cookies, candies, and other treats (you can eat it later!), and much more! Whether you enjoy this book on its own or use it along with the web site, you’ll have a great time exploring: The history of air and space flight, from the first parachutist in 2200 BC to the International Space Station of the future; Flight in nature—from dandelion seeds to insects, bats, and birds; The fundamental forces that affect flight; The various parts of air and space vehicles; The uses of man-made flying machines, including kites, parachutes, gliders, blimps, airplanes, and spacecraft. Perfect for science fair projects, extra-credit work, or just for the thrill of exploration, the activities and information contained here will help you soar to places you’ve never been before!

About the Author

Jani Macari Pallis, Ph.D., is an aeronautical engineer and the founder and CEO of Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. She is the principal investigator for the NASA-sponsored Internet textbook, wings.ucdavis.edu. and has worked with NASA to create new uses for technology in education. Noted for her ability to make difficult science materials and math concepts easy to understand, she has been recognized with awards from NASA and the California Association for Aerospace Education.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 14, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071348204
• ISBN-13: 978-0071348201
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,097,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)