Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1 [Paperback]

Curt Gabrielson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Terrific . . . all around fun. A great book."  —The Daily Journal

"I really enjoyed this . . . a long-needed book that kids will love . . . great."  —Science Books & Films

"The projects are fairly easy and do get you thinking about how things work."  —mom2momdfw.com

"The best way to learn."  —Missoulian Sunday

"Filled with cool projects for winter days."  —Treasure Valley Family Magazine

About the Author

Curt Gabrielson is the director of the Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop. He has been a science educator for more than 15 years, with positions in the California public schools, the National University of East Timor, and San Francisco’s Exploratorium Teacher Institute.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1 edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556527373
• ISBN-13: 978-1556527371
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all time favorites, September 8, 2009

By 

B. Russell (i'd rather not say) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1 (Paperback)

I am a bibliophile and own way to many books. I purchase books that have great titles, but then fail to impress me. This book is one of my favorites. I teach gifted and talented students and will be incorporating many of the projects into my curriculum including a hydraulic butterfly, a toilet model, a crane, and an electric car. Each activity has science questions and a very thorough explanation of how and why it works. I've learned a little myself. Most of the projects cannot be made for a dollar or less. The author likes to use recycled materials and many projects call for film canisters. Who uses those anymore? Be prepared to make some substitutions. Definitely worth the money though.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stomp Rockets Rocks!, February 23, 2009

By 

Sheila Smith "Gus The Mover" (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1 (Paperback)

This book is great for science projects but also wonderful for those of us who are older and do not remember basic priciples of science. The instructions are very easy and cost of the project is minimal if you already have the items that the author lists in the front of the book. The author also provides great questions to ask after completion of the project for further learning. This is the perfect book to do projects with your children at home as well!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stomp Rockets, Catapults and Kaleidoscopes, November 16, 2008

By 

Charler Barker "kb" (Plymouth, NH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science Projects You Can Build for Less than $1 (Paperback)

I have made two of the projects in this book with great results. I love the projects. You do need to read the directions completely because the supply list is not always accurate. I'm not sure everything can be made for less than a dollar unless you have an extensive collection of recycleable materials. Many projects need tools so adult supervision is required for young children. But worth it!