Lego Crazy Action Contraptions: A Lego Inventions Book (Klutz) (Spiral-bound)

by Dan Rathjen (Author), Inc. Klutz (Editor) "This is a small bit of impossible machinery that goes like this: Two people are stuck onto gear wheels, little turntables that go round and..." (more)
Key Phrases: connector pegs, smaller bricks, car frame, The Base, The Funny Cross Thing, The Pulley Frame

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Complete plans for making marvelous moving machines out of the special Legos that come with the book and some basic pieces you've already got at home.

From the Publisher
Parents' Choice Approved, Selected as Outstanding by Parents Council, Winner of National Parenting Publications Award, Canadian Toy Testing Council Three Stars Award.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Spiral-bound: 66 pages
• Publisher: Klutz Press (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570541574
• ISBN-13: 978-1570541575
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #209,093 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

143 of 143 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 6 yr old loved it and we had fun building together, September 13, 1998

By A Customer

Although the book says ages 9 -12, I bought it for my 6 year old and he loved it. It was recommended by a 1st grade teacher. We have worked together on building some of the contraptions and have had a lot of fun. He could easily follow the picture instructions, but needed help on the words. Much better than buying the kits and building what the picture shows. This "book" comes with pieces you usually find in the Technic sets or have to special order through the Lego catalog. Also combines Legos with things you have around the house - string, balloons, etc. - to build all sorts of things. I really like the fact that it isn't just step by step how to build something but also gives ideas on how you can put a new twist on what you have built and asks you to expand upon it.

95 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As a science teacher use book to teach simple machines., June 23, 1999

By A Customer

Teaching in a specialized school with a vast amount of equipment I was pleased to find a Lego book that will probably last a lot longer than the Lego Technic cards which are easily lost or misplaced. Having written the third grade science curricula for our city I can see that this activity book would satisfy the beginning objectives taught for the simple machines unit. I like the inventory page with labeled photographs of each piece. It is important to teach the students the names of each LEGO piece so that there is a commonality of terms when designating which piece to use in the construction of each "contraption". The pictures are clear. The assembly of the projects is easy for students to follow. The projects are interest-grabbing to a child.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! Lot of FUN!, March 20, 2002

By	apoem "apoem" (Bosque Farms, NM USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

You get a book and a few little special lego pieces in this kit. The lego pieces are typical lego quality- sturdy and fairly easy to use. You follow the directions in the book and using the special lego pieces and the legos you already have at home, you can build some cool contraptions. Some are easier than others to build. However, all are doable and all live up to my expectations. Very Fun.

Enjoy.

IF you are like I am and look for toys that are quality toys that encourage creativity and exploration of the world around you, Lego toys are great. If you look for toys that have more than a button to push, lego toys are great. The toys are quality toys that can grow with your child and continually be added to to make new and exciting things.