Snowball Launchers, Giant-Pumpkin Growers and Other Cool Contraptions by Tom Fox really does have cool contraptions.
Yet I hesitate to show the book to my children. Most of these are not instant projects. Most of them would require a trip to the hardware and maybe the electrical parts store. I do think they would they would be worth the effort. These projects are just the types of things to capture the imagination. There are directions for creating a secret drawer lock that can only be opened by passing a 9 volt battery in front of it! Another project is building a hidden compartment display case so you can display treasures and hide others. You can even build a simple robot that always moves toward the light.
The book does have simpler projects. You can make a working stethoscope out of a cardboard paper-towel roll, aluminum foil and duct tape. Since the stethoscope can even hear through doors it also works as a spying device. A Giant Pumpkin Grower is made from lumber, screws, and plastic sheeting. And the Mobile Thunderstorm Detector only uses a portable AM radio.
All the projects have a background information section that explains theories of gravity, how stethoscopes came to be invented, and how electricity and magnetism work. Many of the projects are noted as being Adult Supervision Required. These projects involve the use of drills, saws, wire cutters, and other tools. The author writes in a engaging, friendly, easy to read style. He also encourages the young builder to keep project notes as they go along.
The book is recommended for ages nine to twelve. Many of the projects would make great items for science fair experiments. Some of the projects would be fun for scout troops or home schoolers to work on together. It’s a great book to capture your young builder’s and inventor’s imaginations.
(Published in 2006 by Sterling Publishing Co.)
Also See:
Website for Homeschoolers: Science News for Kids
My Son’s Science Project Is Out of Control