Description
Product Description
It’s hands-on science with a capital “E”—for engineering.
Beginning with the toppling of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, to the destructive, laserlike sunbeams bouncing off London’s infamous “Fryscraper” in 2013, here is an illustrated tour of the greatest engineering disasters in history, from the bestselling author of
The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science.
Each engineering disaster includes a simple, exciting experiment or two using everyday household items to explain the underlying science and put learning into action. Understand the
Titanic’s demise by sinking an ice-cube-tray ocean liner in the bathtub. Stomp on a tube of toothpaste to demonstrate what happens to non-Newtonian fluids under pressure—and how a ruptured tank sent a tsunami of molasses through the streets of Boston in 1919.
From why the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans to the fatal design flaw in the Sherman tank, here’s a book of science at its most riveting.
From School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up—Connolly, author of over 30 other books for children and young adults (most on similar topics), provides the details on a number of historically epic disasters in engineering. From the Titanic and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Connolly explains the possible errors that led to disastrous results. Thirty-three experiments allow readers to examine for themselves what may cause a tower to collapse, a ship to spill enormous amounts of oil into the water, and more. Two-color cartoon images accompany the historical accounts and activities; however, these images tend to skew on the younger side. Each project includes simple steps and explains its relation to the disaster it means to mimic. With ever-advancing technology present in the lives of readers, this text provides the chance for aspiring architects, engineers, and other problem solvers to understand past mistakes before building future wonders. Parents, children, and educators can turn to this book for quick problems to solve. After understanding the flaws that led to disaster, students could then attempt to create their own structures or vehicles with a better understanding of the engineering behind them. VERDICT Public and school libraries should consider this light, STEAM-based collection of projects for purchase.—Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA
Review
“A new collection from an old hand at designing intriguing STEM activities that will entertain as well as enlighten.”—
Kirkus Reviews
“With ever-advancing technology present in the lives of readers, this text provides the chance for aspiring architects, engineers, and other problem solvers to understand past mistakes before building future wonders.” —
School Library Journal
About the Author
Sean Connolly is the author of the
Totally Irresponsible Science series and dozens of other books for both children and adults. A father of three, he is in an ideal position to explain the nuts and bolts of these experiments. He lives in England.