Sensational Science Projects with Simple Machines »

How can a 50-pound boy lift a 200-pound man? How does a wheelbarrow work? Is it easier to roll a toy truck up an inclined plane or just pick it straight up? The experiments in this book will show how simple machines work and explain some elementary principles of physical science. All you need are some simple materials, most of which can be found around your home, school, or neighborhood. So grab your marbles, wheels, and buckets and discover that physics is fantastic!

Children's Literature

The book's premise is that doing experiments will help kids understand how machines make tasks easier. Individual chapters describe how to build and do experiments with the lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, screw, and pulley. The first chapter explains force, friction, distance, and work--an understanding of which is necessary in order to understand how simple machines work. Each subsequent chapter begins with a short description of a device, followed by an experiment, and then an explanation. The "things you will need" are mostly everyday objects, although young scientists may have to make a trip to the hardware store with an adult. The experiments are generally straightforward; unfortunately, however, some of the explanations are confusing. The illustrations and design of the book look amateurish. There are many books of this nature for young readers; since the experiments in this volume are unoriginal and the explanations unclear, it is not recommended for purchase. Part of the "Fantastic Physical Science Experiments" series.