Contraptions

Easy-to-follow text. Helpful photographs.

An introduction to the wonderful world of Heath Robinson, with carefully selected drawings from throughout his illustrious career, and a lively and informative commentary.

Creative recipes for exciting projects such as: super bubble ooze, shrinky doos, indoor hot air balloon, plus more.

Presents machines designed by Goldberg, which were based on complicated chain reactions and used to accomplish simple tasks.

A stimulating, do-it-yourself, inventive resource packed with cross-curriculum science and design and technology projects that children can put together themselves and which really work. Uses child's natural curiosity to develop creative problem-solving skills.

"Jackson is always making new contraptions, but his contraptions don't always work. Do you think Jackson's contraptions will work this time?"--Page 4 of cover

The two dozen contraptions found in this handy resource can move across the land, over the sea, and through the air and can be assembled primarily from low-cost or free recycled materials, batteries, and a single motor. Some of the projects include constructing a hovercraft out of a Styrofoam plate, two corks, and binder clips; building a double-paddlewheeler out of paint stirrers, plastic bottles, and a pair of disposable knives; and turning bamboo skewers, checkers, and a drinking straw into a three-wheeled motorcycle. Each project is clearly explained through materials and tools lists, step-by-step instructions with photographs, and scientific background on the concepts being explored. Budding engineers will get experience working with tools, testing simple circuits, modifying and improving their designs, and building unique contraptions of their own.

A little science, a little arts and crafts, a little math, a lot creative and a whole lot of fun! This packet is full of activities and ideas that give free reign to students' curiosity and stretch their creativity. There are opportunities to investigate, create and discover in all areas of the curriculum. Clear step-by-step instructions make the activities easy and fun for students, while the aims and objectives, extension activities and assessment tools make it a helpful resource for teachers.