The Amazing Catapult

Isabelle wishes she could study physics instead of joining her mom as a popcorn manager at Mt. Olympus Theme Park, but when she finds herself in the middle of the myth of Icarus, she is determined to help Icarus and his father escape from the island with a new invention. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Spellbound is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

"Simple step-by-step instructions teach readers how to make original projects from recyclable materials"--

Based on an incredible true episode of World War II history, Paul Malmont’s new novel is a rollicking blend of fact and fiction about the men and women who were recruited to defeat the Nazis and ended up creating the future. In 1943, when the United States learns that Germany is on the verge of a deadly innovation that could tip the balance of the war, the government turns to an unlikely source for help: the nation’s top science fiction writers. Installed at a covert military lab within the Philadelphia Naval Yard are the most brilliant of these young visionaries. The unruly band is led by Robert Heinlein, the dashing and complicated master of the genre. His “Kamikaze Group,” which includes the ambitious genius Isaac Asimov, is tasked with transforming the wonders of science fiction into science fact and unlocking the secrets to invisibility, death rays, force fields, weather control, and other astounding phenomena—and finding it harder than they ever imagined. When a German spy washes ashore near the abandoned Long Island ruins of a mysterious energy facility, the military begins to fear that the Nazis are a step ahead of Heinlein’s group. Now the oddball team, joined by old friends from the Pulp Era including L. Ron Hubbard (court-martialed for attacking Mexico), must race to catch up. The answers they seek may be locked in the legendary War of Currents, which was fought decades earlier between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. As the threat of an imminent Nazi invasion of America grows more and more possible, events are set in motion that just may revolutionize the future—or destroy it—while forcing the writers to challenge the limits of talent, imagination, love, destiny, and even reality itself. Blazing at breathtaking speed from forgotten tunnels deep beneath Manhattan to top-secret battles in the North Pacific, and careening from truth to pulp and back again, The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown is a sweeping, romantic epic—a page-turning rocket ship ride through the history of the future.

Catapults have been around for many years. In ancient times, catapults were used during war. Today, people use catapults for more than just weapons. They can be used to launch aircrafts and for events like pumpkin throwing contests! No matter how a catapult is used, they all work by using energy. Learn how to make your own catapult by using basic household materials such as popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons. Watch as your catapult launches objects into the air!

August Day is an eleven year old boy who is convinced that his hippie parents are mad. He's a member of a gang which call themselves "The Posse." They like to get up to all sorts of boyish antics like shooting catapults, climbing trees, building weapons, and fighting with "The Mill Street Collective." but most of all they like to have adventures, one of which nearly lands them in big trouble.

This informative book introduces young readers to levers, describing how they work, how they help people do jobs, and how they are used for fun. The book also includes a "That’s Amazing!" special feature, several "Did You Know?" facts, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

The definitive collection of Washington's odd, wacky, and most offbeat people, places, and things, for Washington residents and anyone else who enjoys local humor and trivia with a twist.

Construct an arsenal of mini-models of large launchers, based on siege weapons used throughout history. All you need are everyday items and some adult help. Wheel them out as you conduct a siege and load your catapults with raisins or marshmallows. Bite-sized facts explain how these siege weapons were used in history too!