Ebook: Junk Drawer Engineering: 25 Construction Challenges That Don’t Cost a Thing

Children love challenges, especially ones that involve hands-on experimentation and friendly competition. Can they build a sturdy bridge using only pasta and glue, one that a toy car can drive both under and over? Can they create a device to safely catch a freefalling egg? The projects in Junk Drawer Engineering demonstrate that you don’t need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house.
Science teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with 25 open-ended design challenges that can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to modify and improve on the basic design. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.