Synopses & Reviews
Humankind needs to find and develop alternative forms of energy. As the worlds population continues to grow, more people will need access to lighting, communication, transit, and computing. Fossil fuels are being used up at an alarming pace, but other energy sources--solar, wind, waves, waste” heat, and even human power--are both renewable and environmentally friendly. The projects in this book will help any budding scientist construct and explore working models that generate renewable, alternative energy.
In Doable Renewables, readers will learn how to build a Kelvin water drop generator out of six recycled cans and alligator clip jumpers, a solar-powered seesaw from a large dial thermometer and a magnifying glass, and a windmill from eight yardsticks, PVC pipe, cardboard, and converter generator. Children will investigate the energy-generating properties of a solar cell, a radiometer, a Nitinol heat engine, and a Peltier cell. Theyll even build a human-powered desk lamp.
Each project includes a materials and tools list, as well as online information on where to find specialized components. And for young scientists, author Mike Rigsby demonstrates how to use an infrared thermometer, a digital multimeter, and an electrical usage monitor to test their designs. Armed with this collection of technological possibilities, can the solution to the earths energy crisis be far off?
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"A clever craft collection . . . These projects are fun to construct, and inquisitive minds will be fascinated by the moving cars, whether done for a science project or strictly for leisuretime enjoyment." —School Library Journal
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"Filled with fun projects." —Island Family Magazine
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"Finally, an engineer writes a book for kids! Amazing Rubber Band Cars is much more than a throwback to the 1950s, when kids made their own toys. Mike Rigsby realizes that you learn more by building than by buying . . . and that home-brewing a cardboard car is just plain fun." —Cliff Stoll, author, The Cuckoo's Egg
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"These simple instructions with templates allow budding engineers to gain hands-on experience." —Edmonton's Child
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"The focus on the hot topic of renewable energy . . . makes this a timely resource." —Booklist
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"The comprehensive book comes with a list of tools and parts, as well as step-by-step photo instructions on how to build everything. So, basically, there's little chance to mess it up." Nylon For Guys online
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"Features . . . so-nerdy-they're-cool devices." Nylon Guys Magazine
Synopsis
A Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing is the perfect resource for those who would like to experiment with 3D design and manufacturing, but have little or no technical experience with the standard software. Author Mike Rigsby leads readers step-by-step through 15 simple toy projects, each illustrated with screen caps of Autodesk 123D Design, the most common free 3D software available. The projects are later described using Sketchup, another free popular software package. Beginning with basics projects that will take longer to print than design, readers are then given instruction on more advanced toys, including a baking-powder submarine, a train with expandable track, a multipiece airplane, a rubber band-powered car, and a noise-making push toy with froggy eyes. Once trained in the basics of computer-aided design, readers will be able to embark on even more elaborate projects of their own creation.
Synopsis
3D printers have revolutionized the worlds of manufacturing, design, and art. But how does a person with little or no computer design experience create an object to print? The best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Professional engineer Mike Rigsby leads readers step-by-step through fourteen simple toy projects, each illustrated with screen caps of Autodesk 123D Design, the most common free 3D software available. The projects are later described using Sketchup, another free popular software package.
The toy projects in A Beginners Guide to 3D Printing start simple—a domino, nothing more than an extruded rectangle, a rectangular block. But soon you will be creating jewel boxes with lids, a baking powder submarine, interchangeable panels for a design-it-yourself miniature house, a simple train with expandable track, a multipiece airplane, a working paddleboat, and a rubber band-powered car. Finally, you will design, print, and assemble a Little Clicker, a noise making push toy with froggy eyes. Once trained in the basics, you will be able to embark on even more elaborate designs of your own creation.
Synopsis
Combining fun and interactive activities, this guide will have kids captivated for hours constructing fantastic racing cars with the basics of only rubber bands, cardboard, and glue. These simple instructions with templates allow budding engineers to gain hands-on experience as they learn not only how to build a basic racer, but how to make modifications such as aluminum foil axle bearings, steering mechanisms, hinges, cam shafts, and wheels made out of old CDs. This helpful resource has step-by-step instructions for making a basic rubber-band model, a railroad push-car, and a high-speed racer. Other unique projects include Oscar the Laughing Clown, which has a jaw mechanism that opens and closes when it moves, and Spot the Dog, which has a moving tail. Children can even learn how to build a rubber band car big enough for a human. Exploring wheels, bearings, and friction, kids will learn not only how to make speedy racers but also the science that makes the process work.
Synopsis
Unless you live in a haunted house, the eyes on your paintings probably dont follow you around. However, with a couple of motion sensors, two motors, a few transistors, resistors, diodes, and wires you can convert a Van Gogh print into a macabre masterpiece with a mind of its own. Haywired proves that science can inspire odd contraptions. Create a Mona Lisa that smiles even wider when you approach it. Learn how to build and record a talking alarm, or craft your own talking greeting card. Construct a no-battery electric car toy that uses a super capacitor, or a flashlight that can be charged in minutes, then shine for 24 hours. Written for budding electronics hobbyists, author Mike Rigsby offers helpful hints on soldering, wire wrapping, and multimeter use. Each project is described in step-by-step detail with photographs and circuit diagrams. Includes Web sites listing suppliers and part numbers.
About the Author
Mike Rigsby is a professional electrical engineer and the author of Amazing Rubber Band Cars. He has contributed to Byte, Circuit Cellar, Modern Electronics, Robotics Age, and other magazines.