Books - Suggested by EIRs and Teachers

Glover, David, Transportation, World Book, Inc. 1998 A fantastic picture reference book for young children ages 9-12. Discusses the inner workings of planes, trains, cars and so much more.

Levenson, Elaine, Teaching Children About Physical Science, McGraw Hill, 1994 This is a very user friendly book that contains activities which tie into real-life experiences, encouraging kids to get involved in the learning process.

Macaulay, David, The Way Things Work - A Visual Guide to the World of Machines, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1998 A cleverly illustrated book that groupes machines together by the principles that govern their actions rather than by their uses, Macaulay helps us understand in a heavily visual, humorous, unerringly precise way what gadgets such as a toilet, a carburetor, and a fire extinguisher have in common.

Petroski, H. To Engineer Is Human, Vintage Books, 1992 The moral of this book is that behind every great engineering success is a trail of often ignored (but frequently spectacular) engineering failures. Petroski covers many of the best known examples of well-intentioned but ultimately failed design in action -- the galloping Tacoma Narrows Bridge (which you've probably seen tossing cars willy-nilly in the famous black-and-white footage), the collapse of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel walkways -- and many lesser known but equally informative examples.

Richardson, Hazel, How to Build a Rocket, Oxford University Press, 1999 The author explains how humans discovered they could travel through space and how they managed to build a rocket ship that can take them to the moon. Written in kid-friendly language and filled with fun activities.

Richardson, Hazel, How To Split the Atom, Oxford University Press, 1999 The author explains how humans discovered they could break atoms and molecules down into smaller particles, and why this discovery was so significant in the 20th century.

Saffer, B. Nolte, L. Gifted & Talented: Science Experiments, Lowell House, 1999 Features 30 simple experiments about soil, weather, insects, and more that require materials commonly found outdoors. Each experiment includes stimulating follow-up questions and a fun activity.

Smith, H.C. The Illustrated Program Guide to Aerodynamics, McGraw Hill, 1992 This is a unique introduction to the world of aerodynamics. A great book for students and teachers who want to learn the basics.

Van Cleave, Janice, Physics for Every Kid - 101 Easy Experiments in Motions, Heat, Light, Machines and Sound, John Wiley and Sons, 1991