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171st out of 207 books
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49 voters
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Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices
Ordinary folks can construct 13 awesome ballistic devices in their garage or basement workshops using inexpensive household or hardware store materials and this step-by-step guide. Clear instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build projects ranging from the simple—a match-powered rocket—to the more complex—a scale-model, table-top catapult—to the offbeat—a ten...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
June 1st 2001
by Chicago Review Press
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This book is down right savage. Thirteen do it yourself backyard ballistics. Each has a degree of danger to them, but then again what kind of fun is it if it's not dangerous in a small amount? There is also the possibility of that it might violate some laws depending on what area you live in. Again, what kind of fun is it if you ain't breakin some kind of law? This book is at the top of my weekend do it yourself project list. Lots of fun to be had, and if you search for this book on youtube; the...more
Great book about making homemade things that go boom and splat. It'll be great when my boys are teenagers and wanting to make big things, but I actually wanted a book on smaller scale homemade machines. My son's WeBeLos book showed me how to make a catapult out of a shoebox--that's more on my level than putting together pvc pipe to make a potato cannon. Still cool to see what you can make from a hardware store. I REALLY liked how he explained (in simple terms) the physics of the machine and adde...more
I built 4 of the projects from this book with a group of two dozen boys, grades 5-8.
match head rockets (24)
potato cannons (2)
tennis ball mortars (6)
flingers (4)
We had a really good time doing it. The Match head rockets were actually the least cooperative project and we all had a great time with the other builds.
If you are looking for some awesome science/ballistic fun, this book is the way to go!
match head rockets (24)
potato cannons (2)
tennis ball mortars (6)
flingers (4)
We had a really good time doing it. The Match head rockets were actually the least cooperative project and we all had a great time with the other builds.
If you are looking for some awesome science/ballistic fun, this book is the way to go!
This is a pretty good book. Some of the projects might be too difficult for a beginner. I got this book to work through with my 6 year old son. We were able to build the potato gun, match rockets, and fire kite. The rest of the projects were well documented but far too advanced for him. Overall a good project book with good documentation (explanations), imagery, and diagrams.
Ok this is seriously good fun but be warned the temptation to make some of these are far to tempting but GREAT fun, have tried out a few of the ideas (have scrounged all the paper match books from all my friends and caused chaos with them) and already starting a shopping list for my next big project. If you want something to do (and dont mind annoying the neighbours) this is one for you.
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I bought this book to use in an after school science enrichment class I teach. It did not disappoint, the kids thought all my exploding stuff was great. Along the way they also learned terms like exothermic and velocity. Pretty decent for elementary school. Plus? Now I'm the coolest mom in school. :-D
This book is a great resource for those who want to encourage kids to explore hands-on physics concepts. Prior to each projectile's construction discussion, the book provides a basic overview of why the gizmo functions the way it does. Fun little read, even more fun to put in use.
My sons and I love building anything and anything, whether it works or not. Gurstelle’s precise plans with historical reference have helped up build tennis ball cannons, potato guns, and catapults. I love the way this book brought us together around an objective.
remember the cow/piano launcher in Northern Exposure...? this book is THAT good! i got it as a gift for a ballistically-minded guy (are there any non-ballistically-minded guys?) and wow, it was a hit-and-a-half! The equivalent of buying me chocolate - wahoo, i earned major points!
I go to this reference so many times. Cincinnati Fire Kites last night for example. We first used this when Bennett was 5, and it was a great help this year when Will wanted to install a grenade launcher on the lawn mower.
very fun ideas and very well made/easy to follow plans. not just for entertainment but all of these plans are quite capable for the average person to make and use.
Want to launch a potato 80 yards with some PVC pipe and hairspray? This is the book for you.
I'll have to get it back from the library when it is time for the annual grandchildren's visit. :o)
This is a must for all of the Big boys in your life. Fun on every page.
Timothy
added it
you'll shoot your eye out, or blow out your eardrums but FUN!
Michael Jennings
added it
awsome but not for the more advanced ppl
it is super fun and good for boys
Daniel
is currently reading it
OH THE FUN!
Wanna have a fun day with family? Follow the potato cannon instructions in this great book! BAM! Flying spuds across the field. Inside the pages are instructions for lots of cool ballistics, explainations behind the simple science of each ballistic, and this history of ballistics and their inventors.
My son loves this book. He has done several exploding things from it. He carries it around planning his next project all the time. His dream is to make a large catapult. Boys! My husband has really enjoyed going through this book helping him put together some of these things.
How to build and blow up stuff, how to amuse yourself with little or no materials (fire kite).
The application of the concepts in this book is interesting, if not a little dangerous.
I highly reccomend to tinkerers and hacker types for exploration and afternoons of fun projects.
The application of the concepts in this book is interesting, if not a little dangerous.
I highly reccomend to tinkerers and hacker types for exploration and afternoons of fun projects.
THIS is what Jack would rather read than From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler. And I'll admit -- this book is an interesting read. But we live in Chicago with a standard city lot. He will NEVER fire a potato cannon in our yard!
Safe with adults, and lots of fun. Some items, like a match rocket and mini-catapult, are suitable for science fair projects. Also included is info on the science behind the projects (which not all project books cover.)
Me and emmetts favorite book on how to build pointless things that explode...obviously my favorite
I liked the book have only tried one project so far and it was a dud. we will see what happens.
Hysterical but I'd definitely lose an appendage or two and end up burning someone's house down
An interesting read of experiements, I have yet to try one out thought.
February is a long month and the kid and I need a family activity.
The best reason to live next to a corn field.
i got this book from my mom.
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