How Machines Work: The Interactive Guide to Simple Machines and Mechanisms

by Nick Arnold, Allan Sanders

Every child in school learns about simple and common machines such as inclined planes and pulleys, but rarely do they have the opportunity to build the machines themselves. In this colorful, interactive book and kit, the principles for 12 basic machines are described, supplemented by descriptions of everyday usefulness, timelines detailing their history, and instructions to build each machine solely with materials included in the kit. Everything that a budding inventor needs to build each of the machines is provided, including 25 machine pieces, 10 plastic nuts and bolts, and a detachable peg board—all color-coded for easy identification. Using the simple and direct instructions, kids can build each machine in minutes! The projects incline planes, levers, wheels and axles, gears (spur, compound, rack and pinion, and planetary), cams, cranks, pulleys, ratchets, and springs. Hands-on, interactive, and engaging, this kit will bring out the DIY and inventor spirit in every child.

24 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2011

About the author

Nick Arnold is the author of the award winning series, Horrible Science and Wild Lives. Arnold's first published works appeared as a result of a project he was working on at the University of North London, when he was trying to teach young children. A positive review was written about him, and he started to write the "Horrible Science" books. His books are illustrated by Tony De Saulles.