How to Build a Hovercraft: Air Cannons, Magnetic Motors, and 25 Other Amazing DIY Science Projects

by Stephen Voltz, Fritz Grobe

From the Coke and Mentos fountain makers who found initial fame via Maker Faire and YouTube (more than 150 million views!) comes this collection of DIY science projects guaranteed to inspire a love of experimentation. Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz, also known as EepyBird, share their favorite projects: a giant air vortex cannon, a leaf blower hovercraft, a paper airplane that will fly forever, and many more. Each experiment features instructions that will take users from amateur to showman level—there's something here for all skill levels—alongside illustrations, photographs, and carefully explained science. How to Build a Hovercraft is guaranteed to engage curious minds and create brag-worthy results!

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

190 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2013

Reviews

[Ryan McArthur]

I should make a hovercraft one of these days....

[Bill Glose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought to you by the same guys who started the Mentos and Coke craze, these two scientists provide step-by-step instructions on how to construct 25 incredible science projects. From simple projects, such as piercing a balloon without popping it and causing a metal can to crush itself, to the more complex, such as building a mini-rocket car powered by—what else?—Mentos and Coke. Each of the projects includes explanations of the underlying scientific principles, but it’s the show-stealing fashion in which each is performed and visually displayed that makes this book so stunning.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book for teens that consider themselves scientists and makers. The cover is eye-catching, showing two men in white jackets being sprayed by soda. The book is divided into three levels: Quick and Amazing, Taking It Up a Notch and The Big Stuff (which translate to easy, medium, and hard projects). Experiments include “The Classic Tablecloth Trick” and “Coke and Mentos Geysers." Each project has clear, step-by-step instructions and good photos of the experiments. There’s also a helpful index in the back, so teens can decide which project they’d be interested in trying!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great range of experiments from simple to complicated, and they can be fun activities for families to do together, or just to do for fun on your own. Some definitely require more time and supplies, but most can be found at the local hardware store. Enjoyed the thorough science explanation behind the experiments, and the experiment/project directions are well written, too. I haven't used the QR codes within the book to connect to the website yet, but it's a nice touch.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of great activities, from the quick and simple to the involved and complex. I can't keep this one on the shelf because it is so easy to book talk into the hands of little scientists.

[JMRL]

Find it at JMRL: http://aries.jmrl.org/record=b1306485~S9