Let's Fly a Plane!: Aerospace Engineering for Kids through Real World Examples, from the #1 Science Author for Kids. Includes STEM Activities, ... for Kids 5-7)

by Chris Ferrie

Equip the next generation of scientists with a brand new series from Chris Ferrie, the #1 science author for kids! How do airplanes stay up in the sky? That's the question Red Kangaroo needs answered and she knows exactly who can help her―Dr. Chris! Explore the four forces of flight―drag, lift, thrust and weight―and get ready to take off with this introduction to aerospace engineering. Chris Ferrie offers a kid-friendly introduction to the science of flight in this first installment of his new Everyday Science Academy series. With real-world and practical examples, young readers will have a firm grasp of scientific and mathematical concepts to help answer many of their "why" questions. Perfect for elementary-aged children and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Backmatter includes a glossary, comprehension questions aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy and experiments kids can easily do at school or at home!

Genres: Childrens, Science, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2020

About the author

I am Chris Ferrie, father of four and happy husband. My day job is academic research where I follow my curiosity through the word of quantum physics. My passion for communicating science has led from the most esoteric topics of mathematical physics to more recently writing children’s books.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great science book for young children that actually does a good job of explaining how planes fly. Ferrie goes into the four forces at work -- lift, thrust, weight and drag -- and what they all mean. At the end, there are simple experiments like making paper airplanes to expand on these forces.

Kurt Vonnegut wrote in Cat's Cradle that “Dr. Hoenikker used to say that any scientist who couldn't explain to an eight-year-old what he was doing was a charlatan.” Ferrie has shown that he is the best kind of scientist, one who can break down the science into something kids (and grown ups) can easily understand.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to aerodynamics, with a goofy kangaroo asking the question to draw out the explanation of the four forces at work around planes -- lift, drag, thrust, and weight. I found the kangaroo a bit irritating but it probably appeals to kids.

Back matter has a glossary, a good set of comprehension questions, and some activities to do to see them working in experiments -- paper airplane testing and straw rockets.

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book would be a nice tool for teaching the four forces of flight: drag, lift, thrust, and weight. The book also has a well-constructed glossary and some good suggestions for how to test out these forces with paper-airplanes. This would be a great addition to a STEM activity with paper planes!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a new doctor in town and it's no longer Bill Nye or Neil deGrasse Tyson instead it's Doctor Chris. Dr. Chris and his little friend red kangaroo discuss what it takes to get a plane in the air and keep it going. This book reads almost like a cross between Kratz Kingdom and Bill Nye. It’s cute, it's fun, kids will like it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a red kangaroo wants to learn to fly, Dr. Chris explains the basics of flight by explaining the concepts of lift, thrust, drag, and weight to her. I later realized that this is the same author of "Quantum Physics for Babies" which my children love to have me read again and again.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kids interesting in flying or how things work will enjoy this book. A great explanation about what makes a plane fly. Nice pictures.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations and explanations given by this wonderful author and scientist.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Ferrie introduces his new series, Everyday Science Academy, with Let’s Fly a Plane. Red Kangaroo spots an airplane above her and wants to fly, too. This leads to questions about flight and a visit to Dr. Chris launches the reader into the world of aerospace engineering. After learning about the four forces of flight, Red Kangaroo gets her wish and takes off! The book includes simple diagrams and dialogue between kangaroo and friend and has enough storyline that PK-2nd graders are likely to enjoy the book and with the supplementary activities provided may begin to understand the basics of flight. The illustrations are terrific and will be a huge part in capturing the attention of the target audience. It will be interesting to see what librarians report on their patrons’ engagement level. Thanks for the dARC, Sourcebooks.