Build a Better Mousetrap Make Classic Inventions, Discover Your Problem-Solving Genius, and Take the Inventor's Challenge

by Kassinger, Ruth

• ISBN13: 9780471395386
• ISBN10: 0471395382
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-19
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Discover the secrets behind some amazing inventions!Through observation, experimentation, and perseverance, humans through the ages have managed to solve a whole array of perplexing problems. These solutions have included such incredible inventions as the parachute, the periscope, the solar water heater, the suspension bridge, the stethoscope, and many more. Now, with Build a Better Mousetrap in hand, you too can experience your own Eureka! moments of inspiration and sharpen your problem-solving skills as well, while you explore the history and science behind some of the world's most exciting inventions.With this collection of fascinating, hands-on projects you'll discover the answers to such intriguing questions as: Who invented the hovercraft? Why is there a hole in the top of a parachute? What is an Aerobie and why does it fly so well? And you'll be encouraged to come up with your own awesome inventions. With easy-to-follow instructions on how to make everything from a rocket, to a kaleidoscope, to a bottle organ, Build a Better Mousetrap is filled with enough exciting projects and challenges to get you started on a lifetime of invention.

Author Biography

RUTH KASSINGER is a writer, teacher, and consultant. She is the author of Wiley’s Reinvent the Wheel and has written many articles on science and technology for such publications as the Washington Post, Smithsonian, and Science Weekly.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Inventions That Use Light.

1. Spectacles.

2. Kaleidoscope.

3. Phenakistiscope.

4. Periscope.

Part II: Inventions That Move Through Air and Water.

5. Hulled Sailboat.

6. Parachute.

7. Liquid-Fueled Rocket.

8. Hovercraft.

9. Aerobie.

Part III: Inventions of Bridges and Dams.

10. Suspension Bridge.

11. Arch Dam.

Part IV: Inventions That Use Sound.

12. Stethoscope.

13. Kazoo.

14. Bottle Organ.

Part V: Inventions for Heating and Cooling.

15. Solar Water Heater.

16. Desert Refrigerator.

Part VI: Miscellaneous Inventions.

17. Water Clock.

18. Scytale.

19. Gimbal.

20. Pendulum Seismograph.

21. Portable Solar Distiller.

22. Mousetrap.

Glossary.

Index.