Engineering & Construction Fun

All great inventors and scientists started as inquisitive young minds. Feed your kids’ curiosity with The Big Book of Invisible Technology, full of explanations of how things work, from the invisible Internet to driverless cars and drones. Important tech-related words are highlighted in bold along with their definitions, in a virtual dictionary of how things work for kids. Step-by-step, hands-on experiments using household items enable kids to explore the concepts they’re reading about. As they learn about 21^st century technology, they’ll discover how to brainstorm ideas to solve the future challenges to our planet. 152 pages, softcover. Ages 7 to 11.

From skyscrapers to microchips, engineering makes the world go round. Through its innovations we can power cities, design medicines, power and create self-driving cars, and so much more. In this fact-packed guide, children can learn about vital breakthroughs in engineering history, the scientific principles behind these technologies and how engineers work today. Big new concepts like aeronautical engineering, urban development, circuit design, and engineering for the future pop off the page, thanks to full-color illustrations, vibrant diagrams, and engaging text, and may even spark a life-long passion in engineering for your kids. 128 pages, hardcover. Ages 8 and up.

Have you crossed over a bridge today? Have you ridden an elevator to a top floor? Have you opened up a carton of milk? All of these things were made possible through engineering! In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Engineers with STEM Projects for Kids, your kids will meet five female engineers who revolutionized the role of women in engineering, including Ellen Swallow Richards, Emily Warren Roebling, Kate Gleason, Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and Mary Jackson. Short sidebars highlight the accomplishments of today's female engineers and the ways that women are finding success in engineering today. Through hands-on STEM projects such as researching organizational psychology, conducting a virtual tour of a model bridge, and creating a presentation about processed food, kids gain the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in engineering. Full of engaging illustrations combined with photography, fascinating facts, essential questions, and hands-on projects. 112 pages, hardcover. Ages 8 - 11.

Robots for Kids is a fun, coding-free beginner's guide to basic robotics. The book's 14 simple and entertaining robots can all be built using only common materials, basic tools, and some basic electronic components. Readers will use dryer lint brushes and plumbing flange repair rings to make a street sweeper-like bot that buffs the floors as it moves; build a rolling barrel robot using a paint can and servo motor; make a sail bot from a utensil holder and plastic sheet that changes direction when activated by wind; and much more! 200 pages, softcover. Grades: 5-6.