by NeilA.Downie (Author)
How do you make a clock out of an ice cube? Send messages using bubbles? Make money using a tube that waltzes? This collection of curious and offbeat science experiments provides the answers to these and 36 other questions. Accomplished physicist and science writer Neil A. Downie covers a range of phenomena, from the rocking and rolling that drives a waltzing tube; to the fluid mechanics of a coffee-cup rev counter and biceps made from balloons; to the simple chemistry of red-hot batteries and wet solar cells. For each experiment, he provides historical anecdotes about the relevant phenomena, a list of equipment, detailed instructions, and a full explanation - requiring only high-school mathematics - of the science behind the procedure. For those intrigued by any experiment, he includes follow-up suggestions, which describe ways to tinker with the initial recipe . This collection of lively experiments, with complete explanations and simple mathematics, will appeal to high-school science teachers, inveterate tinkerers, amateur scientists, or anyone looking for a project for the next science fair.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352
Edition: illustrated edition
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 30 Sep 2003
ISBN 10: 0801874092
ISBN 13: 9780801874093
The science in these projects is very nicely explained and the directions are good enough for their completion. -- Chemical Education Today
Interesting and written in very clear conversational style... most people will want to try these experiments because they are fun. -- F. W. Menk, The Physicist
The creative author of this book has filled it with novel and interesting demonstrations of physics, chemistry, and electronics experiments that are perfect for readers who love to tinker. -- Laura J. Lising, Science Books and Films
Knowing something of the often exhausting business of science outreach and how long it takes to produce a five-minute demonstration, I recognize the huge effort that must have gone into this book... The book is a job well done, and I recommend it for anyone trying to get physics across to non-specialist audiences. -- Chris Waltham, Physics Today