E-Book Overview
This fresh collection of more than 20 science projects—from hydrogen fuel cells to computer-controlled radio transmitters—is perfect for the tireless tinkerer. Innovative activities include taking detailed plant cell photographs through a microscope using a disposable camera; building a rocket engine out of aluminum foil, paper clips, and kitchen matches; and constructing a geodesic dome out of gumdrops and barbecue skewers. Organized by scientific topic, each chapter includes explanations of the physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics behind the projects. Most of the devices can be built using common household products or components available at hardware or electronic stores, and each experiment contains illustrated step-by-step instructions with photographs and diagrams that make construction easy. No workbench warrior, science teacher, or grown-up geek should be without this idea-filled resource.
E-Book Content
P o p ul a r S cie n c e / H o bby FIELD
Calling all tireless tinkerers— Gonzo Gizmos has returned! Yes, you too can build a hydrogen fuel cell . . . in your kitchen . . . or construct
a simple vacuum pump using little more than PVC pipe fittings, as long as you have Return of Gonzo Gizmos beside you. Each project includes a materials list, tools list, and step-bystep instructions for completing the gizmo. Organized by science topic, each chapter includes explanations of the physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics behind the projects. Most of the devices are built using common household products or components available at hardware or electronics stores. The 20 exciting and innovative projects include:
W Photographing plant cells using a disposable camera and a microscope W Building a rocket engine out of aluminum foil, paper clips, and kitchen matches W Assembling a geodesic dome out of gumdrops and barbecue skewers W Making homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker W Listening to an electric fish W and much more! No workbench warrior, science teacher, or grown-up geek should be without this helpful resource.
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Simon Quellen Field is the author of Gonzo Gizmos and creator of the popular Web site www.scitoys.com.
“Recommended.” —Science News, on Gonzo Gizmos
“Ideal for science teachers.” —Library Journal, on Gonzo Gizmos
A Selection of the Scientific American Book Club $16.95 (CAN $22.95) ISBN-13: 978-1-55652-610-7 ISBN-10: 1-55652-610-5
R E T U R N O F G O N Z O G I Z M O S
Simon quellen Field
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Field, Simon (Simon Quellen) Return of gonzo gizmos : more projects & devices to channel your inner geek / Simon Quellen Field. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN-13: 978-55652-610-7 ISBN-10: 1-55652-610-5 1. Electronic apparatus and appliances—Design and construction—Amateurs’ manuals. 2. Science— Experiments. I. Title. TK9965.F475 2006 621.381— dc22 2005034276
Cover and interior design: Laura Lindgren © 2006 by Simon Quellen Field All rights reserved First Edition Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated 814 North Franklin Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 ISBN-13: 978-1-55652-610-7 ISBN 1-55652-610-5 eBook ISBN: 1-55652-702-0 Printed in the United States of America 5 4 3 2
Contents
Introduction .
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Thoughts on Safety .
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v ii ix
1
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
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Mirrors and Liquid Metal Alloys .
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Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker
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2
1 7 12
19
Bernoulli Ball.
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