I'm always on the look out for nonfiction, especially topics which aren't often seen in the kidlit world. Today's read hits upon such a theme. Now, I never wanted to be an engineer. I did start with a major in biochemistry, and although that changed during college to something completely different, I still adore science. My husband is an engineer, My youngest son is currently studying engineering as a dual major, and my oldest son has been in the Army working in the field of Black Hawk mechanics for several years. (Although not engineering, that's definitely a machine).
So, lots of interest in machines and such in this household.
That also means I'm really curious to see what the six simple machines are. I haven't shown this to my husband, yet, because if I asked him for fun what they were, he'd probably roll his eyes at a 'stupid' question and rattle them off. So, I won't ask.
Let's just dive in and see what this one is about before I say anything else, okay?
ENGINEERING
How the Six Simple Machines Support the World
by Carla Mooney
Illustrated by Lex Cornell
Nomad Press
Tween Nonfiction
128 pages
ages 12 to 15
COMING...
OCTOBER 15th!!!
A fully illustrated book about simple machines for the next generation of engineers!
How do we build skyscrapers? How did ancient people construct pyramids? Why are gears an essential part of motors?
In Engineering: How the Six Simple Machines Support the World, young engineers learn how mechanical, structural, civil, and other types of engineering are based on the six simple machines that humans have been using for thousands of years. The screw, pulley, wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and lever are used to build roads, skyscrapers, bridges, engines, and even other tools. They are the building blocks on which more complicated machines are based. Without these six simple machines, the world would look far different and be much more work to navigate!
Dive deep into the history of simple machines, from ancient times to present day, and learn the physics behind how they increase efficiency and productivity through mechanical advantage. Hands-on STEM activities encourage use of the engineering design process as kids brainstorm and build practical prototypes and explore how we might employ simple machines in the future.
Additional materials include a glossary, a list of media for further learning, a selected bibliography, and index. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.
MY TIDBITS
Starting with a two-page timeline, which highlights the major inventions throughout human history, this book takes a deep dive into six, very simple mechanisms and how they changed the world.
While inclined planes, screws, pulleys, wedges, levers, and wheels with axles may seem like overly simplified topics for the age group, this book proves how necessary the understanding of each one is for anyone, who enjoys engineering, creation, or simply making jobs easier to accomplish. Starting with the Egyptian pyramids, each mechanism is fully explained through historical and modern applications, and brought to life. The importance of each one in past and modern times becomes obvious, but this book goes beyond just the basic explanation and history. It also takes quick looks at everything surrounding the physics, mathematics, thought processes and more surrounding each one to give a fairly rounded (for the age group) look into the engineering and meaning behind each one.
While the main part of each page centers around the general information being presented, all sorts of extra explanations and facts are showcased in the sidebars. This includes everything from force/work equations to vocabulary terms to QR codes leading to videos and more. It's a treasure box of quick and short information for anyone, who really wants to learn more about the general topics. Much of the information does hit upon things readers might have touched upon during their science classes, will see in high school physics courses, and even gives a little beyond for anyone interested in continuing in the engineering field.
The information offered is fitting to the age group. True science gurus will have already surpassed some of this (if they are on the upper end of the age group), but it's well-placed and even pushes most readers as it takes a very basic look at mechanical advantage calculations, considers how each device functions with graphics and more, leads readers through scientifical thought processes, looks at problem-solution situations, and works through a little history, too. To keep it from becoming too dry (because this isn't exactly a light read), each main chapter begins with a slightly humorous cartoon, and the writing style flows in a natural, down-to-earth way.
This is a nice addition to science classrooms, homeschoolers, or simply those, who want to know more about the world around them, especially when it comes to basic engineering.
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