The Kids' Book of Simple Machines: Cool Projects & Activities that make Science Fun by Kelly Doudna

ISBN13: 9781938063596
Softcover $14.95

About the book: Wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. Lever and pulley and inclined plane, too! Learning about the six simple machines has never been more fun! Through exciting science projects and activities kids can easily do at home or school, tomorrow’s scientists and engineers will have a blast learning about simple machines and how they make daily life easier. This book is the perfect STEM companion for curious minds at home or in the classroom.

Book includes: biographical spotlights on famous scientists and inventors; introduction to each simple machine, including real-world examples & history; materials & tools list; infographics; step-by-step instructions and photos; safety information; timeline; glossary; and index

My thoughts: I remember when my children were in school they learned about simple machines in school during science lessons. It would have been absolutely fantastic to have had The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines available for them to thoroughly explore the basics of machine concepts.

In this super little book, the six basic machines are introduced in understandable terms and then spotlights are on the history of their discovery and use as well. The six are: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, wheel and axle, and screw. Included are activities using simple, everyday items to make these or use them to create engineering marvels of their very own.

Illustrations include sketches as well as photographs and simple to understand text.

I like that the author brings a bit of history lesson into the mix as well - introducing Archimedes, Galileo, and on to the Wright brothers and Rube Goldberg. I like that there is a separate chapter for each “machine” after the initial introductory chapter. Again, the author has placed a spotlight in each chapter that captures the reader’s attention with history or more detail. Wonderful! Then at the back, finding or identifying machines in everyday things. And then the wonderful concept of true engineering – putting together several “machines” to create one.

And like all good educational books, there is a glossary of words and terms that might need a bit of defining. Then for hunting and finding a bit of special information, there is an index at the back and a table of contents in the front. Truly a book that will prove entertaining (for boys and girls alike), educational (for kids of all ages – yep, Mom & Dad will enjoy discovering with the kids), and enjoyable.

Author/illustrator: Kelly Doudna Kelly Doudna is a graphic designer and writer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She spends her free time biking, inventing soup recipes, taking photos of food and downtown Minneapolis, and blogging about it all. She thinks of London, England, as her geographical soul mate and would like to live there some day. Writing about herself in the third person makes her feel weird.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Mighty Media Kids to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed herein are my own and given freely without compensation.