Backyard Ballistics (2nd ed.)

Potato guns, paper match rockets, catapults - definitely a physics text book, in my opinion. That's what ballistic means, right? So grab some PVC, a hacksaw, some hairspray, and start learning about parabolic motion with a Spud Gun! Some of these could easily be built by kids, but the more complex and potentially dangerous items should be constructed and operated under adult supervision (i.e., let Dad have some fun, too). Warnings to be heeded follow each construction; to my eye all projects are safe if you follow instructions. A section of history pops up here and there as well; add to that the fact that the book is well written and can be used to teach English, and we have a complete unit study! The projects are varied: Balloons, flingers, petards (cannons), and 10 others, not to mention the section on further ideas (like adjusting the firing angles on the potato cannon). The one thing they all have in common is that they can be made fairly easily from materials available from your local hardware store, they're fun and easy to build, and you'll have a hard time finding a boy who doesn't enjoy them. On top of that, teach P.E. with the original game, "Dodge the Flying Spud!" Just kidding. ~ Mark