9780761183945

33 Thrilling Experiments Based on History's Greatest Blunders

Contributors

By Sean Connolly

On Sale
Sep 5, 2017
Page Count
256 pages
ISBN-13
9780761183945

It’s hands-on science with a capital “E”—for engineering.

Beginning with the toppling of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, to the destructive, laserlike sunbeams bouncing off London’s infamous “Fryscraper” in 2013, here is an illustrated tour of the greatest engineering disasters in history, from the bestselling author of The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science.

Each engineering disaster includes a simple, exciting experiment or two using everyday household items to explain the underlying science and put learning into action. Understand the Titanic’s demise by sinking an ice-cube-tray ocean liner in the bathtub. Stomp on a tube of toothpaste to demonstrate what happens to non-Newtonian fluids under pressure—and how a ruptured tank sent a tsunami of molasses through the streets of Boston in 1919.

From why the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans to the fatal design flaw in the Sherman tank, here’s a book of science at its most riveting.

 

  • “A new collection from an old hand at designing intriguing STEM activities that will entertain as well as enlighten.”I>Kirkus Reviews

    “With ever-advancing technology present in the lives of readers, this text provides the chance for aspiring architects, engineers, and other problem solvers to understand past mistakes before building future wonders.”
    School Library Journal  

Formats and Prices

Price

$14.95

Price

$19.95 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Hardcover $14.95 $19.95 CAD
  2. ebook $9.99 $12.99 CAD

Sean Connolly

About the Author

Sean Connolly is professor of Irish history (emeritus) and visiting research fellow at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast. He is the author of five books, including Contested Island and Divided Kingdom, and was general editor of The Oxford Companion to Irish History. Born in Dublin, he lives in Belfast.

Learn more about this author