Amazing Solar System Projects You Can Build Yourself

Overview

This kid-friendly handbook investigates the solar system's inner workings, the tools used to gain information, and an array of astronomical phenomena. Through a time line of discoveries and important events, a comprehensive text, and numerous projects readers can build from household items, this resource provides up-to-date information about the realm beyond planet Earth. Starting with a discussion of the basic components—the sun, the planets, their moons and rings, meteors, asteroids, and comets—this handbook considers topics ranging from the demotion of Pluto to a space object to the greenhouse effect on Venus and the astronomical unit. Along with this exploration of the historical, contemporary, and future tools—such as the rockets and satellites used to gather data—and galaxies, nebulae, and pulsars found outside of the solar system, are instructions for creating a rubber-band powered Mars rover, using dry ice to simulate the tail of a comet, and models of various phenomena. A resources section provides references for additional information and projects about astronomy and the solar system.

Reviews

"Enough astronomy information that both seasoned astronomy students and those new to the field can understand the basics behind the projects. Both the history and the future of the field are explained in easy-to-understand detail. Even if the projects were removed, the book would be an excellent text on astronomy . . . explain[ing] in kid-friendly language the concepts of quasars, pulsars, and other deep-space concepts and phenomena." —Children's Literature

"The writing is clear and concise, perfect for the target audience. . . . The book's layout is pleasing and moves easily. Projects are creative and astronomy buffs will have a fun time making them." —CLEAR Reviews

Author Biography

Delano Lopez has taught at both the middle-school and collegiate level and has published numerous articles on a wide variety of subjects, including the history of science. He lives in Washington, DC.