Rube Goldberg's Big Book of Building

Build 25 real Rube Goldberg Machines and discover the fun of hands-on engineering, creativity, and problem-solving.Written by Rube Goldberg's granddaughter Jennifer George and world-renowned machine builder Zach Umperovitch, this is the official guide to creating 25 kid-friendly Rube Goldberg Machines at home. From simple tabletop contraptions to ambitious creations that stretch across rooms and yards, readers will learn how to transform everyday objects into incredible chain-reaction machines.Organized by increasing levels of difficulty, the book guides builders step by step through a wide variety of inventions that solve ordinary problems in extraordinarily complicated ways. Whether you're automatically refilling a bowl of popcorn, opening an umbrella, packing a picnic, or tackling another everyday challenge, each machine introduces new concepts in engineering, physics, and design while encouraging experimentation and creative thinking.Packed with full-color illustrations by award-winning artist Ed Steckley, detailed instructions, helpful diagrams, fun facts, jokes, and expert building tips, this engaging STEM resource makes complex concepts approachable and exciting for curious minds. Readers learn not only how each machine works, but also how energy transfer, simple machines, cause and effect, and problem-solving come together to create spectacular chain reactions.Perfect for makers, tinkerers, inventors, classrooms, homeschoolers, science fairs, family projects, and anyone who loves building things, Rube Goldberg's Big Book of Building invites readers to think creatively, embrace trial and error, and discover just how much fun engineering can be.