The Flying Machine Book Build and Launch 35 Rockets, Gliders, Helicopters, Boomerangs, and More

With 35 easy-to-build and fun-to-fly contraptions that can be used indoors or out, this project book contains instructions for building rockets, gliders, boomerangs, launchers, and helicopters for little or no cost using recycled materials. Kids will learn how to turn a drinking straw, rubber band, and index card into a straw rocket and convert a paper towel tube into a grape bazooka. Each project contains a materials list and detailed step-by-step instructions with photos, as well as explanations of the science behind each flyer, including concepts such as lift, thrust, drag, the Bernoulli effect, and more. Readers can use this information to modify and improve their flyers or explain to their teachers why throwing a paper airplane is a mini science lesson.

Bobby Mercer is a high school physics teacher and the author of several books, including How Do You Light a Fart?, Quarterback Dad, and Smash It! Crash It! Launch It! He lives outside of Asheville, North Carolina.