Rubber Band Engineer: Build Slingshot Powered Rockets, Rubber Band Rifles, Unconventional Catapults, and More Guerrilla Gadgets from Household Hardware

by Lance Akiyama

You don't have to be a genius to create these ingenious contraptions, you just need rubber bands, glue, paperclips, and  Rubber Band Engineer , of course.

Shooting far, flying high, and delivering way more exciting results than expected are the goals of the gadgets in Rubber Band Engineer . Discover unexpected ways to turn common materials into crafty contraptions that range from surprisingly simple to curiously complex. 

In vivid color photos, you'll be guided on how to create slingshot rockets , unique catapults , and even hydraulic-powered machines . Whether you build one or all 19 of these designs , you'll feel like an ingenious engineer when you're through. Best of all, you don't need to be an experienced tinkerer to make any of the projects! All you need are household tools and materials, such as paper clips , pencils , paint stirrers , and ice pop sticks . Grab your glue gun , pull out your pliers , track down your tape and paper clips , and get started on the challenging, fun, and rewarding journey toward becoming a rubber band engineer .

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for kids who have a building gene. Instructions are clearly written and also very visual. Author gives substitutes on the materials list! I only wish that more of the gadgets were less weapon-related and maybe more Rube Goldberg. And how about a photo of a girl enjoying these objects?

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed as we bought this based on the blurb that it just uses things found in the kitchen cupboards and the tool chest, yet most of the builds required uncommon items such as pvc pipe, led lights, balsa wood, hand held fans and propellers.
Otherwise the instructions were clear.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a ton of ideas for STEAM library programs. The teens had a great time making the pyramid catapult and flinging ping pong balls, pom poms, and other assorted small items down the hallway. I will definitely be referring to this book again!

[Esther May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of great projects for little engineers. My engineering club is going to work on these projects in the next couple weeks, we are glad to have such a fun resource.