An introduction to the wonderful world of Heath Robinson, with carefully selected drawings from throughout his illustrious career, and a lively and informative commentary.

An international group of contemporary artists whose work embodies the genius of invention and creativity have been bought together by Device Gallery to exhibit their most Fantastic Contraptions, creating a remarkable collection of curious things.

The Grand Contraption tells the story of humanity's attempts through 4,000 years of written history to make sense of the world in its cosmic totality, to understand its physical nature, and to know its real and imagined inhabitants. No other book has provided as coherent, compelling, and learned a narrative on this subject of subjects. David Park takes us on an incredible journey that illuminates the multitude of elaborate "contraptions" by which humans in the Western world have imagined the earth they inhabit--and what lies beyond. Intertwining history, religion, philosophy, literature, and the physical sciences, this eminently readable book is, ultimately, about the "grand contraption" we've constructed through the ages in an effort to understand and identify with the universe. According to Park, people long ago conceived of our world as a great rock slab inhabited by gods, devils, and people and crowned by stars. Thinkers imagined ether to fill the empty space, and in the comforting certainty of celestial movement they discerned numbers, and in numbers, order. Separate sections of the book tell the fascinating stories of measuring and mapping the Earth and Heavens, and later, the scientific exploration of the universe. The journey reveals many common threads stretching from ancient Mesopotamians and Greeks to peoples of today. For example, humans have tended to imagine Earth and Sky as living creatures. Not true, say science-savvy moderns. But truth isn't always the point. The point, says Park, is that Earth is indeed the fragile bubble we surmise, and we must treat it with the reverence it deserves.

A little science, a little arts and crafts, a little math, a lot creative and a whole lot of fun! Full of activities and ideas that give free reign to students' curiosity and stretch their creativity. Opportunities to investigate, create and discover in all areas of the curriculum. Clear step-by-step instructions make the activities easy and fun for students, while the aims and objectives, extension activities and assessment tools make it a helpful resource for teachers.

Presents detailed instructions for building sixteen projects using LEGOs, including a wall rocket racer, a supercharged speedster, a beaker blender 3000, and a LEGO launcher.

A strange green glow is coming from the old house up on the hill, and when Pablo and Jane decide to inquire they make an unexpected discovery! Zapped into the Monster Dimension by the evil cat, Dr. Felinibus, they must now find a way home in the broken Hot Air Time Machine, with a little help from their friend Dr. Jules (a nineteenth century scientist trapped inside the body of a rat). Help Pablo, Jane, and Dr. Jules as they race for their lives through Lopsided London, Terrifying Transylvania, Horrid Hawaii to find the missing parts of their machine and avoid the terrors of the Monster Dimension.

"Jackson is always making new contraptions, but his contraptions don't always work. Do you think Jackson's contraptions will work this time?"--Page 4 of cover