Isabelle wishes she could study physics instead of joining her mom as a popcorn manager at Mt. Olympus Theme Park, but when she finds herself in the middle of the myth of Icarus, she is determined to help Icarus and his father escape from the island with a new invention. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Spellbound is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Kids will learn how things they encounter every day operate by building their own models with this hands-on activity book. Projects include building a working model of the human hand's muscles, bones, and tendons using drinking straws, tape, and string; using a pair of two-liter bottles and a length of rubber tubing to learn how a toilet flushes; and discovering how musical instruments make sounds by fashioning a harmonica, saxophone, drum, flute, or oboe. All devices are designed to use recycled or nearly free materials and common tools. Kids are encouraged to modify and improve the designs, or create an entirely new device using the concepts explored. Each project includes materials and tools lists, step-by-step instructions with photographs, a summary of the science concept demonstrated, and follow-up questions to gauge student understanding for use in the classroom.

"Full of ideas and well-explained principles that will bring new understanding of everyday things to both scientists and non-scientists alike."—R. McNeill Alexander, Nature Nature and humans build their devices with the same earthly materials and use them in the same air and water, pulled by the same gravity. Why, then, do their designs diverge so sharply? Humans, for instance, love right angles, while nature's angles are rarely right and usually rounded. Our technology goes around on wheels—and on rotating pulleys, gears, shafts, and cams—yet in nature only the tiny propellers of bacteria spin as true wheels. Our hinges turn because hard parts slide around each other, whereas nature's hinges (a rabbit's ear, for example) more often swing by bending flexible materials. In this marvelously surprising, witty book, Steven Vogel compares these two mechanical worlds, introduces the reader to his field of biomechanics, and explains how the nexus of physical law, size, and convenience of construction determine the designs of both people and nature. "This elegant comparison of human and biological technology will forever change the way you look at each."—Michael LaBarbera, American Scientist

Pigs may not fly, but felines almost do! Every cat owner who has watched his or her pet soar from table to counter to the top of the draperies will swear that its true. And here's the proof, in a photographic tribute to the cat's bold and brazen nature, as well as a whimsical reminder of what makes these animals so beloved.

A Major Contribution to the History of Technology and Ancient Warfare The most recognized military device of ancient times and the source of continued fascination and popular appeal, the catapult represented a major shift in the conduct of warfare. In "The Catapult: A History" historian Tracey Rihll uses ancient sources and the latest archaeological findings to tell the story of this first machine of war. Dispelling any notion that the catapult was precision engineered in the modern sense, the author explains how a robust formulaic design allowed a variety of machines and missiles to be built and used for particular battlefield conditions or military tasks. Complete with original illustrations, maps, and two appendices detailing both the formulas for catapult construction and known catapult remains, "The Catapult" is essential reading for those interested in the history of warfare and technology.

Women Who Spark will help women be on fire about their lives. Women want to stop feeling overwhelmed in the day-to-day whirlwind and start feeling hope about their futures. This book will help women wake up every day feeling happy, confident, and purpose-driven.