Books with author Jani Macari Pallis

Written by an aeronautical engineer and award-winning educator, THE BIG BOOK OF AIR AND SPACE FLIGHT ACTIVITIES -- the colorfully illustrated companion to the NASA-sponsored Internet site www.wings.ucdavis.edu --enables kids age 8-12 to discover how the forces of nature affect our everyday lives. Packed with interesting information and plenty of "fun facts," this fascinating volume includes dozens of hands-on activities that can be completed using readily available supplies and feature easy-to-follow instructions and scientific explanations. Kids will: Construct a wind tunnel and use it to see how air currents affect the lift, turning, rolling, and dive of a variety of different shapes; Determine their own centers of gravity; Experiment with building different towers and bridges to support objects of varying weights; Make a seed helicopter; design, build, and fly a kite; make a balloon out of tissue paper and send it into in the air; construct a model airplane out of cookies, candies, and other treats, and much more! Whether the book is enjoyed on its own or used in conjunction with the web site, kids will have a great time exploring: The history of air and space flight, from the first parachutist in 2200 BC to the International Space Station due to be completed in 2004; Flight in nature from dandelion seeds to insects to birds. The fundamental forces that affect flight. The various parts of air and space vehicles. The uses of man-made flying machines, including kites, parachutes, gliders, blimps, airplanes, and spacecraft. Ideal for students, teachers, and parents, this book is a great reference for science fair projects, extra-credit work, or just for the thrill of exploration.