Wacky Contraptions

In Wacky Contraptions: Gadgets That Whiz, Whoosh, Whirl, and Twist with Hands-On Engineering Activities, young engineers ages 9 to 12 brainstorm, design, and build devices using the engineering design process. Kids learn about simple machines, mechanical advantage, forces, energy, motion, electricity, and other physical science concepts while creating fun and fascinating prototypes that do different kinds of work.

Laura Perdew is an author, writing consultant, and former middle school teacher. She is the author of The Fort (Page Street Kids, 2020) and over 50 books for the education market including Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) which is on the Booklist editors' list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. Laura lives in Boulder, Colorado. Website: lauraperdew.com

Micah Rauch is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from the beautiful state of Montana. He received a BFA in graphic design from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, and has illustrated several books for Nomad Press, including Kitchen Chemistry, Fairground Physics, and Crazy Contraptions. Website: micahrauch.com Instagram: instagram.com/micahrauch