The Way Things Work: Engines

Presenting complex engineering and physics concepts in kid-friendly, animated, bite-size chunks, the 26-volume The Way Things Work, based on David Macaulay's popular book of the same name, looks at Belts & Gears, Cooling, Electricity, Friction, Heat, Levers, Pumps, and Steam Power, among other topics. Engines tells a story near and dear to a youngster's heart (or stomach): namely, how a pizza business, through trial and error, is able to speed up its delivery time. Mammoth Pizza (which, yes, uses the wooly beast to deliver the hot pies) first tries a simple rocket to get food to its customers more quickly, a very speedy alternative that, unfortunately, has a major problem (no brakes; meaning it runs full-throttle until the fuel source is exhausted). Other (increasingly controllable) methods are tried (moving through the process of using solid fuel, to a liquid-and-oxygen mix, and finally to jet propulsion) as complex concepts are explained via easy-to-grasp diagrams and cutaway drawings. The fun story, science, and process of problem-solving are all given equal attention in this well-rounded presentation, making for a solid educational program that's also genuinely entertaining. The study guide includes a program summary, glossary of science terms, discussion questions, and suggested Internet and print resources. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, P. (C. Block)