Lego Chain Reactions

Synopsis

• Design and build 10 amazing moving machines - teach your bricks new tricks
• Comes with 80 page instructions, 33 LEGO pieces, Instructions for 10 modules, 6 plastic balls, string, paper ramps and other components
• Includes a 80 page instructional book with Klutz Certified crystal clear instructions
• Includes more than 30 essential LEGO elements
• Recommended for children ages 8+

About the Publisher

Klutz

Scholastic is an award-winning publisher of original children's books. Scholastic publishes more than 600 new hardcover, paperback, and novelty books each year. The list includes the phenomenally successful publishing properties Harry Potter? and Captain Underpants?, the beloved series Clifford The Big Red Dog?, Goosebumps?, The 39 Clues?, I Spy?, Bone, The Magic School Bus?, Fly Guy, Geronimo Stilton, and The Hunger Games trilogy.

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting Started

* Introduces the concept of chain reactions and how they can be created with LEGOs.
* Provides a real-world example: A ball rolling down an inclined plane and knocking over a series of dominoes.

Chapter 2: Basic Elements

* Describes the fundamental LEGO elements used in chain reactions, such as gears, pulleys, and wedges.
* Real example: Using a gear to lift a weight that then triggers the next element in the reaction.

Chapter 3: Energy Transformation

* Explains how energy is transferred and transformed through chain reactions.
* Real example: A marble rolling over a bumpy surface and transferring its kinetic energy to other elements.

Chapter 4: Planning and Design

* Guides readers through the process of planning and designing chain reactions.
* Real example: Sketching out a simple chain reaction involving a falling ball, lever, and pendulum.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

* Provides tips for troubleshooting and solving common problems that may arise while building chain reactions.
* Real example: Debugging an issue where the chain reaction stops due to a misaligned gear or insufficient friction.

Chapter 6: Advanced Mechanisms

* Introduces more advanced mechanisms, such as ratchets, cams, and linkages.
* Real example: Using a ratchet to create a continuous motion chain reaction.

Chapter 7: Creative Applications

* Explores creative applications of chain reactions, such as building musical instruments or solving puzzles.
* Real example: Creating a LEGO piano that plays different notes based on the sequence of balls rolling through the reaction.

Chapter 8: Inspiration and Resources

* Provides inspiration and resources for further exploration of chain reactions.
* Real example: Sharing online videos and tutorials of innovative LEGO chain reaction designs.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

* Summarizes the learning objectives and highlights the importance of creativity and problem-solving in building LEGO chain reactions.
* Real example: Encouraging readers to design and build their own unique and imaginative reactions.