This massive collection was originally published by Popular Mechanics in 1931, with projects for the home, garden, transportation and recreation. Clear, illustrated instructions show readers how to:*build a porch swing*make a telescope*make a leather belt *and more!More than 700 projects and more than 800 illustrations, this redesigned paperback is slated to have a new introduction by David Stiles.

Develop new skills (card tricks!), make fun things (a water balloon launcher!) and learn crazy-cool facts with this hands-on activity book for ages 8 to 12 Do you want to find out weird-but-true facts like how to safely enter a black hole or what to do if you meet a mythological monster? Interested in hitting a dizzying ping-pong trick shot or performing mind-blowing magic that'll amaze your friends? Think it'd be fun to make the ultimate paper airplane or an insane water balloon launcher? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you've come to the right book! The editors of Popular Mechanics put together this incredible, super-cool collection of did-you-know facts, super-fun projects and astounding skills for curious kids who like to discover stuff, build things, goof around a lot - and sometimes make a big mess in the process. (Don't tell your parents that last part!) On these totally non-boring pages you'll discover: Weird facts about pets...like the wild thing that happens when a dog shakes itself dry! The most incredible things ever built...like a 50-foot tall robot! Hilarious tricks and pranks to pull on your friends...if you dare! How to have a million-dollar idea and how to get on Jeopardy! Pro secrets for throwing a curveball and shooting a 3-pointer! How to contact aliens! Plus, even more awesome stuff! (More awesome than talking to aliens? Really? Yes, really!) Are you ready? Pick up this book and let the adventures begin!

Science has never been so much fun The Boy Scientist offers all the vintage appeal of Popular Mechanics's popular Boy Mechanic series combined with daring adventures in the laboratory. Taken from the turn-of-the-twentieth-century issues of Popular Mechanics magazine, these 160 experiments-based on chemistry, math, and physics-carry on the Popular Mechanics's tradition of making science engaging and entertaining. And even though technology has changed, and our knowledge of how things work has grown, the underlying scientific principles behind these activities remain sound. The projects include constructing a homemade mariner's compass; microscope without a lens; telescopic rangefinder; figuring out the height of a tall tree with the help of the sun; magnetizing watches and metal tools; crystallizing minerals in the lab; and building a simple radio transmitting set. Plus, there are thought-provoking experiments with gravity, pressure, and vacuums, and information on carrying out all these activities safely. As always in the series, charming illustrations throughout add to the nostalgic appeal. This classic collection is the perfect gift for every budding young mad scientist