From their quirky origins to their contemporary role as centers of advocacy, a look at the secret lives of science museums—past, present, and future. Science museums have paradoxes at their core. They must be accessible and fun while representing increasingly complex science. They must be both historic and contemporary. Their exhibits attract millions, but most of their objects remain in deep storage, seldom seen. This book delves into these conflicts, revealing the secret lives of science curators; where science objects come from and who uses them; and, ultimately, what science museums are for. With an insider’s eye, Samuel J. M. M. Alberti exposes the idiosyncratic past and intriguing current practices of these institutions—and sets out a map for their future.

From steam-powered vehicles to modern-day marvels of architecture, the technology of the construction industry has drastically evolved over time. Readers of this engaging book see the amazing engineering behind diggers and other powerful construction machines. They�ll learn the anatomy of these mechanisms through detailed illustrations and intuitive diagrams. Complex parts and processes are explained in accessible language, ensuring that readers will follow along with ease. This visually rich approach to a high-interest topic makes this book stand out on any shelf. These mighty machines will transfix even reluctant readers!

Get the dirt on the mightiest machines in town! Simple text and large, dynamic photographs put young readers in the driver's seat of these enormous, powerful machines.

Get the dirt on the mightiest machines in town! Simple text and large, dynamic photographs put young readers in the driver's seat of these enormous, powerful machines.

A fact-filled introduction to machines for preschoolers, with over thirty flaps, a turn-and-learn wheel and foldout ending.

A uniquely fun Ripley’s Believe It or Not! way of looking at traditional subject matter with a Ripley's twist! Feeling the need for speed? Wish that your father's car was bigger than anyone else's? Perhaps robots are more your thing? Humans have invented some mighty machines that let us go faster than ever before, reach other planets, soar through the skies, or simply attract attention from unsuspecting passers-by. Take a trip around your favorite mechanical and moving things with this fun but factual book. Learn about the science of flight, put some wind in your sails, and boost your va-va-voom with special Ripley's fascinating facts and amazing "Believe It or Not!" stories from around the world. What are you waiting for? Off you go! This series will delight every inquisitive child with its mix of clear core factual information and Ripley's stories and images about the weird and wacky in our world today

Contains facts about and photographs of mechanical and moving things, such as cyborgs, monster trucks, and space shuttles.