This book encourages children’s interest in the natural world, showing a broad range of activities, games and toys to make that involve one of the four elements: earth, water, fire or air. The projects also introduce children to basic scientific principles — such as gravity, momentum and light refraction — in fun and creative ways.

Full instructions and diagrams are provided for making projects such as a waterwheel, paddle-steamer, propeller plane, parachute, windmill, simple pendulum clock, spinning tops, hot-air balloon and much more. Some are simple enough for a six-year-old, others are challenging enough for a twelve-year-old to enjoy. This new edition includes updated colour photographs and diagrams as well as a handful of new activities for all children to enjoy.

About the Author

Walter Kraul taught maths and physics at the Rudolf Steiner School in Munich, Germany. He has years of experience developing fun and educational toys and experiment sets connected with the four elements, and runs a specialist toy company, Spielzeug Kraul.