50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius

I volunteer at our local school, mentoring a science and technology after school program using model rocketry as a learning tool. Being an avid hobby rocketeer for more than 40 years, I've decided to broaden my own horizons, as well.While looking for material to serve both interests, I stumbled across "50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius," by Gavin D.J. Harper. I was familiar with some of the other similarly titled books, but oddly, none of the local bookstores carry this title, so I ordered it on Amazon.com.Mr. Harper has taken an already exciting hobby and said, "Hey, if you think that's fun, try this!"The name suggests this book is not written for the absolute beginner, true, but even though you do need experience to construct some of the more advanced projects, Mr. Harper has a writing style that anyone should be able to follow along with and get an idea of the skills they should be developing. By the same token, if you're an evil genius, you'll find a plethora of ideas that you probably never thought of, or that needed updating.And as an instructor, you'll find another great resource of how you might share information and inspire your students to be competing in various arenas. Whether it's a science fair, industrial arts, or even an international category, this book definitely has ideas for some very competitive projects with enough information and detailed plans to get the project accomplished. And, where they'll shine, and what the competition should be about, is demonstrating their mastery of understanding and skills.In short, Mr. Harper's "50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius" should inspire our children to learn, and give us old guard something new to experiment with; either way, it'll be a welcomed addition to anyone's library.

What can you do after you begin to get tired of simply watching your model rockets go up and come down? If you've wanted more then this book is for you!! It is loaded with so many new and unusual projects to add new excitement and yes, even learning to keep you engaged in model building and experimenting. Despite the 'Evil Genius' title this book contains a lot good projects! I've been a model rocketeer since the early 60's and I was taken in by all the neat new ideas for payloads that were more than just filling the space behind the nose cone!

This is a great resource book. The projects follow a pretty easy progression, from very easy and basic to more advanced complicated. My favorite part is where it start to show you how to build your own model rocket. As well it includes variations that include different science equipment like altimeters and cameras for recording flight. This book shows you how to build all these things. It shows you how model rocketry it great for teaching the basics for all kinds of engineering like design, electrical, aerospace, chemical, and even some computer programming. Great a way to spend quality time with kids while building something which will inspire them with fire and smoke.

although I tried justifying the cost of the book by finding sections of the book "helpful", this was offset by unfinished instructions. Specifically, in chapter 6 project 18, 'Build a strobe beacon'. The author instructs you to disassemble a flash camera down to the circuit board. Although he states that the circuit board will be modified he stops short of instructing you how! As for the books cover title description, Mr. Harper, regarding the projects therein; they are not 'Evil'(just lacking in creativity) and anyone with a moderate amount of intelligence can accomplish these projects (except for #18 which you failed to complete). Now if I can suggest a "truly" Evil Genius book, that has complete instructions with twice as many projects, check-out Brad Graham and Kathy McGowan's books. Some stimulating and unique writing worth the cost.

I like what I saw, though I haven't had a chance to do the experiments. What I see are clear, concise directions for a number of engaging projects that I expect myself and my daughter to be building for some time hence. It's opening section on the history of rocketeering is a great, informative way to begin a book on home rocketeering as it serves to link the reader's efforts with the design, construction and execution of rockets back to Goddard.

I read the book through from cover to cover in one evening and put it into the waste paper recycling bin. I would not even give it away. The first project was, essentially, "Here are the proportions of sulphur, potassium nitrate and charcoal. Now, make some gunpowder." (This is not a literal quotation from the book, but my restatement of what it comprised.) No discussion on how to mix it or what to do with it after you made it. The rest of the book also was sorely lacking in content, detail and instructions. I feel the author was inadequately experienced in model rocketry. He did, however, have a reasonable knowledge of the history of the development of rocket technology.

Had to have for the information.

Some good science projects in this book.

Sehr gut geschrieben wie die ganze Reihe. Für kleine und große Bastler ser zu empfehlen (auch wenn Englischkentnisse zwingend erforderlich sind)

欧米では理科の教育にモデルロケットを打ち上げているようですが、本書はモデルロケットでどのような実験ができるか紹介しています。理科離れが進みつつある昨今、このような取り組みも必要なのではないでしょうか？