title: The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters: 33 Thrilling Experiments Based on History's Greatest Blunders (Irresponsible Science)
author: Sean Connolly
description: Gr 5 UpConnolly, author of over 30 other books for children and young adults (most on similar topics), provides the details on a number of historically epic disasters in engineering. From the Titanic and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Connolly explains the possible errors that led to disastrous results. Thirty-three experiments allow readers to examine for themselves what may cause a tower to collapse, a ship to spill enormous amounts of oil into the water, and more. Two-color cartoon images accompany the historical accounts and activities; however, these images tend to skew on the younger side. Each project includes simple steps and explains its relation to the disaster it means to mimic. With ever-advancing technology present in the lives of readers, this text provides the chance for aspiring architects, engineers, and other problem solvers to understand past mistakes before building future wonders. Parents, children, and educators can turn to this book for quick problems to solve. After understanding the flaws that led to disaster, students could then attempt to create their own structures or vehicles with a better understanding of the engineering behind them. VERDICT Public and school libraries should consider this light, STEAM-based collection of projects for purchase.Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA
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  THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN
  
  
  
  
  
  (c) 1969 by Michael Crichton
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  FOREWORD
  
  
  
  
  
  This book recounts the five-day history of a major American scientific crisis.
  
  
  
  
  
  As in most crises, the events surrounding the Andromeda Strain were a compound
  of foresight and foolishness, innocence and ignorance. Nearly everyone
  involved had moments of great brilliance, and moments of unaccountable
  stupidity. It is therefore impossible to write about the events without
  offending some of the participants.
  
  
  
  
  
  However, I think it is important that the story be told. This country supports
  the largest scientific establishment in the history of mankind. New
  discoveries are constantly being made, and many of these discoveries have
  important political or social overtones. In the near future, we can expect
  more crises on the pattern of Andromeda. Thus I believe it is useful for the
  public to be made aware of the way in which scientific crises arise, and are
  dealt with.
  
  
  
  
  
  In researching and recounting th