With the hands-on Backyard Rockets kit, you will learn how ordinary objects operate by building your very own models. Projects include building a working model of the human hand’s muscles, bones, and tendons using drinking straws, tape, and string; using a pair of two-liter bottles and a length of rubber tubing to learn how a toilet flushes; and discovering how musical instruments make sounds by fashioning a harmonica, saxophone, drum, flute, or oboe. All devices are designed to use recycled or nearly free materials and common tools. Each project includes materials and tools lists, step-by-step instructions with photographs, and a summary of the science concept demonstrated.