When I sat down to read through frequent MAKE contributor Cy Tymony‘s newest book, Sneaky Green Uses for Everyday Things, I was most struck by what a great resource for teachers this book is. In school, the science lessons that were accompanied by memorable, digestible demonstrations are the ones I remember to this day. Tymony’s book is filled with a whole array of simple ways to demonstrate energy concepts. Not surprising that the book is officially recommended by the the National Science Teacher’s Association.

The “Sneaky Energy Projects and Simulations” section offers over 40 pages of energy demo ideas and illustrations. The writing is simple and clear, and the illustrations helpful. Here’s the one that accompanies the explanation of how hydroelectric power plants work. Love the simplicity:

You get to learn the basics of how electrical generators work and then build your very own using paper clips, electrical tape, and a toy car motor.

Part 2 is filled with sneaky product reuse projects for the ultra resourceful, like using an old tissue dispenser and some cardboard tubes to make a desktop sorter and how to canibalize ketchup packets and coffee creamer lids for aluminum. And the last section covers sneaky recycling projects like how to make a solar cooker with some aluminum foil and cardboard.

Get your sneaky learnin on.