Top 15 Engineering Books that Simplify Technical Terms

The study of engineering regardless of the discipline you choose is one filled with technicalities, the learning of theories and equations coupled with their application in solving real-life problems in diverse situations. Therefore, having a solid foundation during your formative years as a student which can be built upon as time goes by, is quite important to your professional development and how far you go in your career pursuits. And in a small way, we intend to help that growth by providing 15 engineering books that accomplish the difficult task of teaching difficult concepts using simpler terminologies.

The top 5 Kid Books for Understanding Basic Engineering Concepts

Here, the term ‘basic’ means the books on this list will discuss topics covering the basic concepts of the engineering field as well as general topics on engineering that are not tied down to a particular niche—electrical, mechanical, civil, etc.—and these are our top picks.

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

like every classic literary work, this classic tale of a small engine volunteering to undertake a task deemed bigger than it has been retold throughout the 20^th and 21^st centuries. This book was written to serve as an inspiration for kids looking to accomplish big things as they grow. It does this by motivating readers to push themselves to the limit when striving to achieve something admirable. Its inclusion of engines and a moving locomotive provides the engineering cast that puts it on this list.

Engineering the ABC’s

How Engineers Change our World by Patty Novak—although society suggests we should leave the choice of a career path to our kids, this book contains enough subliminal messages that can nudge your kid towards engineering. This book helps kids understand the role engineers’ play by discussing the usefulness of engineered items such as cars, the light bulb etc. it is appropriate for kids from the 3^rd grade upwards and teaches them that working to make society a better place through innovation is a brilliant life choice worth their consideration.

Engineering Elephants by Emily Hunt

This book was brought about by the lack of books for kids discussing the subject of engineering. Therefore it attempts to explain what engineers do use simplistic language and everyday items as examples. It also takes learning a step further by providing multiple-choice questions for kids to crosscheck what they have learned. Therefore, if you are a mum or dad looking to explain your work and why it is important to your kids, do not look further than this well explained and humorous text.

How Do You Lift a Lion? By Robert Wells

Interested in introducing your kids to the world of pulleys, levers, and machines using humor? Then look no further than this text which teaches kids the variety of ways in which a lion can be safely lifted with the aid of mechanical components. This is a fun book that introduces advanced concepts in the simplest way possible thereby making it a fan favorite among parents and kids alike. Its humor and the concepts discussed gives it a place on the list.

If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

Here is one of my favorites for it discusses what goes into designing a product and how engineers go from the design phase to building a product. This book does this by emphasizing the building of a creative car with interior compartments which include—a fireplace, a pool, and a snack bar. It is a fun way to get little kids to understand what Engineers do. it also introduces electronics, mechanics and how they function together to make components or objects work on a level that every child would definitely understand.

Top 5 Books Introducing Engineering Concepts to Teenagers

The teenage years are best known for exploring one’s personality, rebelling and be adventurous. Therefore, reading boring texts covering the awesomeness of engineering as a profession do not cut it for kids undergoing this phase. So here are 5 interesting books that can serve as introductions to engineering in an awesome way:

Recycled Robots

10 Robot Projects by Robert Malone—the field of robotics is currently one of the hot topics coming out of the engineering society today and this book teaches the basics of robotics to both kids and teenagers. It provides direction on how to make use of domestic items to construct 10 robots with ease thereby introducing teenagers to the laws of robotics and artificial intelligence to some extent.

LEO the Maker Prince

Journey’s in 3D Printing by Carla Diana—another technology revolution sweeping the engineering community is that of additive manufacturing which makes it important to talk about. This book teaches the basics of additive manufacturing and this means it also covers some aspect of computer-aided design thereby introducing teens to a variety of engineering fields. All stories are told through the point of view of LEO the maker prince as he creates items using 3D models.

Awesome Space Robots by Michael O’Hearn

Exploring the solar system still forms an integral part in engineering and government policies worldwide. And it is important to note that these explorations are been carried out by robots and mechanical inventions crawling through space. This book places its focus on the different types of robots currently been used in exploration, their capabilities and the discoveries they have found during their journey through space.

Smarter Than You Think

How Technology is Changing Our Lives for the Better by Clive Thompson—some say that with technological advancement the human race becomes lazier but this book claims otherwise. Here, teens can learn how the amount of time spent using technical items increases their thinking ability as well as challenges them to build something that lasts and also advances the human race. The book discusses transformation and the part technology plays in that transformation.

CK-12 Engineering by CK-12 Foundation

this is a lovely text that introduces engineering and what can be achieved from its concepts to high school students. It focuses on what engineering is about, the relation of a study in science, mathematics, and technology during the high school phase has with the discipline. For parents looking to get their kids hooked on choosing engineering majors, this book can help you close the deal by getting them really interested in the possibilities that such a career part holds for shaping the future.

Top 5 Books that Teach the Fundamentals of Engineering

The months or years after obtaining your GED are generally used for writing entrance examinations and applying to colleges to pursue your interests. If yours happen to be engineering, then this section is for you as it contains text that teaches the fundamental of engineering such as calculus, the many laws of physics, machines, etc. So here are five books you should consider reading no matter the discipline you end up studying in.

Engineering Fundamentals

An Introduction to Engineering by Saeed Moaveni—the engineering fundamentals as this book is fondly called, can be defined as one of the bible scriptures every aspiring engineer must read before starting out. The book—which is broken down into various sections—encourages students to learn about the physical laws governing the entire engineering profession. This book places emphasis on problem-solving, engineering design, mathematics, chemical, and physical laws as well as tests covering these subject matters.

More inspiring is the fact that non-technical subject matters such as teachings on how to communicate, engineering ethics and etiquette to help students succeed during the time spent learning as students as well as discussions on achieving success in the real world. It also paves the way for students to show more confidence and prepare to step into the role of tech influencers combined with becoming the creative minds of the 21^st century.

Mark’s Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers by Eugene A.

As the name suggests, this book falls under the niche of mechanical engineering and has been hailed as one of its most helpful text for engineering students as well as professionals. Its popularity is due to the fact that it contains so much information concerning mechanical engineering in one place.

On opening this book, the reader is immediately serenaded with almost every equation, theory and law guiding diverse subject matters such as heat transfer, mechanics of solid and fluid, Building construction, materials of engineering, industrial engineering, and even engineering mathematics is also taught. The subject matters it copies also makes it quite the engineering book for it can be used by students majoring in other engineering disciplines such as civil and building engineering.

Engineering Mathematics by K Stroud

This classic book on mathematics as it relates to the engineering field has been around for quite a while. It still remains very popular among budding engineers looking to brush up their understanding of mathematics and mathematical concepts before the semester kicks-in or during normal course work. What makes it so popular and highly recommended is the simplistic approach used by Mr. Stroud to explain difficult mathematical processes and calculations.

Engineering math consists of multiple subsections covering geometry, calculus, waveforms, etc. in such a simplistic way that one can quickly grab the difficult equations guiding differentiation, integration and their application in solving real-life problems. It also includes the use of explicit examples to get points across as well as multiple-choice questions with their corresponding answers at the back to allow students to crosscheck what they have learned.

The Art of Electronics by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill

Now for aspiring electrical engineers, a thorough understanding of electrical circuits, the parameters and equations behind how they function and their application in solving problems and designing functioning circuits for use in electrical items. This is an old text which has been revised a couple of times and it is recommended that you go for an earlier version that contains more up to date principles on electrical engineering.

The Art of electronics is divided into multiple sections that discuss the basics of filter circuits, oscillators, DC Voltage/Current, and microprocessors. Complete knowledge of the materials provided in this book provides students with a well-rounded foundation that is needed to understand and build more electronics knowledge as you proceed with your studies. Without such a foundation, a student’s ability to understand more difficult concepts will be quite limited.

Basic Engineering for Builders by Max Schwartz

The process of building structures is an integral part of engineering and although it is covered in full by the civil and building engineering departments, learning the basics is still important regardless of your discipline. The book was written for the building and construction niche for it focuses on teaching the basics of construction engineering using simplistic terms and examples to pass its message across to the reader. Therefore, making it a book every aspiring construction engineer must consider reading before pursuing a career in building.

The book consists of subsections discussing the study of structural forms—beams, pillars, etc.—equations on tensile strength, roofing technology, and practices and the application of engineering equations in building sustainable structures. The knowledge contained in this book will serve you well in the long run as you will continue to build upon it during your time as a student.

Final thought

There are definitely a lot of engineering books out there that teach the concept of engineering to anyone regardless of their level of understanding of the field of engineering. But this list includes some of the most expressive books prospective engineers as well as practicing engineers should consider having on their shelves for referencing and teaching the kids about the importance of engineering.

If you are reading this then you must be very interested in engineering or recommending it to someone close to you. Therefore, it will be appreciated if you add your knowledge to this list by including your own preferences in the comment box so we can all learn from one another.