Makerspace Journal

Makerspace Journal

Both engineers and scientists keep track of many things. They write down observations about what they see around them and questions they have as they work on projects. Scientists record the steps they take each time they work on a scientific project while engineers write down the changes they make to their inventions. Create a special journal or notebook to help you keep track of the makerspaces you visit both in person and on the Internet and what you observe...
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Magnetic Field Viewer

Magnetic Field Viewer

From Electricity

You can see magnetic fields in action with this easy-to-make viewer.

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Build a Craft Stick Catapult

Build a Craft Stick Catapult

From Engines!

Ancient armies used catapults in battle. But the catapult has been used as recently as World War I. In that war, soldiers used catapults to toss hand grenades at the enemy. Today, catapults are used to launch planes off the decks of huge ships called aircraft carriers. Because the runway is short on an aircraft carrier, the catapult helps get the plane into the air quickly. Try making your own!

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The STEM in Your Closet

The STEM in Your Closet

From The Science of Fashion

Have you ever really thought about what kind of science, engineering, and technology actually go into making your clothes? Now is your chance! The zipper on your jacket was at one time an engineering miracle. The shirt that has built-in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a scientific innovation that helps to keep you healthy. There is a world of science and engineering in your closet. Just open the door.

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Build the Eiffel Tower

Build the Eiffel Tower

From The Science and Technology of Marie Curie

Built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower honored the French Revolution. It also showcased national engineering and design expertise to an audience of global visitors. Originally intended as a temporary monument, it remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks. The structure of the tower itself is actually quite simple! To understand how its rivets and beams join, build a model of your own.

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Reviews

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"That terms like "makerspace" and "fab (for fabrication) lab" have, in a short time, become trendy clichés should not detract from the notion that having a dedicated location of this sort is a really good idea. Where schools have invested in 3D printers, these "makerspaces" are common, but author Alicia Klepeis and illustrator Matt Aucoin demonstrate how a design and engineering center can work with ordinary materials and not much technology . . ." Read the complete review online.

Sue Considine, Executive Director, Fayetteville Free Library
"Explore Makerspace! is a must-have for every classroom, library, and informal learning environment. The colorful, engaging layout, timeline, key words, and concepts all combine to introduce the reader to a makerspace world of tinkering, invention, and entrepreneurship. Explore Makerspace! will spark curiosity and interest in young and old alike and will inspire readers to think like problem solvers, idea generators, Makers!"

 

Detailed Book Description

Bridges, furniture, musical instruments, games, vehicles-all of these things were invented and improved upon by people who love to put stuff together, take stuff apart, and figure out how things work! In Explore Makerspace! With 25 Great Projects, readers ages 7 to 10 explore what it means to be an engineer.

  • This nonfiction title for ages 7 through 10 introduces the topic of makerspaces while integrating STEAM, art, math, and music activities.
  • Encourages the development of important skills, including problem solving and model testing.
  • Multi-disciplinary activities create opportunities to invent new structures, games, musical instruments, and more.
Available In:
Hardcover, $19.95
9781619305625
Paperback, $14.95
9781619305663
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 96 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
What Is a Makerspace?

Chapter 1
Exciting Engineering

Chapter 2
Terrific Technology

Chapter 3
Making Music

Chapter 4
Amazing Art

Chapter 5
Super-Cool Science

Chapter 6
Great Games

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index