Trailblazers of Technology

STEM has become a buzz acronym for the importance of studying in those areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) throughout school. This series seems to want to capitalize on this to try to entice readers into these studies using the historical and biographical background and the scientific benefits of the topics. Rob Colson has combined all of these on almost every page of every book in the series in an interesting and compelling way. The tone of each book is different in a manner that emphasizes the topic in a completely appropriate way. Although the point is not to teach the subject, each book tries to present the topic in an appealing fashion so that readers can see that there are benefits to pursuing the subjects that will lead to an interesting career in a science field of some kind.

Each book is laid out in two-page spreads with each on a different colour background. The information is presented in small pieces with many illustrations, some photographs and other types to show historical figures, demonstrate a scientific principle or add to the allure of the subject. There is enough similarity to make the books easy to read and enough variation to keep them interesting. Even the covers are designed to draw readers into the books. The titles are all alliterative, the front covers are in bright colours with illustrations of two or more typical scientific topics, and the back cover includes three of the people who are included in the text. There is, by necessity, some overlap in the topics between and among the books, a benefit as the repetition reinforces the material.

As you would expect to find in a nonfiction book, there is a glossary and an index. In addition, there are several suggested problems throughout the text with answers at the back. Although there are no specific references, the information included can certainly lead readers to search for further details from other sources on any topic that interests them.

Technology is an area of science that is perhaps the one most connected to the individuals who discover or invent something. Biographies are, therefore, very important in connecting readers to technology. Author Rob Colso, has included at least one woman in each book in the series, and in Trailblazers of Technology, it is Hedy Lamar. Of course, she is best-known by adults as an actress, but she is shown to have invented a technique now used in the wireless technology that surrounds us all. A few of the other people highlighted in the book may be somewhat obscure, but they all provide a strong impression of the importance of individual work in the field.

Another aspect of Trailblazers of Technology is that most of the pages are about taking an action: creating, sending, lighting and broadcasting for example. This may make it easier to relate to all the technology illustrated by smart phones and various light bulbs on the cover. And, because all the technologies use electricity in some way, it is appropriate that, following the introduction, the book starts with Alessandro Volta and the battery. One of the projects is a good, old-fashioned string telephone. Others include making a metal detector, a battery and a light bulb. The Hedy Lamar project is making a secret message, a form of encryption and another is to make a flip-book. Trailblazers of Technology contains a great combination of information that should appeal to many young readers

The “STEM-gineers” series can certainly be used to define and expand on the meaning of STEM. All of the books could aid in introducing students to some of the ideas that might attract them to continue to study the important topics in school. Perhaps the best part of the approach taken by Rob Colson is that all the biographical information may tend to indicate that the reader can actually make a difference in the fields of STEM. At this age, children do not need to know what they want to do when they grow up, but continuing with these subjects at least keeps their options open. That is why there is such an emphasis on STEM and why these books would be an important addition to a classroom or school library. Once the subject is broached in school, children need more information.