Exploring Materials in My Makerspace

Exploring Materials in My Makerspace is part of the “Matter and Materials in My Makerspace” series. Designed as an introduction to the skills needed to work in a Makerspace, the series focuses on communication, collaboration, creativity and problem-solving.

No right or wrong!
There is no right or wrong way to create something. Makers know that:
• One of the most important tools is a great imagination.
• Each team member adds value to a challenge.
• No ideas are too silly. They could lead to something great!

Like other books in the “Matter and Materials in My Makerspace” series, Exploring Materials in My Makerspace is filled with easy to follow step-by-step directions for investigations or “Maker Missions” based on a scientific theme which, in this case, is examining the properties of hardness, weight, transparency, and magnetism.

The instructions are clear and well-illustrated. The list of “Materials” for each “Maker Mission” requires items commonly found in a home. Some activities do recommend adult assistance or supervision.

Each mission includes a flow chart of questions to guide students’ investigations. Each mission concludes with a “Mission Accomplished” text box that encourages students to self-evaluate and to investigate further.

Hold up your creation to a light. Can you see through some parts but not others? If you need help, go back to the Maker Tips on page 12. You can do more with these supplies!

Another excellent feature is “Maker Tips”. This double-page spread helps the young reader learn the skills to brainstorm, plan, and problem-solve. Throughout the text, students are reminded to go back to the “Maker Tips” if they are having trouble with any of the challenges. Learning from the process, whether they have been successful on their first attempt or not, is continually reinforced.

The series follows the standard nonfiction format, including a table of contents, glossary, index, and a short list of books and websites with further information on the topics. The photos are colourful with lots of young students in action.

Each book ends with “Endless Ideas” that extend on the “Maker Missions”. In Exploring Materials in My Makerspace, the “Maker Missions” are “Make it fun”, Make a window”, “Make it balance” and “Make a metal sorter”.

Young makers will find lots to do and learn in Exploring Materials in My Makerspace. The skills they learn will be very transferable to other Makerspace activities, and the simple, hands-on activities will be popular with multimodal learners.