Shaping Materials in My Makerspace

Shaping 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!
Forget the rules and get ready to do things in a new way.
Makers know:
• Your imagination is one of the most important tools you can use!
• Every idea could lead you in a new direction.
• Running into a problem is a chance to rethink your plans.

Like other books in the “Matter and Materials in My Makerspace” series, Shaping 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 how the properties of different materials are affected when you layer it, change its shape or add heat.

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.

Does your sculpture include at least five ways of shaping the solid? If not, look back through the book for more ideas to try.

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 “Maker Missions”. 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 Shaping Materials in My Makerspace, the “Maker Missions” are “Make a metal structure”, Make it stronger”, “Make a treat” and “Make many shapes”.

Young makers will find lots to do and learn in Shaping 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.