Testing Materials in My Makerspace

Testing Materials in My Makerspace is the least successful book in the “Matter and Materials in My Makerspace” series. The introductory statement (quoted above) is confusing, and the accompanying picture of three young musicians doesn’t add any clarity. The explanation of states of matter on the opposite page is misleading: “The two main states are liquids and solids.”

All of the books in this series deal with solids and liquids only, but the other books make it clear that solids and liquids are only two of the main states of matter.

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!
Before you get started on a maker project, keep in mind:
• Your imagination is your best resource.
• Each team member can bring great ideas to a project.
• Things do not always go as planned. Setbacks help us learn to solve problems.

Like other books in the “Matter and Materials in My Makerspace” series, Testing Materials in My Makerspace is filled with easy to follow step-by-step directions for investigations or “Maker Missions” based on a scientific theme, in this case, how to test absorption, insulation, strength, and buoyancy.

The instructions in the challenges 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.

Did your materials repel the paint? If not, what other materials could you try? Would it help to use a more or less waxy material?

Another excellent feature is “Maker Tips”. This double-page spread helps the young reader learn the skills to brainstorm, plan, and problem-solve with specific strategies, or tips, for each skill. 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 Testing Materials in My Makerspace, the “Maker Missions” are “Make it repel”, Make it cool – and warm!”, “Make a strong structure” and “Make it float”.

Despite the weak opening of this book, young makers will find lots to do and learn in Testing 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.