Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects: Build. Invent. Create. Discover

Gr 3 Up—Spinning off of the popularity of maker spaces and capitalizing on the call for STEM-based products, this title offers a plethora of engaging projects that will capture the attention and curiosity of students from lower elementary (with guidance) through high school. Divided into four categories, "Food for Thought," "Around the Home," "Water World," and "The Great Outdoors," the projects are accompanied by clear directions, attractive photos, and the scientific principles behind each topic. The colorful, well-staged photos focus on the ingredients and steps involved in each project and are relatively timeless-looking—no trendy clothes to age the book later on and no photos of very young participants to turn off older readers. Some tasks, such as Sticky Slime, are familiar but still serve well as fun and educational learning experiences. Others, like Baked Alaska and sugar crystal lollipops, require a full kitchen, or a very strong Bunsen burner at least. Other projects, such as the DNA Model and Sensational Speakers, will appeal to older readers. With projects such as Bath Fizzies and Icy Orbs, this selection has something for everyone.