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Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects
Create your own science lab and try out amazing experiments with Maker Lab: Make Your Own Science Experiments.
Put on that lab coat and secure those safety glasses before testing over 30 kid-safe experiments that use common household items. Grow geodes in eggshells, make a bouncing ball out of slime, and build a rubber band solar system!
With kid-friendly experiments and crafts, science becomes pure fun and the scientific method is put into practice. The clear photographs and fact-filled spreads make following along with the experiments' step-by-step instructions easy, and keeps budding scientists entertained for hours.
Maker Lab makes learning a blast!
Put on that lab coat and secure those safety glasses before testing over 30 kid-safe experiments that use common household items. Grow geodes in eggshells, make a bouncing ball out of slime, and build a rubber band solar system!
With kid-friendly experiments and crafts, science becomes pure fun and the scientific method is put into practice. The clear photographs and fact-filled spreads make following along with the experiments' step-by-step instructions easy, and keeps budding scientists entertained for hours.
Maker Lab makes learning a blast!
160 pages, Hardcover
Published July 5, 2016
65 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 3, 2021
This book got me excited for doing science experiments at home, I just need my granddaughter and we would be off! I liked how this book is set up with 4 different sections: a food section, a water and outside section, and then, experiments for around the home. By looking at the instructions, they’re not limited to those specific areas but I think it helps that they’re grouped. There are at least 6 experiments in each section and most of the items that you’ll need, are items that you should have somewhere close by.
Each experiment is laid out with numbered step-by-step instructions with illustrations for each step. But, that is not all, no…. there is an explanation on why this experiment works, which is the important thing. It’s fun to make experiments but it’s even better, if they work. There’s also a difficulty level meter and an estimated time (in minutes) on how long each experiment should take. I love how there are tidbits of information included in each experiment because it’s also fun to learn something neat and interesting while you’re being a scientist, as you never know when you might need to know this information later.
Some experiments are ones that we have done before (like the erupting volcano, sticky slime, dancing snake (although ours was a bit different)), there are some that look very interesting. Sugar lollipops, kaleidoscope, rocket car, stalactites, orbs, and a few others. There’s a glossary and an index at the back of the book to help navigate within the book. And yes, I also thought a few of the experiments, I wouldn’t even attempt. I just had no desire to do them.
From personal experience, I have to say that there are a few experiments that are geared for the younger crowd. These experiments would be ones that can be accomplished quickly, results can be seen rapidly, and they can be explained without much difficulty. That being said, there are some that look time-consuming (not necessarily difficult), the results might take a few days to accomplish, and the reasoning behind why they work, might be more involved. The majority of the experiments, I feel fall in the middle. DK produced another great book that will provide hours of fun and education and will spark the minds of our future generation. 4.5 stars
Each experiment is laid out with numbered step-by-step instructions with illustrations for each step. But, that is not all, no…. there is an explanation on why this experiment works, which is the important thing. It’s fun to make experiments but it’s even better, if they work. There’s also a difficulty level meter and an estimated time (in minutes) on how long each experiment should take. I love how there are tidbits of information included in each experiment because it’s also fun to learn something neat and interesting while you’re being a scientist, as you never know when you might need to know this information later.
Some experiments are ones that we have done before (like the erupting volcano, sticky slime, dancing snake (although ours was a bit different)), there are some that look very interesting. Sugar lollipops, kaleidoscope, rocket car, stalactites, orbs, and a few others. There’s a glossary and an index at the back of the book to help navigate within the book. And yes, I also thought a few of the experiments, I wouldn’t even attempt. I just had no desire to do them.
From personal experience, I have to say that there are a few experiments that are geared for the younger crowd. These experiments would be ones that can be accomplished quickly, results can be seen rapidly, and they can be explained without much difficulty. That being said, there are some that look time-consuming (not necessarily difficult), the results might take a few days to accomplish, and the reasoning behind why they work, might be more involved. The majority of the experiments, I feel fall in the middle. DK produced another great book that will provide hours of fun and education and will spark the minds of our future generation. 4.5 stars
June 11, 2017
Makerspaces. Have you heard the term before? I'm going to give you the library definition, as that's where my interests lie.
"A library makerspace is an area and/or service that offers library patrons an opportunity to create intellectual and physical materials using resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio and video capture and editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies. In the field of library science, makerspaces are classified as a type of library service offered by librarians to patrons."
Maker Lab - 28 Super Cool Projects: Build * Invent * Create * Discover by Jack Challoner looked like a great place to find some new ideas!
Maker Lab is divided into four sections: Food For Thought, Around the Home, Water World and The Great Outdoors.
Experiment! I remember making a version of Slime with my son when he was younger. Ingredients needed - everything you already have at home. Invisible ink - ah, yes - my son wanted to be a spy when he was younger. Do you know the science behind Baked Alaska? This one would be great to try - and eat. There's some more food based ideas as well. But my fave is using a lemon as a battery. This is one we've actually tried in the library. Making a kaleidoscope from a few beads, some paper, plastic wrap and a cardboard tube - easy and fascinating. How about a balloon rocket car from used water bottles? Summer is the perfect time to try the water ideas - a waterwheel or soap powered boat. Make your own bath fizzies! But I have to say my personal favourite was Sun Prints. I'm going to make a few myself for some wall artwork at home.
What I liked - full colour shot of each idea - one that will appeal to young maker. Clear concise instructions accompanied by pictures. The time needed to complete and the difficulty level are noted for each. Most of the ideas can be executed using items you already have. And the few you would have to purchase are very inexpensive. And this I really like - the science of how and why it works. Creating and discovering can be a group activity or one you do at home with your children. And the bonus is that they'll start coming up with their own ideas and experiments. There's also a glossary at the with definitions for many of the terms used in the book. Learning can be fun! And remember, creativity isn't just for kids.
"A library makerspace is an area and/or service that offers library patrons an opportunity to create intellectual and physical materials using resources such as computers, 3-D printers, audio and video capture and editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies. In the field of library science, makerspaces are classified as a type of library service offered by librarians to patrons."
Maker Lab - 28 Super Cool Projects: Build * Invent * Create * Discover by Jack Challoner looked like a great place to find some new ideas!
Maker Lab is divided into four sections: Food For Thought, Around the Home, Water World and The Great Outdoors.
Experiment! I remember making a version of Slime with my son when he was younger. Ingredients needed - everything you already have at home. Invisible ink - ah, yes - my son wanted to be a spy when he was younger. Do you know the science behind Baked Alaska? This one would be great to try - and eat. There's some more food based ideas as well. But my fave is using a lemon as a battery. This is one we've actually tried in the library. Making a kaleidoscope from a few beads, some paper, plastic wrap and a cardboard tube - easy and fascinating. How about a balloon rocket car from used water bottles? Summer is the perfect time to try the water ideas - a waterwheel or soap powered boat. Make your own bath fizzies! But I have to say my personal favourite was Sun Prints. I'm going to make a few myself for some wall artwork at home.
What I liked - full colour shot of each idea - one that will appeal to young maker. Clear concise instructions accompanied by pictures. The time needed to complete and the difficulty level are noted for each. Most of the ideas can be executed using items you already have. And the few you would have to purchase are very inexpensive. And this I really like - the science of how and why it works. Creating and discovering can be a group activity or one you do at home with your children. And the bonus is that they'll start coming up with their own ideas and experiments. There's also a glossary at the with definitions for many of the terms used in the book. Learning can be fun! And remember, creativity isn't just for kids.
August 15, 2016
This is fun for all. The projects use common things found around the house and are easy to do. Great for parents and teachers. Easy to understand instructions that go step by step. Price is also a plus. I had a great time making several of the projects. I think anyone would enjoy using the book even through it is listed as ages 8 - 12.
August 20, 2016
Excellent explanations, some novel projects. (The "Breathing Machine" project is a neat project concept that I haven't seen before.) However, the majority of the book is rehashing classic science fair projects. I expected more new content because of the book title.
August 27, 2016
Very well done! Photos and explanations of projects are easy to understand. But it felt more like a science experiment book than something to use for Maker Space.
June 29, 2017
As seen on "The Late Late Show with James Corden"
Supporting STEM education initiatives and the maker movement, the National Parenting Publication Award-winner Maker Lab includes 28 kid-safe projects and crafts that will get young inventors' wheels turning and make science pure fun.
Each step-by-step activity is appropriate for kids ages 8-12, and ranked easy, medium, or hard, with an estimated time frame for completion. Requiring only household materials, young makers can build an exploding volcano, race balloon rocket cars, construct a solar system, make a lemon battery, and more. Photographs and facts carefully detail the "why" and "how" of each experiment using real-world examples to provide context so kids can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles applied.
With a foreword by Jack Andraka, a teen award-winning inventor, Maker Lab will help kids find their inner inventor and create winning projects for school projects, science fairs, and beyond.
Notes
Jack Challoner is a former science and math teacher and educator at the London Science Museum, and author of over 40 science and technology books, including The Cell: A Visual Tour of the Building Block of Life and DK Eyewitness Books: Energy . He is based in Bristol, England.
Jack Andraka was just a fifteen year old Maryland high school sophomore when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers. Now, at seventeen, Jack's groundbreaking results have earned him international recognition, most notably a 2014 Jefferson Award, the nation's most prestigious public service award, 1st place winner in the 2014 Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, the 2012 Intel ISEF Gordon Moore Award, the 2012 Smithsonian American Ingenuity Youth Award, a spot on Advocate Magazine's 2014 40 under 40 list, a fellowship as a National Geographic Explorer, and he's also the 2014 State of Maryland winner of the Stockholm Water Prize. He is currently a student at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
Subject: Science projects -- Juvenile literature.
Science -- Experiments -- Juvenile literature.
Supporting STEM education initiatives and the maker movement, the National Parenting Publication Award-winner Maker Lab includes 28 kid-safe projects and crafts that will get young inventors' wheels turning and make science pure fun.
Each step-by-step activity is appropriate for kids ages 8-12, and ranked easy, medium, or hard, with an estimated time frame for completion. Requiring only household materials, young makers can build an exploding volcano, race balloon rocket cars, construct a solar system, make a lemon battery, and more. Photographs and facts carefully detail the "why" and "how" of each experiment using real-world examples to provide context so kids can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles applied.
With a foreword by Jack Andraka, a teen award-winning inventor, Maker Lab will help kids find their inner inventor and create winning projects for school projects, science fairs, and beyond.
Notes
Jack Challoner is a former science and math teacher and educator at the London Science Museum, and author of over 40 science and technology books, including The Cell: A Visual Tour of the Building Block of Life and DK Eyewitness Books: Energy . He is based in Bristol, England.
Jack Andraka was just a fifteen year old Maryland high school sophomore when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers. Now, at seventeen, Jack's groundbreaking results have earned him international recognition, most notably a 2014 Jefferson Award, the nation's most prestigious public service award, 1st place winner in the 2014 Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, the 2012 Intel ISEF Gordon Moore Award, the 2012 Smithsonian American Ingenuity Youth Award, a spot on Advocate Magazine's 2014 40 under 40 list, a fellowship as a National Geographic Explorer, and he's also the 2014 State of Maryland winner of the Stockholm Water Prize. He is currently a student at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
Subject: Science projects -- Juvenile literature.
Science -- Experiments -- Juvenile literature.
July 14, 2017
It is rare to find a project book that makes me want to try everything. Who knew making Baked Alaska would be an demonstration of the science of heat transfer! I wish I could get a homeschooling program going again. The photographic illustrations are gorgeous and appealing (aside from many of them containing food). The instructions are easy to follow and there's also an explanation of the science involved.
I immediately made the kaleidoscope because it didn't call for any kind of mirror. It uses a clear acetate instead. I just folded up some excess laminate I had around, which wasn't much. I had just thrown out the collected excess laminate that had been hanging around my desk.
The Breathing Machine project looks fabulous! And the smartphone speakers made from a cardboard tube, some paper toweling, and two paper cups is eminently practical. I use the cup holder in the car the same way and in the house I stick the phone in a glass. This will be much better.
Some projects require materials not commonly around the house such as light sensitive paper and galvanized screws, but many of them use recycled materials.
I immediately made the kaleidoscope because it didn't call for any kind of mirror. It uses a clear acetate instead. I just folded up some excess laminate I had around, which wasn't much. I had just thrown out the collected excess laminate that had been hanging around my desk.
The Breathing Machine project looks fabulous! And the smartphone speakers made from a cardboard tube, some paper toweling, and two paper cups is eminently practical. I use the cup holder in the car the same way and in the house I stick the phone in a glass. This will be much better.
Some projects require materials not commonly around the house such as light sensitive paper and galvanized screws, but many of them use recycled materials.
July 9, 2023
This is a nice collection of projects that readers of (almost) any age can do at home! From a rubber band model of the galaxy to the well-known baking soda volcano, there are 28 different activities to try!
The one thing I found weird was the "density tower" that illustrates the different densities of certain liquids, and which objects will sink or float in what liquids: one of the liquids used is dishwashing liquid, but theirs is red.
I have NEVER seen RED dishwashing liquid.
It's possible they used red food colouring in clear dishwashing liquid for purposes of making the photographs pop, but if so, they didn't say so.
Recommended for a rainy day, although even then older readers might not be as interested in science as younger ones.
The one thing I found weird was the "density tower" that illustrates the different densities of certain liquids, and which objects will sink or float in what liquids: one of the liquids used is dishwashing liquid, but theirs is red.
I have NEVER seen RED dishwashing liquid.
It's possible they used red food colouring in clear dishwashing liquid for purposes of making the photographs pop, but if so, they didn't say so.
Recommended for a rainy day, although even then older readers might not be as interested in science as younger ones.
November 18, 2016
This book is full of great projects and experiments for schools, libraries, or at home! Some of them lean more towards art and some towards science. There is a little something for everyone. I can definitely see myself using a few for programs in the future. My favorites were the fossil, speakers, and kaleidoscope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2017
Although some experiments (especially in the chapter, "Food for Thought") require adult supervision, many of them can be executed by kids on their own. Each concept includes a "How It Works" and a "Real World Science" section, so that kids understand not only how the experiment works but how it is applied in real life.
August 4, 2017
If you are a STEAM enthusiast or have kids who are, this the THE book for you! With crazy cool projects that make use of materials you can actually find without extensive research, this book makes making easy. I've pulled several ideas and used them for after school programs and they've all worked like a charm.
February 6, 2020
This was pretty interesting and a little fun to read. I liked the illustrations, the directions and well written they were, explanations and creativity. I would really like to try most of these...and that's just myself. This was easy to read and understand and colorful to keep the 'fun' atmosphere. Great for the whole family and trying some science...without blowing things up yet. Enjoy!
May 31, 2020
Excellent and fun rescource
Everything is clearly detailed. Easy formate for a child to pick up and follow through with. It’s not intimidating to them. More so, unlike some resources online, this truly explains the science behind the experiment in a simple, easy to understand manner for kids (and adults). I love this book.
Everything is clearly detailed. Easy formate for a child to pick up and follow through with. It’s not intimidating to them. More so, unlike some resources online, this truly explains the science behind the experiment in a simple, easy to understand manner for kids (and adults). I love this book.
May 15, 2020
Cool kids projects
I honestly want to try most of them myself. It’s a second boon in this series and projects presented are very attractive for kids (n=1). Once you make them, a child will tell about the project to friends which makes you a proud parent :)
I honestly want to try most of them myself. It’s a second boon in this series and projects presented are very attractive for kids (n=1). Once you make them, a child will tell about the project to friends which makes you a proud parent :)
December 7, 2016
A great STEM and science how-to by DK. Easy, moderate, and difficult science and engineering projects.
May 4, 2017
There are so many fun STEAM projects in here that I want to try! Beautiful photographs and simple instructions for projects with materials that are easily accessible.
May 31, 2017
I love this book. My kids love this book. The projects are very do-able, and best of all, the science behind it gets explained beautifully.
June 5, 2017
This book contains great maker activities with materials that we can find in our homes... Lots of learning and fun projects!
June 19, 2017
Read our review at https://bookthreat.com/2017/06/15/you...
July 7, 2018
This is everything that my kids love and want to do!
June 27, 2019
Very cool
April 1, 2020
Some really fun projects to try
September 22, 2020
Some of these stem projects are totally over familiar (volcano with vinegar and baking soda). But there are a few goodies, such as the arty ice balls....the water purifier...
March 22, 2021
This has a few labs I’d like to try, especially the sun photography.
October 11, 2021
Not all of these projects are great for engineering, but there are lots of fun ideas for projects that can be made with things that are in your own home.
May 30, 2022
very nice and cool scientific experiments for kids
March 30, 2023
Love this series. Lots of terrific ideas and projects to inspire!
December 11, 2023
Pg 14, 52, 120, 144
July 16, 2024
Lots of cool projects that demonstrate a lot of great stuff for kids to learn. Mostly very simple materials.
July 23, 2016
Great collection of fun projects, most of them quick, perfect for older children and teens.
The book has great photos (it IS a DK book after all) and easy to follow step by step instructions on how to make sugar crystal lollipops, bath fizzies, water filters, baloon powered toy cars, invisible ink, and even a baked Alaska dessert!
Bonus points awarded for
- clearly illustration ingredient sections
- accurate completion time estimations
- level of difficulty meter
- alerts for potentially tricky or dangerous procedures that require adult assistance
I have singled out the sugar crystal lollipops and bath fizzies to try at home. If all turns out well, the next step is to try them with our children's book group.
Very colorful and exciting, well worth a read for anyone interested in fun group projects that highlight science without overwhelming.
The book has great photos (it IS a DK book after all) and easy to follow step by step instructions on how to make sugar crystal lollipops, bath fizzies, water filters, baloon powered toy cars, invisible ink, and even a baked Alaska dessert!
Bonus points awarded for
- clearly illustration ingredient sections
- accurate completion time estimations
- level of difficulty meter
- alerts for potentially tricky or dangerous procedures that require adult assistance
I have singled out the sugar crystal lollipops and bath fizzies to try at home. If all turns out well, the next step is to try them with our children's book group.
Very colorful and exciting, well worth a read for anyone interested in fun group projects that highlight science without overwhelming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews