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Maker Lab: Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects
Twenty-eight science projects and experiments to be done outside will spark kids' creativity and help them develop science skills through hands-on learning.
Projects focus on Earth and the environment, plants and animals, rocks and minerals, and space, bringing science learning home and into the backyard. Young scientists can make a cave system and find out about underground rivers, construct a working model of tectonic plates and learn about earthquakes, build a telescope and look to the planets and stars, and more.
Supporting STEAM education initiatives and the Maker Movement, Maker Lab: Outdoors includes 25 interactive projects to inspire kids' creativity and their scientific side, and, as the founder of Maker Faire Dale Dougherty says, "to realize with their hands what they can imagine in their minds."
With stunning photography, succinct step-by-step instructions, and detailed explanations, Maker Lab: Outdoors takes readers on a journey of discovery. A must-have for every young scientist curious about their surroundings, and for makers, crafters, and those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
39 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2018
Some super cool projects in here with detailed instructions and pictures. I am definitely considering making some of these at some point.
August 14, 2020
Having enjoyed "Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects," I was excited to check out this book. There are projects ranging from easy to difficult, some that can be done pretty quickly (less than 30 minutes) and some that take more time. The projects are broken down into 4 topics: Nature Watch, World of Weather, Water Power, and Earth and Sky. There are some I definitely don't want to try (I will NOT be showing my kids the wormery project! Ew! Worms!), but there are others that I'd love to try out. The supplies needed are pretty standard and straightforward. I really like the variety in skill level and topics, and I love the fact that this is a full-color book with step-by-step pictures AND instructions for how to complete the projects, which makes it easy to read and follow, as well as very engaging.
I viewed a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I viewed a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2018
This book is such a fabulous resource for individuals who teach and work with middle-graders! The book is divided into four thematic chapters: Nature Watch, World of Weather, Water Power, and Earth and Sky. There are several projects in each chapter.
I cannot say enough about the quality of the projects in this book. From the very first project--'How to Build a Periscope'--to the last project--'Paper Sundial'--these are engaging, useful, fun projects for middle-graders and adults alike!
In addition to the project photos and instructions, there is an introduction to each 'how to' sharing the science behind the DIY activity. The 'Wormery' project extends the idea of the project to the 'real-world science' of composting. The 'Soil-Free Planter' extends to aquaponics. The 'Brilliant Barometer' extends to meteorology and isobars. You get the picture.
Two of my favorite projects are the 'How to Grow Mycelium' in the Nature Watch chapter and the 'Anemometer' in the World of Weather chapter. The mycelium-in-a-jar project is unique; I've never seen it in any other science manual or STEAM education book before.
The author has done an excellent job of explaining difficult theories in interesting, yet down-to-earth terms. The projects are clever and are supported with user-friendly stepped-out instructions with photos. Makers are encouraged to use recycled goods from around the house, i.e. plastic bottles, cardboard, glass jars, shoe boxes, etc.
Back matter includes templates for the projects, a thorough glossary, and an index.
Highly-recommended for teachers, science camp counselors, parents/grandparents/care-givers, and teens and adults interested in upping their own science knowledge! {I'll admit I learned a lot about fungus/spores/mushrooms, weather, and aquaponics.}
I borrowed this book from the 'new book' shelves in the children's section of my local public library.
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I cannot say enough about the quality of the projects in this book. From the very first project--'How to Build a Periscope'--to the last project--'Paper Sundial'--these are engaging, useful, fun projects for middle-graders and adults alike!
In addition to the project photos and instructions, there is an introduction to each 'how to' sharing the science behind the DIY activity. The 'Wormery' project extends the idea of the project to the 'real-world science' of composting. The 'Soil-Free Planter' extends to aquaponics. The 'Brilliant Barometer' extends to meteorology and isobars. You get the picture.
Two of my favorite projects are the 'How to Grow Mycelium' in the Nature Watch chapter and the 'Anemometer' in the World of Weather chapter. The mycelium-in-a-jar project is unique; I've never seen it in any other science manual or STEAM education book before.
The author has done an excellent job of explaining difficult theories in interesting, yet down-to-earth terms. The projects are clever and are supported with user-friendly stepped-out instructions with photos. Makers are encouraged to use recycled goods from around the house, i.e. plastic bottles, cardboard, glass jars, shoe boxes, etc.
Back matter includes templates for the projects, a thorough glossary, and an index.
Highly-recommended for teachers, science camp counselors, parents/grandparents/care-givers, and teens and adults interested in upping their own science knowledge! {I'll admit I learned a lot about fungus/spores/mushrooms, weather, and aquaponics.}
I borrowed this book from the 'new book' shelves in the children's section of my local public library.
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April 17, 2018
I found this book last weekend at BN but I wasn't too sure if I wanted to buy it home. Tempted, but was having second thought. I am glad DK granted me a ARC copy to review because I will definitely buy my son a copy soon. I am sure we're going to have some so much fun making few projects together.
The science projects range from easy to advance levels. Some I could see my 4yo would have fun with whereas few would suit him better when he is older. The brief text and illustrations provide explanation to the science behind each experiment. No difficult and messy activities which I like. The materials used for the projects are easy to obtain and most should be readily available at home.
This book actually reminds me how much fun I used to have making simple science projects both at home and at school when I was a kid. "Maker Lab: Outdoors" is a great buy if parents are looking for easy, fun, and economical activities to spend quality time with their kids.
The science projects range from easy to advance levels. Some I could see my 4yo would have fun with whereas few would suit him better when he is older. The brief text and illustrations provide explanation to the science behind each experiment. No difficult and messy activities which I like. The materials used for the projects are easy to obtain and most should be readily available at home.
This book actually reminds me how much fun I used to have making simple science projects both at home and at school when I was a kid. "Maker Lab: Outdoors" is a great buy if parents are looking for easy, fun, and economical activities to spend quality time with their kids.
February 1, 2024
This DK book proposes a total of 28 inventions and crafts based on scientific experiments.
The themes are mainly familiar things such as the earth, weather, animals, and rocks.
It has large text and pictures, so parents and children can work together on experiments and crafts. Children actually use the materials to create crafts, and conduct science experiments.
These days most kids are focused on video games (as I was), but it's a valuable experience to try out science experiments using their hands like in this book.
Children will love trying out “water rockets” and “ice cream making” like the ones on the cover.
The themes are mainly familiar things such as the earth, weather, animals, and rocks.
It has large text and pictures, so parents and children can work together on experiments and crafts. Children actually use the materials to create crafts, and conduct science experiments.
These days most kids are focused on video games (as I was), but it's a valuable experience to try out science experiments using their hands like in this book.
Children will love trying out “water rockets” and “ice cream making” like the ones on the cover.
May 21, 2018
I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.
This book contained many projects I had seen before. That being said, there were many new projects and some of the projects presented here were done in a more interesting fashion than other books. For example, the meteorology section expanded upon barometer projects I've seen in other books but also added in several new projects.
This book contained many projects I had seen before. That being said, there were many new projects and some of the projects presented here were done in a more interesting fashion than other books. For example, the meteorology section expanded upon barometer projects I've seen in other books but also added in several new projects.
April 28, 2018
This book has some really neat pictures and some fascinating maker experiments. I'm not sure how feasible they would be for a library program, but the book sure was fun to look through!
June 20, 2018
mostly for school-age chidlren to better explore and discuss different science concepts
June 30, 2018
This book is AWESOME and I cannot wait until my kiddo is bigger so we can do some of these super cool science experiments together.
July 7, 2018
Another book of neat experiments!
July 23, 2018
Good ideas, many I’ve seen before, some use more supplies or take more time than we’d be willing to commit unless it were science project time
August 18, 2019
There are some really great projects in this book. The layout is great and the instructions are easy to follow. The time and difficulty ratings are helpful as well.
May 30, 2022
cool and nice for outdoor and garden. it discuss science concepts and scientific terms in very good way
May 13, 2018
What a great book filled with fun maker space experiments and projects. I want to start an after school group just to try all of them! Would be a great way to pull science curriculum in with literature. Love out!
June 4, 2018
This is a perfect book for summer. Even if you child did only one activity a day, they will be better educated , and have had a lot of fun by the time the new school year roles around. I like how the book was divided into subjects like water, ground, weather, etc. The illustrations and real pictures are plentiful, the instructions easy to understand. And at the end of each activity the cause and effect are explained in How it Works, and they also give a Real World Science example of the concept. Well done.
July 14, 2018
“Maker Lab Outdoors” has GREAT ideas for library programming. It’s also the perfect combination to promote STEM skills and get kids outside.
July 24, 2018
I love the Smithsonian Maker Lab series and Maker Lab: Outdoors from DK doesn’t disappoint. It is full of 25 great activities to get kids outdoors and make learning fun. The excellent step-by-step directions with tons of pictures makes completing the projects a snap. I liked how the projects were divided into sections (nature watch, world of weather, water power, and earth and sky) and how the projects were varied according to time required and difficulty. It makes picking the perfect project easy. I also liked that ways to extend learning were also included in the form of Take It Further, How It Works, and Real-World Application sections. This STEM-style of learning is sure to excite the kids in your life with the joy of learning while having fun.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
August 26, 2018
Maker Lab: Outdoors; 25 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner actually includes twenty-eight science projects and experiments to be done outside. The projects focus on Earth and the environment, plants and animals, rocks and minerals, and space, bringing science learning home and into the backyard. Young scientists can make a cave system and find out about underground rivers, construct a working model of tectonic plates and learn about earthquakes, build a telescope and look to the planets and stars, and more. The book includes clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed explanations.
Maker Lab: Outdoors; 25 Super Cool Projects is a well written and organized collection of experiments and activities. The instructions are easy to understand and paired with helpful photographs and labels that can assist young scientists in achieving success. I liked that the projects are divided into four groups, Nature Watch, World of Weather, Water Power, and Earth and Sky. This can help young readers focus on a subject matter that interests them most, or to supplement what they are learning at home or in school. Some of the projects are classics, or at least ones I have seen more than once before. However, a couple seemed new to me. I loved that the templates were all included in one location at the end of the book, along with a glossary and index to make things even more clear and accessible. I am looking forward to trying out some of these projects with my own kids this summer, or letting them loose to try more independently in my yard.
Maker Lab: Outdoors; 25 Super Cool Projects is a well written and organized collection of experiments and activities. The instructions are easy to understand and paired with helpful photographs and labels that can assist young scientists in achieving success. I liked that the projects are divided into four groups, Nature Watch, World of Weather, Water Power, and Earth and Sky. This can help young readers focus on a subject matter that interests them most, or to supplement what they are learning at home or in school. Some of the projects are classics, or at least ones I have seen more than once before. However, a couple seemed new to me. I loved that the templates were all included in one location at the end of the book, along with a glossary and index to make things even more clear and accessible. I am looking forward to trying out some of these projects with my own kids this summer, or letting them loose to try more independently in my yard.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews