Model makers

Looking for science-minded home or classroom projects for elementary-school children? These books in the new Project: STEAM series have plenty of hands-on ideas to keep young readers busy. Each project includes numbered instructions, and colorful photos document each step of the process. Sometimes, the instructions are a bit vague (for example, to find a roller coaster design program online). The science is generally helpful, but not all of the books provide the same level of science support. Model Makers delves into the scientific and technical context, detailing uses of models in different scientific and real-life cases, from archaeology to architecture, scaling artwork to paleontology, and then provides projects to support each context. Overall, these books are an excellent resource, whether for readers searching for direct inspiration or for adults creating STEAM activities.--Miriam Aronin Copyright 2018 Booklist

Gr 3-6-Ten to 15 projects per volume demonstrate STEAM concepts, model scientific processes, and give kids an opportunity to practice their skills. In Gross Science and Goo, readers learn why snot is slimy and what happens when yeast hits warm water. Music adds an online virtual oscilloscope to its arsenal of rather standard sound experiments. Simple Science proves that makers don't need all day and a lab full of materials to have some science fun. Unfortunately, both Motion and Model Makers fall short: an explanation of lift is so simplified as to be inaccurate, words are missing from a definition of gravity, and terms like mass, scale and, force are used without definition. Photos, in these volumes, don't always match the text, and readers are told to place the terrarium in Models, which features succulents, "near a sunny window" without cautioning against direct sunlight. VERDICT Get hands-on with Music, Simple Science, Goo, and Gross Science, but take a pass on Model Making and Motion. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.