Maker Lab Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner

Maker Lab Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects Reviews

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  Nadina

  Some super cool projects in here with detailed instructions and pictures. I am definitely considering making some of these at some point.
• 
  Adrienne

  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.
• 
  June Jacobs

  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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• 
  KayKay

  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.
• 
  Alicia

  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!
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  Gabi

  mostly for school-age chidlren to better explore and discuss different science concepts
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  Kimberly

  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.
• 
  Julie

  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
• 
  Greg

  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.
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  Nourhan Eltantawy

  cool and nice for outdoor and garden. it discuss science concepts and scientific terms in very good way
  
• 
  PottWab Regional Library

  SM
• 
  Lake Villa District Library

  Find this book in our
  catalog! Featured in our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!
• 
  Chari

  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!
• 
  Ryan

  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.
• 
  Emily

  “Maker Lab Outdoors” has GREAT ideas for library programming. It’s also the perfect combination to promote STEM skills and get kids outside.
• 
  Sharon Tyler

  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.