Goo Makers

August 1, 2018
Grades 3-5 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. Goo Makers presents adequate instructions for making slime and other gooey substances, but the science support is relatively weak, with some explanations of particular effects but little in terms of broader context. Overall, these books are an excellent resource, whether for readers searching for direct inspiration or for adults creating STEAM activities.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2018

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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.