~ MMGM MAKE: PAPER INVENTIONS ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~
-- 'MAKE: PAPER INVENTIONS
MACHINES THAT MOVE, DRAWINGS
THAT LIGHT UP, WEARABLES ANDSTRUCTURES YOU CAN CUT, FOLD, AND ROLL' --
Author Kathy Ceceri


LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Paper is incredible stuff. It's easy to cut, but incredibly strong. It's disposable, but can last for centuries. It can stand as stiff as a board, pop up like a spring, or float like a leaf. And its invention changed the world forever.

Perfect for kids, parents, and educators, Paper Inventions is a project-based book with full color illustrations, step-by-step instructions, supply lists, and templates that allow you to follow along with the book or devise something entirely new. Each chapter features new projects that will challenge and intrigue everyone, from beginning to experienced Makers.

In this book, you'll learn to make:

A light-up paper cat that shows how switches and sensors work
An action origami robot worm
Edible rice paper perfect for secret messages
A space rover that moves thanks to paper machinery
A paper generator that creates electricity when you tap or rub it
Heat-activated paper models that fold themselves
A geodesic dome big enough to crawl into--from newspaper!

MY THOUGHTS:
I learned so much about math, science, and engineering from this book! I've previously mentioned here on my blog that I was not a S.T.E.M. girl back in my school days. Reading, writing, and the arts were where my enthusiasm and interests were focused. When I read these middle-grade books as an adult, I find myself learning a lot of information I didn't previously know. I consider myself a lifelong learner in the purest sense of the phrase.

Here are some of the things I learned in this book:

1.)  In the Paper Science chapter I learned about the history of paper including the fact that about two thousand years ago a Chinese official named Ts'ai Lun invented a process for making paper for drawing and writing using mulberry bark, old rags, and netting.

2.)  In the Paper Structures chapter I learned triangles are the strongest shapes of all. The Tabletop Tetrahedron project, compared to a mini pyramid by the author, is a fractal. Since I'm not familiar with the term fractal, I was pleased the author included the definition in the text. 

3.)  The Geodesic Dome project made out of newspaper was one of my favorite projects presented in this book. Here I learned that geodesic domes are stronger than regular building shapes because they are made of triangles {see #2 above} with the addition of having the strength of rounded arches. Easy-peasy!

My favorite chapter was chapter 4--'3-D Paper Art'. The photos and stepped-out instructions for the quilling and weaving paper projects are exceptional. These projects would be fun for families, youth/camp/scout groups, and friends to work on together. The back matter includes templates for many of the projects and an index.

Overall, an excellent middle-grade or high school read to be used in the classroom and at other gatherings of youth. Highly recommended!
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DISCLOSURE FROM BLOGGER:  I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the book. I received no compensation for my post here or on any other site.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, June 5th: Book Blast for 'Destined for Love Resorts'. Blast includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Blast hosted by I Am A Reader.

-- Wednesday, June 6th: Non-Fiction Book Blast for 'Bounce Back'. Blast includes a book spotlight and excerpt. Blast hosted by Write Now Literary.

--  Saturday, June 9th:  Blog Tour Stop for 'Whispering Winds of Spring'. Post includes book spotlight, snippet, and giveaway. Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Book Tours.
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