Books in Makerspace Projects series

Decorations are popular things put together in makerspaces, and readers are able to replicate that feeling of crafting with friends as they turn each page. By following simple, clear steps, readers can make a variety of beautiful decorations, including a sun catcher, a mobile, and a pillow. The steps for each project are laid out in an eye-catching manner that’s easy for readers to comprehend. Detailed photographs of each step are also included to aid readers as they have fun making their own decorations.

Making music is fun, but it’s even more fun when you make the musical instruments, too! Readers follow a series of step-by-step instructions to create their own musical instruments, such as bongo drums, tambourines, and guitars. Each step is presented to readers through clear text and detailed photographs. Accessible language and a colorful design help replicate the feeling of a makerspace, a place of creativity where people learn together. Learning to make a variety of musical instruments is a fun way to foster that sense of creativity in readers.

Making music is fun, but it’s even more fun when you make the musical instruments, too! Readers follow a series of step-by-step instructions to create their own musical instruments, such as bongo drums, tambourines, and guitars. Each step is presented to readers through clear text and detailed photographs. Accessible language and a colorful design help replicate the feeling of a makerspace, a place of creativity where people learn together. Learning to make a variety of musical instruments is a fun way to foster that sense of creativity in readers.

What is the Internet of Things? It's billions of embedded computers, sensors, and actuators all connected online. If you have basic programming skills, you can use these powerful little devices to create a variety of useful systems—such as a device that waters plants when the soil becomes dry. This hands-on guide shows you how to start building your own fun and fascinating projects.Learn to program embedded devices using the .NET Micro Framework and the Netduino Plus board. Then connect your devices to the Internet with Pachube, a cloud platform for sharing real-time sensor data. All you need is a Netduino Plus, a USB cable, a couple of sensors, an Ethernet connection to the Internet—and your imagination.Develop programs with simple outputs (actuators) and inputs (sensors)Learn about the Internet of Things and the Web of ThingsBuild client programs that push sensor readings from a device to a web serviceCreate server programs that allow you to control a device over the WebGet the .NET classes and methods needed to implement all of the book's examples

What makes the lights in your house turn on? What powers your phone, tablet, and other devices?Readers (Grades 3-5) will learn all about the principles of electricity by building their own circuits to construct everything from games to useful objects. They will also find out how electricity was discovered and learn about the inventors who have used it to create many of the helpful devices we use every day.

Creating handmade costumes is fun, and it’s also easy when the process is broken down into steps that are easy to follow. Readers are able to follow along with accessible, step-by-step instructions as they make amazing costumes, including a pirate, a fairy, an alien, and a superhero. Colorful photographs of the necessary steps help visual learners successfully complete each project. A helpful introduction is also included to teach readers basic sewing and decorating techniques. Budding fashion designers will love being able to create their own colorful costumes!

Toys are fun to play with, and they can be even more fun to make! Readers learn to make their own jet gliders, sailboats, sock puppets, and other toys with each turn of the page. Simple, step-by-step instructions guide readers through the process of making these creative toys and games. These instructions are presented alongside a helpful series of photographs designed to give readers a comprehensive overview of each project. Readers are also introduced to basic sewing and other crafting techniques, which will help them as they make toys now and make more fun crafts in the future.