This is a guest post from STEM Kids Chicago contributor Brandie Langer. This post contains affiliate links and originally appeared on STEM Kids Chicago. When I got my hands on John Baichtal's book Minecraft for Makers: Minecraft in the Real World with LEGO, 3D Printing, Arduino, and More! (affiliate link), I knew it was a book both my son and I would enjoy, and I was right! My 11-year-old son is a Minecraft addict, as are many of his ... [ Read More ]
Amazing Bionic Animals and a Peek at Marine Science
In these dark times, I sometimes turn to cute animal videos and GIFs for a quick smile. Don't judge; it's actually a science-based approach! And of all of the cute, fluffy animal videos, nothing tugs at my heart like adorable animals with prosthetics. So when a publisher reached out to me with their fall titles (affiliate links ahead), I practically melted when I came across Unstoppable: True Stories of Amazing Bionic Animals. Stories of Bionic ... [ Read More ]
Super Cool Tech for the Holidays and Beyond
This post contains affiliate links. I'm leaning toward books this holiday season and I've got a whole pile to recommend. First up is the one fresh from my mailbox, Super Cool Tech from DK Books. Designed for tech-curious kids ages 8-12, the book has a sleek, silver hardcover that resembles a laptop. Just flip open the lid, err, cover and let the learning begin. Super Cool Tech Book Review Adults who want to learn more about new technologies ... [ Read More ]
Ada Twist, Scientist, Book Review
This post contains affiliate links. I generally groan when unsolicited items show up on my doorstep in hopes of a review, but I whooped with joy when I opened a large sturdy envelope to find an advance copy of Ada Twist, Scientist. Due out on September 6, 2016, It's out and it's currently on sale at Amazon for less than $12, though the cover price is $17.95 Ada Twist, Scientist Ada Twist is the latest picture book about a STEM-loving kid from ... [ Read More ]
Books Make Great Gifts
I don't have to convince Maker Mom readers that books make great gifts. I want to share a handful of books that have passed through my office lately. I purchased some of these, picked up others at my local library and a few were sent to me for review. I hope to share projects from the Maker books in the coming weeks. This post contains affiliate links. Breakthrough: How one Teen Innovator is Changing the World By Jack Andraka and Matthew ... [ Read More ]
Learn to Code with a Comic Book
A couple of months ago, a friend pointed out Build Your Own Website: A Comic Guide to HTML, CSS, and WordPress and I thought that might be just the thing I need to get started. I recently put on my big girl blogger panties and moved (read: paid someone to move) this site over to WordPress. I've always appreciated the ease and simplicity of Google's Blogger platform, but I knew it was time to move on. That said, not only did I pay someone to ... [ Read More ]
Mother’s Day Arsenal: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 2
Mini MWD 2: What more could a mama want? Last week after a school band performance at the local mall, I ran into my son at Marbles, The Brain Store, a shop that carries thinking games, cool games and fun books like Geek Mom. The Young Maker Teen (YMT) confessed he just bought my Mother's Day Gift at the shop, but he wasn't sure if I'd like it. He reassured me that he'd received a gift receipt, so I could return it, but also it would be ... [ Read More ]