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 ]
Museum Hack Tour in Chicago
We love to visit museums, so when the team at Museum Hack invited me to try out one of their "renegade" museum tours, my interest was piqued. Museum Hack's irreverent tours are currently available at a variety of museums in Chicago, New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. That said, their only current Chicago option is the Art Institute of Chicago. Despite being a world-class museum and an international crowd-pleaser, it's ... [ Read More ]
Great Books for STEM and Maker Kids
The Maker Mom helps parents raise awesome STEM-loving, Maker-friendly kids. These kids (and their parents) tend to like books. After all, books are the gifts that keep on giving, the friends you can visit and explore with all year round. So naturally, I'm excited to introduce you to a great collection of new books and share a few old favorites, too. Most of these books were sent to me for review, sometimes at my request, and sometimes because I'm ... [ Read More ]
Yellow Scope Acids and Bases Kit
I've been following Yellow Scope, a company founded by two STEM moms that makes science kits for girls, since their beginning. I was excited to see that they expanded their line with a new kit, Acids and Bases. I was sent the new Yellow Scope Acids and Bases kit for review. I passed it along to my friend Kristina and her 10-year-old daughter, Linnea, whose eyes lit up when I mentioned the opportunity to test it out. Yellow Scope Acids and ... [ 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 ]
Outdoor Science Lab for Kids: Book Review
I'm pleased to share that one of my favorite STEM peeps has a new book out. Liz Heinecke, AKA the Kitchen Pantry Scientist, has stepped out of the kitchen and into the world. Her new book, Outdoor Science Lab for Kids (affiliate link) features 52 family-friendly experiments for the yard, garden, playground, and park. As with her earlier book, the content is friendly, inviting, and accessible as it encourages and explains science concepts. Each ... [ Read More ]