Once, robots were only found in science fiction books and movies. Today, robots are everywhere They assemble massive cars and tiny computer chips. They help doctors do delicate surgery. They vacuum our houses and mow our lawns. Robot toys play with us, follow our commands, and respond to our moods. We even send robots to explore the depths of the ocean and the expanse of space. In "Robotics," children ages 9 and up learn how robots affect both the future and the present. Hands-on activities make learning both fun and lasting.

Making Simple Robots is based on the idea that anybody can build a robot! That includes kids, educators, parents, and anyone who didn't make it to engineering school. If you can cut, fold, and tape a piece of paper to make a tube or a box, you can build a no-tech robotic part. In fact, many of the models in this book are based upon real-life prototypes -- working models created in research labs and companies. What's more, if you can use the apps on your smartphone, you can quickly learn to tell robots what to do using free, online, beginner-level software like MIT's Scratch and Microsoft MakeCode. The projects in this book which teach you about electric circuits by making jumping origami frogs with eyes that light up when you get them ready to hop. You'll practice designing all-terrain robot wheel-legs with free, online Tinkercad software, and you'll create files ready for 3D printing. You'll also learn to sew -- and code -- a cyborg rag doll with a blinking electronic "eye." Each project includes step-by-step directions and clear illustrations and photographs. Along the way, you'll learn about the real research behind the DIY version, find shortcuts for making projects easier when needed, and get suggestions for adding to the challenge as your skill set grows.

Catch a glimpse inside a school bus and you'll see lots of kids looking down. What are they doing? They're deciding on strategy, building cities, setting traps for monsters, sharing resources, and nurturing critical relationships. Over 90 percent of kids ages 2-17 play video games. In Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure, young readers learn why games are so compelling and what ancient games such as mancala have in common with modern games like Minecraft. Kids will even create their very own video games using software such as MIT's Scratch! Using a familiar, high-interest subject, Video Games introduces foundation subjects such as geometry, physics, probability, and psychology in a practical framework. Building Tetris pieces out of Rice Crispie Treats and designing board games are some of the hands-on projects that engage readers' building skills, while writing actual game code opens digital doors readers may not have known existed.

Paper is amazing stuff. It's cheap, easy to use, and easy to recycle. It's lightweight and easy to cut or tear--but incredibly strong when folded, layered, or rolled. It can stand stiff as a board, pop up like a spring, or hang softly like a silk scarf. It's disposable, but it can last for centuries. Its surface can be rough, or creamy smooth, or shiny. Sometimes it's so thin you can see through it; other times, it's thick enough to hold globs of paint. But it can also be beautiful, all on its own. The projects in Paper Inventions were inspired by the many different varieties of paper, from fancy artists' watercolor paper to recycled copy paper, and the many different ways it is used. Whether you like to make crafts or play with electronics, there's a project that will challenge you and unleash your creativity. Projects in this book include: DIY flavored edible paper and ink Paper sensors and switches Paper windmill and paper machines 3D designs with paper Origami and other fold and cut designs

From Roman times until the Age of Exploration, the Silk Road carried goods and ideas across Central Asia between two major centers of civilization, the Mediterranean Sea and China. In "The Silk Road: Explore the World's Most Famous Trade Route," readers ages 9-12 will learn about the history, geography, culture, and people of the Silk Road region.
Marco Polo was just one of many who set out on the Silk Road in search of wealth, power, or knowledge. These adventurers braved vast deserts, towering mountain peaks, warring tribes, and marauding bandits. Silk garments, wool rugs, and fine glass were the prizes for those who survived the trip. Activities using everyday materials bring the Silk Road to life. Young readers will see how ideas in math, science, religion, and art were spread by travelers along with the treasures they found.
"The Silk Road" takes readers on an exciting, interactive adventure to a faraway place and celebrates its important role in human history and development.
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All societies have their own myths and legends, but they're much more than just stories. Myths and legends tell us about a people's history, science, and cultural values--the things they knew, the things they believed, and the things they felt were important.
"World Myths and Legends" retells tales from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. From the Greek myths to ancient epics like Gilgamesh and the trickster tales of Anansi the Spider, it helps readers think about why the same themes, characters, and events may show up in different parts of the globe.
Along the way kids will also find lots of fun and interesting projects that let them experience the stories first-hand. "World Myths and Legends" unveils wonders of the ancient world as it takes readers on a fascinating adventure of mystery and imagination.

More than 30 hands-on projects for ages 7 and up that teach history, science and art by the author of the popular activity books Robotics and Geek Mom. Easy to follow step-by-step photos show you how to make realistic-looking crafts, suitable for gifts or school presentations. Includes interesting background information, along with related activities and print and Internet resources. Kids and adults can learn how to add on an abacus, design a Medieval gargoyle, compare different solar cookers, and find out why boomerangs fly and try an Early American paper craft. Crafts include a working electrical telegraph, African and Scandinavian baskets, flipbook animation, prehistoric cave drawings, and Mexican-style yarn paintings. Great for home, school, scouts, 4-H -- and anyone who loves making crafts