Bots!: Robotics Engineering: With Hands-On Makerspace Activities

Gr 4-6–This title covers the many robots dreamed up by inventors and encourages readers to try out their own accessible projects. Ceceri urges readers to collect materials from yard sales and junk drawers and to tinker fearlessly (though safety guidelines are offered). Projects include basic pressure and tilt sensors, a solar-powered wobble bot made from garden lights, and gelatin-based skin for “soft robots.” Unlike other makerspace activity guides, this book takes an age-appropriate but surprisingly in-depth look at the social and cultural dimensions of robotics. Discussion topics include robots in history, current technological advances in cybernetics, and ethical issues raised by artificial intelligence. Diagrams, photos, and full-color comic strips add appeal for reluctant readers. Activity directions are fairly straightforward but complex enough that readers will likely require adult guidance.