63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects

The maker projects in this book are categorized into seven main categories: Paper, Cardboard, and Crafts; Sewing and Textiles; Circuitry, Wiring, and Wearables; Milling, Soldering, and Cutting; High-Tech Programming and Robotics; Digital Media; and 3D Printing. Over 30 librarians contributed projects to this work, which explains the variation in the amount of detail and information provided for individual projects. All entries include a project description, cost estimate, materials list, step-by-step instructions, learning outcomes, pictures of the finished project, and recommended next projects. The suggested age range, level of difficulty, and time required are notably absent in most entries, and the "step-by-step" instructions take the form of an ordered list of steps in some projects and paragraphs explaining the process in others. Projects range from the tried-and-true lava lamp, duct tape crafts, movie making, and LED projects to unique interactive displays, complex coding projects, and hacking projects that go behind the scenes of everyday items and uses. In spite of some inconsistencies, the breadth and variety of projects make this a useful source for any library or makerspace serving middle school and older students. School libraries serving advanced upper elementary students may also find some inspiration in projects that can be adapted for younger students.