Tag Archives: Electronics

Elem./MG – Milestones in Technology (Series NF)

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Milestones in Technology. The Child’s World, 2024. $25.00 Each. Set of 8. 32 p. Grades 3-6. 

Havemeyer, Janie. Sports Technology. 978-1-503-86987-5.
—. Space Technology. 978-1-503-86986-8.
Rea, Amy C. Video Game Technology. 978-1-50386-988-2.
—. Computer Technology. 978-1-503-86982-0.
—. Robot and Drone Technology. 978-1-503-86985-1.
Hamen, Susan E. Military Technology. 978-1-503-86983-7.
Ford, Jeanne Marie. Movie Technology. 978-1-503-86984-4.
Bow, James. Car Technology. 978-1-503-86981-3.

This reviewer evaluated the titles Sports Technology and Video Game Technology. Sports Technology features a wearable Fitbit on its cover, but this title also ‘dives’ into several less-thought-of sports technologies. Sports helmets, apparel, and cameras all receive their own section. Virtual reality and smartwatches are also both features of this title, but surprisingly, Apple Watch and other brands are completely omitted from the book. Video Game Technology is similarly organized. This title explores the roots of modern video games and follows their evolution from 1940’s Nimatron to today’s Fortnite. The title includes fast-facts about video games before exploring the history; visuals will entice students to keep reading until the end. All titles include a glossary of terms, a short selected bibliography, and an online link to more (easily updatable) sources.

THOUGHTS: At 32 pages each, these titles offer overviews of the technology used throughout history in various fields. Upper elementary students who are fascinated with electronics, engineering, and computer science will soak up the information in these well-organized and appropriately sourced books without feeling overwhelmed.

688.7 Sports Equipment
794.8 Video Games

Elem. – Take It Apart (Series NF)

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Ringstad, Arnold. Take It Apart. The Child’s World, 2020. $20 ea. $240 set of 12. 24 p. K-3.

What’s Inside a Clock? 978-1-503-83207-7.
What’s Inside a Computer Mouse? 978-1-503-83209-1.
What’s Inside a Digital Camera? 978-1-503-83238-1.
What’s Inside a Drone? 978-1-503-83237-4.
What’s Inside a DVD Player? 978-1-503-83204-6.
What’s Inside Headphones? 978-1-503-83236-7.
What’s Inside a Keyboard? 978-1-503-83206-0.
What’s Inside a Radio? 978-1-503-83203-9.
What’s Inside a Remote Control? 978-1-503-83235-0.
What’s Inside a Remote-Controlled Car? 978-1-503-83205-3.
What’s Inside a Toaster? 978-1-503-83208-4.
What’s Inside a VCR? 978-1-503-83210-7.

By introducing the different parts of various objects and providing instructions for taking these objects apart, this series encourages students to learn how everyday household items work. Captions and labeled photographs provide additional assistance throughout the process of disassembly. Complete with a table of contents, index, glossary, and sources for further research, this series would make a great addition to any STEM collection.

THOUGHTS: I personally received What’s Inside a Computer Mouse? and What’s Inside Headphones?, and I must admit that I initially judged these books by their covers. I thought they simply described these tools and how they worked, and I was skeptical about how interesting they could possibly be. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I realized that the books actually provide instructions for taking these objects apart. What a fantastic idea for hands-on STEM learning! Disassembling these various objects would probably require some adult assistance for young elementary students, but I could totally see this being done in an elementary makerspace or science class with teacher assistance—perhaps even as a small group activity. Such an activity would be an excellent way to teach about concepts like circuit boards, switches, electromagnetism, and much more.

620 Engineering          Julie Ritter, PSLA Member