Book reviews
Craft and science projects from a galaxy far, far away
90
Author: Liz Lee Heinecke and Cole Horton Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
Price: £16.99 / $19.99
Release date: Out now
We always love it when craft and practical science books turn up at How It Works Towers, because we love to get a little bit messy while we learn. Throw in some Star Wars styling though, and you’re onto a real winner. But a craft book is only as good as its projects – thankfully, Star Wars Maker Lab ticks all the boxes.
From a mechanical arm that would rival Anakin Skywalker’s to gooey slime that even Jabba the Hutt might find a little bit disturbing, this book is packed with fun activities to keep the kids entertained while also learning some science along the way. All of the tasks are Star Wars themed, and while a couple require materials that most people won’t have lying around the house (like small motors), the vast majority of the 20 projects are easy to complete with things you’ll already have or can easily find in supermarkets or online.
Alongside each project are information boxes with images from the films to give readers an insight into the Star Wars universe. Whether it’s explaining the importance of kyber crystals when it comes to creating a lightsaber or giving some background into podracing on Tatooine, there are plenty of fun facts that will keep you in the Star Wars spirit while you work. What’s more, at the end of each experiment is a fact-filled box explaining a similar kind of science or technology in our own galaxy. So you’ll be learning about solar power after reading about the Death Star laser, or finding out how your ears work after creating interstellar instruments. It’s a lovely touch to ensure that the projects aren’t just about having fun – they’re teaching you something too.
Each task is brilliantly illustrated, with photographs showing you what to do at every step alongside clear instructions. The finished products on each page look fantastic too, which will inspire youngsters to create something just as impressive. The BB-8 model in particular (made from a hamster ball) looks brilliant and is sure to please anyone who has watched the recent films.
If you have budding Padawans with a passion for science and a love of all things Star Wars, this is an essential addition to your collection.
“There are plenty of fun facts to keep you in the Star Wars spirit”