Reviewed by Marilyn Cook
PreK-5 teacher
A consultant for this book is a director in the Society of Women Engineers. So although several of the activities, such as making jewelry and tie dye engineering, may seem stereotypical, the book is worth another look. If activities like these are what it takes for a girl to get interested in engineering then I'm all for it.
There are ten activities in all and each present the science behind the activity with vocabulary explained in a section called "Insider Info" for each one. In fact, this is where I learned that there are several kinds of CDs, a music CD and a CD–R (recordable disc), and if you use a CD–R the jewelry project will not work since in a CD–R the layers will peel off. The two types of discs are made differently with the music CD being pressed using the injection molding process. Other activities, not specifically gender related, include constructing a litter grabber, a paper table, a water filter, and figuring out a carnival secret.
Each activity lists supplies and the book gives step–by–step instructions with photographs of girls making the object or figuring out the science of what and why something works. There is a glossary and a "Read More" section with three current books listed. There are also two Internet sites listed that lead to other web sites that are very good and easy for students to use. The web sites have been researched by the publishing staff.
I would have this book in my science library for upper elementary students and students with special needs (with reading assistance) and if any of the girls in my class were reluctant to pursue an activity I would point out this book and say "Happy sciencing," "Be sure to check out the web sites," and "You too can begin thinking like an engineer."
Review posted on 9/17/2012
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