The Tinkering Workshop is a unique title that has a combination of tips and actual projects. While, I don't think this book will be adopted for my own middle school makerspace, I can see recommendations being given to families to get this book.

There was so much to love about this book. I have read lots of books of this ilk over the last 10 years and this was definately one of the best. The visuals and projects are excellent. I did feel that it was offputtingly wordy for it's intended audience. The content of the text was really good, but better suited to a different medium, video perhaps. Over all it is a book I feel best used by a child and an adult together.

What a terrific book teaching STEM to kids 8-12 through 100 projects they will love to explore. Filled with great photos and fun activities, and perfect for keeping children engaged through hot summer months or cold winter days on holiday.

Lots of fun ideas that will be informative and fun for both families, and for librarians looking for take and make and STEAM programming ideas.

The Tinkering Workshop by Ryan Jenkins is a great resource for kids and families who love to create, invent, and explore. With hands-on STEAM projects, Jenkins encourages young minds to use everyday materials to build, experiment, and learn. Each project is clearly explained with step-by-step instructions, making them easy for kids to understand and follow. The projects use common household items, so parents don't have to go out and buy a bunch of specialised supplies. The book also teaches important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Kids learn how to use tools safely, follow directions, and think outside the box to come up with their own unique creations. The Tinkering Workshop is a great way to encourage hands-on learning and foster a love of making and inventing.

This is the type of projects book I would have loved for when my boys were younger. Full of projects that are practical, encourage curiosity and promote learning through experimentation. Grouped into logical sections such as Waves, Light and Shadow, Electrical Circuits etc, the projects teach science and engineering concepts in such a fun way. Not just the academic STEM topics, but also the soft skills of learning by trial and error, evaluating what went wrong and making continuous improvements, persistence coming up with creative solutions and fomenting an ‘inventor’ mentality. I liked the introduction to materials, tips of setting up and organising your workshop and ideas of sourcing materials, as well as the use of materials that can be re-used themselves or recycled once the project has outlived its use.
I think that the practical element and having a tangible result helps grow confidence and pride as well as creating resourceful kids.

What I did not agree with is the inclusion of items such as paper plates, disposable cups, plastic bottles and disposable cutlery. If we want to cut out avoidable waste, then paper plates are not necessary (use normal plates and wash them up). Regarding plastic bottles, cutlery, disposable cups etc. Whilst I appreciate that they are abundantly available and that recycling is a good thing. I strongly feel that giving such items a use in recycling projects justifies in people’s minds their continued production usage. Ideally, we should be identifying alternatives with a lower environmental footprint. (Hence 4 stars vs 5)

With projects like these, kids will have no need to resort to screens for entertainment. An absolute must buy for every household and also every school makerspace lab.

This is such a comprehensive manual for kids and adults alike. I learnt a lot from this book and my two children (age 8 and 11) just couldn’t put it down….well only to begin making and tinkering! So many amazing ideas and really clear instructions. The background info was very in-depth and added a lot to the book.

Looking for some great makerspace ideas? This book introduces readers to scientific topics and ways to explore them while tinkering with items that readers probably already have on hand. This book would be especially useful to anyone looking for school age makerspace ideas while working on a budget.

Very simple ideas. Would be good for younger kids, probably 2-5 years old. Not really for older kids. Would seem childish, I believe.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Excellent book to inspire creativity and STEAM learning in primary school age children. Great looking photography throughout. More information and ideas than projects which I think is great as too many instructions limit children. Easy to understand, sensible advice but exciting ideas, my kids will love this book.

The Tinkering Workshop is a great way to get kids of all ages creating! It suggests a wide range of everyday items to use to build STEAM projects that they will probably find in most homes, classrooms, camps, etc. STEAM incorporates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics so it will appeal to most all children. The book is written in a child friendly format with lots of photos of children and their creations and uncluttered pages with less text. The book is organized into big ideas so that the child can quickly flip to the section that appeals to them.

I would recommend this book as a great addition to a child's personal library, school/classroom library, camp or public library shelf.
This book is expected to be released Oct. 15, 2024.

Thank you Net Galley, Ryan Jenkins, Storey Publishing for the opportunity to preview this text and my opinions are all my own,

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