Make Amazing Toy and Game Gadgets

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

These how-to manuals in the Popular Mechanics for Kids are
inspiring—even to the nonscientific. Each book has the same format. An
introduction describes the projects and includes a separate page of
safety tips. Each project lists the necessary materials and tools, which
are generally inexpensive and readily available. The construction
process is divided into main categories with numbered steps for each
category. The completed section is tested before proceeding to the next
category. Diagrams are numerous and detailed. Sidebars containing
interesting tidbits are interspersed throughout.

All projects are composed of buzzers that buzz, parts that move, and
lights that flash. The five “amazing toy and game gadgets” are a
light box, jewelry powered by a battery, a camera, a wired game, and
sunglasses. The six “cool gadgets for your room” are a flashy key
chain, doorbell, electric animal, secret code machine, quiz game, and an
alarm in a box. The projects have been carefully chosen to appeal to
middle-grade students. For example, the doorbell is included so that
“no one will ever barge into your room unannounced again.” The
author speaks directly to the reader in terms that he or she can relate
to. The sequenced, detailed steps will ensure success. Highly
recommended.