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Making Simple Robots: Easy Robotics Projects for Kids Using Everyday Stuff (Make)
$14.69
(7)
Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
$14.69
(7)
Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
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From the brand
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Make:
Elevating makers, nurturing a global cultural movement, and celebrating creativity, innovation & curiosity.
From the Publisher
Three questions for 'Making Simple Robots' author Kathy Ceceri
Who should read your book?
A lot of adults who are already creative and crafty, especially parents and teachers of elementary school-age kids, visit a Maker Faire or read about some of the cool new DIY tools out there and wish they had the skills to try them. As a writer and artist who didn't have much of a tech background, I can relate. This book is my way of showing readers that the methods they used to learn skills they already possess, like origami, can help them acquire the new skills they want to learn, like soldering. In a way, I'm holding their hands while we tackle some of those intimidating new tools and materials together.
What need does it fulfill for those readers?
Too many kits, books, and tutorials for beginners assume a base level of knowledge and experience that the newbie simply doesn't possess. Making Simple Robots meets readers where they're at, without being cutesy or condescending. And because the goal is to get the project up and running successfully, the how-tos includes everything you need to know without overwhelming you with information you won't necessarily understand. On the other hand, every chapter shows you how the project or model you're making is related to products and research being done in the real world. Your version might consist of drinking straws and rubber bands, but it's the same design they're using to build a lander for a mission to Saturn's moon Titan.
What's the most exciting thing happening in your space?
I am constantly amazed by how simple robots are becoming, and yet how sophisticated. The bristle bot you can make by simply attaching a vibrating cell phone motor to a toothbrush head is not that far removed from the miniature swarming robots that can be programmed to build pyramids and perform other tasks, even though each individual's 'brain' is only big enough to hold a few simple commands at a time. That also means that the line between hobby robots and research robots is rapidly disappearing as robots you can build on your kitchen table become as functional as laboratory prototypes.
Fail, learn, try again
- Real-life robots are getting simpler all the time. Our self-folding paper robot model was based on one built at Harvard
- When learning a new skill, it's easier to surmount the learning curve if you 'scaffold' your projects with kits and tutorials
- Don't be afraid to use learning tools meant for kids! They can help adult beginners get a quick grounding in a new subject
- When prototyping, it's ok if it doesn't look pretty—as long as it works
- Adopt an engineer's mindset: Fail, learn, try again. Making simple robots can build up your 'persistence muscles'
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| Musical Inventions | Make: Paper Inventions | Making Simple Robots | Edible Inventions | Fabric and Fiber Inventions | |
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| Price | $13.67 | $7.99 | $9.31 | $13.95 | $16.61 |
| Further books by Kathy Ceceri | DIY Instruments to Toot, Tap, Crank, Strum, Pluck, and Switch On | Machines that Move, Drawings that Light Up, and Wearables and Structures You Can Cut, Fold, and Roll | Exploring Cutting-Edge Robotics with Everyday Stuff | Cooking Hacks and Yummy Recipes You Can Build, Mix, Bake, and Grow | Sew, Knit, Print, and Electrify Your Own Designs to Wear, Use, and Play With |
About the author
