High-Tech DIY Projects with Microcontrollers

by Maggie Murphy

Overview

Microcontrollers are small computers embedded in many everyday devices. The average person interacts with several of them each day without even thinking about it. But why have microcontrollers become so ubiquitous, in what devices are they found, and—most importantly—how does one go about making one? All this and more is explained in the engaging text. It will turn even the technologically illiterate into budding tech wizards.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781477766712
Publisher:	Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, The
Publication date:	07/30/2014
Series:	Maker Kids Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Maggie and Mary Kate Murphy live in Hastings, MI. Maggie teaches part-time at Kellogg Community College and enjoys spending time singing, hiking, and reading. Mary Kate is a 5th grader at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. She enjoys horseback riding, basketball, and of course, art.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2014
Gr 5–8—These slim volumes are designed to attract children to the maker movement, which has rapidly grown as an online community among adult and teenage builders of technology devices. Each book offers a few projects, some made with readily available materials and tools. Many require free downloading of online patterns or instruction, the purchase of components or kits, or the use of costly equipment. There's an emphasis on joining or forming science clubs to share in the making process. Libraries and schools already offering makerspace programs may find useful ideas, books, and websites here. Savvy tech users could likely find all this and much more online, but the books offer basic explanations and definitions along with intriguing ideas for projects. Some of the titles are disjointed, and there's also repetitive material. Intimidating supply lists and the many safety issues are addressed with an emphasis on adult assistance and the value of collaborating with other DIY makers. Despite a few flaws, the subject matter makes these series relevant and solid additions to most collections.

School Library Journal