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Project books are one of my passions. I may not build anything in the book but will refer to the book when building my own projects to see how others solved a particular problem. I also like to read through them for inspiration and it always warms my heart to find one of the kids curled up on the couch with a book of projects. When one of my favorite publishers No-Starch Press offered me a review copy of Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred: Seriously Geeky Stuff To Make With Your Kids, I was thrilled.
When the book came I began reading through it and I was very impressed with the range of projects covered by the author David Erik Nelson. There really is something here for everyone, whether you sew, solder or play an instrument there is a project for you. David honed his DIY project philosophy teaching in a private school that in his words "had to run on a shoestring budget and largely served 'troubled' kids." His approach to projects is simple. He feels a project should have three qualities:
- You will make a wicked awesome Thing
- You will do it for cheap (or free)
- In making the Thing you will you will learn transferable skills and knowledge to help you make more wicked cool Things or modify the one you have
He strives to do that with each project he presents in the book. Many of the projects include ideas for further modifying the project, teaching kids that there is always room for improvements and also that you own this Thing you made. There is no warranty to void so hack away.
The projects are divided into sections that loosely groups them into genres.
Kids Stuff
This section has a potpourri of projects. Here you will find plans for a Lock and Latch Treasure Box, a PVC Teepee and a Sock Squid, which can also be made into a sock Cthulhu. There are plans for games in this section also. Shut the Box, which is a pirate dice game and a miniature version of Go, which is a good way to introduce kids to this classic strategy game.
Electro-Skiffle Band
If music is your thing then this section will give you plenty of projects to play with, from building instruments to creating your own guitar effects boxes. Some of the projects can be combined to make a custom rig, for instance you can combine the Cigar Box Amp with the stomp boxes into one enclosure then build the electric guitar and rock out!
Locomotivated
This section is full of projects that move, shoot and fly. Cardboard Boomerangs and Pop Can Fliers will make great rainy day activities. For nicer weather you can consider building the Fedex Kites or a few Marshmallow Muzzle Loaders for some war games. You'll also find a boat, a rocket, and a robot for your building pleasure.
Finally he gives a brief introduction to electronics components and the skills needed to work with these components.
Overall the instructions are very good. Each project starts with an introduction to the project followed by a list of tools and supplies needed. Where applicable substitutions are given and Radio Shack part numbers are included. The supplies make use of a good number of recycled materials, and cigar boxes. You may need to find a substitution for the cigar boxes. In my area most places charge for them now that the craft industry has provided a market for them. There are no special tools required, though most people may not have the propane torch recommended in the Electro-Didgeridoo project. (The author does suggest a heat gun as a substitute.)
The step-by-step instructions are clear and there are pictures and tips along the way to help avoid any issues. The projects are not for kids to try on their own, as the title suggests these are things to make with your kids. Only you know what your child is capable of handling skills-wise, and these projects offer plenty of opportunity to build teach them new skills.
Most of the projects finish up with additional resources and ideas to take the project in new directions. This is an important lesson: things can always be hacked and in this case there are no warranties to void. Overall I would recommend Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred: Seriously Geeky Stuff to Make with Your Kids
You can also check out the authors blog aptly called The Snip, Burn, Solder Blog for other projects and hands on DIY goodness.
