The Magnificent Makers #3: Riding Sound Waves
#3 in The Magnificent Makers Series
What’s inside...
A modern day Magic School Bus for the chapter book reader! A wacky scientist, Dr. Crisp, invites students to her Maker Maze for a STEM-filled adventure. To enter, they must solve a riddle, but if they don't complete a challenge fast enough, they can never come back! During a field trip, Pablo and Violet are paired with a classmate, Henry, who has a sensory processing disorder. As they navigate the Maze learning about touch, hearing, and vision, they also learn about feelings, acceptance, and what makes us all special.
Discussion points
What did you think about Violet and Pablo's adventure with sound waves? How do you think sound travels?
In the story, why was teamwork important for solving the challenges in the Maker Maze? Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone to solve a problem?
What invention from the book would you like to create and why?
How do you think understanding sound waves can help people in real life?
What was your favorite part of the book, and what lesson did it teach you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book, which helps reinforce their comprehension skills.
Encourage your child to relate the adventures of Violet and Pablo to their own experiences, creating a personal connection with the story.
Discuss the scientific concepts presented, like sound waves, making sure to simplify terms and relate them to everyday sounds your child encounters, enhancing practical understanding.
Reiterate the importance of teamwork illustrated in the story by sharing examples from family experiences that required collective effort, fostering a team spirit.
After the conversation, consider conducting a simple sound wave experiment at home, such as using a string and cups to create a telephone, providing hands-on learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters in 'The Magnificent Makers #3: Riding Sound Waves' work together to solve problems and overcome challenges. Their success is a testament to the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s input to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the joy of learning
Explanation: The protagonists' enthusiasm for science and exploration drives the narrative, showing readers that learning can be exciting and rewarding.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions, explore new subjects, and embrace learning in school and everyday life with a positive and curious mindset.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter obstacles that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use similar critical thinking skills when faced with challenges, helping them become resourceful and resilient individuals.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: As the characters face various challenges, they learn to persevere and not give up easily, which eventually leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, personal projects, or relationships.