"Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." — Wired Magazine Fun How-To, DIY projects and activities to teach kids STEM & STEAM fundamentals and spark curiosity through play! Unlock the power of hands-on learning with Howtoons —an award-winning, comic-style guide that blends storytelling, science, and engineering. Perfect for homeschooling families , Montessori-inspired classrooms , and STEM/STEAM-focused classrooms , this book features 50+ exciting, kid-tested projects that transform everyday household items into engaging learning adventures. Join siblings Celine and Tucker as they're challenged to “make something other than trouble”—sparking a journey of discovery through play-based learning , critical thinking, and creativity. Each project is packed with real-life science and engineering principles designed to inspire gifted learners (GATE students) and curious minds alike. Whether you're teaching physics through paper rockets , exploring kinetic energy with DIY toys , or promoting independent thinking through tinkering , Howtoons is your go-to resource for turning trash into tools and ideas into action. This unique collection of projects empowers children to: Build and invent using recycled and household materials - Understand real engineering and science principles - Explore STEAM learning through comics , art, and play - Foster independence, problem-solving , and creative thinking - Engage in project-based learning ideal for co-ops and family units Why trust Howtoons? Author Dr. Saul Griffith is a globally recognized engineer, inventor , and STEAM education advocate . He holds a Ph.D. from MIT in materials science and information theory, and has led cutting-edge research for NASA , DARPA , ARPA-E , and the National Science Foundation . He is also the founder of Rewiring America , a nonprofit focused on climate solutions through electrification and education. His companies—including Instructables.com , Makani Power , and Otherlab —reflect a lifelong commitment to innovation and sustainability. Select praise for HOWTOONS: “This is a great addition to STEM collections, maker spaces, and elementary- through middle-school graphic-novel collections.” - Booklist "Fine, fabulous stuff" - School Library Journal "...perfectly tuned to inspire creativity as well as promote good work habits in budding inventors and mechanical engineers alike." - Kirkus Review "Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." - Wired Magazine Gr 4–8—Interested in creating a marshmallow shooter? How about a kite? What about designing your own clothes with crayons or creating plush stuffed animals? Siblings Celine and Tucker, who are asked if they can make anything but trouble, are put to the test. These "makers" show readers how they can do it as well. The siblings take kids on their everyday adventures and point out ways to make things out of household items. This title illustrates how makerspaces don't always have to be high tech. Originating at MIT, this is an engaging work that consists of many parts: instruction manual; graphic novel; science, art, math, and design book; and safety guide. It will motivate students to learn concepts and subjects such as physics, measurements, and lab safety through a fun, graphic novel format. The only drawbacks are some of the hard-to-distinguish transitions between "lessons." However, once readers get used to the layout, it will be easier to follow along. The comic book-style artwork is well done and engaging. A necessity for those interested in creating a makerspace or adding STEAM resources to the curriculum, this should be read by teachers, librarians, and most importantly, students.—Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL "Fine, fabulous stuff" ― School Library Journal “This is a great addition to STEM collections, maker spaces, and elementary- through middle-school graphic-novel collections.” ― Booklist "...perfectly tuned to inspire creativity as well as promote good work habits in budding inventors and mechanical engineers alike." ― Kirkus "Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." ― Wired "Fine, fabulous stuff" -School Library Journal "...perfectly tuned to inspire creativity as well as promote good work habits in budding inventors and mechanical engineers alike." -Kirkus Review "Geeks aren't born, they're made... and here's the instruction manual." -Wired Magazine Saul Griffith is an engineer and inventor. As founder and chief scientist at Otherlab, an independent R&D lab, he helps government agencies and Fortune 500 companies understand energy infrastructure and deep decarbonization. He’s been a principal investigator and project lead on federally-funded research projects for agencies including NASA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARP