Puffin Little Scientist: Robotics is a great introduction to all things robotic.
Starting with what a robot is, and the difference between robots and machines, you'll learn that the first robots were created in the 1940s and were known as Elmer and Elsie.
Different kinds of robots are explained, from domestic robots like vacuum cleaners, to medical robots that perform surgery, and exploration robots that go places humans can't or shouldn't.
Common components of robots are also explained.
Amongst them are related concepts like biomimicry and echolocation. There is also a game to play to demonstrate echolation and make it even clearer to understand (kids will love pretending to be a bat and learn how to sense with sound).
There are also a couple of experiments to help explain concepts, and learn about static electricity and magnets.
In Puffin Little Scientist: Robotics little scientists will also read about programming (aka coding), soft robotics (made from soft and squishy materials instead of metal), toy robots (like Furby, LEGO, and Meccano), and different ways robots are used (such as on farms, by the police, and in space).
Puffin Little Scientist: Robotics concludes with a section on the future and how robots might be developed.
With Puffin as guide, in a book that has a simple, contemporary design, little scientists will have their eyes opened and their minds inspired to explore the world of robotics further, and perhaps try designing their own robot.
Puffin Little is a fabulous series for children aged 6 and up. Look out for other titles including those related to cooking, history, the environment, and exploring. They are great for young children, and will also be appreciated by adults.
Title: Puffin Little Scientist: Robotics
Publisher: Puffin, $12.99
Publication Date: September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760897680
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction