Cutting-Edge Technology delivers an in-depth look at today’s hottest technology trends. Each book explores the science behind the technology, current applications of the technology, potential dangers of the technology, and the future of the technology. This engaging, awe-inspiring series is sure to get readers excited about technology.

Select a title below to find educator resources, including lesson plans, curriculum correlations, resource links, and book-related downloadables.

School Library Connection, October 1, 2017

Cutting-Edge Technology

“… A good and balanced introduction to these technologies.” — School Library Connection

School Library Journal/Series Made Simple, April 2017

Cutting-Edge Technology

Focusing on the latest innovations, this timely set will appeal to tech-savvy readers in addition to those who are interested in learning more about today’s hottest technology trends. High-interest and immensely readable, each volume provides an overview and examines current applications as well as possible uses in the future; potential pitfalls are also addressed, giving students a well-rounded and forthright synopsis of the subject. “How It Works” presents the audience with an up-close look at the technology, complete with detailed illustrations, while the inclusion of numerous vibrant photos demonstrates the tech’s rather ubiquitous presence in the real world. A quiz-based section provides a satisfying conclusion to each book. VERDICT Recommended for libraries with a strong interest in STEAM.

Booklist Online Exclusive, May 18, 2017

All about 3D Printing

From forming small-scale action figures to assembling entire apartment buildings, 3D printing, devised in the early 1980s, is a rapidly expanding and increasingly commonplace technology—and this slim entry in the Cutting-Edge Technology series introduces youngsters to the basics of the budding tech trend in five breezy chapters. Following a brief overview of the printing process and the products it provides—prosthetic arms, jewelry, tools, and more—Abell also illuminates four primary printer categories, the materials used in each, and remarkable real-word manufacturing feats, such as 3D-printed braces and vehicles. Notably, the penultimate chapter addresses two problems commonly associated with 3D printing: safety concerns and pollution. At once straightforward and chock-full of fun facts, Abell’s text, peppered with boldface vocabulary words, will both engage and educate. With vivid full-page photos throughout (including a step-by-step closeup of the printer itself), as well as an appended glossary, reading-comprehension quiz, and suggestions for further reading, this is a well-rounded classroom resource sure to jump-start scientific curiosity—and creativity—in even the youngest readers. — Briana Shemroske

NSTA, March 24, 2017

All About 3D Printing

http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=23283

All About 3D Printing by Tracy Abell, is a recommended sturdy hardcover book that would be integrated easily into the grade three to six curriculum as science or STEM content non fiction reading. Very few books exist on this topic for the elementary or middle school curriculum yet 3D printing is being integrated into curriculum everywhere. It contains leveled reading, simple textual facts in caption form beside pictures that would allow it to be easily accessed by ELL or SpEd populations, as well as additional fact areas for students in need of more enrichment information. The overall text is accurate, interesting and on grade level. The pictures are mindful of diversity, in fact, the front cover represents both genders and multiple races. Additionally, it contains guided reading questions, a glossary, and working links to further information and links to worksheets and lesson plans. Although it is priced at $19.95, which is a bit high for a small volume, I do recommend it and stress that the binding is the long lasting library type. This book would be easy to base a unit off of. No matter how the technology evolves the core operating mechanisms to 3D printing will still remain relatively similar. — Brandy Whitney

NSTA, February 28, 2017

http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=23286.

All About Drones

All About Drones by Tracy Abell, is a recommendable slim, 32 page, sturdy hardcover that could easily be integrated into the grade three to six curriculum as science or STEM content nonfiction reading. It contains leveled reading, simple textual facts in caption form beside pictures that would allow it to be easily accessed by ELL or SpEd populations as well as additional fact areas for students in need of more enrichment information. The overall text is accurate, interesting and on grade level. The pictures are mindful of diversity. Very few books exist on this topic for the elementary or middle school curriculum yet drones are being integrated into curriculum everywhere. Additionally, it contains guided reading questions, a glossary, and working links to further information, as well as links to worksheets and lesson plans. Although it is priced at$28.50, which is a bit high for a small volume, I do recommend it and stress that the binding is the long lasting library type. This book would be easy to base a unit off of. No matter how the technology evolves the core operating mechanisms and rules of flight will still remain relatively similar and make this book a good investment. — Brandy Whitney