NSTA Reviews: Innovations in Communications

'Innovations in Communication'
Crabtree Publishers have introduced a new series called 'Innovations', with six titles: 'Innovations in Everyday Technologies', 'Innovations in Safety', 'Innovations in Health', 'Innovations in Communication', 'Innovations in Transportation', and Innovations in Entertainment'.  Each book has a similar format in terms of the design, contents, index and glossary.  At the beginning is a brief introduction describing inventors, innovators, and engineers.  At the end is an explanation of the 'Engineering Dsign Process' with a challenge called 'Thing Big!'  Moreover, there is a good balance between historic inventions and 'spot lights' on young inventors and innovators.

'Innovations in Communication' by Cynthia O'Brien outlines the enormous advances made in communication, particularly in the past one hundred years. It's practically impossible for a child to imagine not being able to text mom or Skype Grandma.  'Innovations in Comm' rightfully illustrates one of the biggest innovation in communication: the Gutenberg printing press (pp6-7).  O'Brien makes Gutenberg relevant with the inclusion of Martin Hart's e-books digital library: Project Gutenberg (p7).  Part of the book's success is the juxtaposition of history, such as the invention of Braille by Charles Barbier de la Serre (p8) with the 'Young Inventor Spotlight' of Shubham Banerjee's inexpensive, Lego Braille printer (p9).  The author puts Antonio Meucci's (p12) contribution to the telegraph right next to Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray (p13).  I'm a little disappointed the African American inventor, Granville T. Woods (often called, 'The Black Edison') isn't included here.  O'Brien does include a young African inventor, Joshua Nghaamwa's satellite booster to connect more people to the internet (p19).  These stories should spark fascinating discussions about new ways to communicate and the importance of STEM.  Imagine no cell phones!  I can hear the screams now!