Howtoons: Tools of Mass Construction

"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

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 (ARPA-e), National Science Foundation and United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He was awarded the MacArthur “Genius Grant” in 2007. He completed his PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004.
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Saul is also founder and chief scientist at Rewiring America, a nonprofit dedicated to widespread electrification as a means of fighting climate change, creating jobs, making our air cleaning, and saving the future for our children.

Saul received his Ph.D. at MIT in the junction between materials science and information theory. Prior to MIT, he studied in Sydney, Australia and at UC Berkeley in metallurgical engineering. Since graduating in 2004, he has founded and co-founded numerous technology companies based in the Bay Area. These include Treau (now Gradient), Sunfolding, Roam Robotics, Fablight, Wattzon, Canvas Construction, Makani Power (acquired by Google), Instructables.com (acquired by Autodesk), Squid Labs, Howtoons, Optiopia, Potenco, and Stow Energy.

Saul, born in Australia, is a father of two, and a consistent champion of STEAM education (including the A for ART!).

Ingrid Dragotta is a designer on Howtoons.

Nick Dragotta is the artist and co-creator, along with writer Jonathan Hickman, of the breakout hit series East of West. Dragotta and Hickman made name for their creative team previously on Fantastic Four at Marvel Comics, where Dragotta also worked on the landmark run of X-Statix with Peter Milligan and many other of the top Marvel characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, the X-Men and others.