Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Books
Baby Loves Scientists
by Ruth Spiro (Author) and Irene Chan (Illustrator)
Booktalk: Baby loves to explore the world of science! What’s next for Baby after learning about physics, engineering, computers, and the natural world? Becoming a scientist of course!
Snippet:
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Copyright © 2020 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
At Growing with Science Blog we are highlighting a fantastic book for upper elementary-aged children, Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and More by Lisa J. Amstutz.
If you’ve never experienced one of the Young Naturalists series books from Chicago Review Press, you are in for a real treat. These books are designed not only for children who are independent researchers interested in a topic — in this case amphibians — but also for educators who need information and age-appropriate activity ideas for science lessons.
Lisa Amstutz’s text covers everything readers will want to know:
It is also filled with amazing facts. Did you know that the North American wood frog can survive being frozen solid? How about that some amphibians can absorb water from moist soil by sitting on it because they have specially absorptive skin on their bellies? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to drink that way?
The activities (30 of them!) will keep young scientists engaged for hours. They range from making fake frog eggs from water beads to making your yard more toad friendly. Plus, there’s oodles of back matter for further research.
Amazing Amphibians is an exceptionally well organized and well written introduction to a fascinating group of animals. It is perfect for young naturalists and for hands-on learners. It is also a must-have resource for educators. Investigate a copy today!
Hop on over to Growing with Science for the full review and many related activity suggestions.
Copyright © 2020 Roberta Gibson All Rights Reserved.
My Wild Cat
by Isabelle Simler (Author / Illustrator)
Booktalk: A merciless hunter, an unrivaled expert in stealth and deception–a cat is no ordinary pet! Sure, he may look harmless as he snoozes on the sofa, or under the rug, or on top of the radiator. Sure, he may seem sweet as he snuggles a stuffed animal, but don’t let that fool you! When you least expect it, he’ll pounce . . .
Snippet: At times, my fierce hunter goes on the attack. *
*From the tips of its whiskers to the bottom of its chin, a cat is very sensitive to vibrations, which allows it to detect changes in air pressure and sense when obstacles are nearby.
See the book trailer.
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Copyright © 2020 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Entomologist and teacher Charles Henry Turner passed away 97 years ago today on February 14, 1923, so it seems appropriate to highlight the biography Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III.
Driven by a fascination with living things, Charles Henry Turner defied the odds and went to college. He kept asking questions and working hard. In 1907 he earned his PhD in Zoology from the University of Chicago and graduated magna cum laude. After graduating, Turner worked at several different teaching positions while continuing to research and publish. He made many lasting contributions to the field of insect behavior, as well as being known for helping others.
Author Janice Harrington does a great job of weaving repeating threads through the text, like the fact that Turner loved books, “never stopped asking questions” and that he was “indefatigable.” Those are wonderful take away messages.
As for STEM, this book is important because it reveals the inner working of how Turner set up experiments to answer questions that he had. For example, he trained honey bees to come to red platforms and when he offered blue, the bees ignored them. Thus, he established honey bees can see color. Presenting the experiments, and not just the results, is golden.
Buzzing with Questions is an obvious choice for budding entomologists and to share for Black History Month, but its message of hope and persistence in the face of adversity will also resonate with a wide range of readers. Celebrate Turner’s love of books by sharing a copy today.
Our full review is at Wrapped in Foil blog.
Copyright © 2020 Roberta Gibson All Rights Reserved.
Creek Critters
by Jennifer Keats Curtis with Stroud Water Research Center (Authors) and Phyllis Saroff (Illustrator)
Booktalk: Do you like scavenger hunts? How do you tell if creek water is clean and healthy? Join Lucas and his sister as they act like scientists looking for certain kinds of stream bugs (aquatic macroinvertebrates) that need clean, unpolluted water to survive. What will they find as they turn over rocks, pick up leaves and sort through the mud? Read along to find out if their creek gets a passing grade.
Snippet: Galumph! We step right into the water. This part of the creek is called a riffle. It’s shallow and the water runs fast enough over thr rocks to make a bubbling noise. Downstream is a pool. It’s deep and the water is calm.
BONUS! Download the Teaching Activity Guide
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Copyright © 2020 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
My new Focus on STEM column: Seeds of Spring is in the February Quick Tips for Schools and Libraries newsletter.
Booktalk: Prepare for the first day of spring with a celebration of the tiny seed!
Snippet: These new picture books introduce young readers to the wonder of seeds as well as the changes that come as things grow.
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.