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How to Hear the Universe
by Patricia ValdezDiscover new realms of outer space in this picture book biography of scientist Gabriela Gonzalez, who immigrated to America and became a ground-breaking scientist. Written by a molecular biologist and illustrated by an award-winning artist, this stunning picture book explores science, space, and history.In 1916, Albert Einstein had a theory. He thought that somewhere out in the universe, there were collisions in space. These collisions could cause little sound waves in the fabric of space-time that might carry many secrets of the distant universe. But it was only a theory. He could not prove it in his lifetime.Many years later, an immigrant scientist named Gabriela Gonzalez asked the same questions. Armed with modern technology, she joined a team of physicists who set out to prove Einstein's theory. At first, there was nothing. But then... they heard a sound. Gabriela and her team examined, and measured, and re-measured until they were sure. Completing the work that Albert Einstein had begun 100 years earlier, Gonzalez broke ground for new space-time research. In a fascinating picture book that covers 100 years, 2 pioneering scientists, and 1 trailblazing discovery, Patricia Valdez sheds light on a little known but extraordinary story.
Keep It Simple, Rapunzel!
by Thomas Kingsley TroupeEscaping from a tall tower using one's hair is SO fairy-tale old school. THIS STEM-smart Rapunzel uses the brain beneath her hair to educate her prince (and readers) on the ways the science of simple machines can save the day. A glossary and critical thinking questions reinforce the story's key physics concepts.
Vega's Piece of the Sky
by Jennifer TorresA meteorite comes crashing down on the lives of three middle schoolers changing everything they know about family, friendships, and community in this charming and heartfelt novel with a light STEM touch. The space rock is just the latest thing to land, uninvited, in Vega Lucero&’s road-stop hometown. But when she discovers how much a chunk of the meteorite might be worth, she realizes it&’s exactly the treasure she&’s been hoping to find—and maybe a way to convince her mom not to sell the family store to big city developers to help pay for her grandpa Tata's medical expenses. Determined to find more pieces of the sky somewhere in the perilous desert wilderness, stubbornly independent Vega must set aside her distrust of outsiders to team up with Jasper, a would-be rival—and her own tagalong cousin Mila—on an overnight adventure to find more meteorites before the professional hunters who have descended on Date City do. But along the way, she realizes that she's not the only one with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Jasper and Mila have secrets and worries of their own that has brought them on this journey. Together, this ragtag group will battle against coyotes, a flood, and scorpions. But what they will ultimately discover is that no treasure is big enough to prevent unwelcome change. Only family and friends can help weather the unexpected that life brings.
The Everything STEM Handbook
by Rihab SawahProjects and experiments to inspire and challenge your kids!The STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) are top education priorities in the United States--and they are growing fields with a high demand for jobs. If you want to make sure your children are prepared for the future in these fields, here's how you can help: Make it fun! Expose them to hands-on, real-world, and fun activities so they'll become engaged, motivated, and successful students later on.Look inside for ideas and activities to stimulate your child's interest in these fascinating subjects, including:Racing juice cansSetting up a circuitObserving potato osmosisBuilding a mousetrap race carCreating a Cartesian treasure mapGoing on a geometry scavenger huntBuilding a bridgeExploring food chemistryWith easy-to-understand examples, problem-solving tips, and hands-on projects your family can create together, this guide gives you the tools you need to help your kids excel and foster a lifetime love of learning.
Discovering Nature's Laws
by Laura Purdie SalasSir Isaac Newton changed the world with his many discoveries and inventions about mathematics, science, optics, and physics. Although he was brilliant, Newton felt no need to publish his ideas or to inform his fellow scientists of the amazing discoveries he made. Because of this, his discoveries were often disputed. Despite the controversy that often surrounded him, Newton made astounding advances in his efforts to understand how nature worked. His legacy lives on through inventions such as microscopes, eyeglasses, telescopes, and cameras.
Bird Detectives
by Kristine RiversBirds and planes don’t always get along. What can we do to help? Enter the world of forensic ornithology in this investigative nonfiction title created with the Smithsonian Institution and the Division of Birds at the National Museum of Natural History. Discover the fascinating work of leading ornithologists—"bird detectives” who use science and technology to solve bird strikes and other bird mysteries. They examine evidence from clues like feathers and snarge—pilot slang for what’s left behind after a bird strike—and create solutions to save our feathered friends and protect people and planes in flight. Discover how the study of birds shapes our world, from inspiring aviation and airfield design to increasing safety in the skies. Full of photos, case studies, fun facts, and interactive elements, this STEM exploration reveals a fascinating field of science to kids.
The Botany of Desire
by Michael PollanBy the author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, this is Michael Pollan's ingenious companion book about the surprising and close relationship between people and plants.
In this entertaining young readers edition of the environmental studies classic, Michael Pollan demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a reciprocal relationship. He links four fundamental human desires—sweetness, beauty, energy, and control—with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, coffee, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind’s most basic yearnings. And just as we’ve benefited from these plants, we have also helped them to thrive.
The Botany of Desire is perfect for STEM-focused young readers who want to learn more about: human history, biology, and environmentalism; climate change and its impact on our relationship with plants; and gardening and the human-plant relationship.
Patient Zero
by Marilee PetersEngrossing true stories of the pioneers of epidemiology who risked their lives to find the source of deadly diseases. Throughout history, more people have died in disease epidemics than in wars or other disasters. The courageous, trail-blazing defenders against these diseases faced a terrifying personal gamble. Often they were ignored, laughed at, or even fired from their jobs. But they kept hunting for answers, putting the pieces of the epidemic puzzle together. As they looked for clues to the origin of a disease, scientists searched for the unknown “patient zero”—the first person to have contracted it. Patient Zero brilliantly brings to life the main characters and events to tell the gripping tale of how each of seven diseases spread. The result is spine-chilling as Peters follows the scientists who solved the intricate mystery of the killer epidemics. Patient Zero reminds us that millions of people owe their lives to the work of these pioneer epidemiologists, work that continues to this day.
Get Smelly with Science!
by Elsie OlsonReady to make a stink? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Mix up reeking stink bombs and sweet-smelling bubbles. Create artistic masterpieces with DIY scratch-and-sniff paint. Then, learn the science behind each outrageous odor! Simple step-by-step instructions supported by helpful photos make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.
Get Noisy with Science!
by Elsie OlsonReady to make some noise? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Design melodic musical instruments and squawking noisemakers. Turn up the bass with activities that let you see sound. Then, learn the science behind each rocking racket! Simple step-by-step instructions supported by clear photos make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.
Get Moving with Science!
by Elsie OlsonDo you like to be on the move? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Build speedy motorboats and buzzing bots. Take off with zooming, high-flying rockets. Then, learn the science behind each amazingly mobile creation! Simple step-by-step instructions supported by clear photos make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.
Get Messy with Science!
by Elsie OlsonDo you like to get messy? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Create slippery slimes and frothy foams. Have a blast making colorful chalk explosions. Then, learn the science behind each marvelous mess! Simple step-by-step instructions supported by clear photos make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.
Titans of History
by Simon Sebag MontefioreNEW EDITION - FEATURING UPDATED INTRODUCTION AND NEW CHAPTERS The giant characters of history - from Mozart to Michelangelo, Shakespeare to Einstein, Henry VIII to Hitler, Catherine the Great to Margaret Thatcher, Jesus Christ to Genghis Khan - lived lives of astonishing drama and adventure, debauchery and slaughter, but they also formed our world and will shape our future. In this eclectic and surprising collection of short and entertaining life stories, Simon Sebag Montefiore introduces his choice of kings, empresses, sultans and conquerors, as well as prophets, explorers, artists, actresses, courtesans and psychopaths. From the ancient times, via crusades and world wars, up to the 21st century, this accessible history introduces readers to the titans who changed the world: the characters we should all know, and the stories we should never forget.
Bill Nye's Great Big World Of Science
by Bill Nye and Gregory MoneScience educator, TV host, and New York Times-bestselling author Bill Nye is on a mission to help kids understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Featuring a range of subjects--physics, chemistry, geology, biology, astronomy, global warming, and more--this profusely illustrated book covers the basic principles of each science, key discoveries, recent revolutionary advances, and the problems that science still needs to solve for our Earth. Nye and coauthor Gregory Mone present the most difficult theories and facts in an easy-to-comprehend, humorous way. They interviewed numerous specialists from around the world, in each of the fields discussed, whose insights are included throughout. Also included are experiments kids can do themselves to bring science to life! Features photographs, illustrations, diagrams, glossary, bibliography, and index.
What Will Fit?
by Grace LinCaldecott Honor winner Grace Lin celebrates math for every kid, everywhere!Take a trip to the farmers' market in this playful story about spatial sense. Olivia is searching for something just the right size to fill her basket. The apple is so small that it rolls around. The zucchini is so long that it sticks out. What will fit just right? Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Que Llenara Canasta? / What Will Fit?
by Grace LinNow in Spanish bilingual editions--Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin celebrates math for every kid in this board book series.Take a trip to the farmers market in this playful story about spatial sense. Olivia is searching for something just the right size to fill her basket. The apple is so small that it rolls around. The zucchini is so long that it sticks out. What will fit just right? The Storytelling Math series shows that all children can be mathematical thinkers. Each book includes ideas for exploring math at home with your children, developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC Inc., under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space
by Janna LevinThe authoritative story of the headline-making discovery of gravitational waves—by an eminent theoretical astrophysicist and award-winning writer.From the author of How the Universe Got Its Spots and A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines, the epic story of the scientific campaign to record the soundtrack of our universe. Black holes are dark. That is their essence. When black holes collide, they will do so unilluminated. Yet the black hole collision is an event more powerful than any since the origin of the universe. The profusion of energy will emanate as waves in the shape of spacetime: gravitational waves. No telescope will ever record the event; instead, the only evidence would be the sound of spacetime ringing. In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, his top priority after he proposed his theory of curved spacetime. One century later, we are recording the first sounds from space, the soundtrack to accompany astronomy’s silent movie. In Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, Janna Levin recounts the fascinating story of the obsessions, the aspirations, and the trials of the scientists who embarked on an arduous, fifty-year endeavor to capture these elusive waves. An experimental ambition that began as an amusing thought experiment, a mad idea, became the object of fixation for the original architects—Rai Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Ron Drever. Striving to make the ambition a reality, the original three gradually accumulated an international team of hundreds. As this book was written, two massive instruments of remarkably delicate sensitivity were brought to advanced capability. As the book draws to a close, five decades after the experimental ambition began, the team races to intercept a wisp of a sound with two colossal machines, hoping to succeed in time for the centenary of Einstein’s most radical idea. Janna Levin’s absorbing account of the surprises, disappointments, achievements, and risks in this unfolding story offers a portrait of modern science that is unlike anything we’ve seen before.From the Hardcover edition.
Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space
by Janna LevinThe authoritative story of the headline-making discovery of gravitational waves--by an eminent theoretical astrophysicist and award-winning writer.From the author of How the Universe Got Its Spots and A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines, the epic story of the scientific campaign to record the soundtrack of our universe. Black holes are dark. That is their essence. When black holes collide, they will do so unilluminated. Yet the black hole collision is an event more powerful than any since the origin of the universe. The profusion of energy will emanate as waves in the shape of spacetime: gravitational waves. No telescope will ever record the event; instead, the only evidence would be the sound of spacetime ringing. In 1916, Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, his top priority after he proposed his theory of curved spacetime. One century later, we are recording the first sounds from space, the soundtrack to accompany astronomy's silent movie. In Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, Janna Levin recounts the fascinating story of the obsessions, the aspirations, and the trials of the scientists who embarked on an arduous, fifty-year endeavor to capture these elusive waves. An experimental ambition that began as an amusing thought experiment, a mad idea, became the object of fixation for the original architects--Rai Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Ron Drever. Striving to make the ambition a reality, the original three gradually accumulated an international team of hundreds. As this book was written, two massive instruments of remarkably delicate sensitivity were brought to advanced capability. As the book draws to a close, five decades after the experimental ambition began, the team races to intercept a wisp of a sound with two colossal machines, hoping to succeed in time for the centenary of Einstein's most radical idea. Janna Levin's absorbing account of the surprises, disappointments, achievements, and risks in this unfolding story offers a portrait of modern science that is unlike anything we've seen before.From the Hardcover edition.
How Does My Body Work? Human Body Book for Kids
by Sara LaFleurHow does your body work? This fun human anatomy book helps kids 8-12 answer that question through awesome, hands-on STEAM/STEM experiments and activities.Entertaining and interactive, The Human Body Book for Kids shows curious kids how their body systems help them move, breathe, fight infections, and keep them alive!Filled with fascinating information about human anatomy, this exciting science book features: • More than 40 STEAM experiments and activities that help kids learn about their amazing bodies. • Full-color illustrations and photographs that highlight the cells, tissues, organs and body systems as well as explain the steps and outcomes of the experiments. • A doctor author, an MD who works with both children and adults and is an expert on the human body inside and out. • Weird and wonderful facts about the human body: Did you know that you&’re about 1 cm taller in the morning than the evening? That a baby is born with 300 bones but has only 206 by the time they&’re an adult? That some children are born with an extra set of ribs surrounding the lungs called &“gorilla ribs&”? • Learning and fun together: Kids will create models, eat experiments, and show off their STEAM skills to family and friends. Endorsed by the co-founder of Apple&’s Siri, this educational book is a great resource for answering kids&’ questions about how their bodies work.
Jo Bright and the Seven Bots
by Deborah Underwood and Meg HuntA bot-building princess engineers her own happy ending in this futuristic fairytale, a follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella. Once upon a planetoidsurrounded by her friends,a girl, Jo Bright, loved building botsfrom scraps and odds and ends! Snow White gets a stellar upgrade in this clever retelling with a truly inventive heroine. With wit, bravery, and some spare circuit boards, Jo will foil the queen, befriend a dragon, and build herself a celestially happy ending of her own. From the team that created the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty comes another funny and empowering fairytale that's out of this world. A STELLAR ROLE MODEL FOR GIRLS: This uniquely feminist retelling of Snow White, in which the princess is an engineer and inventor, encourages girls to see themselves as the heroines of their own stories. STEM FOR THE WIN: It's more important than ever to support young girls who are interested in STEM activities. This picture book makes tinkering, inventing, and engineering accessible and inviting! SO MUCH FUN TO READ ALOUD: An enchanting rhyme and gorgeous color-drenched illustrations combine to make this engaging book a wonderful choice for story-times—one that little readers will want to pore over again and again. DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS: This fractured fairytale is a smart and funny follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty. Perfect for:Parents and grandparentsGift-giversTeachers and librarians
Indigenous Ingenuity
by Deidre Havrelock and Edward KayCelebrate Indigenous thinkers and inventions with this beautifully designed, award-winning interactive nonfiction book—perfect for fans of Braiding Sweetgrass.
Corn. Chocolate. Fishing hooks. Boats that float. Insulated double-walled construction. Recorded history and folklore. Life-saving disinfectant. Forest fire management. Our lives would be unrecognizable without these, and countless other, scientific discoveries and technological inventions from Indigenous North Americans. Spanning topics from transportation to civil engineering, hunting technologies, astronomy, brain surgery, architecture, and agriculture, Indigenous Ingenuity is a wide-ranging STEM offering that answers the call for Indigenous nonfiction by reappropriating hidden history.
The book includes fun, simple activities and experiments that kids can do to better understand and enjoy the principles used by Indigenous inventors. Readers of all ages are invited to celebrate traditional North American Indigenous innovation, and to embrace the mindset of reciprocity, environmental responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Rooting for Plants
by Janice N. HarringtonMeet Charles S. Parker, an unsung yet trailblazing Black scientist who made major contributions to the fields of botany (the study of plants) and mycology (the study of fungi) in this inspiring STEM/STEAM picture book biography.In 1882, Black botanist and mycologist Charles S. Parker sprouted up in the lush, green Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Charles&’s passion was plants, and he trudged through forests, climbed mountains, and waded into lakes to find them. When he was drafted to fight in World War I, Charles experienced prejudice against Black soldiers and witnessed the massive ecological devastation that war caused. Those experiences made him even more determined to follow his dreams, whatever the difficulties, and to have a career making things grow, not destroying them.As a botanist and teacher, Charles traveled the United States, searching for new species of plants and fungi. After discovering the source of the disease killing peach and apricot trees, Charles was offered a job at Howard University, the famed historically Black college where he taught the next generation of Black scientists—men and women—to love plants and fungi as much as he did.
Adventure Girls! STEM Crafts
by Dr. Megan Olivia Hall PhD, MEdInspire girls to build and create with fun, hands-on STEM crafts for ages 6 to 12 The world needs adventurous girls to lead the way to a brighter future! Help them discover new things about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with this collection of engaging crafts for girls. As they learn and have fun with each project, they'll boost their critical-thinking skills, creativity, and self-confidence, too. What sets this book of STEM crafts apart: No parents required!—Encourage independence with arts & crafts that can be made with basic household materials and include kid-friendly, step-by-step instructions. Skill-building projects—Every project, from creating a Newton's cradle to knitting a DNA garland, incorporates basic STEM principles to help curious girls learn more about the world around them. Adventure girl challenges—Bonus activities and fun facts sprinkled throughout the book will inspire girls to dive deeper into the concepts and skills they're learning. Help girls have a blast discovering the secrets of the STEM universe through educational crafts for kids.
The Story of Science
by Joy HakimIn volume three, students will look over Albert Einstein's shoulder as he and his colleagues develop a new kind of physics. It leads in two directions: to knowledge of the vast universe and its future (insights build on Einstein's theories of relativity), and to an understanding of the astonishingly small subatomic world (the realm of quantum physics). Students will learn why relativity and quantum theory revolutionized our world and led to the most important ideas in modern science, maybe of all time.In the three-book The Story of Science series, master storyteller Joy Hakim narrates the evolution of scientific thought from ancient times to the present. With lively, character-driven narrative, Hakim spotlights the achievements of some of the world's greatest scientists and encourages a similiar spirit of inquiry in readers. The books include hundreds of color photographs, charts, maps, and diagrams; informative sidebars; suggestions for further reading; and excerpts from the writings of great scientists.
Search for a Giant Squid
by Amy Seto ForresterA new and exciting pick-your-path STEM adventure for emerging readers!
This series starter takes emerging readers on an expedition to the ocean's twilight zone in search of a giant squid. But giant squids are hard to find. Readers will need to join the expedition and help make choices along the way.
First they'll pick their submersible. And then their pilot and dive site. They'll need to be careful—not every path leads where it seems, but whatever path they pick, they';ll see and learn amazing things!
This introduction to the career of marine zoologist, and the other members of a deep-sea expedition, lets readers dip their toes into being a teuthologist—a scientist who studies cephalopods such as octopus and squid.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.