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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diving Deep
by Michelle CusolitoFrom snorkeling to freediving, scuba, submarines, and Challenger Deep, discover the different technologies scientists use to explore the ocean in this deep-sea STEM picture book.How does ocean exploration work? What kinds of machines and equipment help researchers under the sea? How deep can we dive to find out more about the plants and animals that live in the ocean? For fans of Alvin from Flying Deep, Diving Deep introduces all the ways humans have figured out how to engage with, explore, and learn from the oceans.
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.
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.
Libby Loves Science: States of Matter
by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. JohannesLibby loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby and her friends learn about solids, liquids, and gases. A great choice for aspiring scientists, new readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun science experiment to do at home.Libby loves science—and experimenting! In this Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby and her classmates are excited to welcome a new student into their classroom. When the ice cream for the welcome party melts, Libby is curious to see how the three states of matter can save the celebration. Experiment with Libby and find out!The Loves Science books introduce readers to girls who love science, as well as basic concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math. This Level 3 I Can Read! explores how solids, liquids, and gases are all around us, and includes two experiments to try at home or school, as well as a glossary. A great pick for newly independent readers and an ideal companion to Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull, Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure, Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float, and Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water.
Twisted True Tales From Science
by Stephanie BearceNikola Tesla was crazy smart. He invented the idea for cell phones in 1893, discovered alternating current, and invented a death ray gun. Of course, he also talked to pigeons, ate only boiled food, and was scared of women who wore jewelry. He was an insane inventor. So was Henry Cavendish, who discovered hydrogen, calculated the density of the Earth, and was so scared of people that he had to write notes to communicate. Sir Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravity, believed in magic, and thought he could make a potion to create gold. These stories may sound twisted, but they're all true tales from science!Ages 9-12
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.
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.
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.
Who Was Albert Einstein?
by Jess Brallier and Nancy Harrison and Robert Andrew ParkerEveryone has heard of Albert Einstein-but what exactly did he do? How much do kids really know about Albert Einstein besides the funny hair and genius label? For instance, do they know that he was expelled from school as a kid? Finally, here's the story of Albert Einstein's life, told in a fun, engaging way that clearly explores the world he lived in and changed.
Too-Small Tyson
by JaNay Brown-WoodCelebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!Tyson is the youngest-smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it's Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math. 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 non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
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.
Brains On! Presents...Road Trip Earth
by Molly Bloom and Marc Sanchez and Sanden TottenThe creators of the award-winning science podcast for kids, Brains On!, take readers on a humorous, highly illustrated, fact- and fun-filled journey through Earth—from the core, to the outer atmosphere, and everywhere in between. Perfect for STEM enthusiasts!Did you ever wonder why volcanoes erupt? Or why the ocean is salty? How about why no two snowflakes are the same?Embark on an epic road trip to find the answers to these burning questions and more! The Brains On! team is traveling from deep inside the earth, through the oceans, the land, the clouds, and even into the outer atmosphere in their high-tech ride—to uncover the coolest facts, strangest mysteries, and most incredible marvels of our planet.Packed with scientific research, mind-boggling trivia, and laugh-out-loud jokes, this highly illustrated fact-filled exploration of the earth promises a brain-bending, jaw-dropping, belly-laughing good time that curious kids and budding scientists won&’t be able to resist.Turn your BRAINS ON! with more books and check out:Brains On! Presents...It's AliveBrains On! Presents...Earth Friend Forever
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.
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.
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.
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.
Newton's Laws
by Sarah AllenSarah Allen is a fantasy novelist and professional math and physics tutor. In her Fairy Tale Physics series, Sarah has combined her talents into something you’ve never seen before.
Each Fairy Tale Physics book is a delightful illustrated story that introduces and explores physics concepts in a way that anyone can understand.
In Newton’s Laws: A Fairy Tale, you’ll read about young Kip, whose only inheritance from his father is a single apple. Always the optimist, Kip strikes out into the world to seek his fortune, and meets a wizard with mysterious plans…
Kip’s adventure is packed with situations that introduce us to some of the foundations of physics: Newton’s laws of motion. But not only will you learn physics alongside Kip – there’s a bonus section on problem solving at the end, with over 30 exercises that tie the lessons of the story concretely to what you might learn in a physics class in high school or college. Also included are links to Sarah’s favorite physics resources: videos, articles, and online simulations that you can play with to learn more.
Newton’s Laws: A Fairy Tale is for you if:
You are curious about physics.
You are a parent looking to introduce physics concepts to your child.
You are taking your first AP or college physics course.
You are intrigued by a fairy tale that holds something unique and special!
This is book one in the Fairy Tale Physics Series. It covers Newton's Three Laws, Free Body Diagrams, Net Force, Acceleration, and Forces. Enjoy!
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.