STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Author Interview

By on March 24, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Today, we’re delighted to welcome Maxwell Eaton, author of Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains⛰️(May 2023, Roaring Brook Press). This hilarious graphic novel features a strong female main character who has what it takes to survive. The book is a great choice for scouting groups, wilderness lovers, and readers who like a good laugh.

About the book:

Scout’s woe is your gain in the first of the SURVIVAL SCOUT graphic novel series, where Scout endures natural disasters so we don’t have to.

Stay calm, and Scout it out

1) Take inventory of what you have 🔦🧭🧥🧦📿🧻🍪
2) Find shelter⛺️
3) Make a fire🔥
4) Signal for help 🆘
5) Secure water and food 💦🐟

Follow Scout’s trial through the mountains, as she explains how to survive if you ever find yourself lost in the wilderness. A perfect travel companion for those with a knack for adventure, or prone to getting disoriented in the forest.

This humorous and informative comic-format guide showcases all things survival in the great outdoors. ~ The Horn Book

An enlightening guide for aspiring adventurers. ~ Kirkus

Linda: Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains is a fun way to convey 

information about survival skills. The animals that keep chiming in are hysterical. Where did you get the idea for this book?

Max: The idea came from a chat with my editor. We were brainstorming and discussing some of my interests, which include a lot of outdoor adventure activities, and we thought maybe a book that spells out what to do when things go wrong might be fun. It started as a picture book, but it was so dense that it made perfect sense to open it up, add more humor and depth, and turn it into a graphic novel.

Linda: What was your research process like?

Max: I’ve spent most of my life outside having fun in the mountains and on the water in all kinds of seasons and settings, so I have a decent feel for the reality of being in trouble in the mountains. But I really needed to back things up with a cohesive philosophy and structure for survival. Kind of a flow chart of what to do when things go wrong. And that meant hitting the books! Tons of reading. Everything from first hand survival accounts to wilderness first response manuals. From the mountain of reading I was able to distill a rough framework for what Scout, and possibly a young reader, should do if they’re lost.

Linda: What do you hope readers take away from this graphic novel?

Max: I want readers to know that sometimes the best thing they can do in a stressful situation is pause, breathe, and collect themselves. Too much thinking has rarely made a survival situation worse…

Linda: How can teachers and librarians use this book?

Max: Any element of Scout’s story is useful, fascinating, and possibly lifesaving. Activities in the book like building or seeking a shelter, starting a campfire, or using a map and compass (my favorite) are practical and fun, a chance to get hands dirty, and can all be tied to science, physics, and math. 

Linda:You have a few other Survival Scout Books. Tell us how the other books in the series evolved and if there are more books planned.

Max: Survival Scout: Tsunami is the follow-up to Lost in the Mountains. We decided to go big for this one! And again, beyond the scares and action, it’s overflowing with earth science, physics, and skunk jokes. Survival Scout: Lost at Sea is the same but with the addition of some information about weather systems. It was a ton of fun to research each of them and heartening to have heard from scientists, museums, and professionals in related fields who have written to tell me how blown away they were by the depth and accuracy of these silly little graphic novels! There aren’t any other books in the works, but I hope that kids find and enjoy these three.

Linda: In my college years, I once ran into trouble while hiking Mount Washington. I was on an exposed ridge with the sun setting and the temperature plunging. As the stars came into view, I spotted a ramshackle building. It turned out to be a bustling high-mountain hut. What’s your mountain survival story?

Max: I can’t tell or my family will worry! But, again, I can tell readers from lots of experience that it pays to keep a level head and some perspective in the mountains. And always watch out for skunks!

Linda: Max, thanks so much for being our guest today on STEM Tuesday. I can’t wait to read your next book!

Maxwell Eaton III is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of dozens of outdoor adventure-based picture books and comics for young readers. All of Maxwell’s books are informed by a life led outdoors in the mountains and on the water. He is passionate about sharing his love for the natural world with young people and empowers them to get outside; make and do with their own hands; to think and act with calm and collected minds; and to maintain perspective and humor. He skis, paddles, and writes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. 

Linda Zajac is the author of Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals and eight Minecraft books for kids. She’s an award-winning science writer who sometimes trades her writing cap for a biking helmet, a hiking visor, or a kitty named Twinky. Find her at www.lindarosezajac.com

 

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STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Writing Tips & Resources

By on March 17, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment
STEM Tuesday

Welcome to Writing Tips and Resources! This month we’re talking about:

Climbing the Mountain of Your Writing Project!

Decorative: Hiker looking at Mount Fuji

Like a mountain, a writing project can be big, confusing, and hard to picture in its totality.

Luckily, we can prepare to write just like we prepare to climb a mountain. Let’s work through these stages so you can approach your new project with confidence.

[Photo by: Alpsdake (CC-BY-SA-3.0)]

PREPARATION

The work you do before you start a climb sets you up for success. In the same way, preparing before you write helps you succeed. 

[Photo by: NPS Photo/M.Reed, Public Domain]
Decorative: hiking supplies

Some ways to prepare: 

  • Decide what mountain you’ll climb: Select your topic or story idea so you have a sense of your project’s scale.
  • Pack your bags: Identify what skills, research and ideas will help you write.
  • Determine what you need to be comfortable. On a mountain hike, this might be layers of clothes, sturdy boots and a good-fitting backpack. For writing, consider how you work best:
    • Where do you like to write?
    • What do you need with you?
    • When, where, and with what snacks do you do your best work?

Activity: Create an Outline for Your Writing

There are many ways to plan out your writing project. Here are a few steps to consider:

  1. Get all your ideas out. Don’t worry about order or organization yet.
  2. Study what you have. Does a big idea appear? What’s interesting to you?
  3. Now organize the important ideas into a structure or outline. 
  4. Keep moving points around and adding ideas until you have a plan that you’re excited about.

Book Recommendation:

MOUNTAIN by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko offers inspiring photos and fascinating facts from diverse mountains around the globe. So many amazing mountains…but you can only climb one at a time. Which mountain will you pick? Which writing project? 

STARTING

You’re packed and planned for your climb. You’ve gathered your resources. Now it’s time to start. 

Starting can be scary. It’s where you realize that you’re actually going to climb this big, beautiful, dangerous mountain. You might want to just head home instead.

[Photo by: VinceTraveller (CC-BY-2.0)]
Decorative: trail sign

To get the ball rolling, try these tips: 

  • Pick a day and time when you will start writing
  • Lower your expectations: You don’t have to write something perfect; you don’t have to finish today.
  • Write without editing; keep moving forward
  • Set a timer: Maybe just write for 20 minutes. Or 5 minutes. 
  • Find an accountability partner: Agree with a friend that you’ll write at the same time, or share your writing goals.
  • Reward yourself: Do something fun after each writing session.

Activity: Start! Use the tips above or your own ideas and start writing.

Book recommendation:

HOW TO MAKE A MOUNTAIN by Amy Huntington and illustrated by Nancy Lemon is a great example of how even a mountain has to start somewhere and grow step by step. “It’s going to take a little muscle and a whole lot of patience. It is a big job but it’s packed with adventure.” 

STAYING ON COURSE

You might feel like you’re nearly there and suddenly you turn a twisty corner and realize there’s more in front of you. The mountain feels endless, and so does the rest of your writing project. You’re not at the end yet, and you’re not sure if you have the strength to get there.

The good news? Everyone feels this way sometimes. And if you keep going, you’ll get through the messy middle.

[Photo by: U.S. Army 173IBCT-A by Spc. Giovanny Lopez, Public Domain]
Decorative: hiker ascending a steep, rocky mountain slope

Here are some ways to stay on course: 

  • Consult your map (aka plot chart or outline). How can it guide you forward? What are you missing? Dig deep to get inspiration and direction. 
  • Twists and turns aren’t always a bad thing; have you stumbled on a new insight or direction? Don’t be afraid to let go of what’s not working. 
  • Keep the faith: The end may not be visible and you may feel lost, but trust that you can make your way to the summit if you persist.

Activity: When you worry your project is off course: 

  1. Can you identify what isn’t working?
  2. Ask what you need to support your takeaway: Additional sources? A creative plot twist? 
  3. Keep track of what you’ve done and what’s left to do.
  4. Take a break! Go for a walk, do a word puzzle, play with a pet.
  5. Review your outline or free write about your story or essay to see if there are any changes needed to the outline.
  6. Believe in yourself. You got this far and if you keep going, you’ll get to the end!

Book Recommendation:

SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN: AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA by Sy Montgomery and Nicole Bishop shows the persistence and patience needed to find something precious—like the elusive snow leopard—or create something meaningful—like the story or essay you’re writing. Keep at it—good things come to those who persist.  

Book Recommendation:

SURVIVAL SCOUT: LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS by Maxwell Eaton III offers practical survival tips using the resources you have on hand (and a little humor). 

THE MIDPOINT (peak)

Congratulations—you’ve reached the top of the mountain! (aka you’ve finished your first draft). Look back on how far you’ve come! This is worth celebrating! 

And there’s still work to do—a mountain to climb down, and a draft to revise.

But as you look around at the view and proudly study your pile of words, you can gain confidence: you’ve made it this far; you can make it all the way home to a finished draft. 

[Photo by: Staceymacnaughtosl (CC-BY-4.0)]
Decorative: hiker looking over a river valley
Decorative: hiker looking at the view

Activity: Celebrate and Look Ahead

There are two important things to do at this stage:

1. Plan your next steps:

Figure out when you’re going to revise. Put down your thoughts about what to add, change, or look at more closely. These notes will help you move into revisions.

2. Celebrate yourself!

You’ve done something huge and deserve to enjoy the view from here. Remind yourself of what you’ve accomplishment! Tell people who’ll care about this important step. Do something good for yourself—dance around the house, play a game you love, read a good book, spend time with your pet. Treat yourself!

[Photo by: Damithch96 (CC-BY-SA-4.0)]

HEADING HOME

As you head home, you’re walking back over the same path and seeing it from a different angle. This is revision: going through what you’ve written and tidying your trail.

Are your arguments clear? Do your references support what you want to say? Do your characters have enough…character? Are your sentences and word choices the strongest they could be?

As you make these changes, watch your writing project come into focus. 

[Photo by: Richard Wood (CC-BY-SA-3.0)]
Decorative: downhill hiking trail
Decorative: hikers walking downhill

Activity: Plan and implement your revision

  1. Remind yourself what you wanted to accomplish with this piece of writing
  2. Read what you’ve written: Does your writing achieve your overarching goals?
  3. What was the point of your writing? (what was your main argument? What character journey did you want to explore?)
  4. After you revise, ask someone else to read your writing. Do they take away the ideas you wanted them to? What questions or ideas do they have?
  5. Revise again if there are changes you still want to make.
[Photo by: Eli Duke (CC-BY-SA-2.0)]

When is it done? Once your big ideas are in place and you’re just fiddling with a few words here and there, you’re probably finished. 

AFTER YOUR CLIMB

Each mountain (project/ piece of writing) is unique; allow yourself the freedom to meet the particular needs and opportunities it brings.

If the way you write doesn’t match the one above, that’s great too. Creative processes are all different and evolve over time. 

When you get to your next project, some of this will work for you but some of it you’ll need to adapt, just like every mountain you climb has its own particularities. 

[Photo by: ID 16863375 @ Christa Eder | Dreamstime.com]
Decorative: hiking boots in front of a mountain

Activity: Celebrate! You’ve done something amazing!

Step back and admire the mountain you just climbed. Take time to enjoy what you’ve done.

Then start dreaming about your next project. 

Book Recommendation:

AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD: THE GREATEST MOUNTAINS ON EARTH (AND HOW TO CLIMB THEM) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown offers another celebration of amazing mountains with tips about how to climb them and face the natural disasters they’re prone to. What will your next climb—or writing project—be? 

Post created by:

Alexandra Millarhouse is a researcher, science communication professional, and writer focused on the intersection of nature, science, and self. Her debut picture book, THE ANIMAL QUEENDOM, comes out in 2027 with Simon & Schuster, followed by an unannounced picture book in 2028. Living in Vermont, Alexandra is often tracking wildlife across a cemetery, or sitting by the water with a sketchbook. Visit Alexandra online at: https://www.foxandindigo.com/

Kamilla Milligan is a kidlit writer who explores themes of home, connection with nature, and cultural diversity in her stories. Kamilla has lived in Canada, the southern US, and Russia, and applies her PhD in education to her work in equity and human rights. Outside of reading, Kamilla enjoys gardening, fibre projects, and nature walks. Visit Kamilla online at kamillamilligan.com

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STEM Tuesday– Mountains– In the Classroom

By on March 10, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

This month’s theme brings mountains right into your classroom! How can students learn about these major landforms—the highest places on Earth? Here are a few ideas to try in the classroom let students climb their peaks by opening these books.

 

At the Top of the World: The greatest mountains on Earth (and how to climb them) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown 

An engaging, beautifully illustrated guide to eight of Earth’s most iconic peaks, merging mountain geology, ecosystems, cultural stories, and climbing challenges. Accessible text explains routes, risks, gear, and knots with vibrant visuals that inspire curiosity and adventure. Perfect for young explorers and budding climbers alike.

Activity

Have students pick a peak and make an exciting travel poster or PowerPoint about it. Provide some inspiration, like these fun imaginary planetary travel posters from NASA: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/visions-of-the-future/. Students should include an interesting slogan and some fun facts (even the dangerous ones) about the mountain they chose. Invite students to share their posters or presentations with the class and see which peak may be their next extreme travel destination!

Danger on the Mountain! True Stories of Extreme Adventure by Gregg Treinish and Kitson Jazynca 

A thrilling collection of true adventure tales that plunge readers into wild mountain quests, extreme terrain, and close encounters with nature’s fiercest challenges. Gregg Treinish’s real-life exploits, told through gripping, kid-friendly storytelling, inspire courage, curiosity, and respect for the natural world while keeping young explorers on the edge of their seats.

Activity

Go on a mountain safari through this book to find animals that live on the mountain habitat, like wolverines, lung, or bears! Have students research the mountain animal of their choice and then create a list of details about the animals, such as what they eat, how they care for their young, how they hunt, and where they live. Then ask students to create a short story about their animal, using details they found during their research. It could be a “day in the life” story or an especially dangerous moment or a fun adventure. If students would like, encourage them to draw an illustration to go with their story. Display stories and pictures on a story walk through the classroom and invite students to read as they explore.

Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains by Maxwell Eaton III 

The first in a graphic novel series, Scout and her brother set off on an epic backpacking adventure, only to immediately get lost. Instead of panicking, Scout gets to work, taking an inventory of their belongings, building a shelter, and signalling for help. Visual diagrams, wilderness survival tips, and plenty of humorous moments make this a captivating read for adventurous kids!

Activity

How do you tell a story in panels? Take a look at this book with your students and study one page and what its panels tell. Invite students to create an alternate page right after the one you just looked at. Provide a blank sheet of comic panels, like one of these provided by ComicKids: https://www.comickids.org/comic-sheets-and-comic-bubbles . And also provide some markers or coloring pencils. Tell students to take the story in a totally new direction and see what they can come up with. Invite students to share their new pages with the class.

Karen Latchana Kenney is a children’s author and editor who loves creating all kinds of STEM books and classroom content. Find her at https://www.karenlatchanakenney.com/.

 

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