STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Coding– In the Classroom


Although I studied Electrical Engineering in college, I ended up spending most of my time as an engineer working with code. I love coding, and I’m happy to see so many great books about coding for young readers. Here are the books I read.

Coding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer Games
by Jon Woodcock

I love Scratch. It’s a block code, meaning you put the commands together rather like Legos. The code blocks are designed to help keep you from putting the code pieces together wrong. This book does a great job of walking you through the building of computer games in Scratch. If you want to learn basic coding concepts while making fun games, check out this book.

cover image of the book "Get Coding!" featuring two cartoon people, a computer, and a dog

Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS & JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game
by Young Rewired State

This book is packed with information and activities for learning about coding and the web. It even has a related web site – https://getcodingkids.com – to help you through the missions.

 

Bonus Book: Hunting the Cyber Trail: Be a Computer Forensic Scientist
by Alix Wood

Follow a fictional computer forensic scientist as he searches computers for clues to the whereabouts of two missing kids. I love that this book gets into how information is formatted within computers, something I dealt with a lot when I was programming. This book also has lots of activities that are computer-related, but don’t require a computer to complete.

Now for some other activities you can try to get you into a programming frame of mind.

How-To

A computer program is basically a how-to for a computer. Programmers put together instructions that tell computers what they need to do.

A great activity as you start programming is to write a how-to. This could be a recipe, instructions for completing a craft, or instructions for something you do every day, like washing your hands. Once you’ve created your how-to, have someone try to follow your instructions. That’s when you find out if you forgot any instructions or if anything was unclear.

Flow-Charts

Flow-charts are really useful tools for programmers. They’re a graphical representation of a process or algorithm. Learn about flow-chart symbols and create a flow-chart for a process or algorithm. Here are some resources to help:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3bq7ty/revision/3
https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/have-fun-with-flowcharts
https://technovationchallenge.org/curriculum/coding-15-flowcharts

Explore ASCII

Remember me mentioning the formatting of information in computers? Well, one of those things is called ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interexchange. It is a way to represent text characters using numbers. This is generally written in hexadecimal (base 16) numbers.

To learn about hexadecimal, read the beginning of this article: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/hexadecimal or this: https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/4069/Learning-Binary-and-Hexadecimal. You don’t have to get too deep into hexadecimal to work with ASCII.

Use an ASCII table (either from p. 24 of “Hunting the Cyber Trail” or here: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/ascii-table. (There are lots more versions out there if you want to find something different.)

Get the hang of ASCII by converting your name into hexadecimal ASCII code. Then, write a full message and give it to a friend. See if they can decode your message.

Explore More

There are lots of great resources out there that support programming. One of the biggest is Code.org. They have fabulous activities there, including a bunch that don’t require a computer: https://code.org/files/Hour-of-Code-Unplugged-Activities.pdf

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Janet Slingerland is the author of more than 20 books for young readers, including 3 books about coding. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out http://janetsbooks.com.

STEM Tuesday– Coding– Book List

 

Coding is an essential skill in our fast-paced digital world. With activity books, reference guides, historical narratives, and fiction, this month’s book list is sure to inspire readers to take the next steps in their coding journey.

 

cover image of "Code This" featuring a teenage girl

Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You 

by Jennifer Szymanski

Code This! contains many puzzles, games, and quirky characters that highlight programming concepts in kid friendly ways. Readers will be engaged as they find hidden treasures, decode ciphers to read secret messages, and more. All in all, a great introduction to coding.

 

 

 

cover image of "The History of the Computer" with icons on black background

The History of the Computer: People, Inventions, and Technology that Changed Our World

by Rachel Ignotofsky

 

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the computing machines that have changed our world, from the abacus to the smartphone. Everyone knows how much computers have impacted our lives, but this book goes on to answer questions like who created them, why, and how they have transformed the way we interact with our surroundings and each other. It’s also packed with fun facts and engaging illustrations.

 

 

book cover featuring a portrait of Ada Lovelace on purple

DK Life Stories: Ada Lovelace 

by Nancy Castaldo

 

In 1843, Ada Byron Lovelace wrote the first computer program… long before technology was advanced enough to try it out! Part of DK’s “Life Stories” series, this engaging biography brings to life the curiosity, imagination, and scientific contributions of this coding pioneer. Sidebars, quotes, definitions, maps, and photos give readers more historical context about the world where she grew up.

 

 

three books. The top one is purple and is titled "Kids Get Coding"Kids Get Coding 

by Heather Lyons and Elizabeth Twedale

This Lerner series includes eight short, illustrated books that bridge the gap between unplugged activities and computer-based skill development. Some of the titles in the series include “Learn to Program,” “Coding, Bugs, and Fixes,”  “Online Safety and More,” and “Coding in the Real World.” A character named Data Duck walks kids through basic concepts within each book, and a companion site gives readers the chance to try out their new skills with book-specific projects.

 

 

cover image of "Book Cover" with nine women on red backgroundGamer Girls: 25 Women Who Built the Video Game Industry 

by Mary Kenney, illustrated by Salini Perera

 

Gamer Girls introduces readers to the dynamic women who created iconic video games and changed the industry forever. From Roberta Williams to Mabel Addis Mergardt, this book highlights the history of how women got started in this industry, and then profiles 25 of them. The text is easy to read and engaging, and it’s accompanied by eye catching illustrations.

 

 

book cover of "My Life as a Coder" featuring a cartoon boy typing at a computerMy Life as a Coder 

by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian

 

My Life as a Coder is the ninth book in Janet Tashjian’s fictional My Life series. It stars reluctant reader Derek Fallon. In this particular book Derek receives a new laptop. However, it has no Wi-Fi so he can’t use it for gaming. If he wants to play computer games, he’ll have to learn how to code them himself. This premise will inspire readers as they watch Derek struggle but eventually get the hang of the world of tech and coding.

 

 

cover image of the book "Girls Who Code"Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World 

by Reshma Saujani

 

Girls who Code champions females and girl-empowerment. The book includes easy to grasp explanations of various coding principles as well as real life stories of girls and women who work for such companies as Pixar and NASA. It goes on to detail what a huge role computer science plays in our lives and how much fun it can be. It also features bold illustrations on every page.

 

 

yellow book cover with text, "Coding Games in Scratch"Coding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer Games 

by Jon Woodcock 

 

For students who are just getting started with coding, Scratch is a great block-based program to use. This practical guide provides illustrated tutorials that show readers not just what to do but also why!  It introduces strategies for problem solving, collaborating, and thinking creatively.

 

 

cover image of the book "Get Coding!" featuring two cartoon people, a computer, and a dogGet Coding! Learn HTML, CSS & JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game

by Young Rewired State

 

The beginning of this book contains a plea for help from the fictional Professor Harry Bairstone, who has just found a precious gem called the Monk Diamond. As readers progress through the chapters, they will embark on a quest to help him keep the Monk Diamond safe from nefarious jewel thieves. Along the way, they will complete short coding projects and learn how to use three of the most important programming languages used in web development and design: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

 

cover image of "Python for Kids"Python for Kids, 2nd Edition: A Playful Introduction to Programming 

by Jason R. Briggs

 

This kid-friendly guide aims to make Python fun to learn and use! Python is one of the most widely used text-based computer programming languages in the world, and this book walks students through the basics of text-based programming in a comprehensive but digestible way. The sample code problems feature everything from gorillas to secret agents, and the main text is accompanied by colorful illustrations, puzzles, definitions, and a section on troubleshooting.

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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) and THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie DeanCallie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She writes stories that spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore their world. For more information, please visit https://www.calliebdean.com.

 

 

STEM Tuesday Team Shoutout!!

 

As we come up on our sixth anniversary of STEM Tuesday (yes – SIX years!) I thought it would be a great time to remind you of the AMAZING authors who make STEM Tuesday possible.

The STEM Tuesday blog posts are written by a group of award-winning children’s authors, teachers, and writers who are passionate about presenting STEM/STEAM topics in a way that kids of all ages will find exciting, inspiring, and engaging.

You can find more information about each of them by visiting their websites, purchasing some of their books, and also inviting them to your schools and conferences.

 

And now….. Meet the STEM Tuesday TEAM!

Week 1: Book List 

Author Sue Heavenrich Sue Heavenrich

Sue Heavenrich is an independent environmental journalist and children’s writer. She has written for a variety of magazines including Ranger Rick, Highlights, Cobblestone, and Organic Gardening as well as local and regional newspapers. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. www.sueheavenrich.com

Book Diet for a Changing Climate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer Maria MarshallMaria Marshall

@MariaMarshall_

For as long as anyone can remember, Maria had a book in her hands. During the summer of herthird grade year, she read every book in the Library’s children’s section A to Z. She loved to write, make up stories, and create elaborate treasure hunts and maps for my brother and sister. So she went to college and wrote for four years to earn a degree in English and Political Science. Then she took my love of writing and telling stories to Law School. Maria is passionate about using picture and chapter books to make reading and nature fun for children. Check out her Picture Book Buzz Blog

 

 

Shruthi Rao authorShruthi Rao

Shruthi was that kid who actually enjoyed writing essays in school! She wrote her first novel when she was eleven. It was an Enid Blyton rip-off. It was terrible (so she says). She didn’t write stories for a long time after that. Instead, Shruthi got a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from one of the top schools of India, and worked in the IT industry for four years.

And then, in the 2000s, she rediscovered her love for writing. Shruthi blogged at Hallucinations! and wrote short stories and essays for a number of publications. She now writes books for children of all ages, both fiction and non-fiction. www.shruthi-rao.com

     

 

Susan SummersSusan Summers

Susan started her career as a zookeeper and enjoyed working with polar bears, wolves, and owls – to name just a few of her favorite animals. Interest in science and nature firmly took hold and she followed that career by becoming a wildlife biologist. In this engaging field, she was able to participate in research on a variety of wildlife, including bears, bats, and fabulous birds! She wanted to share her interest in nature with children, so she got a Master’s in Education, and went on to teach ecology as a museum educator. She had this rewarding career for over 20 years. Currently, she is focused on becoming an author, writing about science and nature among other things. In the meantime, she lives happily with her husband of 30 years and with two fur children that she’d love to tell you about. She’s thrilled to be part of STEM Tuesday [and looks forward to sharing her enjoyment of this topic with you].

Science magazine

Science Scope

 

 

 

 

 

Callie DeanCallie Dean

Callie Dean is a musician, writer, educator, and program evaluator. She teaches applied research at Eastern University and is passionate about the role of the arts in effecting community transformation. She lives in Shreveport, La., with her husband and two sons.  She is the director of CYBER.ORG, a STEM education organization with a national network of more than 25,000 K-12 teachers. Callie has written a wide variety of K-12 STEM curriculum materials, including nine cybersecurity badges for the Girl Scouts of the USA. She’s an aspiring PB/MG author, a member of SCBWI, and a 2022 PBParty finalist. Her  areas of interest include technology, cybersecurity, citizen science, and the intersection of science with art.  www.sojo.net/biography/callie-dean

 

 

Author Lydia LukidisLydia Lukidis

Lydia Lukidis is the author of 48 trade and educational books, as well as 31 e-Books. Her latest STEM book, THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019), was nominated for a CYBILS Award, and her forthcoming STEM book, DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench will be published by Capstone in 2023. Lydia writes for children aged 3-12, and her artistic mandate is to inspire and enlighten. A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and everlasting curiosity into her books. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

broken Bees nest bookThe Space Rock Mystery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2:  In the Classroom 

JAnet Slingerland authorAtoms and Molecules Book
Janet Slingerland is the author of more than 20 books for readers in grades K through 12. Her favorite subjects include STEM, history, and the history of STEM.

Janet grew up reading, writing, and conducting science experiments. After working for 15 years writing computer programs, She started writing books.

 

Author Carla MooneyBook The Human Genome  Carla Mooney 

@Carlawrites

Carla Mooney is an award-winning children’s author from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She is the author of numerous nonfiction and fiction books and magazine articles for children and teens. She has won several nonfiction awards for her books.

 

author Karen Latchana Kenney

book Folding Tech   Karen Latchana Kenney

@KLatchanaKenney

Karen writes books about animals, and she looks for them wherever she  goes—from leafcutter ants trailing through the Amazon rain forest in Guyana, where she was born, to puffins in cliff-side burrows on the Irish island of Skellig Michael. She especially enjoys creating books about nature, biodiversity, conservation, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries—but also  civil rights, astronomy, historical moments, and many other topics.

 

 

Jenna GrodzikiJenna Grodinski

Jenna Grodzicki is the author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction children’s books. Her books include Wild Style: Amazing Animal Adornments (Millbrook Press 2020) and I See Sea Food: Sea Creatures That Look Like Food (Millbrook Press 2019), the winner of the 2020 Connecticut Book Award in the Young Readers Nonfiction Category. Jenna lives near the beach with her husband and two children. In addition to being a writer, she is also a library media specialist at a K-4 school. To learn more, visit her website at www.jennagrodzicki.com.

I See Seafood book

Wild Style book

 

 

 

Week 3: Writing Tips & Resources

Author Heather L. MontgomeryWho Gives a Poop? book Heather L. Montgomery 

@HeatherLMont

Heather L. Montgomery writes for kids who are wild about animals. Her 14 nonfiction books include SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL, LITTLE MONSTERS OF THE OCEAN: METAMORPHOSIS UNDER THE WAVES, and BUGS DON’T HUG: SIX-LEGGED PARENTS AND THEIR KIDS.

 

Writer Mike Hays Mike Hays

@coachhays64

Mike Hays has worked hard from a young age to be a well-rounded individual. A well-rounded, equal opportunity sports enthusiasts, that is. If they keep a score, he’ll either watch it, play it, or coach it. He also is a history fanatic, especially regional history. A molecular microbiologist by day, middle-grade author, sports coach, and general good citizen by night.

 

Kirsten Williams Larson authorWood, Wire and Wings book  Kirsten W. Larson

@KirstenWLarson

Kirsten used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. Kirsten is the author of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE, as well as 25 nonfiction books for the school and library market.

 

Margo LemieuxMargo Lemieux

A recently retired professor of art, Margo is devoted to seeing that the A stays in STEAM. Science & technology need the heart that comes with art. It was lack of heart that led to the ecological crisis we have today. The process of creativity is closely related to that of scientific inquiry.

She is a  published picture book writer and illustrator, editor, poet, and amateur ukulele player. In her art projects, she often included science concepts as a way of connecting learning.

 

 

Week 4: Author Interviews

author christine Taylor-butler

book The Circulatory System
Christine  has written more than 80 books including The Lost Tribe series. She has been an advocate for diversity in character representations and led by example.

Taylor-Butler majored in civil engineering and architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1981. She has written nonfiction for Scholastic, including for their True Book educational series.

 

 

Andi DiehnAndi Diehn

Andi Diehn grew up near the ocean chatting with horseshoe crabs and now lives in the mountains surrounded by dogs, cats, lizards, chickens, ducks, moose, deer, and bobcats, some of which help themselves to whatever she manages to grow in the garden. You are most likely to find her reading a book, talking about books, writing a book, or discussing politics with her sons. She has 18 children’s nonfiction books published or forthcoming. www.andidiehn.com

 

Space Adventurer Book Cool Women in Technology

 

And me,

author jennifer swansonLEGO AMazing Earth book  Jennifer Swanson

@JenSwanBooks

Jennifer Swanson is the award winning author of over 40+ nonfiction books for children, mostly about science and technology. Jennifer’s love of STEM began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer’s passion for science and technology resonates in all her books but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), Astronaut-Aquanaut, and Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner, Save the Crash-test Dummies. Her  BRAIN GAMES book was even #13 on the The Planets.org 50 Best Science books Ever Written.

 

We hope you are enjoying our STEM Tuesday blog. If you use it in your classroom or homeschool, please let us know. And if you have a topic that you would like us to cover that we haven’t yet, leave your suggestion in the comments below.  GO STEM!!