STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Light Pollution– Writing Tips and Resources
July 21, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

In November of 2007, we had a terrible ice storm in my small town. Trees and power lines were decimated. We even lost our basketball goal in the driveway when a large oak limb dropped on top of it. We were without power for a week after our house was mistakenly skipped over by the out-of-town power crews on their first pass through our neighborhood, making the wait longer. My family did not appreciate the beanie weenie meal I cooked on the gas grill and ended up spending more time at a friend’s house because they had electricity while I held down the fort through the long, dark, and cold nights. Although this was not a pleasant experience in any way, shape, or form, there was one sliver of a silver lining from the ice storm. It knocked out the streetlight at the intersection in front of our house and several up and down the street. It was dark. It...
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STEM Tuesday– Light Pollution– In the Classroom
July 14, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

It’s been a big firefly summer in Minnesota this year, and we’ve been watching their lights flicker each night in our back garden. Summer is always a time to linger outside in the warm and long nights, look up, and see what you can see. Close to the city, the stars are hard to see though. So, we go up north to see the stars, and they are dazzling. Here are some activities to try with your kids now or when school is back in session to illustrate how light pollution not only blocks stars, but can upset the natural balance of our days and nights. I’ve curated this list of activities that could easily go with the books from this mont’s Stem Tuesday list. Read a book, try an activity, and enjoy the summer nights! How Light Pollution Affects Animals Dark Matters: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution...
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STEM Tuesday– Light Pollution– Book List
July 7, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

What Happened to our Starry, Starry Night? If you go outside on a moonless night, what do you see? A planet, maybe a handful of stars if you’re lucky. Unfortunately, for too many of us the city lights diminish the night sky. Streetlights and other artificial lights do more than illuminate our world. They create problems for plants and animals living in and around our cities, including seasonal migrators. Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World by Danio Miserocchi & Maciej Michno; illus. by Valentina Gottardi, and translated by Sylvia Notini This well-documented book examines how city lights affect birds and bats, reptiles and insects – even trees and flowers. It also provides hope, sharing things cities and people can do to minimize light pollution. Back matter includes ideas for bringing back the stars (dark skies) and resources. Saving the Night : How Light Pollution is Harming...
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STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– Author Interview
June 23, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today, we are thrilled to travel to the Czech Republic to interview Magda Garguláková, author of Bridges (April 2025, Post Wave). Explore the amazing world of bridges—from ancient stone arches to modern marvels—and discover how they connect us all! This illustrated 64-page hardcover book delves into the history, engineering, and construction of bridges. Intricate illustrations by Jakub Bachorík invite readers to follow roads and rivers and stumble upon tiny details: a cyclist, a stroller, a leashed dog, and more. About the book: Imagine a world without bridges, where every journey takes longer, rivers become obstacles, and valleys are nearly impossible to cross. Bridges don’t just make travel easier—they connect us to extraordinary places, too. Take a journey through the fascinating world of bridges, exploring their awe-inspiring structures and the visionary architects who brought them to...
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