STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Mountains– In the Classroom
March 10, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

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...
Read more →

STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Book List
March 3, 2026 by STEM Tuesday

Mountains are some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, towering above clouds, shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, and home to incredible plants, animals, and people. From icy Himalayan peaks to rugged mountain ranges around the world, these powerful landscapes shape ecosystems and challenge explorers. The books below invite middle grade readers to discover the science, adventure, survival, and wonder found at the top of the world. Mountain: Go On a Grand Tour of the Highest Places on Earth by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko This browseable guide showcases mountain ranges, plateaus, volcanoes, and tepuis across the world. From the pink sand of Mount Roraima to the Himalayan glaciers, the book’s breathtaking landscapes and close-up photos of mountain-dwelling creatures highlight the geographic and ecological diversity of the planet’s mountains. There’s a Mountain in this Book by Rachel Elliott and Genevieve Lacroix With clever die-cut flaps and interactive...
Read more →

STEM Tuesday– Chemistry– Author Interview
February 24, 2026 by Jennifer Swanson

We are excited to be talking with Jon Chad, author/illustrator of the Physics of Life SCIENCE Comics, and the new Solvers comics about Math. Because this month’s topic is chemistry, we are specifically talking about this book: Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements JS: How did you get the idea to write this awesome book and why did you choose to make it a graphic novel? Jon C.: I was asked by my...
Read more →

STEM Tuesday– Chemistry– Writing Tips & Resources
February 17, 2026 by Jennifer Swanson

Chemistry Love & The Power of (Word) Attraction February Can the month of love be the perfect month for a STEM Tuesday post on chemistry? Yes, it can. Love = Attraction Chemistry = Attraction Chemistry = Love! Creating a STEM-themed piece of writing or any other creative endeavor that readers love means creating an attraction, or chemistry, with the reader. Sound simple enough, right? But as we all find out one way or the other, creativity, like relationships, is anything but simple. So, how can we use chemistry to become more effective creators? Chemistry, in a nutshell, is the study of matter and how matter interacts. By knowing how our own creative matter interacts, we can create more satisfying work. Building better bonds Chemistry is dependent on the bonds formed between atoms. The quantum attractions and repulsions between atoms hold matter together in an almost infinite number of possible configurations....
Read more →

Read More STEM TUESDAY