Search by Topic

STEM Tuesday
  • STEM Tuesday-- Amphibians-- In the Classroom
    STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– In the Classroom
    April 14, 2026 by
    Studying amphibians is a natural interest for most students.  After all, some amphibians hop, they stick out their tongues to catch their meals, and they go back and forth from land to water.  Studying amphibians is also a great way to expand students’ critical thinking skills through STEM.  Luckily, some great books can help teachers, parents, librarians, and others on this mission. First of all, what is an amphibian?  By definition, they are a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that usually has two different life stages in two different habitats.  That is, larval in a water stage, and breathing in a land environment.  Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.  Caecilians are also included, though they are not as well known.  The word amphibian derives from the Greek words “amphi”, which means “both sides”, and “bio”, which means “life”. This refers to the two stages of life in two different environments. Many engaging books teach and inspire children to learn more about...
    Read more
  • STEM Tuesday-- Amphibians-- Book List
    STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– Book List
    April 7, 2026 by
    Amphibians are animals that tend to live part of their life underwater and part of their life on land. Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts have soft, moist skin, and most can breathe through their skin – as long as it stays damp. Adult amphibians also use lungs to breathe. Amphibian Acrobats by Leslie Bulion, illustrated by Robert Meganck This book is filled with froggy poetry about Olympic jumpers, deep-freeze artists, salamander wrestlers, and marathon walkers that migrate to their puddle home to lay eggs every spring. From caecilians to salamanders, each poem introduces amazing amphibian behavior. Amphibian Groups by Sue Bradford Edwards A fascinating, photo-illustrated exploration of various frogs, salamanders, and caecilians and how they band together and cooperate to ensure their survival. It includes eye-catching graphics, multiple writing prompts, and discussion questions, as well as an awesome list of facts and a call to action. Tree Frogs: Life in...
    Read more
  • STEM Tuesday-- Mountains-- Author Interview
    STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Author Interview
    March 24, 2026 by
    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...
    Read more
  • STEM Tuesday-- Mountains-- Writing Tips & Resources
    STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Writing Tips & Resources
    March 17, 2026 by
    Welcome to Writing Tips and Resources! This month we’re talking about: Climbing the Mountain of Your Writing Project! 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] Some ways to prepare:  Activity: Create an Outline for Your Writing There are many ways to plan out your writing project. Here are a few steps to consider: Book Recommendation: MOUNTAIN by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko offers inspiring photos and fascinating facts from diverse mountains around the globe. So many amazing...
    Read more