Posts Tagged book clubs

STEM Tuesday– Cephalopods — In the Classroom

By on June 10, 2025   /   Cephalopods/Mollusks, STEM Tuesday  

 

Oooh, this month’s theme is cephalopods! I’m always amazed but the things octopuses and squids can do—escape aquariums, camouflage in an instant, mesmerize predators with flashing colors, and so much more. I even read that octopuses can sometimes grow a ninth arm when they are injured!

There’s so much to amaze kids too. And while they are not in the classroom right now, here are some activities to get kids thinking about cephalopods and learning more about them!

 

Ink! 100 FUN Facts about Octopuses, Squid, and More by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

You can’t go wrong with National Geographic. This very visual book introduces readers to a variety of squids including cuttlefish that camouflage themselves and octopuses that outsmart their predators. The text is written by experts with first hand experience and includes many fun facts. It’s both educational and entertaining.

Activity: Octopuses and squid are a lot alike in many ways, but they do have some key differences. Use the facts found in this fascinating book to create a game to test players’ knowledge of these different kinds of cephalopods. Use index cards and write a fact on one side. Or print a picture or draw a diagram of a squid or octopus body part. Take turns guessing if the fact or image is that of an octopus or cephalopod. Whomever gets the most correct wins the game!

 

Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World, written by Michael Stavaric, illustrated by Michele Ganswer

This book takes a unique approach. It explores and views octopuses as otherworldly, almost as aliens. The text and original, black and white illustrations really capture the magic and mystery of these creatures. It introduces this topic by first talking about the evolution of all sea creatures, to provide context.

Activity: What if octopuses DID come from another world? What would that world look like? What would an octopus spaceship look like? Imagine that world and make a list of details about it (their homes, their favorite places to eat, their communities). Imagine their spacecraft, too. How different would it be from our spacecraft? Then make a short comic about these alien octopus astronauts traveling to Earth long ago. Use some free comic panel templates. You can find some here:

 

Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster by Mary M. Cerullo and Clyde F. E. Roper

Part science textbook, part detective story, this Smithsonian book recounts biologist Clyde Roper’s search for a real-life sea monster. Readers will enjoy unearthing clues about the giant squid as they follow along with Roper’s ocean adventures. Cerullo’s text is full of facts and accompanied by a variety of eye-catching images, including both black-and-white illustrations and up-close photographs.

Activity: It’s not easy studying sea creatures and scientists have to be creative with how they study them. One method is to use a Crittercam, a camera described in this book. The scientists used a Crittercam on a sperm whale to try to capture the elusive giant squid on camera. Watch a few videos showing how this is done. It takes many steps and tries to complete successfully. Then write a step-by-step process for attaching a Crittercam to a sperm whale. This is a a good exercise in describing a process in a simple way when writing about a topic. Include diagrams if you’d like and share it with a friend. Ask: Does this make sense? Do you think I left a step out? What is confusing?

Here are some videos to watch:

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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STEM Tuesday– Natural Disasters– Book List

By on May 6, 2025   /   Natural Disasters, STEM Tuesday  

 

Natural disasters are a source of concern and curiosity. The titles below get to the heart of the science, providing great information for kids who want to dig deeper into the subject. From volcanoes to hurricanes, tornadoes to floods – these books will give readers answers, and helpful advice on how to prepare for such an event.

 

The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide

 

The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide

by Diane C. Taylor

A great introduction to the science of natural disasters like wildfires, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and their effects on humans. Kids can work with investigative activities, brainstorm solutions, and even learn about different careers related to studying, managing and finding solutions to natural disasters.

 

 

Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate

 

Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology and Climate

written by MK Reed, illustrated by Jonathan Hill

Using a graphic novel format and a fictitious weatherman, this book introduces readers to the basics of meteorology – the water cycle, tornadoes, hurricanes, and the causes and effects of climate change. An accessible book to grasp information

 

 

 

Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (Books for a Better Earth)

 

Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires

by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Michael Garland

An engagingly written, beautifully illustrated book on how animals and plants detect and respond to wildfires, how they have adapted to them, and how climate change is affecting these events.

 

 

 

 

 

They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them

by Dan Paley, illustrated by Molly Mendoza

A dramatic look into the complex and dangerous work of first responders, this book takes the reader on a gripping mission to battle wildfires. An accessible, informative book.

 

 

 

All About Earthquakes: Discovering How Earth Moves and Shakes

by Libby Romero

Readers will learn the causes and the effects of earthquakes, how they are measured, and much more. Full of activities and photographs.

 

 

 

 

The Big One: The Cascadia Earthquakes and the Science of Saving Lives

by Elizabeth Rusch

The author follows scientists as they dig into the earth, into historical records and lake and ocean soil to find when the next massive earthquake is due in the Pacific Northwest, and what we can do about it to save lives.

 

 

Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St Helens

by Rebecca E. F. Barone

The exciting true-life account of the eruption of Mount St Helens in 1980, recounted through the lives of scientists, survivors and others, gives readers insight into what a volcanic eruption and the aftermath is really like.

 

 

 

 

 

Volcano: Where Fire and Water Meet

by Cerullo, Mary M.

Everyone knows about the destructive forces of a volcano, but not what happens after it has finished erupting. Discover what volcanoes have in common with coral reefs and sea life, uncover long kept secrets, and follow along on an adventure as the author weaves together science, history and mythology to lead readers on an exciting journey into the world of volcanoes.

 

 

 

The Deadliest Hurricanes Then and Now

by Deborah Hopkinson

Meteorologists have the capability of tracking storms today, but that wasn’t always the case. In 1900, a devastating storm hit Galveston, Texas – inspiring the beginnings of meteorology. Follow this fast-paced storm as the author brings it to life with photographs, charts and illustrations and discover where the science of hurricanes and weather began.

 

 

 

 

 

Eyewitness: Hurricane & Tornado

by Jack Challone

This book is a handy guide to the dangerous and destructive powers of hurricanes and tornadoes. With the help of amazing images, models and illustrations, readers will get a unique view of these fascinating and catastrophic weather conditions. Learn techniques developed to forecast weather and discover some stories that you might not believe are true!

 

 

 

Tsunamis: Causes and Effects

by Eamonn Corrigan

Open up this book to get the facts about tsunamis. Both dangerous and destructive, learn about what causes them, dive into the history of the world’s worst ones, and discover safety tips on how to survive one, as you explore a world of statistics, sidebars and other fascinating information.

 

 

 

Natural Disasters: A Collection of Inspiring Survival Stories and Facts about Friendship, Courage, and Rescue to Motivate Young Smart Minds

 

Natural Disasters: A Collection of Inspiring Survival Stories and Facts about Friendship, Courage, and Rescue to Motivate Young Smart Minds

by Michelle Burton

With this book readers will discover the how’s and why’s of natural disasters. They’ll launch into exciting survival stories to discover inspirational life-saving tips. Anyone who is fascinated by the science of natural disasters will come away with the tools they need to tackle the challenges after reading this book.

 

 

 

1000+ Natural Disaster Facts for Kids: Tsunami, Hurricane, Tornado, Volcano, Earthquakes, Storm and more for Kids

 

1000+ Natural Disaster Facts for Kids: Tsunami, Hurricane, Tornado, Volcano, Earthquakes, Storm and more for Kids

by Ntormy Kampless

Filled with fun facts and interesting illustrations, this book explores natural disasters in an engaging way. From tornadoes to volcanoes to earthquakes, this book brings these events to life.

 

 

 

 

 

Extreme Weather for Kids: Lessons and Activities All About Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Blizzards, and More! 

This book uses reports and photos from the field to give readers hands-on weather studies activities.  It’s action-packed, full of fascinating information, and easy for readers to engage with; providing an exciting introduction to meteorology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Summers is a wildlife enthusiast and an author. Contact her at: https://susan-inez-summers.weebly.com/

 

 

Shruthi Rao is an author. Her home on the web is https://shruthi-rao.com

 

 

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STEM Tuesday– Naturalists– In the Classroom

By on April 8, 2025   /   Earth Day, STEM Tuesday  

 

Instead of just reading about ecosystems or food chains in a textbook, naturalists are out in the world seeing it happen —watching ants build a colony, seeing mushrooms grow after rain, or noticing how birds behave at different times of day. These books explore naturalists, what they do, and how you can be a naturalist too. They make a great starting point for nature explorations, classroom discussions, and activities!

 

I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau 

by Julie Dunlap and Megan Elizabeth Baratta

Henry Thoreau collected leaves and arrowheads from a young age. He could tell when skunk cabbage was blooming by smelling the air. As an adult, he kept copious notes about nature, sending samples and observations to scientists. Observant readers will enjoy the timeline that runs along the bottom of the pages. Back matter dives into phenology (botanical signs of the seasons) and how Thoreau’s work has helped modern scientists understand climate change.

 

Classroom Activity – Nature Journaling

Try your hand at being a naturalist like Henry David Thoreau! Have students visit a local park, backyard, garden, or schoolyard. Each student should take a notebook, pencils, colored pencils, and a magnifying glass. Have each student explore the area for plants, insects, animals, weather, or sounds. What did they observe? Students should draw or describe what they observed in their nature journal. They can also take notes and write down any questions they might want to research later. Back in the classroom, students can share their observations with classmates.

 

Wildheart: the Daring Adventures of John Muir

by Julie Bertagna

Beginning with boyhood in Scotland and continuing with his adult life in the US, this book presents John Muir’s life in graphic novel format. Muir, more famous as the founder of the Sierra Club, was a careful observer of nature. His study of glaciers in Alaska informed his understanding of Yosemite.

 

Darwin’s Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution

by Christiane Dorion

This is an adventure story – a tale of exploration, field research, shipwrecks, and a friendship between two naturalists that evolved over time. Both Wallace and Darwin wrote about natural selection and the evolution of new species. But instead of competing against each other for credit, both tried hard to treat each other fairly – to the benefit of all. Filled with maps and spreads showing diversity of beetles, butterflies, and birds.

 

Classroom Activity – Naturalist Spotlight

Naturalists such as John Muir, Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and others have made significant contributions to our understanding of nature and the environment. Divide students into small groups and have each group pick a naturalist to research. What type of work did they do? What did they study? What contributions did they make to our understanding of nature? What qualities does their subject share with other naturalists? Have students prepare a poster, PowerPoint presentation, or short skit to present what they have learned to the class.

 Classroom Activity – Animal Tracking

Naturalists learn how to spot the signs of animal activity in nature. They find tracks, feathers, nests, and scat that reveal animal activity. Now it’s time for students to put on their nature detective hats and track animal activity. First, students should research and study images of animal tracks, scat, feathers, nests and other signs of local wildlife. Next, students can go on a walk to search for signs of animal activity. Have them take notes and sketch what they find in a nature journal. What evidence and signs of animal activity did they find? What information does it give them about the animals in their area? Have students share their findings with the class.

 

The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions

by Giselle Clarkson

This book presents four potential sites for conducting naturalist expeditions, along with the sorts of things one might observe while there. They are easily accessible to kids of all ages and include a damp corner (perfect site for discovering more about centipedes and fungi), pavement (great habitat for ants and worms) and weedy patches.

 

Classroom Activity – Build a Bug House

What type of habitats do insects prefer? In this activity, students can try their hand at building an insect habitat, a bug house! Have students collect natural items to use as building materials, such as sticks, bark, leaves, and pinecones. Students can use these building materials to design and build a small structure that provides shelter for insects. Place the structures outside and observe over several weeks. Students can write and sketch their observations in their nature journals. What insects does the bug house attract? Why are they important?

 

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Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and dog. Find her at http://www.carlamooney.com, on Facebook @carlamooneyauthor, or on X @carlawrites.

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