Posts Tagged Common Core & NGSS

STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– Book List

By on April 7, 2026   /   Amphibians, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

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 the Leaves by Moira Rose Donohue

Five chapters discuss where and how frogs live, their food, how they survive winter (some freeze!), and their life cycle from tadpole to adult. One chapter introduces frog relatives, including some that live in trees but aren’t tree frogs. The book concludes with conservation efforts.

A Day in the Life of Frogs: What do Frogs, Toads, and Tadpoles Get Up to All Day? by Itzue W. Caviedes Solis, illustrated by Henry Rancourt

After comparing frogs and toads, the conversational text follows a day from noon to 3 am, highlighting the unique and fascinating lives of frogs and toads around the world and their environments. Fun cameos from the Southeast Asian rock frog, Australian turtle frog and cane toad, Central African wolverine frog, Columbian sun glass frog, and South American Bell’s horned frog connect the narrative across the pages.   

Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple, illustrated by Juanbjuan

For younger readers, this is a great introduction to frogs, filled with close-up photos of legs and eyes and tongues – it will make you want to head to the nearest pond for some frog-watching. Sections address the difference between frogs and toads, how frogs eat, where they live, how they make sounds, and their development from eggs to adults. “Leaping Legs” sidebars explain facts from a frog’s point of view.

See-Thru Frogs (see-thru books series) by Sherry Gerstein 

Get to know frogs from the inside-out! See-thru pages help illustrate the stuff on the inside of frogs – their skeleton and internal organs. Kids can compare bones we have in common, and note some differences, such as their longer foot bones. 

Field Guides & Activity Books:

Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and More (Young Naturalists series) by Lisa J. Amstutz 

Taking readers on a field trip to ponds and fields in search of amphibians of all types, this book introduces us to the major frog families, newts, and caecilians. It discusses amphibian anatomy, shares their housing and meal plans, and lets us in on their secrets of defense. And best of all includes hands-on activities, like an underwater pond viewer, mixing up frog slime, and crafting an origami frog.

Everything You Need To Know About Frogs And Other Slippery Creatures DK Publishing

This browsable book has everything from frog brains and secrets of a smooth skin to how tadpoles survive to adulthood. You’ll meet flapping frogs, flying frogs, glass frogs … and a few reptiles along the way. Plus, how frogs’ legs led to the invention of the first battery.

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Reptiles & Amphibians by Catherine Herbert Howell

Amphibians may share this book with reptiles, but there are plenty of pages to explore salamanders, frogs, and toads. Text boxes highlight fun facts, and a longer sidebar dives into metamorphosis. Five hands-on activities include making a simple pond viewer and a toad home.

Amphibians (Field Guides) by Rachel Seigel

Engaging text, featuring 110 frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians (some common and some endangered), teams up with “how to spot” statistic and “fun fact” sidebars to make amphibian hunting lots of fun.

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

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the 2018 & 2017 Cybils Awards, and a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

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STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Author Interview

By on March 24, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, 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’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 companion for those with a knack for adventure, or prone to getting disoriented in the forest.

This humorous and informative comic-format guide showcases all things survival in the great outdoors. ~ The Horn Book

An enlightening guide for aspiring adventurers. ~ Kirkus

Linda: Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains is a fun way to convey 

information about survival skills. The animals that keep chiming in are hysterical. Where did you get the idea for this book?

Max: The idea came from a chat with my editor. We were brainstorming and discussing some of my interests, which include a lot of outdoor adventure activities, and we thought maybe a book that spells out what to do when things go wrong might be fun. It started as a picture book, but it was so dense that it made perfect sense to open it up, add more humor and depth, and turn it into a graphic novel.

Linda: What was your research process like?

Max: I’ve spent most of my life outside having fun in the mountains and on the water in all kinds of seasons and settings, so I have a decent feel for the reality of being in trouble in the mountains. But I really needed to back things up with a cohesive philosophy and structure for survival. Kind of a flow chart of what to do when things go wrong. And that meant hitting the books! Tons of reading. Everything from first hand survival accounts to wilderness first response manuals. From the mountain of reading I was able to distill a rough framework for what Scout, and possibly a young reader, should do if they’re lost.

Linda: What do you hope readers take away from this graphic novel?

Max: I want readers to know that sometimes the best thing they can do in a stressful situation is pause, breathe, and collect themselves. Too much thinking has rarely made a survival situation worse…

Linda: How can teachers and librarians use this book?

Max: Any element of Scout’s story is useful, fascinating, and possibly lifesaving. Activities in the book like building or seeking a shelter, starting a campfire, or using a map and compass (my favorite) are practical and fun, a chance to get hands dirty, and can all be tied to science, physics, and math. 

Linda:You have a few other Survival Scout Books. Tell us how the other books in the series evolved and if there are more books planned.

Max: Survival Scout: Tsunami is the follow-up to Lost in the Mountains. We decided to go big for this one! And again, beyond the scares and action, it’s overflowing with earth science, physics, and skunk jokes. Survival Scout: Lost at Sea is the same but with the addition of some information about weather systems. It was a ton of fun to research each of them and heartening to have heard from scientists, museums, and professionals in related fields who have written to tell me how blown away they were by the depth and accuracy of these silly little graphic novels! There aren’t any other books in the works, but I hope that kids find and enjoy these three.

Linda: In my college years, I once ran into trouble while hiking Mount Washington. I was on an exposed ridge with the sun setting and the temperature plunging. As the stars came into view, I spotted a ramshackle building. It turned out to be a bustling high-mountain hut. What’s your mountain survival story?

Max: I can’t tell or my family will worry! But, again, I can tell readers from lots of experience that it pays to keep a level head and some perspective in the mountains. And always watch out for skunks!

Linda: Max, thanks so much for being our guest today on STEM Tuesday. I can’t wait to read your next book!

Maxwell Eaton III is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of dozens of outdoor adventure-based picture books and comics for young readers. All of Maxwell’s books are informed by a life led outdoors in the mountains and on the water. He is passionate about sharing his love for the natural world with young people and empowers them to get outside; make and do with their own hands; to think and act with calm and collected minds; and to maintain perspective and humor. He skis, paddles, and writes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. 

Linda Zajac is the author of Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals and eight Minecraft books for kids. She’s an award-winning science writer who sometimes trades her writing cap for a biking helmet, a hiking visor, or a kitty named Twinky. Find her at www.lindarosezajac.com

 

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STEM Tuesday– Mountains– Writing Tips & Resources

By on March 17, 2026   /   Mountains/Rainforests/Cloud Forests, STEM Tuesday  
STEM Tuesday

Welcome to Writing Tips and Resources! This month we’re talking about:

Climbing the Mountain of Your Writing Project!

Decorative: Hiker looking at Mount Fuji

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]
Decorative: hiking supplies

Some ways to prepare: 

  • Decide what mountain you’ll climb: Select your topic or story idea so you have a sense of your project’s scale.
  • Pack your bags: Identify what skills, research and ideas will help you write.
  • Determine what you need to be comfortable. On a mountain hike, this might be layers of clothes, sturdy boots and a good-fitting backpack. For writing, consider how you work best:
    • Where do you like to write?
    • What do you need with you?
    • When, where, and with what snacks do you do your best work?

Activity: Create an Outline for Your Writing

There are many ways to plan out your writing project. Here are a few steps to consider:

  1. Get all your ideas out. Don’t worry about order or organization yet.
  2. Study what you have. Does a big idea appear? What’s interesting to you?
  3. Now organize the important ideas into a structure or outline. 
  4. Keep moving points around and adding ideas until you have a plan that you’re excited about.

Book Recommendation:

MOUNTAIN by Jason Bittel and Sandra Neuditschko offers inspiring photos and fascinating facts from diverse mountains around the globe. So many amazing mountains…but you can only climb one at a time. Which mountain will you pick? Which writing project? 

STARTING

You’re packed and planned for your climb. You’ve gathered your resources. Now it’s time to start. 

Starting can be scary. It’s where you realize that you’re actually going to climb this big, beautiful, dangerous mountain. You might want to just head home instead.

[Photo by: VinceTraveller (CC-BY-2.0)]
Decorative: trail sign

To get the ball rolling, try these tips: 

  • Pick a day and time when you will start writing
  • Lower your expectations: You don’t have to write something perfect; you don’t have to finish today.
  • Write without editing; keep moving forward
  • Set a timer: Maybe just write for 20 minutes. Or 5 minutes. 
  • Find an accountability partner: Agree with a friend that you’ll write at the same time, or share your writing goals.
  • Reward yourself: Do something fun after each writing session.

Activity: Start! Use the tips above or your own ideas and start writing.

Book recommendation:

HOW TO MAKE A MOUNTAIN by Amy Huntington and illustrated by Nancy Lemon is a great example of how even a mountain has to start somewhere and grow step by step. “It’s going to take a little muscle and a whole lot of patience. It is a big job but it’s packed with adventure.” 

STAYING ON COURSE

You might feel like you’re nearly there and suddenly you turn a twisty corner and realize there’s more in front of you. The mountain feels endless, and so does the rest of your writing project. You’re not at the end yet, and you’re not sure if you have the strength to get there.

The good news? Everyone feels this way sometimes. And if you keep going, you’ll get through the messy middle.

[Photo by: U.S. Army 173IBCT-A by Spc. Giovanny Lopez, Public Domain]
Decorative: hiker ascending a steep, rocky mountain slope

Here are some ways to stay on course: 

  • Consult your map (aka plot chart or outline). How can it guide you forward? What are you missing? Dig deep to get inspiration and direction. 
  • Twists and turns aren’t always a bad thing; have you stumbled on a new insight or direction? Don’t be afraid to let go of what’s not working. 
  • Keep the faith: The end may not be visible and you may feel lost, but trust that you can make your way to the summit if you persist.

Activity: When you worry your project is off course: 

  1. Can you identify what isn’t working?
  2. Ask what you need to support your takeaway: Additional sources? A creative plot twist? 
  3. Keep track of what you’ve done and what’s left to do.
  4. Take a break! Go for a walk, do a word puzzle, play with a pet.
  5. Review your outline or free write about your story or essay to see if there are any changes needed to the outline.
  6. Believe in yourself. You got this far and if you keep going, you’ll get to the end!

Book Recommendation:

SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN: AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA by Sy Montgomery and Nicole Bishop shows the persistence and patience needed to find something precious—like the elusive snow leopard—or create something meaningful—like the story or essay you’re writing. Keep at it—good things come to those who persist.  

Book Recommendation:

SURVIVAL SCOUT: LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS by Maxwell Eaton III offers practical survival tips using the resources you have on hand (and a little humor). 

THE MIDPOINT (peak)

Congratulations—you’ve reached the top of the mountain! (aka you’ve finished your first draft). Look back on how far you’ve come! This is worth celebrating! 

And there’s still work to do—a mountain to climb down, and a draft to revise.

But as you look around at the view and proudly study your pile of words, you can gain confidence: you’ve made it this far; you can make it all the way home to a finished draft. 

[Photo by: Staceymacnaughtosl (CC-BY-4.0)]
Decorative: hiker looking over a river valley
Decorative: hiker looking at the view

Activity: Celebrate and Look Ahead

There are two important things to do at this stage:

1. Plan your next steps:

Figure out when you’re going to revise. Put down your thoughts about what to add, change, or look at more closely. These notes will help you move into revisions.

2. Celebrate yourself!

You’ve done something huge and deserve to enjoy the view from here. Remind yourself of what you’ve accomplishment! Tell people who’ll care about this important step. Do something good for yourself—dance around the house, play a game you love, read a good book, spend time with your pet. Treat yourself!

[Photo by: Damithch96 (CC-BY-SA-4.0)]

HEADING HOME

As you head home, you’re walking back over the same path and seeing it from a different angle. This is revision: going through what you’ve written and tidying your trail.

Are your arguments clear? Do your references support what you want to say? Do your characters have enough…character? Are your sentences and word choices the strongest they could be?

As you make these changes, watch your writing project come into focus. 

[Photo by: Richard Wood (CC-BY-SA-3.0)]
Decorative: downhill hiking trail
Decorative: hikers walking downhill

Activity: Plan and implement your revision

  1. Remind yourself what you wanted to accomplish with this piece of writing
  2. Read what you’ve written: Does your writing achieve your overarching goals?
  3. What was the point of your writing? (what was your main argument? What character journey did you want to explore?)
  4. After you revise, ask someone else to read your writing. Do they take away the ideas you wanted them to? What questions or ideas do they have?
  5. Revise again if there are changes you still want to make.
[Photo by: Eli Duke (CC-BY-SA-2.0)]

When is it done? Once your big ideas are in place and you’re just fiddling with a few words here and there, you’re probably finished. 

AFTER YOUR CLIMB

Each mountain (project/ piece of writing) is unique; allow yourself the freedom to meet the particular needs and opportunities it brings.

If the way you write doesn’t match the one above, that’s great too. Creative processes are all different and evolve over time. 

When you get to your next project, some of this will work for you but some of it you’ll need to adapt, just like every mountain you climb has its own particularities. 

[Photo by: ID 16863375 @ Christa Eder | Dreamstime.com]
Decorative: hiking boots in front of a mountain

Activity: Celebrate! You’ve done something amazing!

Step back and admire the mountain you just climbed. Take time to enjoy what you’ve done.

Then start dreaming about your next project. 

Book Recommendation:

AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD: THE GREATEST MOUNTAINS ON EARTH (AND HOW TO CLIMB THEM) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown offers another celebration of amazing mountains with tips about how to climb them and face the natural disasters they’re prone to. What will your next climb—or writing project—be? 

Post created by:

Alexandra Millarhouse is a researcher, science communication professional, and writer focused on the intersection of nature, science, and self. Her debut picture book, THE ANIMAL QUEENDOM, comes out in 2027 with Simon & Schuster, followed by an unannounced picture book in 2028. Living in Vermont, Alexandra is often tracking wildlife across a cemetery, or sitting by the water with a sketchbook. Visit Alexandra online at: https://www.foxandindigo.com/

Kamilla Milligan is a kidlit writer who explores themes of home, connection with nature, and cultural diversity in her stories. Kamilla has lived in Canada, the southern US, and Russia, and applies her PhD in education to her work in equity and human rights. Outside of reading, Kamilla enjoys gardening, fibre projects, and nature walks. Visit Kamilla online at kamillamilligan.com

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