Posts Tagged middle-grade nonfiction

STEM Tuesday– Glow in the Dark — Book List

By on October 1, 2024   /   Bioluminescence, STEM Tuesday  

Ever wonder about fireflies or glowing ocean waves? Scientists are discovering just how many plants and animals use biofluorescence, bioluminescence, and ultra-violet light and how we might use these phenomena in the future.  

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a  Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrott-Ryan

When a forest ecologist took an ultraviolet flashlight outside one night, he discovered something unexpected – a flying squirrel that glowed bright pink! The squirrel wasn’t making its own light using chemicals. Instead, it absorbed UV light and released it as the pink glow. This book dives into biofluorescence in animals and outlines future directions for scientific study.

Nature at Night by Lisa Regan

This visually stunning photo-illustrated book explores the ways plants and animals use biofluorescence, bioluminescence, and ultra-violet light for hunting, mating, or camouflage. In addition to aquatic animals, it also examines some unusual land-based ones, such as fungi, click beetles, chameleons, polka dot tree frogs, swallowtail butterflies, scorpions, and puffins. Texturing on a number of pages provides a glow-in-the-dark feature and the pronunciation guides in the text and glossary help with the scientific terminology.

Curious Creatures Glowing in the Dark by Zoë Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Sušanj

A fascinating lower middle grade text, which combines an evaluation of biofluorescence and bioluminescence with a wide range of historic and recent research by scientists and some intriguing future possibilities. The engaging text, detailed illustrations, and “Just Like You“ sidebars relate the numerous animal’s use of light to human actions. 

Glow Down Deep: Amazing Creatures That Light Up by Lisa Regan

In this second glow-in-the-dark book, which focuses on biofluorescence and bioluminescence in the ocean, stunning close-up photographs stand out against dark backgrounds. Ranging from tiny krill to delicate sea pens and fanged dragonfish to the unusual chain catshark, this stunning book discusses many well-known and also lesser-known sea creatures and the myriad of reasons they use light, including unique methods of defense. Intriguing facts, pronunciation guides, “Did You Know” sidebars, and a glossary create a really engaging book on glowing sea life.

Living Light: Conserving Bioluminescent Plants and Animals (Orca Wild) by Stephen Aitken

This book explores light made and used by living organisms, from fireflies to fungi to creatures in the darkest deep ocean. It also shines a light on research using bioluminescence to learn more about cancer and other diseases in humans. It ends with environmental threats, and actions people can take to conserve habitats that glow-in-the-dark creatures depend on.

Glow: The Wild Wonders of Bioluminescence  by Jennifer N R Smith

An oversize overview of bioluminescent organisms. From fungal fairy lights to denizens of the deepest sea, this book shows how light is used to communicate, attract, protect, and warn. One section features the anatomy of bioluminescence, another highlights current research.

Lights on! Animals that glow (series) by Joyce Markovics

This series of six books highlights fireflies, octopuses and squid, deep sea fish, jellyfish, shrimp and krill, and plankton. Easy-to-understand explanation of how bioluminescence works, animal adaptations, and conservation issues.

DK Bioluminescent Animals by Ruth Musgrave

A great high-low reader about fascinating glowing creatures. This photo-illustrated book offers a quick note about glowing snails, fireflies, and railway worms, then dives into a look at bioluminescent animals in the sea. Exposing many using light to hide, form glowing goo, trick predators or prey, and stump scientists. Lots of detailed information and a glossary make this a great introduction to the science of  bioluminescence.

Cold Light: Creatures, Discoveries, and Inventions That Glow by Anita Sitarski

The conversational tone of this fascinating photo-illustrated book creates an easily accessible evaluation of the many scientists involved in the creation and study of the science of bioluminescence from 1602 to the invention of chemical luminescence and LEDs.   

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

Sue Heavenrich, author

Sue Heavenrich, who writes about science for children and their families on topics ranging from space to backyard ecology. Bees, flies, squirrel behavior—things she observes in her neighborhood and around her home—inspire her writing. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com.

Maria Marshall, a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she watches birds, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

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STEM Tuesday — Inventions that Changed the World — Writing Tips & Resources

By on September 17, 2024   /   Inventors / Inventions, STEM Tuesday  

 

My post is taking a little twist on “Inventions that Changed the World.”  I am looking to the future. When one thinks of inventions, you think – what?  Television, the wheel, steam engine, etc.

Merriam Webster says invention noun: something invented: such as : a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment.

I picture thousands of “inventors” daily going about their jobs as parents, teachers, librarians, child care and elder care workers. People who are dedicated to helping others move into the future as successfully as they can. Each day these frontline workers invent devices, contrivances, and processes that assist themselves and their audience toward a better world.

While there is no substitute for hard work, there are resources that contribute to making the job of “inventing” easier. I advocate for the similarity between the arts and sciences and participating in both can enrich the other.

Scientific process from Science Buddies.  https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/steps-of-the-scientific-method

There are seven steps to the scientific method: Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Analysis, Conclusion, and Communication. Although scientists may modify, reorder, or revisit steps on occasion, scientists generally use this basic logical approach.

Creative process from Study.com. https://study.com/learn/lesson/creative-process-overview-steps.

1. Preparation

2. Incubation

3. Illumination

4. Evaluation

5. Implementation

As you can see, they follow a similar pattern.  A question or idea, do your homework (find out as much as you can, make sketches and plans), more research and experimentation, an “aha” moment when it seems to make sense. Then another look at it. Don’t be satisfied with the first solution. Sometimes this process goes on for a long time.

I have used this comparison as an activity because the procedures are parallel. Doing art projects (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.) is another way of developing the skills of scientific inquiry in students. With some planning and direction, they can overlap.

You can find many examples in the book How To Become An Accidental Genius by Elizabeth MacLeod, Frieda Wishinsky,  & Jenn Playford (also mentioned in two previous STEM Tuesday posts). I found the book to be FULL of good advice and very relevant examples. Although, I did wonder about the use of the term “genius.” One does not have to be a “genius” to accomplish remarkable things. Or even regular things successfully.

Right on page 7 in the book is a super list of “qualifications.” My particular favorite is tenacity. I myself am no genius but I managed to make a creative career for myself in the arts. Tenacity is so important. I never gave up.

The book goes on to give examples. Some of the successes were through persistence, some were accidental, some were by making unlikely connections, or seeing a need and working to fill it. There is no ONE path and people of all ages and abilities can accomplish by setting goals and by being sensitive to the world around them.

As the poet Marvin Bell said, “Art is the big YES.” Aspiring artists and scientists should not be afraid to go ahead. Google says Thomas Edison was quoted as saying, “I will not say I failed 1,000 times, I will say that I found 1,000 ways that won’t work.” There is knowledge and experience to be gained in all endeavors.

Margo Lemieux worked as a teacher, kick box instructor, tee shirt designer, newspaper correspondent, children’s book author & illustrator, cookie packer, craft vendor coordinator, and a whole bunch of other jobs before retiring as professor emerita from Lasell University. She still actively maintains a career in visual art and writing.

Accidental Genius cover
Accidental Genius
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STEM Tuesday — Inventions that Changed the World — In the Classroom

By on September 10, 2024   /   Inventors / Inventions, STEM Tuesday  

 

Inventions are new ideas or things that people create to make life easier or more fun. They help solve problems and improve how we live, like how light bulbs give us light or airplanes help us fly. Inventions make the world a better and exciting place! How have inventions changed your life? These books explore inventors and their inventions. They make a great starting point for invention classroom discussions and activities!

Invent It!
Written by Rob Beattie

This fun and informative guide walks readers through the entire invention process, from brainstorming and prototyping all the way through production and marketing. Kids can follow along with their own ideas, learning practical tips along the way while being inspired by some of history’s best breakthroughs…and biggest flops!

 

Classroom Activity

We use inventions every day, at home, work, and school. Ask students walk about the classroom and write down the inventions they find. Have each student pick one invention and answer the following questions:

  • What is the invention?
  • What problem does it solve?
  • How was this problem addressed before this invention existed?
  • What else solves this problem?
  • How does this invention make life easier?

Tell students to imagine the invention does not exist. Have them brainstorm an alternate way or new invention to solve the problem.

 

Engineered!: Engineering Design at Work
Written by Shannon Hunt & illustrated by James Gulliver Hancock

This book is eye-opening because it shows young readers that engineering can solve many problems, from how to land a rover on Mars to saving a herd of caribou from potential extinction. A helpful seven-step flowchart of the engineering design process is also featured, encouraging future engineers.

Classroom Activity

Everyone can be an inventor! Most inventions are created to solve a problem. Have students identify a problem and brainstorm possible solutions. Students can design an invention to solve the problem. Students should follow the step-by-step engineering design process. Next, students can build a prototype of their invention using common classroom or home materials. When the prototypes are built, students can demonstrate them for the class. In their classroom demonstration, students should answer the following questions: How does their invention work? What problem does it solve? How will their invention make life easier?

 

Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World
by Kathy Trusty

This biography compilation chronicles the journeys of 15 incredible inventors who changed the world with products like hair brushes, traffic lights, and home security systems. Each chapter includes a short biography of an inventor, information about the significance of their invention, and follow-up questions for reflection and further investigation.

 

How to Become an Accidental Genius
Written by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky, & illustrated by Jenn Playford

Structured as a how-to guide for would-be inventors, this fun book cultivates the mindsets needed for innovation. The chapters are organized to highlight the role that experimentation, failure, and coincidences can play in the engineering process and the importance of being open to new possibilities. The inventor profiles feature a mix of well-known pioneers, like George Washington Carver; lesser-known historical figures, like Hedy Lamarr; and contemporary young people, like Hayley Todesco.

Classroom Activity

Inventors have changed the world with their inventions. Students can select a famous or lesser-known inventor to research. Ask them to investigate their inventor’s personal history, challenges, and contributions to the world. Using the information they have learned; students can create a homemade replica of one of the inventor’s inventions. Students can create a presentation about their inventor and his/her inventions for the class.

 

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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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