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STEM Tuesday– Fossils– Author Interview

By on January 28, 2025   /   Fossils, 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 interviewing Alison Pearce Stevens, author of Rhinos in Nebraska. Rhinos is the tale of a supervolcano, its aftermath, and the intrepid scientist who discovered one of the world’s greatest paleontology sites–an ancient Nebraska waterhole filled with the fossilized skeletons of hundreds of animals that look like they came straight out of Africa.

This book is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection that’s won three Nebraska Book Awards!

Andi Diehn: Time as a character – there’s a lot of discussion of time in your book – the time that’s passed since ancient animals lived in Nebraska, the time it takes to turn bones into fossils, how time can change a landscape and make it hard to find the exact location where a fossil was found. Why is geological time an important concept for kids (and adults) to understand?

Alison Pearce Stevens: How often do we say we’re “running out of time” or “don’t have time” for something? I know I say it a lot. Time is this commodity that always seems to be in short supply, but our concept of time is limited by our (rather limited) experience. I think taking a step back to get some big-picture perspective can be really helpful. On a geologic time scale, we humans exist for the blink of an eye. Given that, maybe some of the issues we feel pressured about aren’t actually so pressing. I think temporal perspective-taking can help us prioritize what’s really important in our lives, so we can be more content with what we have and put our energy into bigger, truly pressing issues.

As a side note, time played a big role in how this book came to be. I was working at University of Nebraska State Museum on a series of exhibits about Nebraska’s past, present, and future, and one section focused on the Ashfall Fossil Beds. Now a state park, it’s the site of an ancient water hole filled with hundreds of skeletons of ancient animals, from camels and rhinos to crowned cranes and turtles. There were elephants around then, too. It looks like something you would find in modern-day Africa—but it’s in the middle of North America. One day, it hit me—twelve million years ago, those animals were running around in what’s now my backyard. It was kind of mind-blowing. That’s the moment I knew I had to write Rhinos in Nebraska.

Andi: I love the descriptions and discussions of tools – field notes, GPS, topographic map, scanning electron microscope. 

Alison: Field notes tie to any kind of journaling or record-keeping. Writing down what we see, feel, and experience gives us a way to track what’s happening in our lives, so we can gain some perspective on things as they play out—or simply have a record of them that we can refer back to. I track things like rainfall and bloom time and when I see migratory birds in my yard, and I regularly go back to see how those things have changed (a lot, it turns out).

If you’ve ever tried to catch them all in Pokémon Go, you’ve used GPS. It’s also essential for geocaching, if families have done that. GPS is how the map app in a phone or car knows where you are and tells you where to turn next.

Topographic maps are commonly used by hikers. They’re super useful when there are multiples trails, so you can tell which ones are steep or have lots of hills, and which ones provide a gentler hike.

If you look up SEM images, they are super cool—the detail on tiny things like pollen grains are beyond anything you’ve imagined.

Andi: I love this line about Mike Voorhies: “It was the best he could do at the time with the information he had available.” How does this quote reflect the scientific process?

Alison: To me, that line summarizes the scientific process. One of the main things I wanted readers to take away from the book was how we know about things that happened millions of years ago. I think people tend to think of science as a bunch of facts. We do have facts that are the outcome of scientific investigation. Barrel-bodied rhinos used to live in Nebraska, for example. We can say that with certainty after discovering their fossils, but answering other questions—like when the volcano that buried the Ashfall animals erupted—takes time and patience. Science is a process, and our ability to figure something out is limited by the available equipment and technology.

I like to think there are similarities between scientific investigation and the justice system. Both collect and analyze evidence and use it to reach a conclusion. I would certainly hope that if new evidence comes to light during (or after) a trial, the jurors or judge would be willing to reconsider the conclusions they had reached up to that point, and science is no different.

Andi: Convergent evolution – I love the idea that similar traits can evolve in organisms from different parts of the world. How might kids think about convergent evolution as it applies to organisms they’re familiar with?

Alison: Convergent evolution happens when different organisms living in different places come to share specific characteristics. It happens over time as certain traits help individuals survive and reproduce. The example I use in the book is hummingbirds and sunbirds, which live in Africa. Both have long, curved bills to drink nectar from trumpet-shaped flowers. Birds with longer bills would have been able to drink from tall flowers more easily, so they would have gotten more food. That means they can have more babies, all of which would also have long bills.

The appearance of falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey is actually an example of convergent evolution, as well. DNA evidence tells us that peregrine falcons are more closely related to parrots than hawks or eagles—but those sharp talons, forward-facing eyes, and curved beak help them hunt, so they’ve come to look more like hawks and eagles than their parrot cousins. Another example is eyesight, which evolved separately in vertebrates (animals with backbones) and squid and octopus. Even though we all have eyes, an octopus’s eye is structured differently than ours.

Andi: Details like fossilized seeds stuck in rhinos’ teeth are great! Also great that when the paleobotanists got involved, this was more evidence of a growing team. How does teamwork improve science?

Alison: Teamwork is essential for science, and that’s especially true when you’re studying something as vast as the Ashfall Fossil Beds. Scientists develop expertise in specific areas, so when they encounter something outside their area, they need to find another expert to weigh in. Mike Voorhies studied extinct mammals, so he needed other experts to help with plants, birds, and even dating the age of the volcanic ash. I think some of the best science comes from coordinated team efforts—when lots of people collaborate, you get more creative ideas about how to answer a question and a variety of approaches to call upon to collect the data you need. And collaboration is fun! If you’re part of a good team, you enjoy the work more than you would toiling away on your own.

Andi: There are many times when it seems like the team fails – why is that an important part of the story?

Alison: Every success comes on the heels of a series of failures. That’s a pretty standard story in science—and in life! The process of figuring something out isn’t always easy and usually requires some serious creativity (scientists have to be creative—they don’t get much credit for that!), so there are failures and false-starts and partial successes until they finally get an answer. And then the answer might not be what they expected—so they have to re-evaluate, ask new questions, and start the process of investigation all over again.

Andi: I love Matt Huynh’s illustrations – how do they help make the story accessible?

Alison: Matt’s illustrations are perfect for the book. His woodcuts bring these ancient animals to life in such an unusual way, and they help readers envision what North America might have looked like twelve million years ago. Although the animals were similar to modern African species, there were some key differences, and Matt’s illustrations show our ancient animals as they might have looked. Plus, they’re just fun.

 

 

Alison Pearce Stevens has an M.S. in zoology and Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, and behavior. She has researched and written hundreds of articles for Science News Explores, Highlights for Children, and ASK magazine, among others. Her book Rhinos in Nebraska (Henry Holt BYR) details the discovery and excavation of one of the world’s premier paleontology sites, and Animal Climate Heroes (Henry Holt BYR) showcases four incredible animals working to protect their ecosystems—and us. Both were Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. She and her husband have three dogs, one of which would make a great detective dog.

 

 

Andi Diehn works as an editor for Nomad Press and has written many STEM books for kids!

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STEM Tuesday– Fossils– In the Classroom

By on January 14, 2025   /   Fossils, STEM Tuesday  

Fossils are like time capsules that preserve clues about life on Earth millions of years ago. They help us reconstruct the planet’s past, including ancient environments, climate conditions, and ecosystems. By studying fossils, we learn how the Earth has changed and how life has evolved in response to these changes. These books explore fossils and how they tell Earth’s story. They make a great starting point for fossil classroom discussions and activities!  

 
Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs by Kallie Moore, illustrated by Becky Thorns

How do stromatolites in Australia connect to Mars? Starting with the answer provided by these oldest known fossils (3.5 billion years old), we are led on an engaging journey through time. Detailed discussions of the life found in each period are sandwiched between captivating accounts of the intrigues, adventures, and conflicts of scientists, kids, farmers, and miners who discovered some unique and surprising fossils.

 

Classroom Activity

We can understand the history of life on Earth through fossils. Have students create a timeline of Earth’s history showing the different eras (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic). Use pictures of fossils that were found in each period. What types of organisms lived in each era? How did they evolve over time? How do fossils tell these stories?

 

The Illustrated Guide to Fossils & Fossil Collecting by Steve Kelly

Amazing photographs of fossils combine with reconstruction illustrations to give the reader a sense of what each animal or plant might have looked like. Following a discussion of fossils, geologic timeline, and reconstruction challenges, the detailed directory of 375 plant and animal fossils includes an additional fact file, and the relationship of the fossil to its current relatives and their role in the environment.

 

Classroom Activity

Can you identify the fossil? Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of fossil images. Have each group research and identify their fossils, then share what they have learned about each one with the class. Students can then create a board game using the images of different fossils. What are the rules of the game? How do you play? How do you determine the winner?

 

Kid Paleontologist: Explore the Remarkable Dinosaurs, Fossils Finds, and Discoveries of the Prehistoric Era by Thomas Nelson, illustrated by Julius Csotonyi

A great discussion of the field of paleontology is followed by an introduction to “10 Famous Paleontologists,” a list of “10 Famous Fossil Sites” in the world, and an engaging dinosaur classification chart. Stunning “true-life” illustrations and a conversational narrative first explore ten dinosaurs which defy classification (including one that was a burrower) and then examine many other familiar and lesser-known dinosaurs from the perspective of what their fossils, imprints, CT scans, and stomach contents have taught paleontologists about each species and what is still unknown. Highlighting where initial guesses or information has been corrected by subsequent fossil discoveries. A great book to inspire future fossil hunters.

 

Classroom Activity

Paleontologists use trace fossils to learn about ancient animals. Footprints, burrows, and trails are examples of trace fossils. Gather several toy animals of different shapes and sizes. Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of toy animals. Each group of students should create fossilized footprints by pressing the animals’ feet into clay. Then, have students trade fossils with another group. Students should analyze the footprints and measure their size, shape, and depth. What can they tell about the animal that made the footprints? What can fossils reveal about an animal’s size, behavior, and environment?

 
 
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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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STEM Tuesday– Cryptography (Math)/Spy Science– Author Candace Fleming

By on December 24, 2024   /   Cryptography/Spy Science, 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 interviewing Candace Fleming, author of The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II.  It’s a fascinating look at the British effort to defeat a Nazi invasion by breaking their military codes. The staff were mostly female, and most of those women were teenage girls. The book is garnering a lot of attention and starred reviews.

“In this absorbing book, Fleming approaches the subject by telling the individual stories of 10 young women… who left their homes to work secretly on projects related to the German military’s Enigma cipher machine. Even readers with little interest in codes and ciphers will find the women’s experiences intriguing.” — Booklist Review (starred)

 

CTB: Hi Candace. Welcome to STEM Tuesday. My first question: Did you always want to be a writer?

Candace: Yes, I’ve always been a writer. But I also wanted to be an archeologist, flight attendant and other things. In college I got a degree in American History.

I worked at the Chicago Historical Society after graduation, but when my second child was born with a health concern I retired. “What do I do now?” I asked myself. I thought – writing! And I started by writing my life for magazines: Parents Magazine, American Baby, Pediatrics for Parents, etc.  “Seven Nap time Strategies,” is one example of an article I sold. My sons, Scott and Michael are in their early 30’s now. So… I’ve been writing for a long time.

CTB: That’s quite a career change.

Candace:  It was. My then-husband and I were young and had never consider the possibility of having a sick child. I was working to buy paint so I could spruce up the bathroom or buy new curtains for the bedroom. Yes, I ended up with some home décor. But, more importantly, I completed an apprenticeship (although I didn’t notice it at the time). I learned to work with an editor and meet a deadline. I learned how to interview people.

I switched to writing for children when I started reading picture books to my own sons. I couldn’t get enough of them. We’d come home from the library with a BIG stack and start reading. At bedtime, it’d be my boys crying, “Please, mommy, turn off the light!” and me begging to read, “just one more.”

Of course, what I was really doing was discovering the bones and music picture books. Eventually, I thought I would write one of my own. I sent it in through the slush pile and an editor at Simon and Schuster found and bought it.”

CTB: What gave you the idea for The Enigma Girls?

The Enigma Girls CoverCandace: I’m endlessly curious. I had just seen the Bletchley series on television. So during a trip with friends to London, I went out to Bletchley Park. I’d assumed the place was small and secret, you know, an exclusive gathering of the most brilliant, scientific minds. Once I got there, I discovered that there were over 9,000 workers. It’s mind boggling given how small the area is. More mind boggling? 80% of these workers were female and most of these were young teenagers.

The teens weren’t code breakers in the expected way. They weren’t sitting around a table trying to find cribs. One girl might be indexing information. Another might be operating a typex machine, or a bombe or Colossus. They were cogs on the assembly line of a cypher breaking factory, which is essentially what Bletchley Park was.

Each girl had her own job. She didn’t know what other women were doing. That included the women they sat near, or had lunch with, or roomed with. Most didn’t even know they were breaking enigma ciphers until the 1980’s. Before that they weren’t allowed to discuss their work with anyone, not even with their co-workers.

Enigma womenCTB: But they were girls. That’s not something we would see in military programs today.

Candace.  Exactly! I thought, “Wow! Teenage girls!” And how astonishing that everything happening was top secret and that the girls never told anyone they’d worked there. Even when they got married, they never told their husbands. They’d signed the Official Secrets Act, you see, and they took that very seriously.

CTB: The girls were told to describe their jobs as “clerical work.”

Candace: That’s right. They basically lied about what they were doing, both during the war and for decades after. They could even tell people they’d worked at Bletchley Park, codenamed Station X. It was all very hush-hush. Some of the girls would receive letters when they were recruited that read:

“You are to report to Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, 
in four days time.…That is all you need to know.” “

CTB: The work had an enormous impact on the war effort.

Candace: Yes. It is believed that the girls’ consistent hard work shortened the war by about 2 years. Think how many lives that saved! Think of the generations here today because of them. No, they were the Alan Turing’s or other big names in cryptography. They were ordinary girls. Some hated the work. It was slogging work, and often repetitious. Even so, they knew they were doing something important for the war effort, even if they didn’t exactly what that was.

And they were still kids, you know? Teenagers. They lacked the sophistication of modern teens. Many still lived at home before being summoned to BP. Others were still in school. Many had never traveled from their small towns. And while they did their jobs admirably, they were still so young. They played pranks and joked. They were high-spirited and goofy sometimes.

CTB: So what was the Enigma machine?

Enigma gearsCandace: The machine was used by the German military to send encrypted messages to the troops. It looks like a typewriter with keys for letters, but those keys were actually connected to a lamp board in the rear. And there were gears that were adjusted or replaced every day. The German sender and receivers were sent instructions for how to set them up each day. That allowed them to send and decipher codes. It was the British intention to decipher those codes as well.

CTB: But the codes changed every day.

Candace: That is what made things so difficult. The enigma machine created a sophisticated alphabet cipher. The soldier would type a letter on the machine, but gears would translate it to a different letter. The person on the other end would have a similar machine and if set correctly, would allow them decipher the code one letter at a time. The people at Bletchley Park had to determine the new ciphers each day. There were more than 159 quintillion possible combinations. I wanted readers to understand how hard the codes were to break

CTB: With word counts and project requirements, there is never enough space for everything. Where there stories of girls that didn’t make it into the book?

Candace: Because I wanted to pick young women from all classes of society, as well as for each job, I ended up setting aside some terrific human stories. Take, Muriel Dindol, for example. She quit school at the age of fourteen because, she claimed, it bored her. Her parents lived in the town of Bletchley, and Muriel found a job at Station X as a messenger. This meant she spent her shifts delivering top secret messages to various departments. Of course, she didn’t know they were top secret. She also claimed she wasn’t curious about what was inside the manilla envelopes she carried. She’s wanted to work at BP because the older girls going in and out of the place seemed glamorous to her. “I wasn’t interested in war work,” she said, “but I wanted money for makeup.” Muriel left behind her recipe for lipstick. I wouldn’t recommend you try it.

CTB: With all of your experience, what advice would you give to a young reader who wants to be a writer?

Candace: Oh. That’s a good question. Here’s some thoughts:

  • Writing is meant to be fun.
  • You don’t have to finish – not everything is as project
  • You don’t have to write from start to finish

I still write by hand with a blue Bic pen. It’s a reminder that the work is not precious. I can ball it up or scratch it out. Also, I like the smell of the pen. I’ve been using it all of my life, and its smell tells my brain “we are writing.” Sometimes the bottom of my arm is covered in blue ink from rubbing against the paper as I write.

So many kids think that writing has to be neat. It doesn’t have to be anything. Also, I hear readers tell me they have writer’s block. They have this idea that one should write from story’s beginning straight through to its end. Truthfully? I don’t know anyone who writes that way. Most skip around and write what you they know. They go back and fill in the blanks.

That’s why I like loose leaf paper. It’s intentionally messy. Sure, by the second draft I use Word. I edit on my laptop. But I always, always write by hand the first time around – both big and small projects.

CTB: What are you working on next? Anything we should be looking for?

Candace: I’m finishing a book tentatively titled Rhino Country. It’s about rhino poaching. I went to South Africa and spent 4 weeks with rangers and conservationist. I also completed a week-long wildlife forensics class alongside anti-poaching units from all across South Africa, and I worked at a rhino orphanage, helping to care for the babies orphaned by poaching. Honestly, I left my heart there.

Death in Jungle coverI’ve also written Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal and the Lost Dream of Jonestown for Anne Schwartz Books/ Random House. It’s about the Peoples Temple movement. It’s coming out in April 2025. It’s YA nonfiction and very dear to my heart, because of the extraordinary people who shared their stories with me. There’s a real bravery to being that honest. While the story of Peoples Temple serves as a cautionary tale, it is also a very human one.

“Young people are bound to recognize themselves in the idealism of Annie Moore; the rebelliousness of Tommy Bogue; the love/hate feelings harbored by the teenaged Stephan Jones for his father.”

Candace Fleming in an article at San Diego State University.

 

Fleming book covers

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C FlemingCandace Fleming is the author of more than fifty books for children and young adults, including the 2021 Sibert Medal-winning Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, as well as the 2021 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award-winning The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh. A recipient of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, she is also the two-time winner of both the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, and the Sibert Honor. Her most recent titles are The Enigma Girls and Narwhal, Unicorn of the Arctic.
Candace is married to award winning illustrator, Eric Rohhman.
author christine Taylor-butler

Photo by Kecia Stovall

Today our host is Christine Taylor-Butler, a graduate of MIT and author of The Oasis, Save the… Tigers, Save the . . . Blue Whales, and many other nonfiction books for kids. She is also the author of the STEM based middle grade sci-fi series The Lost Tribes. Follow @ChristineTB on X and/or @ChristineTaylorButler on Instagram, and @ctaylorbutler on Bluesky. She lives in Missouri with her family, a tank of fish and cats that think they are dogs.

 

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