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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– Radio/UV Waves and Applied Physics — Book List

By on February 4, 2025   /   Applied Physicis, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the things you cannot see! This book list gives an introduction of all the different kinds of waves and radiation out there – and their sometimes surprising applications.

 

 

 

Wave Hi and Goodbye to Energy!: An Introduction to Waves

by Baby Professor

With colorful photographs and simple explanations, this book gives a basic introduction to the different waves of energies and their applications in day to day life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radar and the Raft: A True Story About a Scientific Marvel, the Lives it Saved, and the World it Changed 

by Jeff Lantos

Are you looking for a tale that includes scientific discoveries, the dangers of war and a family in peril? This is the book for you. Jeff Lantos connects the dots between batteries and radar during World War II while adding into the mix a family’s harrowing journey. The result, a rollicking adventure through history. This is an adventure you won’t want to put down!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Ray of Light: A Book of Science and Wonder

by Walter Wick

Fascinated by the world of light?  Take a peek inside and discover what it is made of. With fabulous photographs and engaging text, readers will come to understand the secrets of light. Take a look at incandescence, light waves, the color spectrum and more; it just might change the way you observe the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Up: An Illustrated Guide to Telescopes 

by Jacob Kramer and Stephanie Scholz

Telescopes have been our partners exploring the skies for ages. How do they work? Are  all telescopes the same? Peer inside this amazing book and learn about

the instrument that makes our skies shine.

 

Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World

Written by Jan Paul Schutten, photography by Arie van ‘t Riet, translated by Laura Watkinson

What can an X-ray show us? Only nature’s hidden world! See a seahorse’s skeleton, discover how a frog uses its eyes to swallow, and peek under a bee’s furry coat for starters. Images will amaze readers as they explore a world they never knew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlocking the Universe: The Cosmic Discoveries of the Webb Space Telescope

by Suzanne Slade

It took thousands of people to build the James Webb Space Telescope. With the help of scientists and engineers, what started with a dream became an amazing reality. The result? Images that captivated the world. This is the story of the James Webb Space Telescope, and it will astound you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Radium Girls: Young Readers’ Edition: The Scary but True Story of the Poison that Made People Glow in the Dark 

by Kate Moore

The true story of the young women who worked in watch factories painting dials with glow-in-the-dark radium paint – and started falling ill with a mysterious illness, and their determination to fight back. For fans of both science and history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Way Things Work 

by David Macaulay

Learn about all things physics in this exciting, fun-filled book, including about different kinds of waves and their applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

X-Rays: Super Science Feats: Medical Breakthroughs

by Alicia Z Klepeis

With photographs, infographics and activities, this book is an introduction to how x-rays were discovered, how X-ray imaging works, and its applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microwaves

by Traci Vonder Brink

Microwaves don’t just cook your food! This book tells us all the other things that microwaves do – carry messages, help detect weather and much more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding and Using Radio Waves (Electromagnetic Spectrum) 

by Elizabeth Rubio

Radio waves don’t just mean music on your radio. The applications of radio waves are far-reaching – it is used in space exploration too! Learn all about radio waves, transmitters, AM/FM frequencies and much more in this book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 — Astronomy/ Eclipse — Book List

By on April 2, 2024   /   Astronomy, STEM Tuesday  

This is an active month for sky-watchers. Not only will the “Great North American Eclipse” happen on April 8, but the night sky will feature a comet that you should be able to view without a telescope.

Eclipse Chaser: Science in the Moon’s Shadow (Scientist in the Field) by Ilima Loomis, photos by Amanda Cowan

This is a story about the last “Great North American Eclipse” – August 2017 – and how a science team studies eclipses. Not only do they have to find the best place for observing the event, they have a lot of instruments to set up and test prior to the day. Plus, a bagel production line on the morning of the Big Day.

Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses with The Planetary Society by Bruce Betts

This book uses straightforward language aimed at younger middle grade readers. Beginning with shadows, it then shows how eclipses happen and how you can observe them. One chapter focuses on lunar eclipses and one on solar eclipses.

The Science Behind the Wonders of the Sun: Sun dogs, Lunar Eclipses, and Green Flash by Suzanne Garbe

This is also a lower middle grade text discussing the cause and cycle of sunspots, solar and lunar eclipses, solar winds, flares, and ejections, As well as the reason for, and places to find, the green (and rarer blue) flash. Photo illustrated, it also includes fascinating “fact sidebars,” a link to activities, and critical thinking questions.

Astronomy for Curious Kids: An Illustrated Introduction to the Solar System, Our Galaxy, Space Travel – and More! by Giles Sparrow

This browsable book is divided into six chapters, each highlighting some aspect of astronomy. The first two introduce the study of astronomy and tools astronomers use. Others focus on the solar system, stars, and galaxies. There’s a great spread on eclipses and another showcasing comets, plus a section about life in the universe.

Can’t Get Enough Space Stuff: Fun Facts, Awesome Info, Cool Games, Silly Jokes, and More! by Julie Beer and Stephanie Warren Drimmer (National Geographic)

Another browsable astronomy book with engaging photos, a matching game glossary, space puns and riddles, space guessing games, a plethora of amazing facts, “Rad Records” on planets and astronauts, and lots of activities to try.

Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, Constellations by Meg Thacher

A browsable book, divided into sections that focus on the sky, the moon, the sun, planets, and stars and constellations. Each section includes activities, including how to make a pinhole eclipse-viewer and there is a list of upcoming solar and lunar eclipses through 2030.

Stargazing for Kids: An Introduction to Astronomy by Jonathan Poppele

This handy hand-held guide is a wonderful color introduction to astronomy and the observation and mapping of the night sky. Conversational “What can I see?’ and “How do we know?” sections offer ways to spot the planets, stars, galaxies, and satellites. In addition to mini biographies of scientists and scholars, it offers a detailed sky map and guide for each season.

Asteroid vs Comet by Dr. Marc Kuchner, illustrated by Matt Schu

This book is aimed at younger MG readers, written as a fight match with sections that compare and contrast various properties of asteroids and comets. Who’s heavier? Who’s the fastest? And who will come out the winner? End pages feature named asteroids and comets and back mater gets into more details about comets and asteroids.

Out Of This World: Star-Studded Haiku by Sally M. Walker; illustrated by Matthew Trueman

Yes, there IS a haiku about a solar eclipse (with tiny nibbles / the moon gobbles down the sun …) There are also tiny poems about Saturn’s rings, nebulae, and shooting stars. Plus, wonderful back matter. This book will inspire readers to create their own eclipse (or comet) haiku.

The Day the Universe Exploded my Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Anna Raff

From a “Solar Sunnet” (sonnet) to a “Poem for Three Meteors,” and a black hole shape poem to “The Children of Astronomy” (with their profiles outlined by stars), whimsical illustrations make learning poetry forms and space facts fun. Includes fun side by side solar and lunar eclipse poems, as well as “Notes on the Poems” with additional scientific facts and information on the various poems.

When the Sun Goes Dark by Andrew Fraknoi, illustrated by Eric Freeberg

This story, published by the National Science Teacher’s Association, uses fiction to introduce young people to the science behind eclipses. It includes some hands-on activities for re-creating eclipses in your living room using a lamp, a tennis ball, and a couple hula hoops.

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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