Posts Tagged science

STEM Tuesday– Light Pollution– In the Classroom

By on July 14, 2026   /   Light Pollution, STEM Tuesday  

 

It’s been a big firefly summer in Minnesota this year, and we’ve been watching their lights flicker each night in our back garden. Summer is always a time to linger outside in the warm and long nights, look up, and see what you can see. Close to the city, the stars are hard to see though. So, we go up north to see the stars, and they are dazzling.

Here are some activities to try with your kids now or when school is back in session to illustrate how light pollution not only blocks stars, but can upset the natural balance of our days and nights. I’ve curated this list of activities that could easily go with the books from this mont’s Stem Tuesday list. Read a book, try an activity, and enjoy the summer nights!

 

How Light Pollution Affects Animals

Book cover - glowing frog on a black background.Dark Matters: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution by Joan Marie Galat

A blend of science and memoir that focuses on the environmental consequences of increasingly artificially lit night skies. She describes its impact on sea turtles, fireflies, birds, and bats and provides basic steps to address light pollutio

 

 

 

 

Book cover - newly hatched sea turtles heading for the ocean.Follow the Moon Home : a Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson

Informational fiction inspired by the student-initiated Lights Out for Loggerheads program in South Carolina. The story presents a model for community engagement, and back matter outlines actions appropriate for preteen environmentalists.

 

 

 

Activities

Citizen Science to Reduce Light Pollution

Book cover - bird and moth perched on three ornate lights lit at night.Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World by Danio Miserocchi & Maciej Michno; illus. by Valentina Gottardi, and translated by Sylvia Notini

This well-documented book examines how city lights affect birds and bats, reptiles and insects – even trees and flowers. It also provides hope, sharing things cities and people can do to minimize light pollution. Back matter includes ideas for bringing back the stars (dark skies) and resources.

Book cover - person sitting on a slope watching te setting sun.Saving the Night : How Light Pollution is Harming Life on Earth by Stephen Aitken

Full of fascinating photos and facts, this book examines many interactions creatures and plants have developed with light, the differing effects of various sources of light pollution on land and in our waterways, conservationists working to preserve the night, and successful projects. It includes suggestions for reducing our individual light pollution.

 

 

Activities

  • Globe at Night: a citizen science campaign to raise awareness about the effects of light pollution inviting people to measure the brightness of their night sky and submit their observations
  • ASTROPHOTOS – Measuring Light Pollution: Make your smartphone measure the light in the night sky with this app and activity.
  • Audubon Lights Out Program: Survey where you live or your school and look for ways to help reduce light pollution with the useful list of actions on this site.
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STEM Tuesday– Light Pollution– Book List

By on July 7, 2026   /   Light Pollution, STEM Tuesday  

What Happened to our Starry, Starry Night?

If you go outside on a moonless night, what do you see? A planet, maybe a handful of stars if you’re lucky. Unfortunately, for too many of us the city lights diminish the night sky. Streetlights and other artificial lights do more than illuminate our world. They create problems for plants and animals living in and around our cities, including seasonal migrators.

Book cover - bird and moth perched on three ornate lights lit at night.

Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World by Danio Miserocchi & Maciej Michno; illus. by Valentina Gottardi, and translated by Sylvia Notini

This well-documented book examines how city lights affect birds and bats, reptiles and insects – even trees and flowers. It also provides hope, sharing things cities and people can do to minimize light pollution. Back matter includes ideas for bringing back the stars (dark skies) and resources.

Book cover - person sitting on a slope watching te setting sun.

Saving the Night : How Light Pollution is Harming Life on Earth by Stephen Aitken

Full of fascinating photos and facts, this book examines many interactions creatures and plants have developed with light, the differing effects of various sources of light pollution on land and in our waterways, conservationists working to preserve the night, and successful projects. It includes suggestions for reducing our individual light pollution. 

Book cover - glowing frog on a black background.

Dark Matters: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution by Joan Marie Galat

A blend of science and memoir that focuses on the environmental consequences of increasingly artificially lit night skies. She describes its impact on sea turtles, fireflies, birds, and bats and provides basic steps to address light pollution.

Book cover - shapes spiral on and above the earth.

The World at Night: Discover the World That Wakes When You Sleep by Ben Lerwill

A browsable book broken into sections including the night sky, oceans, forests, and cities. From penguins to city rats, it explores how animals sleep, how they see at night, and the environmental and health effects of artificial light on animals, including humans.

Book cvoer - parent and child sit staring at the night sky.

In the Dark: The Science of What Happens at Night by Lisa Deresti Betik, illustrated by Josh Holinaty

Combining lightly comic illustrations with amazing graphics and charts, it explores the biological functions of sleep and darkness on people, animals, and plants. Did you know plants do math at night? It also examines issues caused by artificial lights on migrations, animal and plant behaviors, and the science of the night.

Book cover - newly hatched sea turtles heading for the ocean.

Follow the moon home : a tale of one idea, twenty kids, and a hundred sea turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson

Informational fiction inspired by the student-initiated Lights Out for Loggerheads program in South Carolina. The story presents a model for community engagement, and back matter outlines actions appropriate for preteen environmentalists.

Some Hands-On Appreciation Of The Dark:

Book cover - a magnifying glass and birds, racoon, amphibians, and insects and some of their tracts.

The Animal Adventurer’s Guide : How to Prowl For an Owl, Make Snail Slime, and Catch a Frog Bare-Handed, by Susie Spikol  

While not dedicated to night prowling, these animal-focused activities will get kids outside at any time of the year whether light or dark.

Book cover - shadowy figures of adult and child looking at stars in the sky.

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

This was actually a featured book a couple years ago (link) but we wanted to mention it again as a resource for sky-watchers. Each section includes activities that focus on the sky, the moon, the sun, planets, and stars and constellations.

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

Photo of Sue Heavenrich

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

Photo of Maria Marshall

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She’s been a judge for the Cybils Awards since 2017, 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– Bridges and Skyscrapers– Book List

By on June 2, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridges and skyscrapers are some of the most incredible structures humans have ever built. Bridges connect people across rivers and valleys, while skyscrapers stretch high into the sky and shape city skylines. These giant structures are engineering marvels that combine creativity, science, math, and teamwork to solve amazing challenges.

 

Illustrated nonfiction book cover showing bridges around the world and explaining how they are built and used to connect places.

 

Bridges written by Magda Garguláková and illustrated by Jakub Bachorík
A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book about bridges around the world. It explains how bridges are built and why they are important, while showing different designs and styles. Readers learn how bridges connect places and help people travel more easily. It’s a clear, engaging book for curious young learners.

 

Cover of a graphic novel that explains how engineers design and build bridges across rivers and valleys using science and problem-solving.

Science Comics series:
Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces written and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch
Skyscrapers: The Height of Engineering written and illustrated by John Kerschbaum
The first graphic novel is a detailed and fun look at how bridges are designed and built. It shows how engineers solve problems to connect places across rivers and valleys.The second graphic novel explores how tall buildings are made and why they can reach such amazing heights. It explains the science and teamwork behind modern city skylines.

 

 

cover art of an illustrated true story of the Brooklyn Bridge, focusing on the engineers, challenges, and construction of the suspension bridge.

 

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Teo Hernandez DuVall
This book tells the true story of a famous suspension bridge that connects two major cities. It follows the engineers and family behind its design and construction. The story shows the challenges, danger, and determination needed to complete such a huge project. Illustrations help bring this important piece of engineering history to life.

 

 

 

 

cover of a nonfiction book that explains how bridges, buildings, and other structures are built using simple, engaging engineering explanations.

 

How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures written by Roma Agrawal and illustrated by Katie Hickey
A fun and engaging nonfiction book that explains how amazing structures are built around the world. It breaks down complex engineering ideas in a simple, kid-friendly way. Readers learn the stories behind bridges, buildings, and other impressive creations. Bright illustrations help make the science clear and exciting.

 

 

 

National Geographic – Skyscrapers written by Libby Romerocover of a nonfiction book (reading Level 3 by National Geographic Kids) with photographs showing the tallest skyscrapers and explaining how they are engineered and constructed.
A fascinating nonfiction book that explores the tallest buildings in the world. It explains how skyscrapers are designed and built using science and engineering. Readers learn about the challenges of building upward in crowded cities. Striking photographs help bring these impressive structures to life.

 

 

 

 

illustrated book cover of "Where Is the Brooklyn Bridge?"

WhoHQ series
Where is the Brooklyn Bridge? written by Megan Stine and illustrated by John Hinderliter
Where is the Empire State Building (WhoHQ Series) written by Janet B. Pascal and illustrated by Daniel Colon
These two books tell the story of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Part of the popular WhoHQ series, they feature easy-to-read text and a straightforward, accessible structure, combining history and STEM as they explore the cultural significance of these two American landmarks.

 

 

 

To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Citiewritten by Patricia Morris Buckley and illustrated by E. B. Lewisillustrated book cover of "To Walk The Sky," featuring an Iroquois man walking on a steel beam high above a cityscape
This lyrical nonfiction picture book tells the history of the skywalkers– Native American ironworkers who helped build bridges and skyscrapers all over North America. It honors their remarkable contributions to famous landmarks–including work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Lincoln Center, Sears Tower, and more–as well as their resilience in the face of terrible tragedies: the collapse of the Quebec City Bridge in 1907, and more recently, the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11.

 

 

 

 

 

book cover of "Why Humans Build Up," featuring illustrated skyscrapers in a fictional cityscape

Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers written by Gregor Craigie and illustrated by Kathleen Fu
Gregor Craigie and Kathleen Fu take readers on a world tour of tall buildings, from the Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Central Park Tower. Each chapter is organized as a different answer to the titular question, “Why [do] humans build up?” Explore how social factors, from religion to industrial competition to environmental sustainability, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering.

 

 

 

Skyscrapers!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Elizabeth Schmermund and illustrated by Mike Crosiercover image of the activity book "Skyscrapers" showing an image of a beaver wearing a baseball cap and looking up at a tall building
Bridges! With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Jennifer Swanson and illustrated by Bryan Stone
This pair of activity books from Nomad Press, part of the four-book Explore Engineering series, is full of engaging activities that explore fundamental STEM concepts. Sprinkled with fun facts and key vocabulary terms throughout, each chapter uses inquiry-based learning to guide readers through anchor questions, background information, and hands-on projects.

 

 

 

book cover of "Skyscraper" by Lynn Curlee, featuring an illustration of two buildings against a blue sky

 

Skyscraper written by Lynn Curlee
With gorgeous illustrations on every page, this book offers a deep dive into the history of skyscrapers—and the architects who designed them. The author, an art historian, sheds a unique light on the technological advances and design decisions that have made each of the featured buildings so memorable.

 

 

 

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

Author Lydia Lukidis

 

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.  Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie Dean

 

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She is the author of Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History (October 2026, Beaming Books) and Unstoppable Song (2027, Lerner/Carolrhoda). For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

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