Posts Tagged writers

STEM Tuesday– Radio/UV Waves and Applied Physics — In the Classroom

 

Bright blue semicircular lines against a black background emanate from a central point to the left and the right. Text reads: Understanding and Using Radio Waves.

 

Understanding and Using Radio Waves
by Elizabeth Rubio

The focus of this book is on the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum called radio waves, but it also does a good job covering what the electromagnetic spectrum is. It also explains the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, which ties into the books X-Rays and The Radium Girls. The book also looks at the many ways radio waves are used.

 

White skeleton of chest and neck glows against a blue outline of a human body, against a black background. Text reads: Super Science Feats: Medical Breakthroughs: X-RaysSuper Science Feats: Medical Breakthroughs: X-Rays
by Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book briefly covers what x-rays are and what they can do.

 

Text reads: The Radium Girls: Young Readers Edition. Underneath, a surface covered in bright green holds a paintbrush, with green paint dripping off it, a bottle containing a green substance, a clock, and a skeleton.The Radium Girls
by Kate Moore

What happens when people are exposed to light waves emitted from radioactive material? This book tells the stories of a group of women who were exposed to radioactive radium through their work. This is not an easy read emotionally, but it tells a very important story.

 

 

The text Microwaves shows over a white, round, object sitting on a metal structure. Blue lines emanate from the ball.Microwaves
by Tracy Vonder Brink

Ever wondered how microwave ovens work? Check out this book for a brief overview of microwaves and how they are used to cook food.

 

A hand holds a cell phone. The image on the phone is a wifi symbol. Text reads How it Works: Wi-Fi.

Bonus Book: WiFi (How It Works)
by Janet Slingerland

This book provides an introduction to WiFi. It includes what radio waves are and how they are used to transmit signals, connecting devices through WiFi networks.

 

The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is one of my favorite science topics, and there are so many different things you can do with it. Here are just a few.

Search for Waves

Light waves are all around us all the time. Have students look around them to see how many different types of electromagnetic light waves they can find in their daily lives.

Give students an EMS chart like this one: https://www.ces.fau.edu/nasa/module-2/radiation-sun.php. Have them place things that use EMS waves onto the chart, in their proper location. For instance, everything we see falls into the visible light area of the EMS. Cameras/photographs could also be placed in this area.

BBC Bitesize has a great table that details different ways the various EMS wave types are used: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z79hvcw/revision/2

 

Explore Light

As explained in Understanding and Using Radio Waves, NASA uses radio waves to explore outer space. They have a great educators guide that covers the electromagnetic spectrum: https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/the-electromagnetic-spectrum-unit. The activities involve building spectroscopes, instruments that allow people to separate and study light.

Exploratorium has another spectrograph activity: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/cd-spectroscope

To explore how light is used to transmit audio, check out this activity:   https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/modulated-led. This would be great for a makerspace.

Another type of light that’s fun to explore is polarized light. This activity is also reminiscent of x-rays: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/bone-stress

 

Have Fun with Luminescence

As described in The Radium Girls, people were enthralled by the luminescent beauty of radium. Here’s an activity that explores luminescence using a chemical reaction: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/glow-up

You could also have fun exploring with a UV flashlight. This ties in with STEM Tuesday’s Bioluminescence topic from October 2024.

 

Consider OSHA

The story of the radium girls helped spur the creation of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Some legislators have called for eliminating OSHA. Have students explore OSHA – https://www.osha.gov – and what is does. After this investigation, do they believe OSHA should be eliminated or not? Have them write an essay or hold a debate to present their positions.

 

More Activities

Here’s another makerspace activity to build a WiFi antenna out of cans: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/build-tin-can-wifi-antenna

PBS Electromagnetic Spectrum Tour: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/electromagnetic-spectrum.html

PBS Learning Media – The Electromagnetic Spectrum (grades 9-12): https://whyy.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac20-912-sci-ps-emspectruminfographic/the-electromagnetic-spectrum

5 Activities to Explore the EMS: https://www.brightinthemiddle.com/exploring-the-electromagnetic-spectrum-through-5-fun-wow-factor-activities

 


Woman with short brown hair and glasses, smiling.Janet Slingerland is the author of more than 20 books for young readers. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out http://janetsbooks.com.

STEM Tuesday — Human Body– Book List

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone has one, but not everyone understands it: their body, that is!  Listed below are some engaging books that will get readers excited. Filled with hands-on activities, great visuals and fun facts, learning about the body will be a treat!

 

 

 

Human Body Learning Lab: Take an Inside Tour of How Your Anatomy Works

by Dr. Betty Choi 

Learn about the human body with awesome hands-on projects and activities. Shaping bones from salt dough? Creating a moving model of the eye? Setting up a model of the urinary system to see how pee is produced? Yes, please! With loads of colorful diagrams, fantastic fun facts, and easy exercises that kids can use to learn about their own bodies, this engaging book is the perfect addition to any kids library. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fantastic Body: What Makes You Tick and How You Get Sick

by Dr Howard Bennett

This fun anatomy book with fun facts, gross stories and DIY projects that demonstrate body functions, also has tips to make regular checkups less scary

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! (DK Knowledge Encyclopedias)

An encyclopedia like no other. This book explores the human body, and each bodily system, in ways you’ve never considered.  Along with CGI imagery and gorgeous graphics, this encyclopedia reveals the inner workings of our bodies in fantastic detail. Packed with cool facts, interesting illustrations and loads of diagrams – it’ll keep anyone curious happy for hours. 

 

 

A Really Short Journey Through the Body

written by Bill Bryson, adapted by Emma Young, Illustrated by Daniel Long, Dawn Cooper, Jesus Sotes and Katie Ponder

Full of facts, history and humor, this illustrated book, adapted from Bill Bryson’s bestselling book The Body, will tell you everything about our body, from the brain to the heart and everything in between.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Being Super Healthy: What You Need To Know About Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Hygiene, Stress, Screen Time, and More 

by Dr. Nina L. Shapiro

Embark on a fact-filled journey through the human body. What happens when it gets fed? Exercised? Cleaned? Rested? Read it and find out. This in-depth book gives answers to those pressing questions between kids and parents about how to take care of yourself and why it is important.

The Brainiac’s Book of the Body and Brain

Written by Rosie Cooper, Illustrated by Harriet Russell

Let’s take a look at the human body from head to toe, as well as everything in between! This fun book is full of funky facts and awesome hands-on activities. Learn about optical illusions, keep a poop diary, and find out how and why we dream!  Readers will discover more than they expected about the body and its brain in a zany, humor-filled way. 

 

Spacecare: A Kid’s Guide to Surviving Space

by Jennifer Swanson

What can you eat in space? What happens if you get a stomach bug? How does microgravity affect the human body? This fascinating book takes a look at the day-to-day experiences of astronauts living aboard the ISS. With questions from kids and answers from actual astronauts, it will answer your questions on how being in space affects the human body.

 

 

 

 

It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender and Sexual Health

by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley

A book for young people who want answers to questions about their bodies, about growing up, and about new, unfamiliar feelings in their tween years.

 

 

 

 

Puberty is Gross but Also Really Awesome

Written by Gina Loveless, Illustrated by Lauri Johnston

Puberty can be smelly, hairy, sticky, confusing … but awesome! With a lot of jokes and facts, this book gives you the scoop about puberty – with the help of illustrations, scientific studies, research and tips from experts.

 

 

 

 

 

The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers: A Tour of Your Useless Parts, Flaws, and other Weird Bits

written by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Clayton Hanmer

A funny, wacky book, led by tour guides Wisdom Tooth and Disappearing Kidney, about our vestigial organs: our body parts that were essential to our ancestors but are no longer useful to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shruthi Rao is an author. Her home on the web is https://shruthi-rao.com

 

 

 

Susan Summers is a wildlife enthusiast and an author. Contact her at: https://susan-inez-summers.weebly.com/

 

Meet Literary Agent Lori Steel

Lori Steel headshot

It’s been a big year for Lori Steel. As an established literary agent with a track record of solid experience and successful clients, she decided to open her own agency, SteelWorks Literary. We’re grateful that Lori found the time to be a part of our agent spotlight, and we know you’ll enjoy learning more about her.

Lori Steel headshot

 

Hi Lori! I think it would be great to start our conversation by learning a little about your path to becoming an agent.

My path to agenting started working with books first as an educator and school librarian, where I had the privilege of matching young readers to books. I am also a writer, and my experience as an MFA student at Vermont College’s Writing for Children and Young Adults program was transformative. Shortly after graduating in 2012, I was given the unexpected opportunity to be an assistant at Greenhouse Literary, which was then housed near DC. Later, I interned at other agencies, before joining Jacqui Lipton and team at Raven Quill Literary. When RQLA merged with Tobias Literary, I joined the wonderful team at Red Fox Literary before founding my own agency, SteelWorks Literary. 

SteelWorks Literary Agency logo

 

Starting your own agency is a big deal! Can you walk us through the experience?

It’s been an exciting and busy launch, with an incredibly warm reception (and support!) from editors, fellow agents, and other industry colleagues. It’s gratifying to see SWL client projects already thriving, with plenty of new deals, books releasing to strong reviews, and recent Society of Illustrator recognitions for two SteelWorks titles.

 

How would you describe the mission and vision of SteelWorks Literary?

I’ve always had a vision for creating an agency home focused on craft and career development, and a sense of community. A place where deals are made, of course, but also relationships are forged, alongside a professional development mindset. SteelWorks Literary is a space where creatives are supported and encouraged to explore, stretch, and grow beyond expectations and conventions. 

 

It sounds like you’ve created a great environment. I’m sure a lot of authors are watching for your submissions window to open. What are some things you’d like to see in their queries?

A strong pitch that showcases the narrative voice and plot effectively, compelling pacing, fully realized setting, and a professionally crafted query letter will get the best attention.

 

Which genres/themes/subjects are you drawn to/not drawn to?

I’m drawn to middle grade stories that reflect a deep understanding of their audience and trust readers to create inferential leaps where warranted. I’m particularly drawn to setting-rich environments – even in contemporary novels – where the author’s sense of place feels authentic and realized.

Didactic narratives that place message above story-telling, space-bound sci-fi, and overly heavy informational text aren’t strong fits for my list.

 

What advice do you have for authors who would like to send you a query?

Give yourself time and space to ensure your project is ready for submission. A few weeks or months later is not going to impact interest, but quality of story will! And when it’s ready to share, keep an eye open on SteelWorks Literary’s social media pages and the agency’s website for open windows. I also open for special events such as conferences and workshops. 

 

Here at the Mixed-Up Files, we are all about middle grade, and I understand you also have a great fondness for this wonderful category of literature. What do you love most about middle-grade novels?

Middle Grade is that special audience of independent readers, who are still open to trying all varieties of formats. With the age range of 8-12 (generally), this audience tends to have wide appetites. They’ll read an entire mystery series, before diving into a WW2 historical novel, or a humorous contemporary, illustrated novel. They crave connection and insights into the world, as they seek to find their place within it. What I love most is that this audience is still open to read-alouds – and a strong MG novel will always have this quality! Hook a reader at this age, and you have a reader for life.

 

What are some of your favorite current middle-grade novels?

Right now I’m reading Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures and am swept away by the rich language and worldbuilding, dynamic pacing, and a sincere trust she shows her readers. Her books never disappoint and I have a deep appreciation for the depth of scholarly work she puts into each of her books. 

 

We’ve all heard the distressing news about the “middle grade slump” and some downward trends in this market. Where do you think the middle grade market is headed?

This is a tricky question as it’s impossible to know how the market will respond to readers’ fluctuating needs, interests, and other outside forces. Currently, we’re seeing strong interest in graphic and illustrated novels, and a return to the shorter, more accessible middle grade novel format. While more robust page counts have been challenging to sell this past couple of years, the pendulum will swing back again. It always does! Readers need books, and new stories, with as much page count, genre, and format varieties as their intended audiences.

 

It seems like you’ve been very busy at SteelWorks Literary. Tell us about some current SWL projects that you’re excited about.

I’m excited about all SWL forthcoming projects! But since we’re talking middle grade, I’ll share Tate Godwin’s debut graphic novel series – starting with Operation: Cover Up! – which releases January 2025 from Andrews McMeel. Operation: Cover Up! introduces three unlikely friends as they navigate the complicated and comical terrain of fifth grade, learn how to be good friends, and remain true to themselves. 

Book cover for Operation Cover Up

 

I’m also excited about Jilanne Hoffmann’s HeartLand debut middle grade novel. It’s a coming-of-age story told in parallel timelines and alternating POVs – in both prose and verse – about a girl on a sixth-generation Iowa farm, the legacy of the 1980s farm crisis, and a rooted-in-reality environmental cover-up that threatens the groundwater of the entire state (Little Brown Young Readers, fall 2025).

 

We’ve learned a lot about your work. I’m sure everyone would like to know more about you. What are some of your favorite things that have nothing to do with being an agent?

Time with family and friends. Being outside – whether that’s walking the dog, working in the garden, being near the water, or going for a hike…and baking for after-walk treats.

 

Where can authors learn more about you? 

You can find out more about SteelWorks Literary on Instagram and Facebook @Steelworksliterary, and on Bluesky @steelworksliterary.bsky.social. Of course, you can also check out my MSWL

 

Thanks so much for joining us, Lori! It’s been great learning about you and SteelWorks Literary, and we wish you all the best!