Climate change is one of the most controversial topics facing society today. While fossil fuels are affecting the environment, the cause and solution are not always agreed upon. This selection of books explains climate change by going into detail about global warming, fossil fuels, and greenhouse gasses. Additionally, the politics and controversy surrounding this world event are discussed. Readers of all ages will learn something from these books, helping readers to make their own decisions about climate change and how to remedy it. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
This hard-hitting look at climate change tackles the past, present, and future of global warming, examining the effects it’s having across the world, the politics behind denial, and the ways in which we can all work to lessen the harsh effects of our warming world. Perfect for young environmentalists looking to learn about the ways in which we can take action against global warming.
Climate Change is a hot-button topic today and one that requires skill to examine and grasp different viewpoints. This book introduces readers to multiple perspectives on the topic and encourages them to objectively view local, national, and global connections to help them form knowledgeable points of view.
Amazing photography accompanies engaging information about climate change in this title. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7.
Climate Change examines the causes and implications of global warming and discusses such topics as the role of everyday choices and the policy-making practices of governments and industries.
Describes climate change, its effects, and the controversy around it.
It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul; but how do eyes work, exactly? This collection of books helps young readers understand eyes in all their complexity. From how sight differs from one animal to another to the inner structure of a human eye, there is a great deal to learn. This book list is designed for readers of all ages, including more elementary explanations through more advanced texts. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
This title describes the invention and development of artificial eyes. It explores the trials and tribulations along with the technological advances seen today. Includes glossary, websites, and bibliography for further reading.
The Eye in 3D presents information on the human eye, discussing its structure, function, and importance, complemented by labeled diagrams that provide an in-depth look beneath the surface.
Young readers are introduced to the nature and structure of the eye and the process through which the eye and the brain work together to create vision.
Duprat’s Eye Spy uses liftable flaps to show how all different kinds of animals see the same scene, from sharp-eyed eagles to purely light-sensing earthworms.
Eyes
By: Pete Jenkins
Illustrated by: Hazel Quintanilla
A boy sees his own eyes and his friends’ eyes and wonders about the ways they are different and what they do.
Little readers will learn about their eyes while strengthening their reading skills. Simple, short sentences appear alongside colorful photographs.
Majestic eagles, wise owls, and cunning vultures are among the many birds of prey found globally. Instead of dining on insects and seeds like other birds, birds of prey instead eat larger animals, including mammals and lizards. In this book list, readers will learn about birds of prey in both fictionalized and factual accounts; many of these books emphasize full-color photographs, as well. Also included are titles about the rescue and rehabilitation of these majestic birds. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
Hawk Rising
By: Maria Gianferrari
Illustrated by: Brian Floca
Early morning and a ruffle of feathers, a shadow glides through the backyard. High above your house, Father Hawk circles, sharp eyes searching for prey. Swoosh! He dives after chipmunks, crows, sparrows, squirrels. Screech! The sun hangs low in the sky as three hungry chicks wait. Will they eat today?
This title presents several birds of prey and their physical features and habitats, including the Northern goshawk, golden eagle, crow, and Great White pelican.
Maggie has just learned to fly when she crashes into the side of a building. She falls to the ground, alone and injured. Who will help her? As told with real photographs, this true story explains how wildlife hospitals rescue and treat injured animals. Their goal is to release the animals back into the wild. Sometimes, this is not possible—but there can still be a happy ending. Maggie’s story is just such a success!
Even powerful birds of prey can get sick or hurt. When that happens, animal helpers at raptor centers come to the rescue! The dedicated staff treats injured, sick, and orphaned animals. They return the birds to their native environment or find forever homes at education and raptor centers for those that cannot survive in the wild. Follow along in this photographic journal as staff and volunteers come together to care for these remarkable birds.
This title examines the efforts of veterinarians and volunteers worldwide as they rescue raptors, showing common injuries, how these birds recover, and how they are released back into the wild.
A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of vultures, the carrion-eating birds of prey. Also included is a story from folklore explaining why vultures are bald.
From summer, to fall, to winter, to spring, the seasons are relatively predictable and bring with them new and exciting activities in which to participate. Animals and humans alike adapt to weather changes as temperatures grow colder or warmer. The books in this list include information about the seasons from various perspectives, including the changes animals make over the course of a year and why seasons happen at all. Activities are also included to help readers understand seasons first-hand. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
Introduces weather and the seasons, describing what is a cloud, why rainbows form, and how animals migrate for the winter. This book also includes four weather-related science projects.
From snowplows to skyscraper nests and rooftop gardens, life in the city changes from season to season. Discover what animals live in the city. Learn how smog forms in summer. Real-life photographs follow the seasons and capture the beauty of a year in the city.
From hibernation to baby animals and falling leaves, life in the forest changes from season to season. Discover why snow is good for trees. Learn how wildfires help the forest grow. Real-life photographs follow the seasons and capture the beauty of a year in the forest.
Keys to capturing exciting images range from advice on how to take photos of small things such as insects to self-portraits and pictures that can be taken on any trip. Kid-friendly instructions and photoshoot ideas make this an excellent basic guide that displays the basics of what makes a photo composition great.
Discusses cameras and equipment, how to focus, understanding light, frame composition, and photo editing. The author touches on the different types of photography, such as animal photography, portrait photography, still life photography, sports photography, and landscape photography.
From high-powered cameras to smartphones, photography is a popular and accessible interest of many individuals today. This title helps young photographers explore the history of this important art and the pioneers who innovated and created some of the world’s most notable cameras and photos. Readers will learn about lenses, filters, composition, and lighting. They will also be encouraged to create their own photography projects using different styles and mediums and changing their photos into forms that suit their ideas and concepts.
Explores some of the most famous photographs in history, including Stephen Dalton’s “Ladybird Take-off,” Charles C. Ebbets’ “Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper,” and Neil Leifer’s “Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston.”
Discusses various aspects within photography: lenses, time-lapse, pictures in space, digital technology, the darkroom, and the science of selfies.
Word problems are used in all facets of math. This book list includes books with a variety of math word problems and books that teach students word problem strategies.
Having a problem with word problems? Author Rebecca Wingard-Nelson introduces simple ways to tackle tricky word problems with algebra. Real-world examples make the book easy to read and are great for students to use on their own or with parents, teachers, or tutors. Free downloadable worksheets are available on www.enslow.com.
With full-color photographs and simple, engaging language, this book introduces young readers to word problems involving money, helping them learn the skills needed to handle money on a daily basis. Words to Know help students learn new vocabulary, and “Moments in Minting” sidebars introduce young readers to interesting facts about currency.
In the second book in the wildly successful One Minute Mysteries series, kids must tap into their critical thinking skills to solve these entertaining and educational mysteries. Each one-minute-long mystery challenges readers’ knowledge of math in everyday life situations.
Engaging narrative, vivid photographs, and real-world examples combine to teach readers how to solve time word problems. Readers will learn how to measure time intervals in minutes and represent authentic time problems on a number line diagram.
This book explains the steps needed to solve word problems. It begins with problem-solving steps and tips and then guides readers through the information they need to solve the problem. It covers topics such as looking for patterns and drawing a picture. The reader also learns about logical thinking and how to work backwards to solve the problem.
These six books present younger readers with information about cubes.
This book contains simple text and photographs that describe cubes to young readers.
Cubes
By: Laura Hamilton Waxman
Illustrated by: Kathy Mitter
In Cubes, rhyming text and creative illustrations draw attention to cubes that are found in the world around us. The 3-D Shapes illustrated nonfiction books series provide the first lessons on three-dimensional shapes.
Offers a collection of puzzles and logical problems testing knowledge of shapes, geometry, and patterns presented in the form of a choose-your-own-adventure story that requires the correct answers to make it through the story.
Leo and his pet cat to provide the basics of cubes. They introduce cubes, discussing their angles, dimensions, and vertices, and displays examples of cubes in practical science and in nature.
Which 3-D shape can cool your drink or roll your next move? A cube! Have lots of fun finding all kinds of cubes―spotted, sweet, salty, frozen, or fuzzy!
Help students understand geometry and reinforce classroom geometry lessons by building a library collection that includes various books featuring the subject. These six books are excellent additions to school and public library collections.
Reinforce in-class geometry skills such as lines, angles, polygons, triangles, and the Pythagorean theorem. Wingard- Nelson introduces all the topics students need to know about geometry. Includes great test-taking tips for solving multiple-choice, short-answer, and show-your-work questions. An excellent book for students to use on their own or with parents, teachers, or tutors. Free worksheets are available on enslow.com.
The basics of geometry—lines, angles, planes, rays—are a great beginning to this addition to the MATH SMARTS! series. Geometry, which means “earth measure,” is used to measure anything on earth. No matter what size a rectangle is—whether it be a computer chip, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, or a city block—you can always find its area by multiplying length by width. Readers also learn about polygons, triangles, circles, congruent figures, symmetry, and cones, as well as areas, perimeters, circumferences, volumes, and more!
Get ready to discover and uncover the properties of shapes. Learn all about dimensions, length, width, and 2- and 3-dimensional shapes. With the rhyming text in this book, readers will discover hexagons, polygons, pentagons, and so much more in a fun and easy to understand way! So, blast off and learn all about galactic geometry! This book will allow students to understand that attributes belonging to a category of 2- or 3-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.
Leo teaches his cat Pallas all about spheres by applying his knowledge of geometry to their Stone Age world. Entertaining illustrations and stories provide a fun introduction to math concepts, including radius, circumference, and diameter. Information boxes accompany each story to explore real applications of spheres in the natural and designed world.
Discover points, lines, and planes. Learn about circles, symmetry, and line relationships, and practice finding perimeter, area, volume, and circumference. This book can be read from beginning to end or use it to review a specific topic.
In this rhyming text, students will gain an understanding of how geometry is made up of lines, angles, and shapes, and how to differentiate between these sometimes confusing ideas. This book will guide them through understanding geometry with the help of visual representations, step-by-step instructions, and sample questions. It will allow students to draw and identify lines and angles and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles. So, hop on the line and follow the path of understanding geometry!
This list introduces readers to the concepts of light and optics. Books range from understanding how light works to project-based books. Perfect for educators looking for ideas to bring understanding of light and optics to the classroom!
Imagine a world without light. What would it be like? Dark, cold, and lifeless! In Explore Light and Optics, readers find out why light is so important to our world, how light travels, how the eye works, and why we can see objects. They read about optical inventions that changed the world, including microscopes, telescopes, and cameras. Kids are introduced to modern inventions such as lasers, solar planes, and the hundreds of thousands of miles of fiber optics that make it possible to transmit data all over the world. Through projects ranging from making a spectroscope and concocting invisible ink to creating a periscope and experimenting with lenses, children discover how light can be bent, bounced, and broken. Facts, jokes, cartoon illustrations, and links to online primary sources illuminate the role light plays in our lives, from the sun shining overhead to the cellphone in our back pocket.
In this book, readers learn what optical engineering is, how light works, how engineers work with light, and how light and vision work together. It also includes the history of optical engineering, working in optical engineering, and starting a project with optics and light.
Questions include: What is light? Why is light important? How do we use light? Is light a particle or a wave? How fast does light travel? What is invisible light? What is infrared light? What are lasers? What are absorption, reflection, and transmission? Why do some objects cast shadows? What are fiber optics? What are primary colors? What gives objects their colors? What is refraction? How do people see light? How do our eyes adjust to light? How does the eye see color? What are optical illusions? How do lenses help people see? What is LASIK? The book also highlights Light careers and shows young scientists at work.
Discusses lines of light, beautiful patterns, refracting light, separating colors of the spectrum, sunlight and plants, different light sources, and measuring the speed of light. Includes how to make a water bottle microscope.
Includes the following experiments: Two-way mirror, Make a rainbow, Fishbowl lens, Disappearing trick, Make a telescope, Trapped beam, Pinhole camera, Spectrometer, Making patterns, Sunset in a glass, and Separating colors.
This book looks at the different places light comes from, including natural and artificial sources. Discover the difference between a light source and a reflective object and how you can tell which is which. Look at our largest and most important light source – the Sun – and what happens when you take sunlight away. Explore light technology by finding out how we use lasers and fiber optics. And much more!
Teach kids more about geology by adding these titles to your library. This book list includes books to explain the wonders of geology and project-based learning)
Dig in and learn about the Earth under your feet. Geology Lab for Kids features 52 simple, inexpensive, and fun experiments that explore the Earth’s surface, structure, and processes. It explores the wonders of geology, such as the formation of crystals and fossils, the layers of the Earth’s crust, and how water shapes mountains, valleys, and canyons.
This book looks at the place of Earth in the solar system, the development of life, the Earth’s changing landscape, environmental issues, and related topics, with corresponding experiments.
Learn how geology and physical geography are intertwined and explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, western Montana, and northern California are a unique part of the United States known for its explosive volcanoes and earthquakes. The region has everything from glaciers and tundra to mighty rivers and the only temperate rainforest in the United States.
Part graphic novel, part fun guidebook, Dirtmeister’s Nitty Gritty Planet Earth introduces both eager and reluctant readers to the basic geologic processes that shape our Earth. Clear and concise explanations of the various geologic processes reveal the comprehensive science behind each fascinating topic. Fun facts and simple DIY experiments reinforce the concepts while short biographies of outstanding scientists inspire future geo-scientists.
Learn the history of lasers and this cutting-edge field that helps many people in many different ways.
The story of Theodore H. Maiman is the quintessential story of committed scientific study, original thinking, and above all, courage and persistence. When World War II started, Maiman enlisted in the Navy and worked on signaling equipment. After the war, he earned degrees in physics and engineering and went to work for Hughes Research Laboratory, where he was tasked with building a laser. His progress, however, was slow and filled with setbacks; but his stubborn refusal to give up resulted in the invention of the first laser in 1960. Wyckoff’s book combines easy-reading text with color photographs and graphics that describe Maiman’s journey through idea, research, and final invention in clear language supported by the helpful visuals.
This text provides readers with an exploratory lens into the general world of the Fab Lab with an in-depth focus on two specific types of machinery: laser cutters and engravers. These machines give users the unique opportunity to create through the removal of material from its source. Included for readers are hands-on tips and tricks for operating laser cutters and engravers, providing a variety of projects for every experience level, all the while connecting these skills to real-world business models and careers. This title tackles the arts and design element of STEAM more than any other Fab Lab machines do.
The 21st Century Junior Library Women Innovators series highlights the contributions of women to STEM fields. Patricia Bath and Laser Surgery examines the life of this important woman and her contributions to ophthalmology and laser surgery. Sidebars encourage readers to engage in the material by asking deeper questions or conducting individual research. Full-color photos, a glossary, and a listing of additional resources all enhance the learning experience.
Imagine a world without light. What would it be like? Dark, cold, and lifeless! In Explore Light and Optics, readers find out why light is so important to our world. We use light to communicate. Because of light, there are natural phenomena such as rainbows and the auroras. And it’s light that provides living things with the energy they need to exist. In this book, readers learn how light travels, how the eye works, and why we can see objects. They read about optical inventions that changed the world, including microscopes, telescopes, and cameras. Kids are introduced to modern inventions such as lasers, solar planes, and the hundreds of thousands of miles of fiber optics that make it possible to transmit data all over the world. Through projects ranging from making a spectroscope and concocting invisible ink to creating a periscope and experimenting with lenses, children discover how light can be bent, bounced, and broken. Facts, jokes, cartoon illustrations, and links to online primary sources illuminate the role light plays in our lives, from the sun shining overhead to the cellphone in our back pocket.
What is brighter than the sun, strong enough to reach the moon, and sharp enough to cut tiny holes? Lasers do all this and more! Let a laser-like focus on measuring length shine through as you find out what makes these bright beams light up. This nonfiction math reader builds literacy skills and math content knowledge, combining informational text, problem-solving, and real-world connections to help students explore math in a meaningful way. The Let’s Explore Math sidebars feature clear charts and diagrams that make learning the concepts easy and fun. The Problem Solving activity enhances the learning experience and promotes mathematical reasoning, and the Math Talk section provides critical thinking questions to help facilitate rich discussions while developing students’ speaking and listening skills. Text features include content-area vocabulary, dynamic images, a table of contents, a glossary, an index, and an answer key. Aligned to state and national standards, this high-interest title will engage students in reading and learning.
Are you a school librarian who works in a school with a STEM program? If so, and even if not, STEMWorks can be the right tool to enhance the STEM curriculum in your school.
Why focus on STEM? STEM is so significant it’s hard to put into words. Science, technology, engineering, and math provide the components to create new medical devices and cures, safer travel, a healthier planet, and many other advances and discoveries. STEM affects everything! Look at California, for instance. The state battles severe drought, wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes, and shore erosion. Scientists are needed to not only analyze what is happening and why it is happening but what can be done to minimize the adverse effects and how creative solutions might be developed to address these real-life concerns while being wildly innovative and creative. A firm foundation in the sciences is required for this type of assessment. CLCD’s STEMWorks addresses these areas by offering a wide variety of topics and sub-topics focused on these very subjects.
STEMWorks offers information on over 400,000 STEM-related titles geared for ages 4 to 18 and allows titles to be quickly searched for easy access to an abundance of information. STEMWorks focuses on over 20 super topics with 200 key STEM topics for dynamic search results. Each super topic and topic in STEMWorks was carefully chosen to use terms that children will quickly recognize while staying close to industry standard terms. STEMWorks book details provide access to book reviews, other similar subject titles, curriculum tools, and the opportunity for teachers and librarians around the globe to share how they use the book to further learning. Include filters such as grade and curriculum tools and instantly have an activity or lesson ready for a teacher in need. Be a STEM leader in your school by creating STEM booklists to share with science and math teachers. Create STEM book displays in a snap with STEMWorks’ broad topic searching format. Read book reviews of the latest published STEM-related titles to help with growing a vibrant, significant STEM collection. Overlay your library’s collection with CLCD’s STEMWorks so students can view the diverse STEM collection you have created for their school. By being a STEM leader, you are part of the team educating the next aerospace engineer, doctor that cures Parkinson’s disease, or renewable energy developer.
The goal of STEMWorks is to not only supplement literacy programs and project-based learning but also to generate interest in STEM topics with the hope of closing the gap in STEM careers. We believe that fostering interest today will help build a community of problem solvers and creative thinkers who are ready to tackle our world’s challenges today and in the future. Firm believers in the effect of just one book on a young mind, CLCD stands with educators in making the learning process more accessible. STEMWorks is yet another excellent tool to incorporate books into the classroom experience.
Learning the names of body parts is an important part of childhood. Readers between the ages of 0 and 5 will love these books about human body parts, as it is easy to connect the images on the page to their own bodies. While reading these books is fun, doing so in conjunction with doing activities and singing songs about body parts (like the song Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes) reinforces the learning and helps young children begin to recognize the vocabulary that corresponds with the various parts of their bodies. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
The interactive Look & Learn series is designed to grow along with your child. A multi-layered skill-building approach introduces concepts with context reinforcement, so learning sticks. These eye-catching books make early learning fun!
Presents an infant’s early actions, sensations, and emotions, as he expresses his happiness at his new-found abilities and explores the world around him. On board pages.
Young children are fascinated by their eyes, ears, nose, fingers, and toes. This board book teaches toddlers all about the human body, with shapes, sizes, colors, and super-simple facts.
Babies play peekaboo, looking for their belly buttons, feet, and other body parts in this interactive book. On board pages.
Coders are one of the most highly sought after employees not only in computer-related companies but in many industries. Teaching children coding skills in elementary school can help them grasp coding language early and may promote a love of the language and possibly a future vocation. These eight books, recommended for readers under the age of 12, present coding skills in simple, easy-to-understand language.
A brief explanation of how video games are made, how to develop code, how virtual reality works with games, and ways to fix simple computer glitches. Includes activity pages for readers to use for practicing how to make up a game.
All you need to get started is a computer and this programming guide, a book that’s just right for beginners of any age to develop real coding skills. Follow the step-by-step instructions through six missions, and you will learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Once you’ve helped secure the infamous Monk Diamond, continue to improve and test your expertise by coding your own projects and accomplishing your own daring missions!.
Pearl and her trusty rust-proof robot, Pascal, need to build a sandcastle before summer vacation is over, and they’re going to do it using code.
Rox’s Secret Code
By: Mara Lecocq and Nathan Archambault
Illustrated by: Jessika von Innerebner
Rox does not want to clean up her room, so by using code, she creates a robot to do her chores for her, but Chorebot gets out of control. Includes hands-on activity through a companion app.
Learn to write simple computer language. Includes binary coding and ways to fix computer glitches.
Colors are some of the first words children learn since they serve to describe almost anything children see. Though not learned in detail until much later, children can observe the way light changes the color and appearance of objects, supporting a STEM curriculum even to the youngest of readers. These books give children between the ages of 0 and 3 a context through which to experience color, whether independently or with the help of a caregiver. Bright pictures and sturdy board pages make for excellent reading for children in this age group. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
Simple text and illustrations help young readers to recognize colors.
Colors
By: Nick Ackland
Illustrated by: Jennie Bradley
This bright and busy board book is an ideal first book for baby! In Colors, toddlers get to explore an early concept through engaging words and pictures. They will love pointing out new and familiar objects in their favorite colors: red, green, purple, and more. Perfect for parents and toddlers to read together.
Introduces six colors with textured illustrations of a red strawberry, a blue ocean, a yellow piece of cheese, a green tree, and a zebra with black and white stripes. On board pages.
The interactive Look & Learn series is a multi-layered, skill-building approach that introduces concepts with context reinforcement so learning sticks. These eye-catching books make early learning fun.
Introduces the concept of color-mixing, with illustrations featuring two colors that, when mixed, form a third color which is depicted on a variety of animals, from a gray cat to a blue whale.
Lionel the lion and Molly the mouse play together and discover the colors of the world around them, including the yellow of the sun, the blue of puddles, and green of apples.
Introduces young readers to different colors, providing images of vegetables that represent each color, from purple eggplants and yellow corn to green broccoli and orange carrots.
Numbers and counting form the foundation of future success in math, an important STEM component. Young children who learn these formative concepts can more easily understand the world around them and how numbers interact with one another. These books are selected to be both entertaining and informative to readers ages 0-6 and their caregivers. Their high color imagery and interactive pages make these books enjoyable to explore independently or together. Contributed by: Mary Lanni
Introduces young readers to the numbers one through ten by counting familiar city objects, including skyscrapers, taxis, and a subway car.
Countablock
By: Christopher Franceschelli
Illustrated by: Harry N. Abrams
Teaches the numbers from one to one hundred by showing how a certain number of objects can become something else, from one acorn growing into an oak tree to one hundred puzzle pieces becoming one large puzzle.
Presents numbers from one to ten in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, along with pictures of ever-increasing animals and plants, from one frog to ten bees. On board pages.
This book teaches the numbers from one to ten using simple raised die-cut shapes on a left-hand page mirrored in the scooped-out forms of the right.
Numbers
By: Mary Novick
Illustrated by: Jenny Hale
Introduces the numbers one to twenty, with flaps for each number that can be lifted to reveal the correct number of objects or animals under the flap, from one rocking horse and two ducks to twenty shoes.
This book is a fun way for young children to learn to count from 1 to 10. Each page has a twisty picture to turn and match to the number.
Looking for renewable energy sources can be as simple as stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. The wind has been used to harness energy for thousands of years, all the way back to the first sailboats. Learn about the history and current uses of wind to harness energy and power entire communities. This list of 10 wind power themed books is excellent for STEM lessons and activities focused on energy and renewable resources.
It’s windy on the Danish island of Sams. Meet the environmentally friendly folks who, in a few short years, worked together for energy independence, and who now proudly call their home Energy Island.
When 14-year-old William Kamkwamba’s Malawi village was hit by a drought in 2001, everyone’s crops began to fail. His family didn’t have enough money for food, let alone school, so William spent his days in the library. He came across a book on windmills and figured out how to build a windmill that could bring electricity to his village. Everyone thought he was crazy, but William persevered and managed to create a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps. Several years later, he figured out how to use the windmill for irrigation purposes.
Our planet’s weather offers some incredible solutions to our growing energy needs, and one of those solutions is wind power. Offshore and onshore wind farms are an increasingly familiar sight in many countries around the world. Wind farms tap into this clean, sustainable, and renewable form of energy. Find out how wind power works, where in the world it is being used, and how this green energy supply could be one answer to the energy problems that face us today.
Explaining how the wind works, what windmills have contributed to the past, and why they offer environmental promise today as a source of clean, renewable energy, this revised and updated edition offers a glimpse into all the current and historical uses for wind power. Featuring new information on wind energy technology and wind farms, new photographs, and 24 wind-related activities–from keeping track of household energy use and conducting science experiments to cooking traditional meals and creating arts and crafts–this handy resource offers kids interested in the science of energy and green technologies an engaging, interactive, and contemporary overview of wind power.
Discusses how different types of turbines can be used to harness wind power to make electricity, the advantages and disadvantages of wind power, and ways wind power could be used in the future.
An examination of how wind has historically been used as an energy source and how current and future energy demands are changing its technical applications and efficiency levels.
Carefully leveled text and vibrant photographs introduce early fluent readers to the science and engineering behind wind power. Includes infographics, activity, glossary, and index.
Describes how modern technology harnesses the power of wind and the sun to convert into electricity, helping to create alternative sources of energy and lists the advantages and disadvantages to both methods.
Learn about the people who made space travel happen. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as “Human Computers,” calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women. Segregated from their white counterparts by Jim Crow laws, these “colored computers,” as they were known, used slide rules, adding machines, and pencil and paper to support America’s fledgling aeronautics industry, and helped write the equations that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space. Drawing on the oral histories of scores of these “computers,” personal recollections, interviews with NASA executives and engineers, archival documents, correspondence, and reporting from the era, Hidden Figures recalls America’s greatest adventure and NASA’s groundbreaking successes through the experiences of five spunky, courageous, intelligent, determined, and patriotic women: Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, and Gloria Champine.
The behind-the-scenes story of the fierce battles on earth that launched the superpowers into space. Khrushchev was frustrated at America’s U-2 spy plane, which flew too high to be shot down. But Russia’s chief rocket designer had an answer: an artificial satellite that would orbit the earth and cross American skies at will. The launch of Sputnik on October 4, 1957 stunned the world. Sputnik set in motion events that led not only to the moon landing but also to cell phones, federally guaranteed student loans, and the wireless Internet. Journalist Brzezinski takes us inside the Kremlin, the White House, secret military facilities, and the halls of Congress to bring to life the Russians and Americans who feared and distrusted their compatriots as much as their rivals.
Based on interviews with 28 astronauts, this history of the Apollo program masterfully describes the missions and personalizes them with astronauts’ own words.
The whole world followed the countdown to sending the first men to the moon. This is the story of the people who made it happen, both in the rockets and behind the scenes.
Discusses the Apollo space program of the 1960s, the later unmanned NASA probes of the moon, and describes the effects of space flight on the astronauts and some of what has been learned about the moon.
Min is a problem solver. On a hot day, Min and her friends, who all happen to be elephants, want to play outside. Ann and Bess think it’s too hot, but Min gets creative and finds ways to cool down. This guided reading level picture book with a STEM twist showcases a girl’s persistence and ingenuity. Part of the “I Like to Read” series, simple text combine with McCully’s bright and whimsical watercolor illustrations to make this early reader style picture book fun and manageable for a beginning reader. From a STEM standpoint, the story shows Min devising a way to get water out of a well into an empty pool but doesn’t explain how her invention works. Illustrations show how she wraps a hose around a pipe and puts it in the well. As Min turns the pipe, water moves up the hose and pours out into the pool. There’s no explanation how the water screw works beyond, “Min turned the tube…and turned…and turned…Water came out!” While the story succeeds in depicting problem-solving skills and creativity, it misses the opportunity to introduce simple tools, like the screw, to young readers, either with more descriptive text, a sidebar, or endnote to be shared by a parent or teacher. Teachers could use this picture book as a fun discussion starter about persistence, problem-solving, or simple tools.
In a 1:1 STEM charter school (where every student has a laptop and most have mobile devices), are print books even needed? The answer might surprise you. Find out how abundant technology resources impacted collection development at one of the nation’s best high schools.
