Synergy: Exploring Botany

BOTANY is the study of plant science. This branch of biology includes not only plants, but also fungi and algae.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

KNOWLEDGE ENCYCLOPEDIA: PLANTS AND FUNGI from DK is a highly illustrated reference book for children interested in plant science. From flowers and trees to carnivorous plants, readers will be spellbound by the wealth of fascinating facts, useful infographics, diagrams, and photographs. ARC courtesy of DK.

LANGUAGE OF PLANTS written by Helena Harastova and illustrated Darya Beklemesheva explores the science of plants. Each chapter examines a different aspect of plant communication. Whether exploring the Wood Wide Web or clever pollination, readers will enjoy the variety of presentation formats including text, detailed diagrams, and more. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

STAND AS TALL AS TREES written by Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau and illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo shares how activists and community members in the Amazon worked together to protect their native lands. This inspirational, true story shares the importance of environmental conservation and plant preservation. This title is available in both English and Spanish. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.

ROOTING FOR PLANTS: THE UNSTOPPABLE CHARLES S. PARKER, BLACK BOTANIST AND COLLECTOR written by Janice N. Harrington and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III tells the story of a botanist and mycologist who discovered new species of plants and fungi and the source of fruit tree diseases. As a botanist and educator, he inspired a generation of new Black scientists. ARC courtesy of Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Publishing House.

HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR PLANT written by Magda Gargulakova and Lena Chytilova and illustrated by Hannah Abba assists young readers in learning the process of acquiring and caring for houseplants. Of particular note is the section exploring individual plants children are likely to encounter. Chapters feature the basics of care, an encyclopedia of houseplants, and cultivation practice. Visuals, step-by-step instructions, and lots of useful advice make this a practical guide for young plant lovers. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media.

Synergy: Exploring Life Science

LIFE SCIENCE studies living organisms and processes. It includes the areas of biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry and related areas.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

VERSATILE VERTEBRATES by Tom Velcovsky and Marie Kotasova and illustrated by Babora Idesova is an informational picture book examining nature’s largest animal groups. From amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds, readers learn about the characteristics of the vertebrate family. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

THEY ARE HERE! HOW INVASIVE SPECIES ARE SPOILING OUR ECOSYSTEM by Roland Smith is an informational book examining the negative impact of invasive species. From rats and birds to snakes and insects, each chapter explores a different type of invasive. Humorous anecdotes, scientific information, and useful tips contribute to the appeal of this fascinating middle grade book. ARC courtesy of Godwin Book, an imprint of Macmillan.

DISCOVERING LIFE’S STORY: BIOLOGY’S BEGINNINGS by Joy Hakim is the first book in a four-part series exploring the history of life science. Designed for young adults, this engaging work of nonfiction examines key people, places, and scientific discoveries from around the globe. Primary source materials and other visual elements contribute to the appeal. Back matter extends the experience. ARC courtesy of MITeen Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

NOT A MONSTER by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and illustrated by Laura Gonzalez is a nonfiction picture book exploring the life cycle of the axolotl. Of particular note is the book’s use of Spanish vocabulary woven throughout the narrative. This fascinating amphibian is well-known to children because of its appearance in Aztec mythology and Minecraft. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Experiments

 

Experiments are procedures designed to support or refute a hypothesis. They demonstrate what outcome occurs when a particular variable is manipulated. To children, hands-on, scientific experiments can seem like magic.

Read the recently published nonfiction book, then learn more at the website:

THE SCIENCE SPELL BOOK: MAGICAL EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS by Cara Florance provides a fun way for children to learn about physics, biology, and chemistry through common household items. From using electricity to draw pictures to creating a fluorescent feast, readers explore the science behind magical experiments. Chapter titles such as illumination, sorcery, and alchemy enhance the magic theme, while the individual experiments keeping the focus on real-world science concepts. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore.

YOUTUBE features video channels that connect the science with the fun of magic tricks. For instance, 5-MINUTE MAGIC provides short videos on a wide range of topics. The playlists includes topics such as science experiments, magic tricks, and top experiments.

To watch videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/5MINUTEMAGIC.

Synergy: Anglerfish

Anglerfish are bony fish known for their bioluminescence that is used to lure prey. Found worldwide, anglerfish dwell on the sea floor, close to the sea floor or in the deep sea.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book, then learn more at the websites:

ANGLERFISH: THE SEADEVIL OF THE DEEP by Elaine M. Alexander and illustrated by Fiona Fogg dives 13,000 feet under the ocean to explore a primordial fish known for its teeth and bioluminescence. This informational picture book follows the life cycle of the anglerfish and concludes with additional information about its life and related fish. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

DEEP-SEA ANGLERFISH from Monterey Bay Aquarium provides an overview of the fish along with photographs, video, conservation information, and cool facts. To read the page, go to https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/deep-sea-anglerfish.

Science Magazine from YouTube provides the first footage of deep-sea anglerfish pair. To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/anDIlMVgNwk.

Synergy: Human Evolution

Human evolution is the long process of change from now-extinct primates to a distinct species of hominid, the Homo sapien. All humans originated from ape-like ancestors that evolved over six million years.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN IN SEVEN EVOLUTIONARY STEPS by Pamela S. Turner mixes science with humor to tell the story of human evolution. In seven chapters focusing on the unique aspects of human development, Turner shares the story of how, when, and why we became human. Maps, photographs, and other illustrations along with a conversational approach to storytelling contribute to a fun-filled way to learn about human evolution. The book includes an author’s note, dating information, a glossary, timeline, a list of hominin members, resources, and more.

The HUMAN ORIGINS PROGRAM website from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History features exhibits, research, multimedia resources, and educational materials related to human evolution and related areas of science.

To visit the website, go to https://humanorigins.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Moths and Natural Selection

The Peppered Moth is an example of evolutionary biology. The frequency of dark-colored moths increased as a result of the air pollution from coal plants during the Industrial Revolution.

Read the recently published a science picture book, then learn more at the website:

MOTH by Isabel Thomas and Daniel Egneius explores the science of natural selection and evolution using the peppered moth as an example.      

The Story of the Peppered Moth from SciShow Kids is a short video that explores the peppered moth and natural selection.

SciShow Kids  AZZ

https://youtu.be/jD8w3SOlYOk

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Website: Virtual Urchin

VIRTUAL URCHIN is a science website from Stanford University containing interactive tutorials and teacher resources.

The website features interactive tutorials in the areas of microscope basics, development and embryology, ecology and environment, and basic biology. The web-based tutorials include step-by-step instructions, key concepts, practice, and hands-on activities.

The teacher resources section provides suggested activities, additional learning materials, and links to other resources.

Librarians will find that students enjoy these hands-on, online interactive tutorials covering a dozen key concepts.

To visit the website, go tohttp://web.stanford.edu/group/inquiry2insight/virtualurchin

Digital Collection: Animal Diversity Web

ANIMAL DIVERSITY WEB
University of Michigan

Contents: This animal database including distribution, classification, conservation biology and natural history for thousands of species.

Classroom Connections: This easy-to-use website is perfect for grades 3-12. An app is available for those with handheld devices. Involve students in making comparisons, building life cycle charts, and creating food chain diagrams.

Featured Digital Objects: 
Special Collections - http://animaldiversity.org/collections/

To visit the collection, go to http://animaldiversity.org/.

To explore the teaching materials, go to http://animaldiversity.org/teach/

Website Review: Oceana

The OCEANA website focuses on marine life and conservation.

The Marine Life section contains a database of sea creatures. This Ocean Animal Encyclopedia is filled with fascinating facts and resource organized by types of creatures.

The Publications section includes short and longer scientific reports, brochures, facts sheets, and infographics about the world’s oceans.

The Expeditions area provides an overview of conservation campaigns focusing on unique marine ecosystems around the world.

Librarians will find this website is filled with fascinating information, but readers need to keep in mind that the focus is on conservation. The high-quality infographics would be excellent for students analysis and evaluation. The reports would be useful for informational reading activities.

To visit the website, go to http://oceana.org.

Website Review: Nautilus Live

NAUTILUS LIVE is a live ocean exploration project.

Follow Dr. Robert Ballard and the Corps of Exploration as they explore the world’s oceans. The Expedition section focuses on the current ocean exploration and mission. It contains hands-on ideas for educators along with text, photos, and video. The Photos & Videos section features photo galleries and short video segments. The Tech area shares information about the ship and the Section area contains information about marine science including biology, geology, and archaeology. The News area shares articles about current activities. The Live section allows users to watch the ship’s activities live.

Librarian will find this project an excellent way to connect the school’s curriculum with real-world STEM activities. Set up a bulletin board in the library and a station to track the expedition’s progress.

To visit the website, go to http://www.nautiluslive.org/.

Tech Review: iCell

iCELL is an engaging science interactive from HudsonAlpha.

Providing a 3-D view of the inside of an animal, bacteria, or plant cell, the interactive is an excellent way to immerse science students in biology. Users can select and zoom into parts of the cell. Elements of the cell are labelled and annotations can be turned on or off. Learners explore cell structures at the basic, intermediate, or advanced level.

Librarians will find this interactive to be an excellent reference resource for students seeking help or review with cell biology. The large font makes the tool effective for large group, electronic white board activities.

The interactive can be downloaded for use on computers or played in a web browser with a web player. It can also be downloaded as an Apple App.

To download the app for tablets, Mac OS, or Windows, go tohttp://icell.hudsonalpha.org/.

Tech Review: Progenitor X

PROGENITOR X is a web-based, narrative science game from the Games Learning Society.

In this immersive learning experience, users become part of an elite squad of scientists who must identify and treat humans who have been infected during a Zombie pandemic. Student scientists must apply problem-solving skills to save the world.

Designed for middle school through college, students learn key biology concepts including the relationships among cells, tissues, and organs.

Based on real-world research, game players learn how human skin cells work. In addition to the demo game, the website also links to current research related to regenerative biology.

Librarians will enjoy the connection between fact and fiction connecting the Zombie stories teens love with real-world science. Use the game to jumpstart interest in biology.

To learn more, go to http://gameslearningsociety.org/px_microsite/.

Website Review: NASA's GeneLab

NASA’s GENELAB website explores cutting-edge biology experiences conducted in space.

The resource begins with a fascinating video that examines how the GeneLab is used to conduct unique scientific studies.

The Discoveries section features news and information about the data being collected, the strategic plan, and specific experiments.

The Data section links to the GeneLab Data System 1.0 website. This open-access, online searchable data repository houses information collected from space biology experiments. Users can browse sample data sets. This area is just getting started, so more research will be available in the future.

Useful for secondary students interested in cutting-edge science, librarians will find a wealth of interesting resources. This website provides “real world” examples of space biology work so students can see how experiments are conducted in space. Although the science is likely to be beyond secondary student understanding, it may provide the foundation for further exploration.

To visit the website, go to http://genelab.nasa.gov/.

App Review: Space Station Research Explorer

The SPACE STATION RESEARCH EXPLORER app from NASA involves youth in exploring the array of scientific experiments being conducted on the International Space Station.

Designed for young adults and adults, the app discusses the results and benefits of research in microgravity. Focusing on recently completed and ongoing experiments, this engaging resource includes in-depth descriptions, photos, video, and interactive media to bring the science alive for users.

The app is divided into five sections:

The Experiments area includes the topics of biology and biotechnology, human research, earth and space science, physical science, educational activities and outreach, and technology development and demonstration. Within each major category, users can choose a subcategory. Users can filter their search for experiments by choosing a particular expedition or sponsor. A detailed technical report along with images are provided for each experiment.

The Facilities section shows a 360 view of the interior of the three station modules. Users can tap on racks to see descriptions of the items stored there.

The Benefits resources include the areas of human health, earth benefits, and global education. Each topic explains a specific example of how the experiments are positively impacting the world.

The Media materials provides podcasts, games, and videos to explore.

The Links area includes space station-related websites and links to useful resources.

Librarians will find this to be a useful resource for science classes. The app would be a great jumping off spot for student reports and investigations. The technical reports would also be an useful resource for informational reading in the sciences.

To download this free app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/space-station-resear…/id934070569.

Tech Review: Biodiversity Heritage Library

The BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE LIBRARY website contains an interesting digital collection as well as two games to help the website verify the accuracy of OCR scanning.

The digital library contains free access to biodiversity knowledge. With nearly 100,000 titles and over 160,000 volumes, it contains millions of pages of taxonomic literature. While many of the materials aren’t likely to be of interest to K-12 youth, there are some interesting items that could be woven into art and science classes.

The BHL Blog is a good place to go for specific items of interest to youth. For instance, a children’s librarian’s Taming the Wild post shared some cool social media posters made from images from the collection. The blog also hosts a podcast featuring key collections such as their SHARK WEEK collection. It’s available at iTunes.

A good place for youth to start is at the Flickr stream. When students find an image of interest they can learn more by exploring the entire report or book.

The website’s two purposeful games help the library verify the automated information mined when objects were digitized. The Smorball game asks users to type the words they see as quickly and accurately as possible to help coach their team to victory. The Beanstalk game involves users in typing the words presented to them correctly in order to grow their beanstalk.

The Biodiversity Heritage Library is a great way to introduce youth to digital collections in the sciences.

To explore the website, go to http://biodiversitylibrary.org.
Go to the Taming the Wild blogpost at http://blog.biodiversitylibrary.org/…/taming-wild-social-me….

Tech Review: Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

The Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab is an amazing science website and app from Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) BioInteractive project.

Developed by a team of scientists, educators, graphic artists, and film makers, the website and app provides a virtual space for exploring the evolution of the anole lizards in the Caribbean.

Containing nearly 3 hours of instructional content, the app includes four modules including ecomorphs, phylogeny, experimental data, and dewlap colors. In each module, students are involved with questioning, collecting data, making calculations, analyzing information, and discussing results. Videos, images, maps, illustrations, and other visual content accompany the text presentation.

Engaging activities are woven into the materials such as dragging lizards into categories and labeling groups; measuring lizards and recording the results; building and analyzing a phylogenetic tree; and analyzing the color and brightness of lizards using a scale. Progress through the modules is tracked and users can print out their results.

Educator materials are providing including a summary and learning objectives, key concepts, and suggestions for using the lab with students. Other useful materials include additional resources and a glossary. In addition to the virtual lab itself, the project website also includes a six-page worksheet that can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed.

Librarians and classroom teachers will enjoy having two ways to access this content. First, users can go to the project website and use the browser version. Second, users can go to iTunes and download the app for mobile devices.

Both the website and the app are intuitive and easy-to-use. They contain the same content, so students could use either virtual lab for the same experience.

The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab and the Stickleback Virtual Lab are also available through HHMI.

For the website, go to http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lizard-evolution-virtual-lab.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/lizard-evolution-vi…/id955217861…

Published by BioInteractive in 2015.

App Review: The Human Body

THE HUMAN BODY from Tinybop is an engaging and entertaining educational app that introduces the body systems to children including both senses and organs.

Through a highly-visual, interactive interface, students are encouraged to explore information about the nervous, skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, muscular, urogenital, and immune systems. Although no verbal or written instructions are provided, users will quickly figure out that tapping, dragging, and swiping icons will provide information and start animations. For instance, tapping the mosquito sends it flying across the screen causing a bite that sends a signal to the brain. Dragging flowers to the nose shows how the olfactory bulb in the brain is stimulated.

Students will enjoy exploring the many animated layered and closeups.

Many students have difficulty correctly labelling diagrams of the human body. This app provides a fun way to practice anatomy vocabulary. Students drag the labels related to a particular body system onto the model and are provided with audio reinforcement.

This app is chuck-full of extras that are easily missed, so students should be encouraged to tap and swipe all over the screen. For instance, swiping the heart side to side reveals a cross-section showing inside the heart. Clicking the parts of the brain reveals visuals associated with their functions. Dragging a leg demonstrates how the achilles tendon works.

The app allows an adult to establish a separate account for each user. A detailed settings area allows users to choose from dozens of languages, select an avatar, and control sound and visual elements.

Excellent for both library and classroom tablets, this app is likely to be popular with elementary science teachers, parents, and science savvy kids.

It’s easy to miss the outstanding, detailed handbook. An introduction is provided to each body system along with explanations of the icons and interactive elements available in that section of the app. Discussion questions are provided to jumpstart a conversation about the body system. To download the handbook, go to http://tinybop.com/handbooks.

To extend the experience, join Tinybop’s social media content.

To learn more, go to http://tinybop.com/apps/the-human-body.