Synergy: Women of STEM

Historically, women have been under-represented in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). According to a AAUW report, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Gender gaps are particularly high in computing and engineering. Recent support for STEM education increases the likelihood that more young women may select these careers.

Read the informational book for youth, then learn more at the website:

WONDER WOMEN OF SCIENCE written by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport explores a dozen STEM professionals who have made major contributions to science. Each biography contains a fact box and short narrative with illustrations. Readers learn about the spark that got them started, their eureka moment, note to self, note to you, and words to live by. Each narrative concluded with information about their specializations. The book concludes with a glossary and suggestions for activities and further reading.

THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is a webpage sharing the diverse stories of women across the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Users can read a short biography, then listen to a SoundCloud podcast that shares their story. To explore this resource, go to https://bit.ly/3wwR89E.

The AAUW’s THE STEM GAP report shares research regarding women in science, technology, engineering and math. To read the report, go to https://bit.ly/3dD729K.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Book: Absolute Expert

ABSOLUTE EXPERT is a new, high interest series from National Geographic Kids.

From animals to sports, each title in the ABSOLUTE EXPERT series explores tips, tricks, and fascinating facts straight from experts in the field.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT SOCCER focuses on playing the game, origins of soccer, soccer around the world, and soccer in North America. Each colorful and highly illustrated chapter features expert information, suggestions, terminology, and quizzes to engage readers. Filled with photos, maps, charts, diagrams, and other visuals along with short text passages, this book is sure to connect with young soccer fans.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT DOLPHINS examines the world of dolphins, their habitat, and their connection with humans. Featuring expert advise from a marine biologist, the book uses short text passages, photographs, maps, diagrams, and infographics to convey facts about these popular sea creatures.

Other titles include ABSOLUTE EXPERT: DINOSAURS and ABSOLUTE EXPERT: VOLCANOES.

Librarians will find a high demand for this new series. National Geographic Kids knows what topics will be popular with young readers. Feature this series in a display promoting career exploration. Each book contains four chapters that would work well for a nonfiction book discussion.

Published by National Geographic Kids in May 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Pictures of Nursing

PICTURES OF NURSING is an online exhibition featuring postcards depicting the social and cultural impact of nurses and nursing.

Produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this website includes an exhibition, education, and digital gallery sections. The exhibition presents a series of short narratives along with primary source materials in five areas: introduction, a women’s mission, nursing as a career, gender of nursing, nursing and respectability, and the art of nursing. The digital gallery provides access to primary source materials and the education section features lesson plans, higher education resources, online activities, and other materials.

Librarians will find this online exhibition useful across the curriculum. This highly visual approach will be appealing for students of all ages.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibi…/picturesofnursing/index.html.

Website Review: Federal Student Aid

FEDERAL STUDENT AID from the U.S. Department of Education features sources to help students seeking grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

The website is divided into five sections.

The Prepare for College section takes teens through the process of defining goals, thinking about college costs, and planning for college.

The Types of Aid section explores funding ideas from the U.S. federal government, states, colleges, and nonprofit or provide organizations.

The Who Gets Aid section discusses issues related to eligibility for federal student aid programs.

The FAFSA: Applying for Aid section takes teens step-by-step through the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The How to Repay Your Loans section helps teens understand the process of choosing a repayment plan and avoiding problems.

The website is available in both English and Spanish. A search tool is provided for those wishing to search the website. A glossary in the About section defines key terminology. Use the social media links for up-to-date information including short, financial aid-related videos.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent resource for students preparing for college. Work with the school counselor to set up a display that features useful books, pamphlets, and other information along with key websites.

To visit the website, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/

Website Review: Wonderville

The WONDERVILLE website is an engaging science destination for youth.

This award winning website is divided into five sections.

The Living Things area provides access to dozens of videos, games, readings such as comics, and experiments associated with life science. Topics include cells, body systems, nutrition, plants, genetics, and biodiversity.

The How Things Work section includes topics such as nanotechnology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, energy, electricity, forces, habitats, physics, and machines.

The Our World area explores a wide range of themes like the diversity of life, ecosystems, habitats, space exploration, and weather.

The Blog features fascinating stories about innovative advancements in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.

The Careers section focuses on scientists, engineers, and specialists who work in a wide range of settings. The emphasis in on activities associated with real-world problem-solving and authentic situations.

When exploring the videos, games, readings, and experiments, youth are provided with links to related resources and activities. The entry page contains links to the most popular content.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for addressing Standards for the 21st Century Learner. An emphasis is placed on curiosity, exploration, and inquiry. Use the resources to connect information literacy activities with STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math).

To visit the website, go to http://www.wonderville.ca/.

Book Review: The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk

THE OCTOPUS SCIENTISTS: EXPLORING THE MIND OF A MOLLUSK by Sy Montgomery provides a fascinating look at the world of scientists studying octopus.

Part of the Scientists in the Field collection, the author provides stunning photographs to go with the interesting and informative scientific narrative. The story follows a group of scientists at the CRIBE’S field station as they collect information about the elusive octopus.

In addition to the engaging story of scientific investigation, the book also includes pages focusing on the scientists and fact sheets providing in-depth information on topics such as creature camouflage.

Feature this book in a library display focusing on creatures of the coral reef. Be sure teachers are aware of this growing collection of high-quality science books. The entire Scientists in the Field collection is a great way to address STEM standards and encourage careers in the sciences.

To learn more about the Scientists in the Field books, go to http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com.

To learn more about the author, go to http://symontgomery.com.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on May 26, 2015.

Website Review: Occupational Outlook Handbook

The OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK (OOH) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is an online reference resource containing career information about hundreds of occupations.

The entry page contains a list of occupations organized into groups such as healthcare and legal. Users can also select occupations by median pay, entry-level education, on-the-job training, number of new jobs projected, and growth rather projection. In addition, options are provided to browse the A-Z index and explore occupations by highest paying, fastest growing, and most new jobs. Finally, users can explore FAQs, the glossary, a teacher’s guide, and career outlook.

The “Occupation Finder” provides a master list of 580 entries with tools to narrow the search by education, training, projected new jobs, projected growth, and median pay. A key word search is also available.

Each career profile contains a summary, what they do, work environment, how to become one, pay, job outlook, similar occupations, and more information.

This easy-to-use website is a great resource for informational reading activities. It’s also a excellent way to jumpstart a career exploration project. A Teachers Guide provides ideas for how the website might be used. It also links to other websites with career information.

Most libraries have a print copy of the OOH in their reference section, however the website provides an effective resource for a whole-class experience.

To learn more, go to the website at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/.