Synergy: Concrete

CONCRETE is a composite material made of stone, sand, water, and cement. From bridges and dams to lighthouses and skyscrapers, concrete is used in a wide range of construction projects.

Create a display featuring concrete examples, building models, and LEGO bricks. Ask children to design a building that could be made with concrete.

Read the recently published nonfiction children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

CONCRETE: FROM THE GROUND UP by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Steve Light defines concrete and traces its history. Part of the Material Marvels series, readers learn about the many types of structures built with concrete. The illustrator’s use of speech bubbles on captivating color drawings along with the author’s short, informational texts combine for an engaging and informative picture book. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press. 

CONCRETE from Kids Britannica defines concrete and provides several examples in an easy-to-read format.

To read the article, go to https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/concrete/403923.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Concrete Network provides an introduction to concrete, its components, and its uses. Users can access numerous articles for further information.

To learn more, go to https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete.html.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Practical Engineering is a short video explaining the basics of concrete. Other videos in the series explore Roman concrete.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/UOHURuAf5iY.

Synergy: Engineers

Engineers invent, design, construct, and test a wide range of machines, systems, and structures. Bridges, buildings, and other physical structures are just a few of their projects. Although many professional are involved in these projects, engineers apply math and physics to create innovative solutions to address the world’s problems from homes that use less space to energy efficient buildings.

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

COLOSSUS written by Colin Hynson and illustrated by Giulia Lombardo shares the world’s most amazing feats of engineering. From buildings and bridges to monuments from around the world, this large format picture book uses annotated illustrations to trace the history of engineering projects from the ancient world to the present and future. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

SEVEN WONDERS: ENGINEERING FEATS is a StoryMap from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The web page features modern engineering marvels from around the world. Each structure includes an image, description and map showing its location.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3Ex3DoL

ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

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 Review: Countdown

COUNTDOWN by Suzanne Slade tells the true story of the moon landing.

Told through stunning illustrations and engaging free verse, this large picture book takes readers on a 2979 day journey from President John F. Kennedy’s announcement through the moon landing. Each of the nine chapters explore a different stage in the project. Thomas Gonzalez’s photo-quality images share a visual record, while the free verse draws readers into the engaging true story. The book concludes with background information, notes, a bibliography, quotations, and an index.

Librarians will find that this large picture book provides a unique way to experience this powerful story of engineering and human sacrifice. Pair it work biographies and other works of nonfiction along with the many NASA websites related to the moon project.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Digital Spotlight: Science History Institute

The SCIENCE HISTORY INSTITUTE digital collection focuses on chemistry, engineering, and life sciences.

Contents: This digital collection contains nearly 6000 digital objects including artifacts, photographs, advertisements, letters, rare books, and more. Users can search by key word and limit the search by date.

Classroom Connections: Librarians will find this collection useful for students projects. Students can search for public domain images that can be used in science or other types of projects.

Featured Digital Objects:
Wilson College Chemistry Club https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/w6634363x
Princess and Fairy, or, the Wonders of Nature https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/c821gk49n
Science on Stamps https://digital.sciencehistory.org/focus/science-on-stamps

To visit the collection, go to https://digital.sciencehistory.org/.

App Review: Truss Me!

TRUSS ME! from Scientific Monkey is an inexpensive app that teaches students to design structures.

Available at both the App Store and Google Play, this physics-based simulation experience helps users learn how truss structures work through fun interactive experiences. The program applies state-of-the-art techniques used by aerospace, mechanically and civil engineers to simulate real-world designs.

Librarians will find that this fun app provides an excellent introduction to the physics of truss structures. Combine the app with a maker space area that provides hands-on materials for trying out designs. Also, incorporate it into the STEAM program in the engineering area.

To learn more, go to http://www.scientificmonkey.com.

Website Review: Engineer for the Week

ENGINEER FOR THE WEEK is a computer science program for high school students to explore the world of engineering.

This week-long extracurricular program provides teens with practice applying computer science skills to engineering projects. The website is divided into the showcase, projects, and support. Materials are provided for both students and educators.

Students work in small groups with tools and resources to create products inspired by real-world problems faced by Facebook engineers. Participants use a systematic approach that involves design, development, testing, and iteration.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent addition to their STEAM program resources. Consider incorporating the program into an after school club focusing on students interested in computer science and engineering.

To visit the website, go to https://engineerfortheweek.fb.com.

Digital Collection: Teach Engineering

TEACH ENGINEERING

Contents: This website contains engineering curriculum materials for K-12 educators. Users can browse by unit, lesson, or activities. In addition, “sprinkles” are short, hands-on activities that can be explored. Teachers can also find the most popular choices, examine by grade level, explore by subject areas, or try living lab activities.

Classroom Connections: It can be difficult to find quality engineering lessons to address the STEM curriculum. This collection of teaching resources addresses this need.

Featured Digital Objects:
Sprinkles - https://goo.gl/3EBCqf
Living Labs - https://goo.gl/KRkefa

To visit the collection, https://www.teachengineering.org/

Website Review: Challenge: Robots

CHALLENGE: ROBOTS from National Geographic is an educational game involving youth in solving real-world problems.

Designed for grades three through ten, the online activities explore key concepts related to engineering. Students act as engineers to solve a series of problems at RoboWorks. Students begin with an orientation that reviews the six steps of the engineering process. After completing the Orientation, students work their way through a series of online activities including Build a Robot, Robotic Bees, Ocean Cleanup, and Tunnel Explorer.

Librarians will find this resource to be a motivating way to promote the engineering aspect of STEAM. An educator guide provides lots of extension activities for both the library and classroom settings.

To visit the website, go to http://education.nationalgeographic.org/g…/challenge-robots/.

App Review: Robots

ROBOTS is an interactive reference app exploring over 150 real-world robots.

This award-winning app provides a complete reference guide to the topic of robotics. The engaging app contains hundreds of animations, photos, videos, and articles.

Users select a robot to explore from thumbnail images of 158 robots from 19 countries around the world. Users can examine a 360 degree view of the robot, participate in interactive animations, review technical specifications, read articles, and view photos and videos.

Librarians will find that this app appeals to both beginners as well as experienced robot enthusiasts. Include the app in a display with toy robots, LEGO robots, and books related to the topic.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robots-for-ipad/id566581906.

Website Review: Be An Engineer

The BE AN ENGINEER website explores the profession of engineering.

Sponsored by ExxonMobil, the website is focused on the interests of secondary students and contains three sections.

The Why Engineering section provides information about engineering as a profession, types of careers including aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer hardware, computer software, electrical and electronics, environmental, geological, industrial, materials, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum, related disciplines, and the importance of diversity. Along the way, users can read about notable engineers like Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

The Engineering in Action area explores stories of innovative thinkers in the area of engineering, amazing feats of engineering, news and events, and engineering champions.

The Become an Engineer section explores the education needed to become an engineer and tools and resources to learn more about this career path.

The colorful photos, interesting videos, and short paragraphs of content will appeal to teen readers.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful addition to STEM resources. Feature the website along with books about engineering careers and nonfiction books focusing on engineering topics.

To explore the website, go to http://www.beanengineer.com/.

Book Review: Iron Rails, Iron Men and the Race to Link the Nation

IRON RAILS, IRON MEN AND THE RACE TO LINK THE NATION by Martin W. Sandler tells the story of the transcontinental railroad.

Aimed children 10-14, the easy-to-read narrative combined with compelling historical photographs brings this amazing story to life. By weaving in quotes by individuals who observed and participated in construction of the railroad, Sandler highlights the determination and personal sacrifice necessary to create this marvel of engineering.

Historical photos, posters, maps, timeline, source notes, and a bibliography add to the appeal of this well-written work of nonfiction for youth. Of particular note is the epilogue that shares what happened to each of the individuals featured in the narrative.

Librarians will particularly enjoy the extensive use of primary source documents. Create a display that includes this book along with other books about trains and railroads from the past to the present.

Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: Stinks, Bangs & Booms: The Rise & Fall of the American Chemistry Set

STINKS, BANGS & BOOMS: THE RISE & FALL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMISTRY SET is a website that provides a fascinating look at the history of this beloved resource.

Sponsored by the Chemical Heritage Foundation, this award winning website uses an interactive timeline to explore the inception, heyday, decline, and resurgence of the American Chemistry Set.

The amazing story is told through the use of historical drawings, photographs, text, narration, and music. Interactive elements and mini-games keep readers interested. Users have the opportunity to learn more or move on to the next section.

A particularly interesting activity involves exploring chemistry sets from different time periods.

Users can listen to the stories of people who grew up with a chemistry set and participants can even record their own stories.

Librarians will find lots of uses for this amazing website. It’s an exciting way to discuss timelines and the idea of change over time. Involve youth in analyzing their favorite toy such as the history of LEGO. It’s also a fun way to bring historical photos and other primary sources to life. Consider creating a display that shows a chemistry set and labels the variety parts. Also include books of science experiments that youth can try at home.

To explore the website, go to http://chemistryset.chemheritage.org.

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/.

Website Review: Edheads

The EDHEADS website provides a wealth of interactive educational resources for all ages.

The website contains a wide range of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities.

Resources for elementary and middle school youth include Simple Machines, The Compound Machine, Weather, and Design a Cell Phone.

Resources for middle and high school youth include Trauma, Deep Brain Stimulation, Virtual Knee Surgery, Choose the Prosthetic, Virtual Hip Replacement, Virtual Hip Resurfacing, and Aortic Aneurysm Surgery.

Resources for high school students include Sickle Cell DNA, Crash Scene, Stem Cell Transplant, Stem Cell Heart Repair, and Nanoparticles and Brain Tumors.

The Teacher Resources section encourages educators to participate by exploring materials teachers have created to go with the interactives as well as the opportunity to share ideas.

Librarians will find these high-quality interactives to be popular with both students and teachers. The online activities are attractive, engaging, and educational.

To learn more, go to the website at http://edheads.org.

Book Review: 125 COOL INVENTIONS

125 COOL INVENTIONS: SUPERSMART MACHINES AND WACKY GADGETS YOU NEVER KNEW YOU WANTED! is the latest amazing addition to the “125” collection from National Geographic Kids.

From a fish toilet tank and mobile sauna to a multicopter, this book is chuck-full of incredible inventions. Designed for middle-grade students, each two-page spread is filled with colorful photographs of inventions along with descriptions and interesting facts.

At three points in the book, sets of seven-related finds, gadgets, or ideas are presented. Otherwise, readers are bombarded with one invention after another in no particular order. However, a table of contents and index are provided for those interested in a particular topic or category of invention.

Youth never tire of these highly-illustrated National Geographic Kids books. They’re perfect for reluctant readers and those who enjoy short descriptions rather than long narratives. Highlighted words draw reader interest and feature key scientific ideas.

Lovers of engineering and inventions will flock to the library for this attractive and amazing book. Librarians might as well buy multiple copies with the library binding because this book will be in constant circulation.

Children can go to the website to vote for their favorite inventions at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/exp…/125-cool-inventions/.

Published by National Geographic Kids, May 12, 2015

SPIC-AND-SPAN!: LILLIAN GILBERT’S WONDER KITCHEN by Monica Kulling tells the inspiring true story of an ingenious woman who used creativity and perseverance to succeed. From factory assembly lines to kitchen layouts, Lillian Gilbreth spent her life looking for ways to make everyday tasks more efficient. The mother of eleven children, she applied what she learned at home to inventions and ideas that everyone could use.

Monica Kulling’s narrative skillfully weaves useful facts into a fascinating story, while David Parkins’ appealing illustrations match perfectly with the tone of this informational reading experience.

SPIC-AND-SPAN is Monica Kulling’s latest addition to her popular “Great Idea” series featuring the lives of inventors and their inventions. Use the books in a literature circle focusing on informational reading, biography, and inventions.

Unfortunately, children aren’t likely to pick up this book on their own. Teachers librarians will need to think of creative ways to market SPIC-AND-SPAN with children. Consider ways to connect the book with other science and engineering books. Or, focus on the biographical elements and connect them with other books about people. This would be a wonderful book to feature during Women’s History Month. Build a display focusing on woman engineers.

There are some excellent websites focusing on the life of Lillian Gilbreth. Develop an activity that asks students to compare the book to information they find on the web about this exceptional woman. Talk to children about comparing three different sources of information.

Download a Teacher’s Guide for the book at https://tundrabooks.files.wordpress.com/…/spic-and-span_gui….

Published in 2014 by Tundra Books. The publisher provided a print copy for this review.

Website Review: Stem and the Common Core

STEM AND THE COMMON CORE is a project of Science NetLinks. This website provides lessons that connect nonfiction science trade books with hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. Many of the books featured are winners of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books and other literary awards.

Dozens of lessons connect books like AN EGG IS QUIET by Dianna Aston, SISTERS & BROTHERS by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, WHERE IN THE WILD? by David Schwartz and Yael Schy, LOOK UP! BIRD WATCHING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD by Annette LeBlanc Cate, and THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot with STEM activities.

To learn more about these K-12 activities connecting STEM with English language arts, go to STEM AND THE COMMON CORE at http://sciencenetlinks.com/collections/stem-and-common-core/