Synergy: Exploring Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE is the branch of science that studies the physical makeup of the Earth and its atmosphere. It includes the areas of geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. 

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:

FIRE SHAPES THE WORLD written by Joanna Cooke and illustrated by Cornelia Li explores the connection between fire and life on earth. While exploring key concepts related to fire ecology, readers learn about how fire shaped earth and its inhabitants and continues to have an impact on the environment. With so many people impacted each year by wildfires, this beautifully illustrated picture book is timely. An author’s note provides additional depth and detail. ARC courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy, Ingram Publisher Services.

WATER: HOW WE CAN PROTECT OUR FRESHWATER written by Catherine Barr and illustrated by Christiane Engel examines the history of water on earth, the importance of freshwater, and the need to advocate for water security. Each two-page spreads explores a key concept presenting facts and examples along with useful illustrations. The picture book concludes with ideas for using water wisely. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

KABOOM! A VOLCANO ERUPTS written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Zoe Si takes young readers through the experience of a volcanic eruption. Told from the volcano’s viewpoint, young volcanologists learn key concepts, facts, and terminology. The comic approach will appeal to young readers. The picture book concludes with useful back matter including a volcano anatomy diagram and volcano types. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette.

EXPLORE UNDER THE EARTH written by Carly Madden and illustrated by Neil Clark takes readers on an adventure inside the Earth. This innovative, layered board book introduces young children to earthquakes, volcanoes, and other aspects of earth science. Check out other books in the Adventures of Evie and Juno series for more science fun. ARC courtesy of Happy Yak, Quarto Group.

Website Review: Xplorlabs

XPLORLABS is a website designed to help students solve STEM problems.

Designed for middle-school students, the website includes interactive videos, instructional experiences, hands-on classroom activities and classroom challenges. Two standards-aligned modules are currently available. Fire forensics involves students in collecting evidence and solving a case, while the portable electrical power project asks students to conduct experiments and look for safety solutions. Additional experiments, resources, and challenges are available along with teacher and student guides.

Librarians will find these modules to be an engaging way to learn and apply STEM concepts. Work with science teachers to weave them into the science middle school curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://ulxplorlabs.org/.

Website Review: The Great Fire of London

THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON website takes users through an interactive journey detailing the famous fire and the impact on individuals and society.

Developed through a partnership including the Museum of London, the website is divided into three sections: Children’s Game, Explore, and Minecraft Experience.

In the Children’s Game section, visitors are immersed in an engaging educational game. The mixture of audio narration, text, and attractive animated sequences are sure to capture the attend of youth. Users follow a couple young people who experienced the multiple day fire. As players work their way through the experience, they learn about primary source materials that document the actual event such as excerpts from Samuel Pepys’ diary. Readers are involved in the experience through active questioning woven throughout the game. Readers can dive deeper into the experience through exploring links to additional information.

In the Explore section, users are taken screen-by-screen through an interactive story that begins with where the fire started and how it spread through London. Other chapters include information about what happened to those who experienced the fire, how the government and world reacted, and how the fire transformed the city. Woven throughout the story are digital objects from the Museum of London and other online collections.

In the Minecraft section, students explore three immersive maps that allow them to explore the City of London of 1666 using Minecraft software. This experience will be particularly popular with youth who enjoy this popular software tool. A Minecraft login is required for use.

A Teacher page provides information for using each section with students. For users wishing to extend the experience, a website provides access to a large digital collection related to the Great Fire that contains objects, artworks, and documents.

Librarians will find this website to be an engaging way to explore world history and also learn about primary source materials found in digital collections. The project is particularly effective in showing how primary sources are used as evidence to better understanding this historical event.

To visit the site, go to http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/.

Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Duncan, the Story Dragon

DUNCAN THE STORY DRAGON by Amanda Driscoll is an adorable picture book exploring the love of books and an unusual friendship.

Written for ages 4-6, Duncan the dragon has a passion for books and a great imagination. Unfortunately, he gets so excited when he reads that he catches the books on fire! Duncan decides he needs to find a buddy who can read to him so he can finally reach “the end” of a book. Children will enjoy his quest and his unusual friend.

Driscoll uses colorful, attractive images to draw attention and spark the imagination of young readers. The short sentences and large, easy-to-read type will encourage pre-readers to follow along with the words.

Librarians will enjoy building story time events around this amazing picture book. In addition to the books and reading theme, the topics of imagination, animals, and friendship provide many additional connections.

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

Published by Knopf, an imprint of Random House on June 9, 2015.

Book Review: Big Top Burning

BIG TOP BURNING: THE STORY OF AN ARSONIST, A MISSING GIRL, AND THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH by Laura A. Woollett tells the true story of a circus fire tragedy and its aftermath.

Set in 1944, this well-written work of nonfiction for middle-grade readers describes the terrible fire that killed 167 people including 59 children. The book explores the many mysteries surrounding the disaster including the cause of the fire, criminal investigations, and identification of bodies. While some questions remain unanswered, youth will be intrigued by the scope of the story.

Filled with amazing photographs, survivor interviews, and other primary source materials, the book also contains an author’s note, notes, bibliography, and index. Wollett brings the incident alive by combining the historical accounts with the mystery surrounding the disaster. The author does a stellar job describing the gripping story in an age-appropriate way. For example, she focuses on the mystery of an unidentified little girl. Youth will enjoy evaluating the evidence and drawing their own conclusions.

This short book would be a good choice for reluctant readers looking for an interesting history project topic. Display it with other books about tragic fire disasters such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.

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

Published by Chicago Press on June 1, 2015.