Synergy: Simple Machines

A simple machine is a device containing few or no moving parts that makes work easy. A lever, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle are classic examples. These mechanical devices use changes in direction or magnitudes of force to do perform a task.

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

NEWTON AND CURIE: THE SCIENCE SQUIRRELS by Daniel Kirk features two STEAM loving squirrels who use their knowledge of simple machines to solve real-world problems.

GENERATION GENIUS is a K-8 teaching resource that pairs educational videos with science standards aligned lessons and activities. For instance, their Simple Machines video is accompanied by discussion questions, vocabulary, reading material, activities, lesson plan, teacher guide, and assessment. Limited access is available without a subscription.

To visit Generation Genius, go to https://bit.ly/35iSVUj.

ARC courtesy of Abrams.

Website Review: SolveMe Mobiles

SOLVEME MOBILES provide a fun and engaging way to explore math and problem-solving.

Designed to support algebraic reasoning, this interactive experience presents users with colorful puzzles that help algebra and pre-algebra students strengthen their skills at solving equations for unknown values.

The project contains two sections: play and build.

The Play section asks users to imagine a hanging sculpture. Participants can explore three levels of built-in puzzles, share their own puzzles, list saved puzzles, and like favorites. A variety of tools are available including an electronic hand, pencil, and eraser.

The Build section provides tools so users can create their own mobiles by selecting and placing shapes of specific colors. These puzzles can be saved and shared. The website also provides information for parents and teachers.

Librarians will find this appealing website to be a fun addition to the library along with the math classroom. Consider building the interactive activity into a learning station or maker space featuring books and manipulatives to explore math puzzles.

To learn more, go to http://solveme.edc.org/mobiles/.

Book Review: What in the World? Look Again

WHAT IN THE WORLD? LOOK AGAIN from National Geographic Kids is the second book in a new series that contains dozens of fascinating photo puzzles for middle grades children to ponder.

As readers work their way through this colorful book, they’re faced with eight different types of puzzles.

The “What in the World?” puzzles ask children to use photos and written clues to find the answers to questions.
The “Real or Fake?” activities involve youth in deciding if a photo is real or fake.
The “Take a Look!” puzzles ask children to find items in a photo on a list.
The “Up Close” photos involve youth in matching extreme close-up photos with other images.
The “Hidden Animals” activities ask readers to find animals hidden in their natural habitats.
The “Optical Illusion” puzzles involves readers in looking at images different ways.
The “Double Take” photos ask children to find differences between two photos.
The “More Challenges” activities extend the experience with additional experiences to extend brain power. Answers can be found at the end of the book along with other resources to explore.

Librarians will find this new series to be a popular alternative to the “I Spy” books. The visual mysteries will provide endless opportunities for problem-solving fun. Use the book to kick off a digital photography project. Get youth involved with creating their own visual photo puzzles.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 8, 2015.

Book Review: The Tea Party in the Woods

THE TEA PARTY IN THE WOODS by Akiko Miyakoshi is an amazing picture book story of a path, a party, a pie, and a parade through the snow.

Designed for ages 4-8, young Kikko sets out through the snow covered woods to catch up with her father who is on his way to Grandmother’s house. She’s carrying a pie for her grandma, but it’s smashed when she falls in the snow. Disoriented, she ended up at a large house and is invited to join a formally dressed party of animals for tea. All the forest animals contribute pieces to form a new pie she can take to grandmother’s house.

Unlike many forest tales that are filled with scary creatures, this story views the woods as an inviting place stocked with warm, caring animals and pie made of forest fruits and nuts.

The magical elements seems to rise naturally in this bridge between fantasy and reality. The soft charcoal drawings perfectly match the quiet story. The hint of color add to the appeal.

Librarians will find that both the illustrations and story will attract a wide range of children. The story’s focus on cooperation and problem solving will be particularly compelling for primary teachers.

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

Published by Kids Can Press on August 1, 2015.