Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Geology


How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America John Dvorak August 2021 Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Themes: Science, Nature, Ecosystems, Geology, Geologic History, Mountains

Tracing the geologic history of Earth, HOW THE MOUNTAINS GREW by John Dvorak skillfully weaves common knowledge and established theories with new research findings. The well-established theory of plate tectonics changed our perception of how our continent was formed. However, recently uncovered evidence demonstrates that scientists are just beginning to understand the complexity of our changing landscapes.
This epic story of the geological history of North America celebrates our rapidly changing knowledge of Earth’s past. Of particular note to Earth Science teachers and geology buffs, this engaging narrative also appeals to readers interested in broader areas of science from astrophysics to climate change. From young adults to seniors, Dvorak’s conversational style will be popular with leisure readers.
Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:
  1. In the 1960s, the theory of plate tectonics became widely accepted. However, it was not able to explain the existence of the Black Hills or the diamonds of Arkansas. The intertwining of geology with other traditional and emerging sciences is needed to trace the entire span of geological history.
  2. On August 17, 2017, the first gravitational waves were detected in the direction of the constellation Hydra. This confirmed the collision of neutron stars. These collisions are responsible for most of the heavier elements in the universe such as gold and silver. Prior to this discovery, these collisions were purely theoretical.
  3. In 2015, the International Commission on Stratigraphy determined that the 4.030 billion year old Acasta Gneiss found in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada represents a major milestone in geologic history marking the beginning of the Archean Eon. It’s considered to be the oldest known rock on Earth.
  4. Luis and Walter Alvarez published a paper in 1980 hypothesizing that an extraterrestrial body caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. In 2016, a scientific drilling project penetrated the seafloor identifying the Chicxulub impact crater.
  5. In geodynamics, delamination is the loss of the lowermost lithosphere from its tectonic plate. Asthenosphere rises to replace the sinking lithosphere. This process causes uplifts and sometimes volcanism playing an important role in the continuing “growth spurt” of mountains such as the Sierra Nevada. Seismic tomography allows geoscientists to generate images from the crust to the core. 5) In 2019, delamination was found through seismic tomography in the Appalachian Mountains.
  6. In 2019, a fossilized forest containing palm-like trees was found near Cairo, New York demonstrating that complex forests existed at least as early as 388 million years ago.
  7. Although working groups at the major geological societies have not yet recognized the Anthropocene as the current geological epoch, the term as been used informally for a couple decades. The benchmarks for this new epoch include the impact by humans on the natural world. From human-made rock such as concrete and bricks to plastic fragments, human have already made profound changes in the rock record.
Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb



Monday, June 28, 2021

Synergy: Animals Using Tools


From birds and fish to insects and cephalopods, mammals including humans aren’t the only animals who use tools for work and play. Animals use tools to achieve specific goals such as grooming, defense, communication, and food gathering. Primates are particularly known for their use of tools in hunting, gathering, shelter, and self-defense.

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

ORANGUTAN HATS AND OTHER TOOLS ANIMALS USE by Richard Haynes and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis is an informational picture book sharing the many ingenious ways that creatures use tools for a wide range of activities. The book is divided into chapters exploring tools for hygiene, health, defense, gathering food, comfort, and fun. The author concludes with a useful glossary and index. This well-organized work of nonfiction would be useful to teaching about the parts of an informational book. Use this engaging picture book to jumpstart an inquiry-based experience focusing on an animal and its use of tools.

INCREDIBLE TOOL USE IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM is an online article from the BBC that includes text, images, and video sharing the many ways animals use tools.

To read the article, go to https://bbc.in/3uEsYYq.

THE ANIMAL’S TOOL BOX from the Davidson Institute of Science Education is an online article that defines tool and provides many examples of tool use among animals around the world. Many video examples are embedded.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3fVqyiZ.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Monday, June 21, 2021

Synergy: Dark Matter and Vera Rubin


Dark matter is made up of particles that do not emit, reflect, or absorb light. It can’t be seen directly or detected through electromagnetic radiation, so we only know about it through its effect on objects that we can observe.

Vera Rubin (1928-2016) was an American astronomer who provided some of the first scientific evidence of dark matter and expanded our understanding of how galaxies work.

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

THE STUFF BETWEEN THE STARS is a biographical picture book exploring the life of astronomer Vera Rubin. This inspirational story shares the challenges Rubin had as a woman astronomer along with the process of making her discoveries about dark matter and the universe.

VERA RUBIN AND DARK MATTER is a short article about Rubin and her scientific discoveries from the American Museum of Natural History.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3i5HAgZ.

Open Mind’s VERA RUBIN AND DARK MATTER is an engaging short video exploring her life and work.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/pkrljGUJOPA

DARK MATTER from NASA’s SpacePlace explains the basics of dark matter to children.

To read the article, go to https://go.nasa.gov/3i12AWe.

ARC courtesy of Abrams for Young Readers.

Monday, June 14, 2021

Synergy: The White Rose

The White Rose was a resistance group formed by university students as a form of nonviolent protest in Nazi Germany. The students coordinated a leaflet and graffiti campaign in opposition to Nazi atrocities. In 1943, some members of the group were captured and executed.

Read the recently published graphic novel, then learn more at the websites:

FREIHEIT!: THE WHITE ROSE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Andrea Grosso Ciponte tells the true story of a group of university students who formed a resistance movement known as the White Rose. Before they were caught and executed, they successfully printed and distributed anti-Nazi leaflets exposing atrocities.

This engaging graphic history depicts the daily life of these heroic activists. The story comes alive through muted grey toned watercolor images.

Pair this title with others that explore this little-known activist group. Related titles:
We will not be silent: The White Rose student resistance movement that defied Adolf Hitler by Russell Freedman is a middle grade work of nonfiction.
White Rose by Kip Wilson is a young adult work of historical fiction.

The CENTER FOR WHITE ROSE STUDIES is a website sharing information about this group. It includes FAQs and English translations of some of the original leaflets. To learn more, go to http://white-rose-studies.org/.

ARC courtesy of Plough and Library Thing.

Tuesday, June 08, 2021

Synergy: Fatherhood Involvement

Fatherhood involvement focuses on the unique bond between a father and child. Children at every stage of development benefit from the involvement of a positive and supporting adult in their life. Regardless of the family structure, strong families and healthy relationships take patience, respect, and communication.

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

DADDY LET’S PLAY written by Rodney Freeman, Jr. and illustrated by Dorothea Taylor weaves together an endearing father-daughter story with relatable, contemporary themes including the pandemic, diversity, and social activism.

Milah and her father play video games together each evening. When her father ends up in the hospital, they figure out a way to stay in contact through their shared passion for gaming.

The brightly colored illustrations paired with the fast-paced text are sure to engage young readers. This accessible title is an effective way to introduce children to the growing number of picture books that represent fatherhood and specifically black dads in a positive light.

FATHERHOOD.GOV is part of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse supporting strong fathers and families. The website contains tips and hints for dads and kids along with programs and research. The marketing campaign including PSAs reflect ‘#Dadication’ to parenting. A search of the library section reveals dozens of articles focusing specifically on the needs and interests of black fathers.

To visit the website, go to https://www.fatherhood.gov/.

ARC courtesy of Preservation LLC.

Monday, June 07, 2021

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.