Synergy: Microscopic Scale

MICROSCOPIC SCALE examines the size of things that are smaller than can be seen by the naked eye. To view these objects and events requires a microscope or other specialized lens.

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

THE UNIVERSE IN YOU: A MICROSCOPIC JOURNEY by Jason Chin takes picture book readers on a scientific adventure from the smallest bird and skin cells to atoms and molecules. Chin combines beautiful illustrations with an engaging life science story to bring the microscopic world alive for children. The book concludes with useful scientific explanations for adults reading with children. ARC courtesy of Neal Porter Books.

THE MICROSCOPIC SCALE from Science Learning Hub provides an overview of key concepts, a glossary, and related information. To visit the website, go to https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/497-the-microscopic-scale

SMALL WORLD PHOTOMICROGRAPHY from shares outstanding examples of images recorded through a light microscope. Use these images to jumpstart a discussion about microscopic scale. To visit the website, go to https://www.nikonsmallworld.com//galleries/photomicrography-competition

Synergy: Garbage

GARBAGE is material discarded by humans because it’s no longer of use. Sometimes called trash, rubbish, or waste, these objects include organic matter such as food scraps, dry goods like boxes and bottles, and consumer products made of plastic, wood, metal, glass or cloth. Garbology is the study of modern trash.

Read the recently published narrative nonfiction for middle grades, then learn more at the websites:

TOTAL GARBAGE: A MESSY DIVE INTO TRASH, WASTE, AND OUR WORLD written by Rebecca Donnelly and illustrated by John Hendrix traces the history of the trash and waste generated by humans. In addition, readers learn about the different types of garbage, how it’s managed, and what individuals can do to reduce their impact on the Earth. ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Co., an imprint of Macmillan.

HISTORY OF GARBAGE from SWA provides a brief timeline of trash.

To read the article, go to https://swa.org/DocumentCenter/View/277/History-of-Garbage-PDF.

GARBOLOGY from BBC is an article exploring patterns in people’s waste.

To read the article, go to https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220429-garbology-how-to-spot-patterns-in-peoples-waste.

GARBOLOGY from UW video shares the work of garbologists at the University of Washington.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/1C2aQuK_LD4.

Synergy: Birka Viking Warrior

BIRKA VIKING WARRIOR was a 10th century professional woman soldier. First discovered in the 1870s, the bones were originally thought to be male. Recent DNA research confirmed that the skeleton was female. Artifacts in the grave indicate that the warrior woman was likely known for her battle strategy.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for young adults, then learn more at the websites:

THE BONES OF BIRKA by C.M. Surrisi traces the story of a 10th century Viking warrior women from her discovery in the 19th century to Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Johnson’s recent DNA analysis. Of particular note is how the book challenges traditional gender roles in ancient societies and traditional research bias. ARC courtesy of Chicago Review Press.

An article in the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY provides details of the research.

To read the article, go to http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1160189&dswid=9775

An article in SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE discusses the latest evidence that Birka was a woman Viking warrior.

To read the article, go to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-reaffirm-famed-ancient-viking-warrior-was-biologically-female-180971541/

An article in LIVE SCIENCE also discusses the Viking warrior woman.

To read the article, go to https://www.livescience.com/64816-woman-viking-warrior-burial.html

Synergy: Scopes Monkey Trial

The SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL challenged the Butler Act prohibiting the teaching of human evolution in schools. Science teacher John Scopes (1900-1970) agreed to become the defendant in the test case pitting science against religion. He was found guilty and the act remained in place until 1967.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for middle grades, then learn more at the websites:

THE MONKEY TRIAL: JOHN SCOPES AND THE BATTLE OVER TEACHING EVOLUTION by Anita Sanchez is a well-researched, nonfiction book for middle grades examining what became known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. Weaving primary sources with engaging narrative, Sanchez focuses on the teacher who stood up for the rights of students to learn. The book stresses that the conflict between science and religion continues today. ARC courtesy of Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

JOHN SCOPES is a short article from PBS about the teacher and trial.

To read the article, go to https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/monkeytrial-john-scopes/.

THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL from In Search of History weaves photos and historical footage into a video about the trial.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/bdD9vi4koUw.

The SCOPE “MONKEY” TRIAL from the State bar of Georgia shares an animated video about the famous trial.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/YdqnwRwbb4Q.

Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Modern European History: A Fresh Look

 

Several new works of nonfiction provide fresh insights into early modern and modern European history. Beyond the violence and wars, these books examine the period through archaeology, political actions, and the roles of women.

Bosworth: The Archaeology of the Battlefield
Richard Mackinder, Feb 2022, Pen and Sword Military, Casemate Publishers
Themes: History, Military

Richard Mackinder uses the latest archaeological research to take readers step-by-step through the Battle of Bosworth (1485) that began the early modern era.

Take-aways: Use this fascinating work to help youth better understanding the role of physical evidence and archaeology in understanding key historical events.

William of Orange and the Fight for the Crown of England: The Glorious Revolution
Brian Best, Oct 2021, Frontline Books, Casemate Publishers
Themes: Biography, History, Military

Known as the Glorious Revolution, Protestant William of Orange and his troops ousted Catholic King James. Brian Best takes readers through the Stuart dynasty from 1660 to 1714 on an exploration of the key acts passed by Parliament and the major religious conflicts of the period along with the life of King William III of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Take-aways: Use this work of nonfiction to talk with youth about how conflicts were settled not only by violence, but also through Acts of Parliament.

The House of Orange in Revolution and War: An European History, 1772-1890
Jeroen Koch, Dik Van Der Meulen, Jeroen Van Zenten, May 2022, Reaktion Books, University of Chicago Press
Themes: History, Europe

This sweeping history of the House of Orange-Nassau takes readers from the 18th century into the 20th century. Exploring three Dutch Kings, this fast-paced narrative examines the transnational impact of this period.

Take-aways: Use this book to review the key people, places, and events of European history through the lens of the House of Orange-Nassau.

When Women Ruled the World: Making the Renaissance in Europe
Maureen Quilligan, Dec 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: History, Europe, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)

Quilligan’s engaging work of nonfiction demonstrates how powerful women challenged tradition by creating strategic alliances and assuming political authority. Through gift giving and political ingenuity, four Queens figured out a way to flourish in a male dominated world.

Take-aways: Use this book as an outstanding example of revisionist history that seeks to demonstrate how creative, intelligent women impacted the European monarchy.

The Tudors in Love:Passion and Politics in the Age of England’s Most Famous Dynasty
Sarah Gristwood, Dec 2022, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Europe, Great Britain, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)

Romantic courtly love played a key role in politics and international diplomacy during the Tudor dynasty. Sarah Gristwood takes readers through the drama and obsessions that shaped the era.

Take-aways: Teens love drama. Use Gristwood’s captivating history to bring this period alive for students.

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