Synergy: Experiments

 

Experiments are procedures designed to support or refute a hypothesis. They demonstrate what outcome occurs when a particular variable is manipulated. To children, hands-on, scientific experiments can seem like magic.

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

THE SCIENCE SPELL BOOK: MAGICAL EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS by Cara Florance provides a fun way for children to learn about physics, biology, and chemistry through common household items. From using electricity to draw pictures to creating a fluorescent feast, readers explore the science behind magical experiments. Chapter titles such as illumination, sorcery, and alchemy enhance the magic theme, while the individual experiments keeping the focus on real-world science concepts. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore.

YOUTUBE features video channels that connect the science with the fun of magic tricks. For instance, 5-MINUTE MAGIC provides short videos on a wide range of topics. The playlists includes topics such as science experiments, magic tricks, and top experiments.

To watch videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/5MINUTEMAGIC.

Synergy: Seasons

Seasons are a way to divide a year on Earth based on changes in daylight, weather, and living organisms. The seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere are different because of the Earth’s axial tilt. Although traditionally divided into four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, some areas of the world recognize fewer or more seasons.

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

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY with poems by Rachel Piercy and illustrated by Freya Hartas is an engaging picture book exploring the woodland habitat through the seasons. Each two-page spread includes a descriptive poem and over a dozen things to find on the page. Primary grade teachers will find this book to be a fun read-aloud or engaging learning station option. Use it to jumpstart a discussion about the fact and fiction of woodland life. The book concludes with a nature trail revisiting the book’s content and encouraging children to get outside and explore nature.

50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 11-3/4 is an activity list from UK’s National Trust. This handy resource describes dozens of ideas for encouraging young adventurers to explore nature through the seasons. Users can read the guide online, then download a wall chart as a PDF.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3i50B2C.

ARC courtesy of Magic Cat Publishing, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Book Review: Dog Science Unleashed

DOG SCIENCE UNLEASHED by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen contains engaging activities for dog owners.

Featuring 22 hands-on science activities, this colorfully illustrated informational activity book is designed for children with access to a canine companion. The introduction describes how to use the book including safety guidelines. Four chapters feature a series of activities ending with a professional lab project. The book concludes with a glossary, information, and an index.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with dog fans as well as those interested in careers associated with animals.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Junie B Jones

The JUNIE B JONES website features activities based on this popular book character.

Published by Penguin Random House, this interactive website features books, games, activities, characters, and information about the author and illustrator. Children can join a kid’s club. Sections for teachers and parents explore ways to ideas and suggestions to connecting children with books.

Librarians will find this website useful when introducing Junie B. Jones to children. Use the resources in a book display or establish your own book club.

To visit the website, go to http://juniebjones.com/.

Website Review: Rockalingua

ROCKALINGUA is a music-based Spanish learning program for children.

The website is divided into five sections: videos, games, songs, worksheets, and picture dictionaries. Although a subscription-based option is available, many learning materials are available for free. The activities encourage repetition and include listening, speaking, reading, and writing elements.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to get elementary children started with Spanish language learning. Combine the website with picture books written in Spanish as well as language learning books.

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

Website Review: Scholastic Student Activities

STUDENT ACTIVITIES from Scholastic has been providing high-quality web and whiteboard activities for decades.

Hundreds of activities are available across disciplines. Activities are organized by grade level (PreK-K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8). Categories include games, computer lab, interactive whiteboard, listen and read, and writing activities. While many of the activities are associated with Scholastic products such as books, most can be used without special supplies.

Librarians will find endless ideas for the K-8 curriculum. Mine this website for classroom connections. Of particular note are the “listen and read” activities.

To visit the website, go to https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities/.

Website Review: TATE Kids

The TATE KIDS website features a wide range of interactive activities exploring art topics.

Sponsored by UK’s Tate Gallery, users can easily access dozens of engaging art activities. The “My Gallery” section provides online space for sharing artwork.

The “Games” section includes over a dozen, engaging art games. Each game is identified as Level 1, 2, or 3. The games explore different aspects of art.

The “Videos” section provides over a dozen videos and clips focusing on art and artists. Each video is aimed at children and explores a focused topic of interest.

The “Tate Create” section introduces youth to off line activities such as mask making and Matisse cut-outs.

Finally, an adult space provides lesson plans and ideas for parents and teachers.

Librarians will find this hands-on, interactive website to be popular with art teachers. Many of the interactives work well on an electronic whiteboard. Consider weaving some of the hands-on activities into the library’s makerspace along with books and other resources.

To visit the website, go to https://kids.tate.org.uk/.

Book Review: Almanac 2017

ALMANAC 2017 by National Geographic Kids is a reference book chuck-full of fascinating facts and activities.

The almanac begins with a table of contents including Your World, Amazing Animals, Going Green, Culture Connection, Awesome Adventure, Fun and Games, Super Science, Wonders of Nature, History Happens, and Geography Rocks. Each section includes photographs, diagrams, games, jokes, and lots of activities.

Color-coded tabs make it easy to thumb through the book looking for sections of interest. An index also helps with access.

Almanacs are always a hit with youth. Librarians will find the 2017 edition contains about 40% new content. Readers will find expanded content at the national Geographic Kids website.

For online content, go to natgeokids.com/almanac.

Published by National Geographic Kids on May 10, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: National Geographic Kids National Park Books

2016 is the Centennial Celebration of the National Park Service. National Geographic Kids has updated some of their popular books and added new ones. Use these selections to jumpstart a special event in your school library.

The Centennial Edition of NATIONAL PARKS GUIDE U.S.A. provides an engaging overview of popular parks across America. Following an introduction and map, the book features parks in the East, Midwest, Southwest, and West. It concludes with a quick look at 29 other park properties in the system. A list of parks by state are provided as well as a glossary, resources, and index. The major parks include four pages of information, photos, and a map.

The JUNIOR RANGER ACTIVITY BOOK is chuck-full of fun puzzles, games, quizzes, and other activities for youth. The book includes Fun Facts and Trivia, Funny Fill-ins, Jokes, Visual Puzzles, Quizzes, and Games. Answers can be found at the back of the book. While some of the activities focus on specific parks, others explore general topics such as common plants and animals.

Use these two books to jumpstart a display focusing on the Centennial Celebration. Create your own “Junior Ranger” activities connecting books in your library with National Parks.

For lots of ideas, go to the Find Your Park website at http://findyourpark.com/.

To learn more about the park system and specific National Parks, go to http://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial.

Published by National Geographic Kids on February 9, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Science Stunts: Fun Feats of Physics

SCIENCE STUNTS: FUN FEATS OF PHYSICS by Jordan Brown introduces key scientists and over two dozen science experiments for intermediate and middle school readers.

The engaging physics activities are organized into seven chapters focusing on gravity, motion, heat, magnets, sound, light, and electricity. What makes this title unique is the way information about scientists and the science behind the stunts is woven into the narrative.

Although the library is already filled with science experiment titles, the unusual approach and visual appeal of this informational text makes it worth the purchase.

This engaging work of nonfiction would be a great addition to your library’s STEM collection. The diverse cast of characters adds to the appeal of this useful science resource.

Published by Charlesbridge on January 19. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Smithsonian Encyclopedia

The SMITHSONIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA provides access to a multitude of online resources through an easy-to-use interface.

The online encyclopedia is organized into themes including Art and Design, History and Culture, Science and Technology, Mysteries of the Universe, A Biodiverse Planet, World Cultures, and The American Experience. Each section provides links to activities and games, fact sheets, online exhibitions, online features, reading lists, and research resources. While the resources are designed for the general public, they’re very useful for middle and high student projects.

Users can also explore by topic from aeronautics to women’s history or by resource type such as activities, games, online features, and teacher resources.

The Kids Favorites section is specifically designed for children. It provides access to dozens of activities and games found throughout the Smithsonian website. It also provides access to Fact Sheets that would be great for informational reading activities. Online Exhibitions of particular interest to youth are also provided including topics such as Abraham Lincoln, Butterflies, and Dinosaurs. Online Features include Invention Stories, Lewis and Clark resources, and the Dynamic Earth.

Librarians will want to spend some time mining this wonderful online resource matching the information sources with specific curriculum area needs.

To explore the website, go to http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia.

Website Review: Smithsonian's History Explorer

THE SMITHSONIAN’S HISTORY EXPLORER website provides access to high-quality teaching and learning materials.

The Lesson & Activities section contains hundreds of standards-based educational resources. Users can search by key words and filter results by grade, resource type, historical era, and cross curricular connections.

The Interactives & Media area features audio, video, and interactive resources such as 3D tours, learning games, and tutorials.

The Museum Artifacts element uses an object-based learning approach applying artifacts from the Smithsonian’s collection.

The Themes section explores major topics from American history such as immigration, civil rights movement, westward expansion, and War of 1812.

The Books area features selected children’s books that represent particular historical eras. These titles can be organized by reading level.

The Teacher Resources provides materials to help educators teach with primary resources. This section also links to a variety of professional development materials and opportunities.

The Web Links area links to over one hundred useful websites related to American History. These websites are specifically aimed at K-12 youth.

Librarians will find many opportunities to connect classroom teachers with standards-based activities and resources. Specifically seek out those materials that stress inquiry-based learning and primary sources.

To visit the website, go to http://historyexplorer.si.edu.

Book Review: If You Love Honey

IF YOU LOVE HONEY by Martha Sullivan is an amazing informational science picture exploring connections in nature.

Each page of the story begins with some variation of “if you love…, then you…”. Readers are taken through a series of connected flora and fauna starting with honey and ending with children at a picnic. Supplemental information on each page describes the importance of each aspect of nature including insects, birds, and soils.

In addition to the narrative, readers will enjoy additional information and activities at the end of the book including an I-Spy game; information about pollination and honey; and bee activities.

While many science books for children focus on a single topic or gloss over the big picture, this beautifully illustrated picture book manages to pack in dozens of essential science concepts into an engaging narrative.

Librarians will find lots of connections to the science curriculum. Use this book to kick off an exploration for each of the creatures in the story. Create a display that includes nonfiction books on bees and honey.

To download activities to accompany the book, go tohttp://www.dawnpub.com/activities/honey/.

Published by Dawn Publications on September 1, 2015.

App Review: DIY Nano

The DIY NANO app is a fun way to learn about the scale of atoms and molecules.

Developed by The Lawrence Hall of Science, the app involves youth in investigating nano science and how it’s changing our society.

The Activities section contains activities related to Size and Properties, Tools and Techniques, Nano and Nature, and Nano and Our Lives. Each activity begins with a question followed by a summary, materials, instructions, and explanation. High quality images accompany each activity. Related videos are also provided.

The Video area provides access to 1-10 minutes videos focusing on specific topics related to nano science.

The WhatIsNano link provides access to the WhatIsNano.org website. This website may be used without access to the app. It contains information about the annual NanoDays events each spring, nano exhibitions, and information for educators about nanotechnology. Many of the resources from the app are available online website as well as many additional resources.

Nano science is currently very popular in schools. Consider hosting a “nano” event in your library. Create your own exhibition that includes hands-on activities, book resources, and displays.

To access the website, go to http://whatisnano.org/.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diy-nano/id520611568?mt=8.

Website Review: Author Jan Brett

JAN BRETT’s author website has been providing quality activities related to her books for nearly 20 years.

The Books section contains a complete booklist with high quality cover art. It also links to activities associated with each book.

The Activities area contains dozens of fun projects including bulletin board materials, bookmarks, certificates, alphabet resources, recipes, flashcards, and links to interactive games.

The Games pages including both computer games that can be played online and board games that can be created on paper.

The Coloring Pages provide thematic links to coloring pages that can be printed online or downloaded as PDF files.

The Murals section provides ideas and images that can be used to create murals for the library or classroom.

The videos page contains videos of Jan Brett drawing as well as her appearances and visits.

Users can use the email and printable cards pages to create communications. Or, listen to Jan Brett’s Hedge-a-Gram to hear directly from the author.

Keep up-to-date on what’s happening with Jan Brett on her blog. Participate in contests to win books and author visits. The Media and About pages provide information about the author.

This website contains endless ideas for library and classroom author and picture book activities.

Go to the website at http://www.janbrett.com/.

Website Review: Science Bob

SCIENCE BOB is an newly revised website providing excellent science information, videos, and activities.

The Experiments section contains nearly 40 science experiments with simple instructions. Each page contains a list of materials, directions, and a description of the science behind the experiment. Additional images and videos are provided depending on the experiment. Users can also download and print a PDF version.

The Science Q&A area contains answers to over a dozen common science questions and the opportunity to send in a question. Links are also provided to help with answering science questions. These FAQs would be great on the science bulletin board in the library.

The Science Fair Ideas page discusses the difference between a demonstration and an experiment. It then provides science fair project ideas, a discussion of the scientific method, science fair resources, and some useful advice.

The Research Help area contains links to science websites in the areas of space/planets, earth science/weather, animals/nature, physical science, human body, and other links.

The Video section accesses Bob’s YouTube channel with dozens of fascinating videos.

The Experiment blog keeps users up-to-date on the latest website additions including videos, experiments, and other information.

Use the Science Bob website as the kickoff for a library science club or science fair promotion. Science Bob (Bob Pflugfelder) is also the author of the Nick and Tesla science mystery book series. Connect these books to a science display.

To extend the experience, users can follow Science Book on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

For lots of science resources, go to the Science Bob Store.

To learn more, go to http://sciencebob.com/.

App Review: DIY Sun Science

DIY SUN SCIENCE is a science app designed to help families and educators learn about the sun through hands-on activities.

Designed by NASA and The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC-Berkeley, the app features multimedia information about sun science and thirteen hands-on activities.

The app’s inviting interface encourages users to conduct investigations using common household items, explore images and videos, or view live images of the sun.

The Activities section is divided into sunny day activities and projects that can be done any day. Each investigation begins with a question such as “What does the sun look like over time?” or “Can you spot the sunspots?”. Each activity includes a brief overview, age level, time commitment, materials, and step-by-step instructions. It concludes with an explanation of the science behind the activity, related videos, and other information.

The Images + Videos section provides to image galleries and short video clips on topics such as the dynamic sun, studying the sun, and Sun-Earth connections. It also sun videos from the past 48 hours.

The Sun Observatory section shows lives images of the sun from a NASA satellite. A slider is used to compare features as seen in different wavelengths. Students can explore different ways to look at the sun, learn more about the sun, and solve sun a puzzle.

Librarians will want to work with classroom science teachers to integrate this stunning app into the STEM curriculum.

Many of the activities and resources can also be accessed through a website at http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/do_sci…/diy_sun_science.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diy-sun-science/id836712493….

Website Review: HowToSmile.org

The HOWTOSMILE.ORG website allows educators to search, collect, and share high-quality science and math (STEM) activities.

Developed in cooperation with inquiry-based learning organizations including science centers and museums, the National Science Foundation funded project is an excellent place to identify STEM activities for libraries and classrooms.

Currently listing over 3500 science and math activities, the website is easy to search and use. A topics list includes mathematics, chemistry, energy, cooking, ocean literacy, climate, life sciences, and astronomy. Within each of these major categories, users can identify activities by Common Core standards.

Both a basic and advanced search are provided to facilitate the quest for activities. Search results display the project title, description, cost, age range, learning time, subject, preparation time, resource type, language, and source institution. A direct link is also provided to the activity. Users can also share the resource through social media.

Of particular note is the option to search based on diversity including accessibility; culture, ethnicity, and gender; learning style support; and special needs including limited English proficiency, low literacy level, or learning disabled.

A wide range of resource types are included such as mobile apps, demonstrations, exhibits, experiment/labs, field trips, games, lessons, models, and simulations.

Users can create a free account to store their searches and favorite activities. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback, make lists, and post useful comments. Participation is rewarded with badges.

Use the website blog for an effective way to keep up-to-date on recent listings and suggested activities and events.

To begin exploring, go to http://howtosmile.org/.

Web Review: Earth Day Special Event

Celebrate EARTH DAY on Wednesday April 22. Go to the Earth Day Network at http://www.earthday.org/2015 to get started planning your event.

The “Take Action” page provides a list of ways that you can get involved by signing a climate petition, supporting environmental education, reducing energy consumption, and creating art to raise awareness. Involve students in taking the Carbon Footprint Quiz. The “Actions” page provides lists of many more ways to act.

The “Newsroom” page features news, press releases, and blogs focusing on particular environmental issues. Be sure to explore their education postings on the blog for ideas.

The “Programs” section provides year-round ideas for promoting a healthy environment. It includes a Climate Education Week toolkit for planning activities. Go directly to these materials at http://www.climateeducationweek.org/.

The “Videos” channel through YouTube provides informational and educational videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/earthdaynetwork.

Go to the Compassion Games website to explore ways to serve Earth Week through games. Go to http://compassiongames.org/lovethisplace/.

In addition to Earth Day activities, remember to celebrate Arbor Day on April 24. To learn more about this celebration of trees, go to http://www.arborday.org/celebrate/.

Website Review: Artsedge

ARTSEDGE is an educational program providing lessons, activities, how-to’s, and resources related to the arts including dance, theatre, music, and visual arts.

Sponsored by The Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of Education, the website contains sections for educators, families, and students.

The Collections area allows users to search by art genre, time period, place, and big idea such as STEM or global cultures. Or, enter a topic of interest.

The Multimedia Finder provides access to images, audio stories, music, video clips, and interactives. In addition to a text search, users can search by art genre or media type.

The Educators section users to search for lessons and how-to guides. It’s also possible to search based on the National Core Arts Standards. By registering at the website, teachers can store and organize their favorite resources for easy access.

The Arts Days app provides a full year of events connecting the arts to inventions, artists, and milestones.

To learn more, go to http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/

To download the free app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/arts-days/id622294390.