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: International Dark Sky Week & International Year of Light

It’s INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK (April 13-19). The weeklong event calls attention to the negative impact of light pollution on night sky viewing. Go to the IDS Week 2015 Activity page at http://goo.gl/IehK2q.

The International Dark-Sky Association website at http://www.darksky.org/ contains information on outdoor lighting, night sky conservation, and an education section featuring lots of handouts and activity ideas.

The year 2015 is the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT AND LIGHT-BASED TECHNOLOGIES. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sponsored website at http://www.light2015.org explores the importance of light as well as darkness around the world.

The website contains fascinating information organized into the following sections: why light matters, learn about light, hands-on involvement, cosmic light, light for development, and science stories.

Consider a school-wide STEM project centered in the school library. Focus on the need for both light and darkness for the health and happiness of people and wildlife around the world.

App Review: American Museum of Natural History

The AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (AMNH) is known for their great website, however they also have a growing number of quality, free apps.

THE POWER OF POISON: BE A DETECTIVE is a 2014 Webby Award Nominee. The app involves students in exploring three different cases of accidental poisoning in animals. Through a series of animations, participants must determine which of the 18 suspects is to blame.

PTEROSAURS: FLIGHT IN THE AGE OF DINOSAURS is an app that provides an in-depth look at flying reptiles and the latest fossil discoveries. Animations, interactives, video interviews, and exciting activities immerse youth in the world of dinosaurs. PTEROSAURS: THE CARD GAME and DINOSAURS are two other apps based on the AMNH special exhibit.

The CREATURES OF LIGHT app provides animations, photo galleries, and videos related to bioluminescence.

The BERNARD FAMILY HALL OF NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS app provides information about the museum’s mammal collection including interviews, photos, and commentary from the curator.

COSMIC DISCOVERIES is an app containing 1000 astronomical images from the AMNH’s image collection.

These free apps are a wonderful way to expose youth to the wonders of science and the importance of museums.

Go to the AMNH Apps page at http://www.amnh.org/apps.

Or, go directly to iTurns at https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/american-museum-natural-history/id351849240.