In the following STEM challenges, students will design a nature-inspired solution to a problem. They involve making observations of a plant or animal, describing its most unique or interesting structures and functions, identifying a human problem that mimicking the plant or animal could solve, and designing and advertising an invention using biomimicry.
About the Nature Did It First:
Nature does it best … and did it first! Explore the ways we have looked to nature for brilliant new designs and innovations to solve our own conundrums. Each example in nature is paired with a fun, rhyming description, an example of how it has been used by us, and a question to the reader – “what other problems can be solved?”
Learn fascinating examples of biomimicry, like:
• How burrs inspired Velcro
• How grooved gecko feet inspired adhesive
• How bumpy whale flippers inspired windmill blades and surfboards
• And more!
Back matter includes:
• A glossary for words like echolocation and adhesive
• A STEM Challenge activity perfect for your home or classroom
This book engagingly leads readers around the world following a drop of water-whether as steam or snow, inside a plant or animal, or underground-teaching the wonders and importance of the water cycle. Geography topics and four pages of science about the qualities of water are included.
A dandelion can teach much about seeds and seasons and cycles-and the big world that a wind-blown seed can travel-but it also can make us appreciate the challenges it must overcome. This gorgeous book is at once simple and profound. You may be surprised and pleased by the questions and observations of your children after reading this together.
Filled with games, coloring, and crafts to accompany There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe, an out of this world picture book that sparks creative conversations about celestial beings from the #1 science author for kids, Chris Ferrie!
Baby Medical School is a series of board books written by the experts. With whimsical artwork and humorous text, they are perfect for enlightening the next generation of geniuses and creating a love for science they will carry for a lifetime!
Baby Medical School:* My Doctor’s Visit*
Baby Medical School: Bacteria and Antibiotics
Baby Medical School: Vaccines
These animals may put the “aww” in aww-dorable, but their deadly venom and killer instincts will also knock your socks off! From powerful poison to super strength, get ready to turn your squee into screams with this crew of killer cuties.
A STEM extravaganza, this informative yet humorous text introduces readers to the science behind cute but killer animals, including their scientific name, habitat, size, and conservation status. This fun book for kids introduces the weird, funny, and outrageously true stories of the cutest, fluffiest critters who are also secretly fierce!
Explore the fascinating world of bugs in this exciting book for kids ages 4 to 8!
From crunchy crickets to tiny ants, young readers will take a mouthwatering journey where bug pizza and grasshopper snacks are on the menu—captivating readers with the yuck (and maybe the yum) factor! Colorful, wacky illustrations and fun facts will help you discover that bugs are a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources and are good for the environment in more ways than one. Cultures around the world have been consuming insects for centuries. Exploring the cultural significance of eating insects can provide knowledge about diverse traditions, offering children a window into different ways of life and fostering cultural appreciation. Get ready to bug out with this engaging and educational adventure!
Celebrate Earth Day with this festive introduction for kids ages 6 to 9!
Earth Day is all about appreciating and protecting our planet so it stays happy and healthy! People all over the world celebrate to spread awareness about living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Learn all about the history and significance of Earth Day with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.
This book takes place on one flower, a goldenrod. A butterfly sipping nectar … A ladybug snacking on aphids… oh ladybug, look out for the ambushbug! Dr. Fredericks focuses on the whole plant-and-animal “community” inhabiting a single flower. Two pages of “Field Notes” and “fun facts” at the back of the book offer intriguing information on these creatures.
This book takes place on one flower, a goldenrod. A butterfly sipping nectar … A ladybug snacking on aphids… oh ladybug, look out for the ambushbug! Dr. Fredericks focuses on the whole plant-and-animal “community” inhabiting a single flower. Two pages of “Field Notes” and “fun facts” at the back of the book offer intriguing information on these creatures.
When the weather changes daily, how do we really know that Earth’s climate is changing? Here is the science behind the headlines – evidence from flowers, butterflies, birds, frogs, trees, glaciers and much more, gathered by scientists from all over the world, sometimes with assistance from young “citizen-scientists.” And here is what young people, and their families and teachers, can do to learn about climate change and take action.
When the weather changes daily, how do we really know that Earth’s climate is changing? Here is the science behind the headlines – evidence from flowers, butterflies, birds, frogs, trees, glaciers and much more, gathered by scientists from all over the world, sometimes with assistance from young “citizen-scientists.” And here is what young people, and their families and teachers, can do to learn about climate change and take action.
Sung to the tune of “Over in the Meadow”, this informative and fun rhyming format and amazing artwork will inspire children in classrooms and at home to appreciate the world around us!
Teachers and parents, here is another favorite from Marianne, who has a special talent. The kids think it’s entertainment while teachers and parents think it’s a great lesson about the Arctic! This book combines singing, counting, and full-body action with terrific cut-paper illustrations that kids will want to imitate. Over in the Arctic, the snow goose “honks” and the wolf “howls.” Children too will joyfully honk and howl while they count the baby animals and sing to the tune of “Over in the Meadow.” And they’ll hunt for hidden animals on each page. A big plus for educators are several pages of extension ideas for curriculum and art projects as well as resources on the web and elsewhere.