My newest book, This is a Book to Read with a Worm, is a picture book that invites the reader to follow along with two children as they learn about an earthworm. I made a video of a few of the activities--watch them with your favorite earthworm today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrUTqpA8lIY&feature=emb_logo While you're at it, check out … Continue reading Worm Activities Online!
Stuck-at-home? Try these engineering challenges! #RecycledScience #FreeActivities
Some science to try with your dog or cat while you are stuck at home!
It's not too late to invite an author to Skype with your class for World Read Aloud Day on February 1! Kate Messner graciously hosts on her blog a listing of traditionally-published authors who are available to chat with your class for free. Slots are filling fast—my day is already full. So get over to … Continue reading Free Author Talks!
Does your school hold a book parade in October? Encourage your kids to dress like their favorite STEM book, and they could win great prizes!
I am sometimes asked how I come up with the activities for my books. Here's a story to illustrate the process. In general, an activity begins with an interesting tidbit of information, and a thought of something it might cause in the real world. Then come rounds of tests to try to find … Continue reading A Research Story
I have come across several science teachers, STEM teachers, media specialists and MakerSpace organizers who have found themselves with a set of Lego Mindstorms that they aren't sure how to use. I was intrigued by this set of free online courses to help you get started. (You can even take a test and get "certified" … Continue reading Got Mindstorms?
Like I've written before, the librarians always introduce me to the coolest things. And apparently, the coolest thing this year is Breakout Boxes. They were all over both conventions I went to. It's sort of like those escape the room challenges--you have a locked box., with a variety of locks. You have a clues to … Continue reading It’s a Breakout!
I realize I'm writing about gardening in the bleak of winter, but now is the time to plan if you have a school garden. That, and you have take advantage of this opportunity by February 15. Bonnie Plant Farms is giving cabbage plants to THIRD GRADE classes (only) that will allow students to grow a … Continue reading Giant Cabbage Heads
I learned recently about a fascinating twist on school gardening available through the International Space Station. You can request tomato seeds that have spent time on the ISS. Then your students grow them in your school garden and compare them to Earth-bound controls. They even get access to the data from all other participating schools. … Continue reading Out-Of-This-World Gardening
Once Upon a Science Book 