63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects by
You know your fellow librarians are a creative bunch-- 63 Maker Projects for Librarians leaves no doubt. Editor and maker Ellyssa Kroski has gathered librarians and makers who work with libraries offer how-to guidance for a remarkable range of projects, as fun as an upcycled fashion show, as practical as Bluetooth speakers, or as mischievous as a catapult. With takeaways like origami tea lights or a T-shirt tote bag, your patrons will remember their fun at the library. You'll find projects for artists, sewers, videographers, coders, and engineers. The quick reference format will help you quickly identify the estimated costs, materials, equipment, and whether the project requires a makerspace (plenty don't). Below is a sampling of the projects.Foam rocket launcherMakey-Makey musical instrumentsStop-Motion Film with 3D Print characters.Found-Object RobotsGlowing ghost marionettes3D Bust Selfie or a giant cardboardArduino eTextilesMagnetic slimeYarn paintingFidget FlannelsLED broochCardboard sculpture
The Big Book of Makerspace Projects: Inspiring Makers to Experiment, Create, and Learn by
Start-to-finish, fun projects for makers of all types, ages, and skill levels! This easy-to-follow guide features dozens of DIY, low-cost projects that will arm you with the skills necessary to dream up and build your own creations. The Big Book of Makerspace Projects: Inspiring Makers to Experiment, Create, and Learn offers practical tips for beginners and open-ended challenges for advanced makers. Each project features non-technical, step-by-step instructions with photos and illustrations to ensure success and expand your imagination. You will learn recyclables hacks, smartphone tweaks, paper circuits, e-textiles, musical instruments, coding and programming, 3-D printing, and much, much more! Discover how to create: * Brushbot warriors, scribble machines, and balloon hovercrafts * Smartphone illusions, holograms, and projections * Paper circuits, origami, greeting cards, and pop-ups * Dodgeball, mazes, and other interesting Scratch games * Organs, guitars, and percussion instruments * Sewed LED bracelets, art cuffs, and Arduino stuffie * Makey Makey and littleBits gadgets * Programs for plug-and-play and Bluetooth-enabled robots * 3D design and printing projects and enhancements
Teaching Elementary Students Real Life Inquiry Skills by
Fake news and misinformation is everywhere. Learn how to teach elementary students to locate reliable information, evaluate sources, and develop their writing skills in the classroom and in the library. Empower students to find and evaluate information with this practical guide to supporting classroom writing and research instruction. You'll learn ways to teach students to evaluate information for accuracy and to collect information from credible sources such as library journals. Additionally, you'll learn how to incorporate writing into your makerspace, encourage curiosity through the inquiry process, and help students to find their voice. Along the way, you'll discover how to support various writing genres including technical writing and the research project and how to teach prewriting for digital media such as websites, blogs, and social media. Lesson plans, which can be adapted from year to year as a part of the classroom and library curriculum, explain how students can use databases, search engines, books, and expert testimony to gather information. Also included are student samples and hands-on activities that will get students excited about learning. Provides guidelines elementary students can use to evaluate resources for accuracy and credibility Explains how to teach students not only where to look for information but also how to gather and use that information Offers lesson plans that build research and note-taking skills Teaches inquiry as a mode of learning
Tinkering with Tales by
Teachers, in the classroom, at home, or online, are asked to provide quality instruction around the Science of Reading and develop early literacy foundational abilities incorporating phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies. With this focus, many teachers believe there is not adequate time for other subjects, particularly those in STEM areas. This book will help elementary teachers incorporate familiar fairy tales into STEM lessons. Each of the tales is easily acquired children's literature (most non-copyrighted) so teachers can easily access a copy and/or provide students with their copy. Additionally, each tale has its organized STEM lesson with easy replication with low-cost household items that provide students with rich, hands-on experiences. Teachers will be able to pick up this book and start incorporating quality experiences for their students right away. The inclusion of the 5E Lesson Plan (with Common Core standards) and proper usage of vocabulary that accompanies each tale will enable teachers to provide instruction that reaches higher Bloom's and Depth of Knowledge for their students.
Pairing STEAM with Stories by
Laying the groundwork for building children's curiosity, openness to learning, ability to persist in the face of failure, and interest in connecting learning from one subject to the other are important objectives for today's libraries. Partnering with cultural institutions, such as the Chicago Public Library (CPL) does with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), libraries can forge powerful connections between literacy and science. This resource shares the fruits of that partnership, offering ready-to-go, library-tested activities that meld cutting-edge STEAM education principles with some of the best books available for youth today. It's a model that can be used in a variety of library or museum settings and can also be adapted for outreach. Inside, readers will find 46 book-based, customizable STEAM activities, each complete with program length, materials list, and step-by-step instructions; real-life tips, advice, and thoughts from practicing CPL librarians sprinkled throughout the book; pointers on incorporating STEAM into existing programs; pedagogical strategies behind effective STEAM experiences, ensuring successful implementation of these skills; and helpful supporting materials such as a program planning rubric and a vendor list. The activities in this book will make STEAM learning fun while planting the seeds for lifelong learning.
Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons, 3-5 by
For teachers eager to integrate STEM into their school day, Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons is an exciting development. This book's 15 kid-friendly lessons convey how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics intersect in the real world. They embed reading-comprehension strategies that integrate the STEM subjects and English language arts through high-quality picture books. You'll help your 3-5 students engage in STEM activities while learning to read and reading to learn. This volume of Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons for the upper-elementary grades uses a remarkable variety of books to teach STEM concepts and reading comprehension strategies. For example, you can pique students' interest with The Inventor's Secret; An Ambush of Tigers; and Trash to Treasure: A Kid's Upcycling Guide to Trash. Then, through the accompanying lessons, you can teach ways to plan and carry out investigations; analyze and interpret data; and construct explanations and design solutions. Along the way, your students will invent toy cars, learn how scientists use technology to track individual animals within larger groups, figure out how to reduce plastic pollution, and tackle other real-world projects. Engaging fiction and nonfiction books plus 15 hands-on lessons add up to perfect ways to learn about the interdependence of the STEM areas. Along with these new lessons come the easy-to-use features that have made Picture-Perfect a bestselling series for more than a dozen years: Fiction and nonfiction book pairs Background reading, materials lists, student pages, and assessments for each lesson Connections to science standards and the Common Core State Standards for both English language arts and mathematics. Picture-Perfect STEM is a powerful tool for guiding instruction. You'll love how effective this book is, and your students will love learning about STEM.
Eureka! by
With this unique book, you can introduce scientists and engineers to your students, without the hassle of scheduling guest speakers. Evoking Archimedes's famous cry, Eureka! Grade 3-5 Science Activities and Stories uses 27 lessons linked to children's trade books to engage students in discovering who scientists and engineers are and what they do.
Hands-On STEAM Explorations for Young Learners by
Hands-On STEAM Explorations for Young Learners: Problem-Based Investigations for Preschool to Second Gradewill use popular children's nursery rhymes to explore STEAM concepts through hands-on, minds-on investigations. Children ages 4 through 8 and their teachers will love this twist on familiar old nursery rhymes. Children will enjoy problem solving and tinkering as they discover and explore. Black sheep insists that she hides more colors in the drawnlines of her black wool. Test to find out if it is possible for black to be more than one color. Can you invent a contraption using household items to catch a tiger by the toe? How might you make Old King Cole's fiddle using take-out boxes and rubber bands? Teachers will appreciate the easy-to-follow layout, connection to advanced learning, and easy-to-access materials in each investigation. Innovation, wonder, and fun are at the heart of each of these explorations.
Remaking Literacy by
Maker education (an instructional approach that emphasizes hands-on learning) empowers students to become passionate, creative thinkers. In Remaking Literacy, author Jacie Maslyk details how to transform literacy teaching and learning by integrating maker projects for elementary classrooms. Rely on the book's tools and strategies to help you construct innovative opportunities for students to boost comprehension, increase vocabulary knowledge, and improve writing skills. Apply the concepts of maker-centered learning and projects to your literacy education: Examine the ways maker education and project-based learning (PBL) can enhance teaching and empower student engagement and learning. Learn how to reimagine instruction to ensure students build crucial literacy, collaboration, and thinking skills. Study various low-tech and low-cost strategies and how to utilize them in flexible learning spaces or makerspaces in the elementary classroom or school. Receive checklists and planning tools for incorporating a maker education curriculum in your classroom reading activities. Reflect on the literacy activities and makerspace ideas presented by answering reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Contents: Chapter 1: What the Research Says Chapter 2: Creative Pathways to Learning Chapter 3: Thinking and Design Chapter 4: Low-Tech Making Chapter 5: Remaking With Maker Tech Chapter 6: Guidance for Implementation
Kindercoding Unplugged by
Kindergarten teacher Deanna Pecaski McLennan, PhD, takes readers on a journey through her own kindergarten classroom and how she's actively cultivating computational thinking in her students through a Reggio Emilia lens and emergent curriculum. Using photos, vignettes, narrative, and more than eighty unplugged coding activities, this book will help readers better understand what coding is and how they can begin to implement easy and developmentally appropriate coding games and activities into their early childhood programs.
Distance Learning for Elementary STEM by
This practical guide outlines a vision for online and distance STEM learning at the elementary level, with creative activities based on eight STEM themes. Online and distance learning may sound fairly straightforward. Instead of learning in a classroom setting, students learn at home with the assistance of online resources. But classroom learning does not always translate easily to online settings, particularly at the elementary level where children should be actively engaging in activities, exploration and discussion. From designing a zoo, to learning to garden, to exploring the night sky, you'll find eight STEM lessons that are creative, hands-on and engaging for elementary learners. Written for teachers and parents, the book unpacks STEM integration across multiple subjects, with connections to the ISTE Standards. The book also includes play-based lessons for young learners, and ideas for innovative design challenges. Each of the eight lessons includes: An overview of materials, resources, time and supervision needed. Suggested resources to explore, such as simulations and virtual field trips. Supplementary learning materials such as questions and quizzes. Ideas for games and reinforcement. Hands-on activities and engineering design challenges. Connections to various content areas as well as children's books, movies and art to keep the learning going after the lesson is completed. Concluding with a model for designing online and distance STEM learning for elementary-aged children, this book will support teachers and parents in designing the types of resources and learning experiences they need for elementary students' distance learning. Audience: K-5 teachers and parents
Make it stick! In this collaborative, hands-on, low-tech, interactive workshop, investigate how to develop learners’ concrete connection to content knowledge using picture books and maker activities to enhance literacy. An opportunity to brainstorm potential adaptations for varied learning scenarios will be provided.
How to Code a Sandcastle by
From the computer science nonprofit Girls Who Code comes this lively and funny story introducing kids to computer coding concepts. All summer, Pearl has been trying to build the perfect sandcastle, but out-of-control Frisbees and mischievous puppies keep getting in the way! Pearl and her robot friend Pascal have one last chance, and this time, they're going to use code to get the job done. Using fundamental computer coding concepts like sequences and loops, Pearl and Pascal are able to break down their sandcastle problem into small, manageable steps. If they can create working code, this could turn out to be the best beach day ever! With renowned computer science nonprofit Girls Who Code, Josh Funk and Sara Palacios use humor, relatable situations, and bright artwork to introduce kids to the fun of coding.
TEKS (Technology Applications):
§126.6 (K-2), §126.7 (3-5), and §126.14-.16 (6-8):
(1) Creativity & innovation;
(2) Communication & collaboration;
(3) Research & information fluency; and
(4): Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making.
What Do You Do with an Idea? by
What do you do with an idea? Especially an idea that's different, or daring, or a little wild? This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. It's a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it space to grow, and to see what happens next.
What Do You Do With an Idea? has won several awards, including the Independent Publisher's Book Gold Award, the Washington State Book Award, and the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
It has also hit multiple best-seller lists, such as Publisher's Weekly, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
The Most Magnificent Thing by
Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by
The beloved New York Times bestselling picture book about pursuing one's passion with persistence and learning to celebrate each failure on the road to achieving one's dreams. And now you can follow Rosie's further adventures-with her friends Iggy Peck and Ada Twist-in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first in a BRAND-NEW chapter book series, The Questioneers! Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie's gizmos would astound-if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!), who shows her that the first flop isn't something to fear-it's something to celebrate. And you can only truly fail, if you quit.
Ada Twist, Scientist by
Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?" Don't miss Ada's further adventures-with her friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere-in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers!Ada Twist's head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie-stars of their own New York Times bestselling picture books Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer-Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don't go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious.
TEKS (Technology Applications):
§126.6 (K-2), §126.7 (3-5), and §126.14-.16 (6-8):
(1) Creativity & innovation;
(2) Communication & collaboration; and
(4): Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making.
The Three Little Pigs by
Life is pretty sweet for the three little pigs...until a hungry wolf named Tempesto shows up one morning. Percy, Pete, and Prudence refuse to let themselves become breakfast without a fight -- but can anything save the plucky pigs once Tempesto starts huffing and puffing? With his hilarious retelling and irresistible illustrations, Steven Kellogg masterfully updates the classic folktale for a whole new generation of readers.
Sleeping Beauty by
Illustrator Margaret Early has created exquisitely detailed period-style pictures and glorious decorative borders for this new retelling of the beloved tale.
Mirror Mirror by
With 6 starred reviews, 8 best of the year lists, and over 20 state award nominations, everyone is raving about Mirror Mirror! "Remarkable."--The Washington Post "This mind-bending poetry is accompanied by Masse's equally intelligent, equally amusing art."--Time Out New York for Kids What's brewing when two favorites--poetry and fairy tales--are turned (literally) on their heads? It's a revolutionary recipe: an infectious new genre of poetry and a lovably modern take on classic stories. First, read the poems forward (how old-fashioned!), then reverse the lines and read again to give familiar tales, from Sleeping Beauty to that Charming Prince, a delicious new spin. Witty, irreverent, and warm, this gorgeously illustrated and utterly unique offering holds a mirror up to language and fairy tales, and renews the fun and magic of both.
Whoosh! by
New York Times best-selling author Chris Barton and dynamic illustrator Don Tate reveal the remarkable story behind the invention of the Super Soaker. A childhood favorite and summer staple, the Super Soaker was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for rockets, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for an iconic toy. Lonnie Johnson's life began alongside a whole mess of brothers and sisters and grew to include a love for rockets, robots, inventions, and creativity. With persistence and a passion for problem solving, he became an engineer and worked for NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.
Iggy Peck, Architect by
This beloved New York Times bestselling picture book is a fun-filled, inspiring story about the power of teamwork and the importance of celebrating individual gifts and self-expression. And now you can follow Iggy's further adventures-with his friends Rosie Revere and Ada Twist-in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, an all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers!Some kids sculpt sand castles. Some make mud pies. Some construct great block towers. But none are better at building than Iggy Peck, who once erected a life-size replica of the Great Sphinx on his front lawn! It's too bad that few people appreciate Iggy's talent-certainly not his second-grade teacher, Miss Lila Greer. It looks as if Iggy will have to trade in his T square for a box of crayons . . . until a fateful field trip proves just how useful a mast builder can be.
TEKS (Math & Science):
- Grade K §112.11: K.2; K.4: Collect data and make observations using simple tools
- Grade 1 §111.3: 1.8: Collect, sort, & organize data to create charts and draw conclusions
- Grade 1 §112.12: 1.2; 1.4: Collect data and make observations using simple tools
- Grade 2 §111.4: 2.10: Organize data for interpreting information & solving problems
- Grade 2 §112.13: 2.2; 2.4: Collect data and make observations using scientific tools
- Grade 3 §111.5: 3.8: Applies math processes to solve problems by collecting,
organizing, displaying, & interpreting data
- Grade 3 §112.14: 3.4: Collect data using a variety of tools to conduct scientific inquiry;
3.2: Analyze & interpret data to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence
3.3: Analyze, evaluate, & critique explanations by using evidence, logical reasoning,
& experimental and observational testing
- Grade 4 §111.6: 4.9: Applies math processes to solve problems by collecting,
organizing, displaying, & interpreting data
- Grade 4 §112.15: 4.4: Collect data using a variety of tools to conduct scientific inquiry;
4.3: Analyze, evaluate, & critique explanations by using evidence, logical reasoning,
& experimental and observational testing;
- Grade 5 §111.7: 5.9: Applies math processes to solve problems by collecting,
organizing, displaying, & interpreting data
- Grade 5 §112.16: 5.4: Collect data using a variety of tools to conduct scientific inquiry;
5.2: Analyze & interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from
direct (observable) and indirect (inferred) evidence
The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair by
When the cotton candy machine at the Texas State Fair malfunctions, Jake leaves a very sticky situation in his wake.
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by
Capturing an engineer’s creative vision and mind for detail, this fully illustrated picture book biography sheds light on how the American inventor George Ferris defied gravity and seemingly impossible odds to invent the world’s most iconic amusement park attraction, the Ferris wheel. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; A fun, fact-filled text by Kathryn Gibbs Davis combines with Gilbert Ford’s dazzling full-color illustrations to transport readers to the 1893 World’s Fair, where George Ferris and his big, wonderful wheel lifted passengers to the skies for the first time.
Force and Motion by
"A graphic nonfiction volume that introduces the properties of force and motion. Features include several photographic pages, a glossary, additional resource list, and an index"--
TEKS (Science):
- Grade K §112.11: K.6: Force, motion, & energy are part of everyday life
- Grade 1 §112.12: 1.6: Force, motion, & energy are related & part of everyday life
- Grade 2 §112.13: 2.6: Force causes change & energy exists in many forms
- Grade 3 §112.14: 3.6: Force causes change & energy exists in many forms
- Grade 4 §112.15: 4.6: Design a descriptive investigation to explore the affect of force
- Grade 5 §112.16: 5.6: Design a simple experimental investigation of force
- Grade 6 §112.18: 6.8: Force & motion are related to potential and kinetic energy
- Grade 7 §112.19: 7.7: Explore relationship among force, motion, & energy
- Grade 8 §112.20: 8.6: Know & demonstrate the relationship of force, motion, & energy
Grand Canyon by
Rivers wind through earth, cutting down and eroding the soil for millions of years, creating a cavity in the ground 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep known as the Grand Canyon. Home to an astonishing variety of plants and animals that have lived and evolved within its walls for millennia, the Grand Canyon is much more than just a hole in the ground. Follow a father and daughter as they make their way through the cavernous wonder, discovering life both present and past. Weave in and out of time as perfectly placed die cuts show you that a fossil today was a creature much long ago, perhaps in a completely different environment. Complete with a spectacular double gatefold, an intricate map and extensive back matter.
A Child's Introduction to the World by
Readers ages 9 to 12 will travel around the globe, from Greenland to Tasmania, learning the locations and characteristics of continents, countries, and states and provinces in this lively introduction to our world, its geography, culture, and people. Starting with the basics hemispheres, latitude and longitude, continental drift, map notation, landforms, population density, and more the book gives kids a solid foundation to begin exploring world geography. Each section profiles a different continent, including climates and biomes (tundra, grasslands, etc.), mountain ranges and bodies of water, people and cultures, governments and industries, wildlife, and much more. And sidebars throughout offer biographies of explorers, fun facts, and projects kids can do with parents or on their own. The book also includes a pop-up paper globe and reusable stickers. With 150 charming, original watercolor illustrations, A Child's Introduction to the World is an entertaining and comprehensive overview of our fascinating planet.
Water Land by
A lake turns into an island.A cozy bay into a secluded cape.A gulf with sea turtles transforms into a peninsula surrounded by pirate ships. This unique information book for the very young switches between bodies of water and corresponding land masses with the simple turn of a page. Readers will delight as the story unfolds and will see just how connected the earth and the water really are.
TEKS (Science):
- Grade 3 §112.14: 3.7C: Changes in Earth's Surface
- Grade 4 §112.15: 4.7B: Slow Changes in Earth Surface / Landforms
- Grade 5 §112.16: 5.7B: Changes in Landforms from Weathering & Erosion
- Grade 6 §112.18: 6.3B: Use models to represent the natural world
- Grade 6 §112.18: 6.10: Earth's structure, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics
- Grade 7 §112.19: 7.8: Erosion, deposition, and weathering
Classified by
Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation's first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work. Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all. "A stellar addition to the genre that will launch careers and inspire for generations, it deserves space alongside stories of other world leaders and innovators."--starred, Kirkus Reviews
Mapping Sam by
A Bologna Ragazzi Award Special Mention! An adventurous cat named Sam explores her neighborhood at night in this gorgeously illustrated book. Informational, beautiful, and deeply moving, Mapping Sam is both a book about how maps work and an engaging, character-driven story. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews says that Mapping Sam is "a winning choice." An ideal read-aloud for classrooms and homeschooling, the book features a page of background information as well as various maps and map terms throughout. For fans of Brandon Wenzel's They All Saw a Cat and Sara Fanelli's My Map Book, and for anyone who wants to know what is where and how to get from here to there! Maps can show us streets and subways and cities and countries. But they can also show us what we can't see, what we can only imagine, or how to build something. In Joyce Hesselberth's Mapping Sam, Sam the cat puts her family to bed, and then--when all is quiet--heads out to explore her neighborhood. As Sam follows her customary path, wandering farther and farther away from home, readers encounter different kinds of maps illuminating different points of view and the various spots Sam visits. Finally, when Sam reaches her favorite place and confirms that all is well, she heads back home, climbs onto a cozy bed, and falls asleep. An ideal read-aloud for classrooms and libraries, Mapping Sam features a page of background information, as well as various maps and map terms throughout. Perfect for fans of Lynne Rae Perkins's Frank and Lucky Get Schooled and Peter H. Reynolds's The Dot.
A Child's Introduction to the World by
Readers ages 9 to 12 will travel around the globe, from Greenland to Tasmania, learning the locations and characteristics of continents, countries, and states and provinces in this lively introduction to our world, its geography, culture, and people. Starting with the basics hemispheres, latitude and longitude, continental drift, map notation, landforms, population density, and more the book gives kids a solid foundation to begin exploring world geography. Each section profiles a different continent, including climates and biomes (tundra, grasslands, etc.), mountain ranges and bodies of water, people and cultures, governments and industries, wildlife, and much more. And sidebars throughout offer biographies of explorers, fun facts, and projects kids can do with parents or on their own. The book also includes a pop-up paper globe and reusable stickers. With 150 charming, original watercolor illustrations, A Child's Introduction to the World is an entertaining and comprehensive overview of our fascinating planet.
TEKS (Social Studies):
- Grade K §113.11: K.3: Understand concept of location using maps;
K.14: Chronology of events; Create & interpret maps
- Grade 1 §113.12: 1.4: Create, use, and explore maps; 1.17: Use a timeline
- Grade 2 §113.12: 2.3: Identify, use, and create maps; 2.16: Create & interpret timelines
- Grade 3 §113.13: 3.4: Identify, create, and interpret maps;
3.14: Create & interpret timelines
- Grade 5 §113.15: 5.6: Interpret and create maps
- Grade 6 §113.18: 6.3: Explain geographic factors affecting human migration
- Grade 7 §113.19: 7.1: Explain the significance of historical maps,
mapping settlements in Texas
- Grade 8 §113.20: 8.x: Explain the cause & effect of historical events in American history
This can be used for self-image, perspective, realization of and respect for individual differences or opinions, respect, and more.
Emily's Blue Period by
Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up. Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing. "When Picasso was sad for a while," says Emily, "he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period." It might last quite some time. A Neal Porter Book
Red by
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times-bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone. Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit, and makes a great gift for readers of any age! Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!
Escargot by
Bonjour! Escargot is a beautiful French snail who wants only two things: 1. To be your favorite animal. 2. To get to the delicious salad at the end of the book. But when he gets to the salad, he discovers that there's a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one--with a little help from you!--he discovers that it's not so bad after all.
They All Saw a Cat by
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel - New York Times bestseller and 2017 Caldecott Medal and Honor Book "An ingenious idea, gorgeously realized." -Shelf Awareness, starred review "Both simple and ingenious in concept, Wenzel's book feels like a game changer." -The Huffington Post The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see? If you and your child liked Ricky the Rock That Couldn't Roll, The Wonderful Things You Will Be, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Finding Winnie, or Radiant Child - you'll love They All Saw A Cat. Additional categories include: Award Winning Picture Books Award Winning Childrens Books Kindergarten Level Books Preschool Reading Books
Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by
A fun take on Little Red Riding Hood -- with a safari twist!Little Red is on her way to visit Auntie Rosie with a basket of goodies and some spot medicine. Along the way she meets the Very Hungry Lion. The Lion is eager to gobble up Little Red. The Lion's plan doesn't work out the way he wanted. Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion is a fractured fairy tale version of Little Red Riding Hood. It's a classic fairy tale with a safari twist! Alex T. Smith's fun, bold art brings Little Red Riding Hood to life in a refreshing new way that will delight young readers.
Follow Follow by
Now one of Booklist's 30 Best Books of the Year! "Genius!" - Wired.com "Marilyn Singer's verse in Follow Follow practically dances down each page . . . the effect is miraculous and pithy." - The Wall Street Journal Once upon a time, Mirror Mirror, a brilliant book of fairy tale themed reversos-a poetic form in which the poem is presented forward and then backward-became a smashing success. Now a second book is here with more witty double takes on well-loved fairy tales such as Thumbelina and The Little Mermaid. Read these clever poems from top to bottom and they mean one thing. Then reverse the lines and read from bottom to top and they mean something else-it is almost like magic! A celebration of sight, sound, and story, this book is a marvel to read again and again.
TEKS (Social Studies, Health, P.E. & Art):
- Grade K §115.2: K.8: Recognize individual differences and communicate appropriately
and respectfully with all individuals
- Grade 1 §115.3: 1.10: Comprehends the skills necessary for building and maintaining
healthy relationships
- Grade 2 §115.4: 2.9: Comprehends the skills necessary for building and maintaining
healthy relationships
- Grade 3 §113.14: 3.11: Identify characteristics of good citizenship, including truthfulness,
justice, equality, respect for oneself and others
- Grade 3 §115.5: 3.10: Explain ways to communicate consideration & respect for self,
family, friends, & others; Describe the mental-health value of respectful communication
- Grade 3 §116.5: 3.7: Accept & respect differences & similarities of self and others
- Grade 3 §117.111: 3.3: Develops global awareness & respect for the traditions
and contributions of diverse cultures
- Grade 4 §115.6: 4.12: Uses social skills for building and maintaining respectful
relationships throughout the life span
They All Saw a Cat by
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears and paws . . . and the child saw A CAT, and the dog saw A CAT, and the fox saw A CAT. Yes, they all saw the cat.' In simple, rhythmic prose and ingeniously stylized pictures, Brendan Wenzel takes young readers on a walk alongside a cat. But is it really a story about the cat, or is it about the creatures who see it? This is a glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination from a bright new talent on the picture book scene, Brendan Wenzel, who promises to be the next Jon Klassen and heir apparent to Eric Carle.
The Tall Book of Mother Goose by
In this context, Hickory Dickory Dock is our focus. However, Simple Simon, Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, and all the Mother Goose favorites are here in this timeless collection. With fifty-one lively rhymes, The Tall Book of Mother Goose is the perfect book for sharing. Ages 4+
Forces by
Forces: Physical Science for Kids from the Picture Book Science series gets kids excited about science! What keeps us stuck on the ground? What makes magnets come together? What makes one team win during a game of tug of war? Forces! Our world operates the way it does because of forces. Gravity, magnetism, pulling and pushing forces, and friction are some of the many forces that affect the way we move on Earth. InForces: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 are encouraged to observe and consider the different forces they encounter on a daily basis. By recognizing this basic physics concept and identifying the different ways it is demonstrated in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories. Simple vocabulary, detailed illustrations, easy science experiments, and a glossaryall support exciting learning for kids ages 5 to 8. Perfect for beginner readers or as a read aloud nonfiction picture book! Part of a set of four books in a series called Picture Book Science that tackles different kinds of physical science (waves, forces, energy, and matter),Forces:Physical Science for Kids pairs beautiful illustrations with simple observations and explanations. Quick STEM activities such as rubbing surfaces together to produce heat and testing the properties of magnets help readers cross the bridge from conceptual to experiential learning and provide a foundation of knowledge that will prove invaluable as kids progress in their science education. Perfect for children who love to ask, "Why?" about the world around them,Forces satisfies curiosity while encouraging student-led learning.
Gravity by
"A graphic nonfiction volume that introduces the force of gravity and its effects on Earth and the universe. Features include several photographic pages, a glossary, additional resource list, and an index"--Provided by publisher.
TEKS (Science):
Any of those listed in 'Force & Motion', plus these:
- Grade 4 §112.15: 4.6: Design an investigation to explore the effect of friction on an object
- Grade 6 §112.18: 6.8: Investigate how inclined planes change the force to move objects
Alexander Graham Bell Answers the Call by
Well before Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, Aleck (as his family called him) was a curious boy, interested in how and why he was able to hear the world all around him. His father was a speech therapist who invented the Visible Alphabet and his mother was hearing impaired, which only made Aleck even more fascinated by sound vibration and modes of communication. Naturally inquisitive and inclined to test his knowledge, young Aleck was the perfect person to grow up in the Age of Invention. As a kid he toyed with sound vibrations and began a life of inventing. This in-depth look at the life and inspiration of the brilliant man who invented the tele-phone is sure to ?re up the imaginations of young readers who question why and how things work. Driven by curiosity and an eagerness to help others, Aleck became a teacher for the deaf. His eventual invention of the telephone proved that he never stopped thinking big or experimenting with sound. Backmatter includes more information about Bell's inventions, a timeline of his life, a bibliography, and sources for further learning.
TEKS (Science):
- Grade K §112.11: K.6a: Use the senses to explore sound
- Grade 1 §112.12: 1.6a: Identify & discuss how sound energy affects everyday life
- Grade 2 §112.13: 2.6a: investigate the effects on objects by increasing or
decreasing amounts of sound energy
- Grade 3 §112.14: 3.6a: Explore different forms of energy (sound) in everyday life
- Grade 4 §112.15: 4.6a: Differentiate among forms of energy (incl. sound)
- Grade 5 §112.16: 5.6: Explore & demonstrate uses of energy & how electrical
flow in closed circuits can produce sound
Voices of the Alamo by
Through poetry and art, this picture book captures the many voices--Spanish, Tejano, Texan, Mexican, and American--of the people who lived on the land that is now Texas.
Susanna of the Alamo by
Relates the experiences of the Texas woman who, along with her baby, survived the 1836 massacre at the Alamo.
The Texas Revolution by
In 1833, American and Tejano colonists wanted independence from the Mexican government. After the Texas Revolution, the independent Republic of Texas was born! Through vivid images, maps and photographs, intriguing facts and sidebars, and easy-to-read text, readers will be enthralled as they learn about important aspects of the Texas Revolution, such as the Law of April 6, 1830, the Battle of Gonzalez, Siege of Bexar, "The Consultation," and The Alamo. This book also introduces readers to significant figures in Texas history, such as Santa Anna, Stephen Austin, and Sam Houston. Text features like a table of contents, glossary, and index are included to help readers better understand the content and vocabulary. This book also includes an in-class activity that allows students to analyze the Texian Army flag.
TEKS (Social Studies):
- Grade 4 §113.15: Understand the origins, similarities, & differences of American Indian groups and Settlers; Understand the cause and effect of exploration and colonization of Texas; Understand the importance of the Texas Revolution, Republic of Texas, and annexation to the United States
- Grade 7 §113.19: Understand traditional historical points of reference in Texas history; Understand how individuals, events, & issues shaped the history of Texas; Understand the significance of locations and regions in Texas
Newton Gresham Library | (936) 294-1614 | (866) NGL-INFO | Ask a Question | Share a Suggestion
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas 77341 | (936) 294-1111 | (866) BEARKAT
© Copyright Sam Houston State University | All rights reserved. | A Member of The Texas State University System