Can you solve this month's real-life science mystery? “Man, these mosquitoes are eating me alive," Franklin complained, slapping at his arms and legs. ​ The neighborhood kids were playing volleyball in Franklin's back yard. His parents had recently bought the net and set it up, but it was hard to stay out in the... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... August Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Slow Boat “You guys will love this place,” Jesse’s grandfather said. “I go there all the time.” Jesse and his friend Thomas were visiting Jesse’s grandfather, who loved boating and had just bought a new boat. From Jesse’s grandfather’s house along a river, they would be going downstream to a park that had a fishing pier and a restaurant. “How far is it?” Thomas asked as they got on the boat. “20 nautical miles,” Jesse’s grandfather said. “A nautical mile is about 1/6 longer than a land mile, or almost 2 kilometers.” The boat’s speedometer showed the engine was running at 20 knots, which Jesse’s grandfather said meant 20 nautical miles per hour on the trip there, which lasted 48 minutes. They had a fun day, although they didn’t catch any fish. The speedometer showed the same speed on the trip back, which took 1 hour and 20 minutes. Thomas and Jesse climbed out onto the dock while Jesse’s grandfather tied up the boat. “Well, we learned something today,” Thomas said to Jesse. “You mean that we’re no good at fishing?” Jesse said. “Not that. If the distance was 20 nautical miles and the boat was moving at 20 knots, the ride should have taken 1 hour, but it didn’t—in either direction. Either the speedometer is wrong about the speed, or your grandfather is wrong about the distance,” Thomas said. “But which?” REVEAL ANSWER

Can you solve this month's science mystery? As much as Leila missed having Chloe around for their summer vacation, she had to admit that Chloe must be having a great time traveling.  Chloe's father was working on a trade treaty between the United States and other countries bordering the Pacific Ocean... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... June Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Tall Tale Challenge Day was one of the highlights of the week at camp. The campers were sent off on all kinds of odd errands, such as finding animal fur, certain kinds of leaves, nuts, and other bits of nature. Dominic and Vincent had ended up with what they were sure was the toughest assignment: figuring out the exact height of the lone tree in the center of the field. They almost had to laugh when they were given only two tools to do it: a yardstick and a large ball of string. “This is impossible,” Dominic said, squinting up at the top of the tree. It was a sunny day. “It can’t be impossible,” Vincent said. “The counselor said that other guys have done it with the same things they gave us.” They thought for a while. “Well, I have an idea,” Dominic said, “but it’s not going to be easy. One of us could hold the ball of string while the other one ties the end to his belt and climbs the tree. We could probably get close enough to the top to estimate how much is left, and then we could add that to the length of string from there to the ground.” “I don’t think we’d like the result of that,” Vincent said. “Why not?” asked Dominic. REVEAL ANSWER

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Can you solve this month's mystery? Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in the back yard. The family’s yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls’ hobby of bird watching. ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... April Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Take a Hike The students were pleased with the weather on the day of their field trip. It had rained the previous day and night, but this morning it was only cool and cloudy as the kids walked to the Visitors’ Center. The class was learning about different ecosystems, and had taken a bus to a park with a meadow, a pond, and woods. They were divided into three groups to collect samples and take pictures. They had walkie-talkies to keep in touch because cell phones didn’t work there. One group walked down a long, steep path to Frog Pond with Mr. Wysor. Marcel and Tucker’s group hiked across to the meadow with Ms. Smith, while the third group took on the task of studying the woods on a hillside with Mrs. Hammerick. After an hour or so, Ms. Smith’s group was finished. They walked back to the Visitors’ Center, but neither of the other groups had returned. Ms. Smith asked Marcel to check on them. “We’re finished in the meadow and can leave any time. How are you guys doing? Over,” he said into the walkie-talkie. “We have our samples and are just taking the last of the pictures. We will start walking back in a couple of minutes. Over,” a voice replied. “We’re getting samples, but it’s so foggy here that the pictures won’t be any good. Give us another 20 minutes. Maybe the fog will lift. Over,” another voice responded. “I didn’t recognize those voices. Which group needs more time?” Tucker asked Marcel. REVEAL ANSWER

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ASTC has curated these award-winning, NSTA Recommends books for its members to promote science and math while improving reading and literacy skills for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Check out these resources for your programming and after-school activities. Our literature-based STEM books are perfect tools for museum educators! One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over Read a sample chapter Download the Free Teacher's Guide Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Bilingual Math Mysteries Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Please reload 101 Things Everyone Should Know about Math Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! 101 Things Everyone Should Know about Science Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! If My Mom Were a Platypus Download the Activity Guide Download our Guide to Hands-On Activities Purchase with ASTC discount here! Ghost in the Water Read a sample chapter Download the Free Teacher's Guide Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Bilingual Science Mysteries Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Please reload Museum educators around the country use our titles to engage, excite, and educate: Literature-based books teach science and math while promoting reading, Fiction and nonfiction titles featuring a diverse group of young heroes, Real-life scenarios make science and math relevant to kids, Potentially intimidating topics become intriguing and accessible to scientists of all ages, Supports problem-based and project-based learning, Extensive Teacher's Guides and Hands-On Activities available for free download, Cross-curricular content provides ample learning opportunities. Our books make great resources for museum educators and our short brainteasers make great content for museum publications. For permissions to reprint, information on bulk discounts, and more information, contact Ali . Learn How Facilitators Use Our Books Extensive Educator Resources and Hands-On Activities Shop at the ASTC Bookstore

Publish Your STEM Book with Science Naturally | Submission Guidelines for Authors | Explore How to Share Your Insights and Contribute to Our World of STEM Literature | Learn Author Requirements and Start Publishing Today! Authors: If you are submitting a manuscript, please fill out this form: Illustrators: If you would like to submit your portfolio to us, please use the following form: We do not accept physical submissions. Please be aware that we are a small company and response times may vary from a few weeks to a few months. If you have any inquiries or require further information, do not hesitate to contact us at Submissions@ScienceNaturally.com . Thank you for considering Science Naturally as the platform for your creative endeavors. Science Naturally Team Manuscript Submissions Form Illustrator Submissions Form Author & Illustrator Submissions Thank you for your interest in Science Naturally. We publish a handful of books each year, yet we are always looking for manuscripts that promote the values we espouse. We are looking for books that help support family life through education, positive images and role models, and entertainment.

Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in their backyard. The family's yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls' hobby of bird watching.  ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... May Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Finding A Solution Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in their backyard. The family's yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls' hobby of bird watching. Frances had the job of mixing sugar in water for their hummingbird feeder. In the past, the girls noticed that more hummingbirds came to the feeder when they used a more sugary mix. This year Frances had decided to make the mix as sweet as possible. In the kitchen, she added sugar to hot water until sugar started collecting in the bottom of the pot even while she was stirring it. Then she filled the feeder with the water solution. "I just love it when we get to see so many hummingbirds!" Frances said as she screwed the lid onto the feeder. The girls hung the feeder on a tree branch where they could watch from their deck. It took a few days for the hummingbirds to start coming, and when they did, the birds left almost instantly each time. The girls went out to check the feeder. "I think I see the problem," Fiona said, scraping powder from the feeding holes. "Where did that come from?" Frances asked. "The birds can't get the mix out of the feeder," Fiona said. "This powder clogging the holes is sugar." "I didn't put any sugar on the outside," Frances protested. "And I stopped adding sugar to the water when the sugar started collecting at the bottom of the water even when I was stirring it. I know that when there's as much sugar as the water can hold, the water is saturated and can't dissolve any more sugar. Isn't that right?" REVEAL ANSWER

Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Kyle y su amigo Antonio habían estado viendo las olimpiadas de verano el diía anterior. Sus eventos favoritos eran los de pista y campo. Kyle era el corredor más rápido de la escuela en distancias cortas, mientras que a Antonio le gustaba correr distancias más largas... Julio Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios cortos que resuelves con ciencias! Barco a la vista —¡Ahoy, compadre! —gritó Liam, entrando a la habitación de su hermano mayor, Theo. —Vete a dormir —gruñó Theo—. ¡Son las seis de la mañana! Sabes que necesito dormir. —¡Pero Theo, hay parte de un naufragio en el océano! ¡Parece haber estado ahí por cienaños! —Entonces estará ahí cuando me levante —gruñó Theo y se dio vuelta. Era la primera mañana de sus vacaciones familiares y habían llegado tarde la nocheanterior a una playa que no habían visitado antes. Liam era un madrugador y habíacaminado hasta la playa justo después del amanecer. Como Theo no quería levantarsey nadie más estaba despierto, Liam se fue a su habitación a leer. Cuando Theo finalmente despertó cerca del mediodía y fue a la playa donde suspadres ya se habían instalado con sillas y mantas, vio gente quemada por el sol bajolas sombrillas y cangrejos de arena corriendo alrededor, pero nada en el océanoexcepto olas. —¿Vieron un naufragio por ahí? —Theo le preguntó a sus padres . —No, pero solo hemos estado aquí por una hora —dijo su padre—. Nos levantamos unpoco tarde. Después los tres fuimos directamente al mercado mientras dormías. —Vinimos acá después de guardar las compras —añadió su madre—.Liam nos habló deun naufragio, pero no lo hemos visto todavía. —El naufragio está allá fuera y se los voy a demostrar —dijo Liam. —¿Cómo? —preguntó Theo. REVELAR RESPUERTO

"Parents who are responsive to their children's needs often find themselves swimming upstream against the culture. Platypus Media books encourage parents as they create families that are close-knit. Through sharing stories, Platypus Media is building a caring community where children and parents alike can thrive." —Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D., Author of The Hidden Feelings of My Motherhood "Platypus Media books give us a fun way to help meet curriculum objectives in reading, science, language arts, and social studies. The kids love them—and the free activity guides do a lot of the work for us!" —Catherine Pfeiffer, School Librarian, Capitol Hill Cluster Schools, Washington, D.C. "Caring parents will be delighted with the gentle way these books foster love and respect between parent and child." —Marguerite Kelly, Author of The Monster's Almanac "What's really exciting about this line of books is that children from every background can relate to them. Platypus Media books have captured the values of close-knit families from many different perspectives." —Maria Salvadore, Children's Literature Specialist, Washington, D.C. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING Our mission is to get books into the hands of children all over the world, and we are proud to work with local, state, and federal programs to further this goal. We are now registered on SAM.gov as well as with the SBA. DOWNLOAD OUR CAPABILITY STATEMENT SEARCH FOR US ON SAM.gov VIEW OUR SBA PROFILE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CERTIFICATIONS Small Business Women-Owned Small Business CORE COMPETENCIES Platypus Media, LLC is comprised of two independent publishing houses: Platypus Media and Science Naturally. Platypus Media creates materials that support and promote attachment parenting, breastfeeding, and family. We share evidence-based practices and family support resources with our readers. Our imprint, Science Naturally , makes math and science accessible and engaging for children ages 0-14. Our STEM books encourage skill acquisition in reading, science, and math and are available in several languages and formats. CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION Platypus Media has been in business since February 2000, but our founder and president, Dia Michels, has been working in publishing for the last 30 years. Over the years we have accumulated a permanent staff of 4, who have helped to produce 45+ titles and print more than 500,000 books. We are honored to say that our books have won more than 60 literary, science, math, and language awards. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? Literature-based science and math Problem-based learning Spanish/bilingual education Free downloadable Teacher's Guides Medically certified authors Father, sibling, and NICU support Customization opportunities All of our STEM books meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Accepts government credit cards and purchase orders OUR EIN: 52-2232301 OUR DUNS #: 097524644 OUR CAGE CODE: 64MV8 OUR PRIMARY NAICS CODE: 511130 *Additional NAICS codes—as well as PSCs and FSCs—can be found on our CS . PAST PERFORMANCE *Please contact us for POC information Kids Read Now | 02/05/2019–03/27/2020 Provided 15,800 customized children's' books over the span of nearly fourteen months (four orders) at a cost as low as $2.89/book California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) / SLAHP | 03/22/2018–09/17/2019 Provided 3,500 breastfeeding booklets over the span of eighteen months (two orders) at a cost as low as $2.95/booklet Colorado WIC / CDPHE | 08/29/2019 Provided 850 hardcover children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $4.95/book Healthy Start Oklahoma | 01/03/2019 Provided 1,000 customized children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $2.95/book New Mexico WIC / DOH | 12/04/2018 Provided 6,115 customized children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $2.95/book CONTACT US PRIMARY POC: Victoria@PlatypusMedia.com ACCOUNTING: Martha@PlatypusMedia.com +1 (202) 546-1674 LinkedIn.com/Company/Platypus-Media-LLC LinkedIn.com/Company/Science-Naturally- Twitter.com/PlatypusMedia | Twitter.com/SciNaturally Facebook.com/PlatypusMedia | Facebook.com/ScienceNaturally

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Science Naturally | Discover Upcoming Books in STEM and More | Get Ready for Exciting Releases in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics! COMING SOON Click on the photos below for more information November 2025