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

Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Ron and Lauren’s father had made a New Year’s resolution to be healthier. Part of his program, along with exercising, was eating only cereal for breakfast, instead of things like bacon and eggs. ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... March Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Think Green, Guys! Pranav and Maneet’s family had decided to buy a house in a new development. There were several models to pick from and they had chosen one with the features they wanted. Two houses of that model were finished and for sale. Their backs faced each other, one house looking north and the other looking south—each with a big, open lawn in front. There were tall trees between them, coming almost to the back of each house. “It’s hard to pick. These two houses are exactly the same,” their mother said, as they stood on the back deck of the house that faced north. “The price is the same, too, although either way we’re going to have to watch our money more closely after buying a new house,” said their father. Pranav could feel warmth in the sunlight, even through the bare branches of the trees. Spring was coming. Where they lived, winter was short and mild, and furnaces ran only a little while. Summer was long and hot—air conditioners ran almost all day. “We should buy this one,” Pranav said, after thinking for a moment. “What did you do? Flip a coin in your head?” Maneet asked. REVEAL ANSWER

In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLORP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more. SPANISH AND ENGLISH PAPERBACK COMING MID-JUNE 2025 A secret superhero lies below Yellowstone National Park… In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLOOP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more. But what does a hero do best? Help others! The Yellowstone Supervolcano doesn’t just dazzle tourists. Learn how its superpowers support a thriving ecosystem, helping feed and protect the unique wildlife year after year. Written by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw (author of Mighty Mahi and I Campaigned for Ice Cream ), The Super Volcano explains natural science concepts and geological features in a way that builds excitement for learning. Stunning art by Brie Schmida captures the vivid colors and scenic views that make Yellowstone one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Inspired by comic books, the traditional illustrations meet energetic comic panels and sound effects that leap off the page to engage kids of all ages. Read facts about Native American history, the establishment of the first U.S. national park, conservation efforts, park staff, and visitor etiquette. And finally, take the pledge to help protect the park and become a new kind of Yellowstone superhero! Preorder Preorder Press Release Book details Age r ange 6—9 years Gr a de range 1st Grade—4th Grade Hardcover (ISBN 978-1-958629-17-8) • $21.95 Spanish (Paperback) (ISBN 978-1-958629-79-6) • $18.95 English (Paperback) (ISBN 978-1-958629-78-9) • $18.95 eBook (ISBN 978-1-958629-23-9) • $18 .95 Reviews “Complete with stunning illustrations by Brie Schmida, this book brings readers on a hero's journey in which they learn about the complex science behind Yellowstone National Park in an accessible and engaging way. The world needs more books like this!” — Mattison Shreero, Geoscientist and Park Ranger (@geosplore) “What a wonderful gift for a teacher to bring so much science into a classroom, and then to turn that passion for Yellowstone into a children's book. If I had a teacher like this as a young kid I would've probably been a geologist much earlier in life!" — Elley Ringo, Economic Geologist, & Science Communicator, YouTuber Elley Knows Rocks “This STEM book checks all the boxes for what I think when considering true geoscience inspiration." —Ethan Penner, Geologist & Geoscience Communicator/Educator (@rockmanethan) About the Author About the Illustrator Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is an award-winning children’s book author and former elementary school special education teacher who is passionate about growing young minds. Her first two picture books, I Campaigned for Ice Cream and Mighty Mahi , are both based on true stories. Suzanne enjoys speaking to schools about writing, leadership, sea turtles, and how kids can make a difference in our world. The proud momma of two grown boys, Suzanne lives in Waterford, Michigan with her husband and her furry writing companion, Ziggy. Brie Schmida is an illustrator and visual development artist based in sunny California. She has worked for notable clients such as Marvel and Disney. She likes to fill her personal work with inspiration from her family’s farm, and has an ineffable desire to create pieces full of whimsy and light. Color, nature, and the days of old are her muses. When she’s not creating, you can most probably find her picking flowers in a forest or surrounded by goats in a sunlit field.

With this picture book, explore a variety of eye conditions and the helpful tools that people use to better see the world around them. What is it like to see the world through someone else's eyes? If you’ve ever been curious about how your eyes work, why some people need glasses, or what you see if you're colorblind, How Do You See the World? has the answers! Eyes are complicated, and each little part has to work together in order to build a clear picture of what you see. Engaging science content covers eye anatomy, how light enters our eyes and sends an image to our brain, how we see color, and even ways we can perceive invisible light. Written by an optical physicist, this informative picture book explores the various eye conditions that kids may have or may learn about through their friends and relatives. Discover clear explanations of eye conditions such as amblyopia, astigmatism, colorblindness, and glaucoma, paired with illustrations that show how these conditions affect what you see, and what tools you can use to improve your vision. How Do You See the World? helps kids ages 7–10 understand their own eyes and empathize with how others experience the world around them. Fun, diverse characters will help normalize all types of visual impairments and celebrate the tools and technology that help us see more clearly. We are proud to announce How Do You See the World? as a winner in the 2025 Outstanding Science Trade Book Awards, representing each year’s best K-12 science books, chosen by science educators. Learn all about it here. Press Release Teacher's Guide Order in Paperback Order in Spanish Did You Know? How Do You See the World also comes as a reflowable eBook, specifically created for children experiencing blindness and low vision, with features including: Detailed alt text for the book’s illustrations Full display transformability High-contrast image text Navigation features, including a page list to match the original hardcover edition Text-to-speech compatibility Updates to the content for the purpose of clarity Reflowable eBook and standard fixed format available soon on: Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Overdrive Learn more about our commitment to accessibility here. Book details Age range 7 - 10 years Grade range 2nd grade - 5th grade Trim size 10" x 8" Pages 40 Hardcover (ISBN 978-1-958629-43-7) $18.95 Paperback (ISBN 978-1-958629-75-8) $16.95 Spanish (ISBN 978-1-958629-73-4) $16.95 eBook (ISBN 978-1-958629-44-4) $13.99 Accessible eBook (ISBN 978-1-958629-70-3) $13.99 Reviews by Experts “A great book for young children that explains the phenomenon of vision and how the eyes work. It helps children appreciate the problems that some people have with their vision.” —David Atchison, D.Sc., Professor of Visual Optics, Queensland University of Technology, Australia “Learning about the visual system could not be more fun and simple as How Do You See the World? makes it.” —Dana Spearin, Optometric Physician “Intricately explains how the eye functions and emphasizes the importance of eye health in a simple yet comprehensive manner. I recommend adding this book to your child's collection, for it will engage their curiosity and yours.“ —Brittani Carver-Schemper, OD, Eye Doctor and Eye Health Educator (@bettervision) “This book is the perfect choice for curious young minds who are eager to discover the science behind the gift of sight.” —Dr. Kelsea Brown, Optometrist “ The science behind how we see is fascinating and can be complex, but this book breaks it down into easy-to-understand segments. I truly loved sharing this book with my kids and will be recommending it to my patients as well!” —Dr. Way C. Yu, Doctor of Optometry About the Illustrator Noureddine Melikechi is a Professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he works on the interaction of light with various types of samples. He has studied why various objects have different colors and how we are able to see. Noureddine has also used light to detect early signs of cancers. A native of Algeria, Noureddine received his Diplôme d'Études Supérieures in Physics from the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algeria, and his M.Sc. and D.Phil., both in Physics, from the University of Sussex. Michelle Simpson grew up in the forests of Niagara Falls, Ontario. She is heavily inspired by nature and mythical folktales. Michelle graduated from Sheridan College with a BAA in Illustration, and now creates artwork for children’s books and television shows. She also wrote and illustrated the picture book Monsters In My House. In her spare time, Michelle likes to garden, go for forest walks, and annoy her cats, Sushi and Mr. Pounce, with endless amounts of love. About the Author

Condensations of award-winning science and math resources for early childhood, elementary, and middle school students. Condensations On this page you can find condensed versions of all of our books. Click on the images below to view each Condensation.

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

Can you solve this month's real-world math mystery? “Hannah!... Would you please come out here already? Your sister, father, and I have been waiting for you for almost 10 minutes!”... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... November Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Home on the Range Guillermo and Fiorella’s family was enjoying their last hike of the fall before the weather turned too cold to go hiking. Halfway up a mountain on a trail they had never taken before, their father said, “This would be a great spot to have a house.” They looked around the edge of the sunny meadow, down to a stream, feeling a fresh breeze coming down the mountain. “You’re right, Dad,” Guillermo said. “I would love to live here, too,” said Fiorella. “It’s so pretty and I’m sure there are deer and all kinds of other animals here. It would be great to watch wildlife right from our front porch.” “I don’t know about living in a place like this,” their mother said. “There’s no electricity and you kids couldn’t live for more than a day without your gizmos. You could never get the power company to run an electrical line this far out into the woods.” “Well, if we were allowed to build a house here, we could make our own electricity,” Fiorella said. “But making electricity requires energy. Where would we get it?” their father asked. REVEAL ANSWER

Can you solve this month's real-life math mystery? Max had offered to stay after school to help with the fundraiser. The parents' association was buying new supplies for the three rooms in his grade, and they had divided the cost among all the students. Each student in the three rooms needed to bring in $15.63... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... September Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Lawn Ranger “Dad, we really need a new lawn mower,” Murphy said. Of all people, Murphy would know. Since he’d turned twelve, it had been his job to mow the lawn every Saturday morning. The family rule was that it had to be done before any fun activities. Murphy had done it so often that he even knew the exact number of times he had to go up and down the yard: 20 times in each direction. His father looked at the old lawn mower. It was hard to start, ran rough, and left the grass in clumps. “You’re right. Let’s go to the store and see what they have,” he said. At the store, Murphy’s father pointed one out. “Here’s the newest version of the model we have, with the same cutting blade, 60 centimeters across,” he said. “And here’s one with a 75-centimeter blade.” Murphy’s little brother, Hugh, who had come along, said, “Here’s one with a 60-centimeter blade, but it’s a mulching mower. It says its blade spins 20% faster than regular mowers.” “I think we should buy the one that lets me finish the yard in only 4/5 of the time it takes me now,” Murphy said. “Which one is that?” asked Hugh. REVEAL ANSWER

President and founder of Science Naturally, Dia Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science writer. A popular speaker, she lectures frequently at universities, libraries, and conferences across the country. Read about her presentations below. President and founder of Science Naturally, Dia Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science writer. Her topics include science and math books for middle grade students, and her passion is fostering curiosity in young minds. A popular speaker, she lectures frequently at universities, libraries, and conferences across the country. Read about her talks below. Creativity, Curiosity, and Critical Thinking Combined Discover Strategies to Build Confidence and Encourage Curiosity In today's fast-paced world, schools encourage kids to memorize facts and learn answers to test questions. Unfortunately, this focus often means children are not learning the critical reasoning skills that are so important for applied science and math, which they will encounter in higher education and in real life. To succeed in life and excel in STEM careers, it is imperative for today's students to learn how to use what they know to deduce what they don't. It's not enough to know the answer, they also need to know the "why". This workshop will teach strategies that help kids get to the all-important "ah-ha!" moment. We'll use short questions and brainteasers as an opportunity for creative At the end of this session the participant will be able to... Use literature-based math and science to develop critical thinking skills and promote curiosity. Implement strategies to build confidence and encourage curiosity in the classroom and beyond. analytical reasoning, with each simple mystery as an example of real-life STEM applications. Hands-on activities and fun worksheets help extend the material. Content is interdisciplinary and supports current curriculum standards. Get inspired to encourage creativity, confidence, and curiosity through science and math! If My Mom Were A Platypus Teaching Science through Mammal Life Cycle Stories There are approximately 5000 species of mammals on our planet. They live and reproduce and raise their young in every conceivable habitat, from icy arctic waters to the unrelenting heat of the desert; they live in caves, in trees, in seawater, in freshwater; some are as small as a grape, others the size of a bus. This lively, hands-on workshop shows teachers how to introduce kids to life cycle curricula through engaging mammal stories. Science and parenting writer Dia L. Michels shares insights about the behaviors and characteristics of mammals from her book If My Mom Were a Platypus . This fascinating introduction to the world of mammals captures the universality of the life cycle. The stories are charming, but more importantly, they convey significant scientific insight. The content aligns directly with the Next Generation Science Standards as well as both primary and middle school curricula. Attendees will leave the room with a new set of tools for teaching—and a keen sense of what makes mammals special! At the end of this session the participant will be able to... Use engaging mammal facts to help kids understand and take interest in a variety of life science concepts (sensory perception, infant identification, habitats, nutrient density, adaptations, ecology, metabolism, anatomy, biomes, and classification). Easily incorporate the lessons and activities from the presentation into their curriculum to spark curiosity in their students. Game Show - kids' edition! Are You Smarter than a Mammalogist ? FOR KIDS! This fun-filled, interactive game challenges your mammal knowledge. What can we learn by exploring how other mammals are born and raised? With a focus on early childhood, we uncover fascinating facts, amazing adaptations, and parenting peculiarities. There are over 6,000 mammal species, ranging in shape, size, and habitat. Learn about the diverse ways babies develop (in a womb, pouch, or egg), survive (are they “nest,” “cache,” “follow,” or “carry” mammals?), and how fast or slow the young grow up (newborn blue whales gain 8 pounds per hour!). Come ready to learn, and leave with an appreciation for the diversity in animal adaptations. Plus, pick up prizes along the way! At the end of this session the participant will be able to... Recognize the fundamental similarities and astonishing differences across the mammal class. Gain a greater appreciation for their inner mammal and deeper understanding of their place in the natural world. Understanding How Special it is to Grow Up Human Classifying Mammals in Meaningful Way for Children Educators teach children that we classify living things so we can make order out of our world. We teach them that they are mammals and tell them that there are four requirements to be a mammal: they must have hair or fur, be endothermic, have a backbone, and the females must raise the young on mother's milk. Most of these characteristics, however, apply to many other members of the animal kingdom. Are there more meaningful ways we can teach students to classify mammals? Dia Michels, author of If My Mom Were A Platypus , explores some mammal attributes that provide a fresh perspective on classification and helps kids understand why being a mammal is so special. At the end of this session the participant will be able to... Identify the core characteristics that make a mammal. Understand why and how scientists classify life on Earth and why these taxonomic classifications may be challenged or changed. Understanding How Special it is to Grow Up Human Preview the content in Dia's own words in this short podcast recorded at ALA 2019: Interested in booking Dia for one of these talks? Email Info@ScienceNaturally.com for more details.

Send Us a Note Your details were sent successfully! Send

Looking for STEM gift ideas the whole family will enjoy? We have a great selection of books full of full of fun puzzles and questions that are perfect for families to work through together! Gifts for Families Choose from our wide selection of award-winning STEM literature for the perfect gift for the curious kid in your life! This set of fun books blurs the line between entertainment and education. Make math and science fun with these literature-based books. Each mystery takes just one minute to read and features real-world scenarios. The brain teasers challenge kids to use critical thinking skills. Perfect for a long car trip or quick errands. Written by a father-daughter team, this set of entertaining and educational books is great for kids, grown-ups, educators and anyone who loves good mysteries, good math and science, or all three! I Love A Mystery Book Set Click Here to View Click Here to View This set includes the two 101 Things books: 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math and 101 Things You Everyone Should Know About Science from the award-winning authors Marc Zev, Kevin Segal and Nathan Levy. 101 Things Everyone Should Know... Book Set Deluxe Smart Kid Book Set Keep your kids' brain active with these five clever literature-based, award-winning science and math books. Everyone in the family will love trying to solve these engaging, exciting (and shhh!...educational) brainteasers! Unravel real-life predicaments using everything from decimals to DNA, fractions to fingerprints. Keep the set together or use them as individual gifts. Click Here to View Science Sleuth Book Set You may not put criminals away, but use this set to crack mysteries you see every day! Show off your science skills with the Science Sleuth Book Set. These brainteasers have a clever-twist--you have to tap into your science wisdom and critical thinking skills to solve them. Each mystery takes just one minute to read and challenges your knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. Click Here to View Math Madness Book Set Crazy about math... Or wish you were? This book set is just for you! These aren’t your ordinary math books. Kids are challenged to solve math brainteasers and answer questions in sports, cooking, money, travel and more. Kids will see how much math is a critical part of their everyday lives. These fun, educational books are perfect for kids, parents, educators, and anyone interested in knowing the difference between an Olympic event score of 9.0 and Richter scale score of 9.0. Click Here to View

Tiny Tern’s extraordinary journey begins! Arctic terns make the longest migration of any species. Every year, they fly all the way from the northern Arctic to the southern Antarctic—and back. Experience a bird’s-eye view of getting lost in heavy storms, protecting hatchlings from predators, and finally reaching your destination. This book is a celebration of the power of perseverance and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little bravery. Bilingual Reversible Edition Available Now! We’re thrilled to make this extraordinary story even more accessible to readers and language learners everywhere! Whether you’re a Spanish speaker, an English speaker, or learning either language, this edition is designed for you. Tiny Tern’s extraordinary journey begins! Arctic terns make the longest migration of any species. Every year, they fly from the northern Arctic to the southern Antarctic—and back—spending most of the year in flight. As the days grow shorter and colder, Tiny Tern and the flock prepare to leave the Arctic and begin their journey towards sunlight and warmth. The terns travel all the way to the other side of the world. Along the way, they encounter many dangers. Experience a bird’s-eye view of getting lost in heavy storms, protecting hatchlings from predators, and finally reaching your destination. Following the story, discover more educational content about arctic terns. Read about what they eat, how they fly, and everything they encounter during their time in the Arctic and Antarctic. With lyrical text and wondrous illustrations, join the flock of terns on their incredible journey, and learn about the power of perseverance from the birds who do it best. Tiny Tern Takes Flight is a celebration of nature, featuring the seemingly ordinary tern’s lifelong quest for summer sunlight. PRESS RELEASE Book Details Age Range 4 - 7 years Grade Range Preschool - 2nd Grade Bilingual (EN/SP) Paperback ISBN: 978-1-958629-84-0 • $16.95 ORDER NOW Reviews "I'm delighted to see the incredible journey of the Arctic Tern celebrated in this beautifully illustrated and evocative book. It's a wonderful addition that brings diversity to children's literature, inspiring the next generation to appreciate and protect our natural world." - Grant Ballard , Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Point Blue "In Tiny Tern Takes Flight, Donna B. McKinney invites readers into Tiny Tern and their flock’s enchanting migration journey. With Fiona Osbaldstone’s vibrant illustrations, this delightful tale sparks imagination and fosters a love for nature in young readers.” – S. Cargill , @shontalthebirder “The best children’s books should be familiar enough to be relatable – and mysterious enough to be intriguing. ‘Tiny Tern Takes Flight’ achieves both of these by telling the story of the Artic Tern - one of the world’s most itinerate travelers – who ventures from pole to pole annually in search of sun and food. Avian migration is truly one of the world’s most intriguing natural phenomena - this story can only help engage future naturalists and ornithologists.” – Dick Evans , San Francisco-based Documentary Photographer, Birder and author About the Author About the Illustrator Donna B. McKinney lived most of her life in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, writing about science. Now she has another great job—writing books for kids, including her previous release titled Lights On. Donna currently lives in North Carolina with two full-of-mischief dogs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, fishing, and playing a game called pickleball (kind of like a mix of tennis and ping pong). Born and bred in Kent, England, Fiona Osbaldstone loved painting as a kid and used to paint her own versions of Disney characters. She always wanted to do something with art and went to the Kent Institute of Art & Design. She was inspired by the works of David Shepherd and Norman Rockwell for their detail and diversely different styles. Her work includes natural history, botanicals, people, and scenes. Outside of the artistic field, although not too far removed, she loves pottery and makes and sells her own pieces. She enjoys photography as well as cycling but is “not too good at that and will invariably end up in a ditch.”