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- Worthy Cause: Science Naturally and Mathical’s Impact at NCTE-NCTM Joint Conference
In June 2024, educators gathered in New Orleans for the NCTE-NCTM Joint Conference , a lively event dedicated to advancing K-5 literacy and math education . Amid the energetic activities, Science Naturally's educational titles, including Women in Engineering by Mary Wissinger and Leonardo da Vinci Gets A Do-Over by Mark P. Friedlander, Jr., shone brightly. At the conference, Mathical —a program of the Simon s Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute —distributed these captivating books to inspire and engage attendees. Known for sparking curiosity in fields such as chemical engineering and astronomy, these books were selected to resonate with educators aiming to enrich their STEM curricula. What sets these titles apart, leading to their being wanted for this event, is their ability to intertwine math with a variety of universal interests —history, biographies, and time travel—all wrapped in whimsical and informative narratives! They demonstrate how math is a part of every aspect of life, making it more approachable and relevant for both students and teachers. Mathical's distribution of these resources aimed to encourage educators to creatively integrate math with language arts . By inspiring math teachers to incorporate language arts elements into their lessons, and motivating language arts teachers to explore mathematical concepts, the initiative fostered an interdisciplinary approach that bridges the subjects in exciting ways. Another goal achieved by this conference was seizing a pivotal moment for Title I schools , which play a crucial role in helping students achieve their full academic potential, regardless of their family’s income. At the event's conclusion, Mathical made a special effort to support these schools by donating surplus educational books. Packages containing 10 to 50 books per school were enthusiastically received by Title I teachers , who couldn’t have been happier with the additional resources. Though Science Naturally was not physically present at the conference, our partnership with Mathical was instrumental in providing 1,500 copies of these educational titles for distribution. This collaboration extended beyond the event, enriching classroom resources and expanding educational opportunities for students in underserved communities. This initiative furthered our commitment at Science Naturally to transforming education through innovative resources. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Mathical with any and all plans to introduce new educational titles that empower educators and inspire young learners ! Explore more about Science Naturally's educational offerings and commitment to enhancing STEM curiosity and accessibility on their website . Learn more about Mathical’s Book Prize, Read-a-Thon, book distribution efforts, and access their free resources at Mathicalbooks.org . Or, contact Mathical at Mathical@slmath.org .
- Back-to-School Reads: Publishers Weekly Picks to Reinvigorate Young Minds
As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, kids trade sun-soaked adventures for reading time in the classroom. But don’t worry— Science Naturally is here with exciting titles to reignite their passion for learning. Our carefully curated selection will help prepare your kids for the fall semester while keeping them engaged and entertained . From unraveling the mysteries of the night sky to teaching kids how science connects us all , our books transform learning into an exciting adventure. We’re pleased to share that a few of these titles have been featured by the one-and-only Publishers Weekly ! In their 2024 Children’s Sneak Peek Previews , Publishers Weekly highlighted several of our standout books: Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky , How Do You See the World? , and Talking Science . Acclaimed for their seamless blend of fun and education, these books delve into fascinating topics such as the sky beyond our solar system, the international system of units (SI), and the importance of eye health and safety. For those who might not be familiar, Publishers Weekly is a leading industry magazine renowned for guiding book buyers and industry professionals. Being featured by them is a huge honor, and we’re excited to showcase these standout titles to our readers and beyond . Get a copy of any of these titles below: Shop Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky Shop How Do You See the World? Shop Talking Science Building on the good news, we’re thrilled to announce that Tiny Tern Takes Flight , one of our upcoming releases, has been chosen for review by Publishers Weekly ! This captivating book for kids ages 4-7 takes readers on an epic journey with Arctic terns, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. With its lyrical narrative and dazzling illustrations , it brings to life one of nature’s most impressive migrations. While Tiny Tern Takes Flight isn’t available yet for immediate purchase, it is available for preorder NOW on our site ! We’re grateful for these moments of recognition and are excited at the chance to connect with more parents, teachers, and students. This acknowledgment furthers our commitment to creating diverse, evolving educational books for every curious mind. Want more good reads? Explore our website for even more back-to-school options—using our filters by format, language, and age—you're sure to find the perfect book to inspire and educate your child! Let’s make this school year the most exciting yet with books that spark curiosity and a love for learning— with beautiful illustrations to boot ! Links to the mentioned Publisher Weekly Spotlights : Tiny Tern Takes Flight Review Spring 2024 Children’s Sneak Previews
- Sailing into the Spotlight: The Super Volcano Makes Waves at the Blue Water Street Fair
By: Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, Author of The Super Volcano Under the clear skies of Port Huron, the Blue Water Street Fair erupted into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and community spirit. Classic hits from the '70s and '80s filled the air as talented musicians set the tone for a day of fun. Women and young girls, dressed in imaginative costumes, posed as live mannequins, raising funds for local charities. The lively crowd sampled a diverse array of foods, while kids enjoyed a play zone where their faces were transformed into colorful works of art by local painters. Among it all, captivating book displays drew in young readers, who eagerly tugged at their parents to come take a look. The fair buzzed with energy, making it a memorable day for all ages. Photos courtesy of the Blue Water Street Fair's Facebook page, featuring the event's main activities As the volunteer co-chair for book-selling events with The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Michigan Chapter, I’ve experienced many wonderful venues, but the Blue Water Street Fair holds a special place in my heart! Set against the picturesque backdrop of sailboats preparing for the Bayview Mackinac Race—a race my husband and son have both participated in—the event is a cherished tradition. This year was particularly special as I was the one sailing into the fairgrounds, marking the launch of my pre-release campaign for The Super Volcano: A Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park (coming November 5 from Science, Naturally) ! This book takes you on an exciting journey through Yellowstone National Park , diving into the secrets of its hidden supervolcano. It breaks down natural science and geology in a way that's both engaging and fun, perfectly capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery that the event is all about. You might wonder how sailboats and Yellowstone National Park are connected. At first glance, they may seem worlds apart, but both share intriguing hidden depths: The vibrant, multi-colored sails of the boats evoke the stunning hues of Yellowstone’s hot springs. Both locations feature rivers with color names: the Black River in Port Huron and the Yellowstone River in the park. Both were established under the leadership of Ulysses S. Grant: Yellowstone having been designated as the first national park in 1872, followed closely by Mackinac Island—where the Bayview Mackinac Race ends—being named the second national park in 1875! Interior sneak peaks of "The Super Volcano" alongside a photo of the sailboats found in Port Huron The fair’s bustling rows of vendor booths attracted a lively and diverse crowd of families and friends, making it the perfect spot to capture the attention of new readers. While nothing can quite match the grandeur of Yellowstone, having my book as one of the highlights of the event had me bubbling over like a Yellowstone mud pot. The “ oOohs! ” and “ ahHhs! ” from the crowd as the boats embarked on their journey toward Mackinac Island echoed the awe I felt during my visit to Yellowstone. The reactions of passers-by exploring The Super Volcano wer e truly heartwarming. Many were immediately captivated by the vibrant cover and interior illustrated by Brie Schmida, with its rich details and striking visuals. The unique font and detailed mapping also drew significant attention. Children were especially enchanted by the book’s playful design, with one young reader excitedly declaring, “ It’s like a comic book—so cool! ” The superhero theme struck a chord as well; one parent noted, “ With the superhero connection, my son will be all in .” The additional details, like the invitation to join the “Yellowstone League of Superheroes” in the back matter, only heightened the excitement. Enthusiastic discussions about the book's potential bubbled up, with several suggesting it could be the start of a new series! After a long, exhilarating few days, it was time to pack up and wrap up my first journey with The Super Volcano . The event's vibrant atmosphere made debuting this book even more thrilling, and the enthusiastic responses from everyone made the event truly unforgettable. If you’re ready to dive into a world of adventure and discovery, don’t miss out on the magic of The Super Volcano . Preorder your copy TODAY and be among the first to embark on this thrilling journey beneath Yellowstone National Park. Let its pages spark your imagination and transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement ! About Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children’s book author and former teacher passionate about growing young minds. Her writing credentials include three published nonfiction picture books. Suzanne enjoys speaking at schools about writing, leadership, and how kids can make a difference. When she’s not dreaming up new writing projects, you can find her kayaking on the lake, hiking the trail, practicing at the yoga studio, or comparing paint swatches at the local Sherwin Williams. To learn more about Suzanne visit her website at http://www.suzannejacobslipshaw.com/ .
- Playful Learning: Books and Beyond!
By: Elizabeth Everett, Author of This Is the Sun How many ways can you think of to bring books to life? A great place to start is by inviting children to explore and learn through play. But, playful learning isn't just about having a blast —it's about sparking curiosity and imagination, empowering children to take charge of their educational journey. This approach to making learning engaging can take many forms, but one fantastic gateway is through books ! For example, after reading a bubble book, a kid can dive into soapy spheres using different-shaped bubble wands! Or, if t hey've just finished a book about the sun, they can explore shadows indoors with flashlights or outdoors with sidewalk chalk. Credit: Salmon Public Library Credit: Go Science Kids Credit: Adventure Science Center Another great way to engage in playful learning is by visiting your local children's museum. There are countless opportunities for learning through play at museums. My family and I particularly love visiting our local children’s museum in Lafayette, Colorado : Imagine yourself stepping into the WOW! Children’s Museum in Colorado, where every corner invites young minds to explore through interactive exhibits. From a replica bank with a drive-up window to a health and wellness clinic waiting to be explored, or pulley chairs ready for hands-on physics lessons, the museum fosters playful learning experiences. Over the years, my son's favorite exhibits have ranged from the sensory room and wind room to the giant bubble maker, each visit sparking new excitement and curiosity! Sensory room (left), giant bubble maker (middle), wind room (right) at Wow! Children's Museum in Colorado And now, among these wonders is a special addition: a vibrant summer bug exhibit featuring my very own book This Is the Sun ! Having spent so much of my personal time there, you can imagine my excitement when the museum asked to feature my book. I was beyond delighted and loved watching it all come together. Cover of "This Is the Sun" Books displayed for purchase at Wow! Children's Museum The museum team beautifully enlarged the main scene from the book into a striking backdrop measuring four feet by six feet. On top of that, they created movable magnets featuring animals and bugs from the scene (plus some scat!), encouraging children to interact with the story elements and craft t heir unique narratives. Magnets featured in the display at Wow! Children's Museum Backdrop of "This Is the Sun" The final product far exceeds my expectations! It’s vibrant, dynamic, and immediately evokes wonder and excitement. The exhibit celebrates the illustrations and storyline of the book, while playfully promoting literacy and exploration. I adore how interactive it is, letting kids delve into food chains (and bugs!) in a fun, hands-on way. Wow! Children's Museum's "Create Space" in Colorado Author's son, Jalen, building his own narrative! Beyond the museum walls, the excitement continues as kids explore their neighborhoods, observing and sketching bugs—an activity that could lead to their creations being featured in future exhibits! "BUG" exhibit featuring the light board and instructions at the WOW! Children's Museum in Colorado This celebration of curiosity and creativity will be on display through September 2024, closing with the museum’s annual fundraiser. If you know of any little learners eager to bring books to life through playful learning, I urge you to seek out your local children’s m useum(s) and support the incredible work they do. Whether you’re in Lafayette or browsing online, don’t miss the chance to visit wowchildrensmuseum.org and discover how playful learning can foster lifelong skills and unforgettable memories! You can check out more of Science, Naturally books, HERE . Author posing by her book display About Elizabeth Everett Elizabeth Everett spent 16 years as a classroom teacher before venturing into writing. Inspired by her energetic youngster, Jalen, and his love for books, she took her background in education and meshed it with childhood interests. The result was edu-tainment in the form of children’s books! She currently lives in Colorado with her family where they love spending time outdoors in the Western sun. She can be reached at: Elizabeth.Everett@ScienceNaturally.com .
- NIST Summer Institute: Scaling Up SI Education
On July 11th, Science Naturally teamed up with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for an exciting collaboration at the NIST Summer Institute —an innovative workshop tailored specifically for middle school science educators. A s a leader in the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST drives advancements in measurement science, standards, and technology, essential for fostering innovation and industrial progress. This two-week summer institute stands out from traditional educator gatherings by offering a dynamic environment filled with cutting-edge teaching methods designed to spark curiosity and engage young minds. Science Naturally took center stage with a compelling presentation on the International System of Units (SI) , featuring their renowned books Mole and Tell and Talking Science . These resources are meticulously crafted to introduce elementary students to the complexities of SI in ways that are both entertaining and enlightening. In many U.S. classrooms, we measure in feet and Fahrenheit, but in the wider world of science, it's all about SI units. Ever wondered what a "mole" really means beyond the cute animal? Mole and Tell dives into chemistry, making this abstract concept easy for kids to understand. It's not just about furry creatures! Then there's Talking Science , where SI units become clear through fun examples—imagine a meter being as "wide as a cozy hug." These approaches not only teach but also spark curiosity about the amazing world of measurements and molecules. The workshop was abuzz with interactive activities, including games, thought-provoking videos, and even a cookie recipe measured in moles, all tailored to resonate with the boundless energy and curiosity of middle school students. Educators left feeling inspired, eager to integrate these innovative teaching techniques into their upcoming lesson plans. Reflecting on the impact of early SI education , Katie Brooks from Kanapaha Middle School emphasized its importance, stating, "Most careers, from nursing to technical fields, heavily rely on the metric system." Introducing SI concepts early equips students with a global perspective and prepares them for diverse career paths. Richard J. Boyle, a 6th grade science teacher from Arlington County, echoed this sentiment, noting, “You can’t do anything in chemistry without moles.” Science Naturally extends sincere gratitude to NIST and Kara Robinson for the opportunity to promote SI education at this pivotal event. This collaboration not only showcased the excellence of Mole and Tell and Talking Science but also highlighted a wealth of other invaluable science resources for classrooms, including many of their teachers' guides , which can be found here . Looking ahead, Science Naturally eagerly anticipates sharing their upcoming releases and insights at future conferences. For middle school science educators seeking more engaging teaching tools and resources, explore Science Naturally's world of educational wonders at www.sciencenaturally.com . And if you're eager to participate in the excitement of future NIST Summer Institutes , all the details await you on their website ! Wanna buy the books mentioned for yourself? Click below! "...Will help young learners clearly visualize each base unit from the International System of measurement. Excellent addition to any school library’s 500 Dewey section." — Goodreads reviewer, Melanie Dulaney "I absolutely can see a 5th grade science teacher featuring this book every October. A fun way to introduce children to more science." — LibraryThing Early Reviewers
- The Gift of Stories: Nurturing Readers in Rwanda
By: Frankie Alchanati During my first trip to Rwanda last year, I encountered a remarkable non-governmental organization (NGO) called Parenting Child Care Rwanda (PCCR). Inspired by their mission to improve the lives of children and families through enhancing education and community development, I volunteered to create a new website and establish their social media presence to raise awareness about their initiatives. Our Collaboration My collaboration with PCCR not only strengthened my bond with the organization but also led to a recent return trip to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. There, I had the incredible opportunity to join PCCR on the ground and witness their impactful work firsthand. We visited their schools and home-based early childhood development centers (ECD) scattered across the Gasabo and Ngoma District villages. Despite being a small team of just 9 members, PCCR has achieved incredible things, including building 7 schools and training over 60 mothers to run home-based ECD centers. Cultivating Readers One initiative that particularly resonated with me was PCCR’s focus on cultivating a love of reading in young children. Books were my gateway to new worlds, vocabulary, and endless curiosity growing up. Understanding the transformative power of books, I was thrilled to contribute a collection of children's books donated by Science, Naturally, a STEM-focused imprint in Washington, DC, where I will soon publish my first children’s non-fiction book on architecture! Upon seeing the box of books, I could feel the students’ curiosity sparking as their faces broke into big smiles. Despite English being a new language for these Kinyarwanda-speaking students, their excitement as they flipped through the colorful pages was truly special. Recognizing the importance of English as a valuable resource, I carefully selected a diverse range of titles that catered to their interests and educational needs. These books were designed to offer a fun and engaging introduction to English but also to enrich their understanding with STEM concepts, providing them with a holistic view of the world around them. Among the curated titles were the Science Wide Open series, which celebrates women trailblazers in STEM; Cuddled and Carried , a heart-warming exploration of how animal mothers nurture their young in the wild; and This is the Sun , an enlightening book on how the Sun sustains life on Earth. Working alongside the PCCR staff, I assisted the students in sounding out the words and exploring the stories within each book! Their eagerness to learn shone brightly through every curious glance and eager questions. I loved every moment of being in the classroom with them. Founding the U.S. Branch of PCCR Driven by the desire to reach even more students, I established a US branch: Parenting Child Care Rwanda International (PCCRI). At PCCRI, our mission is to boost awareness, utilize US resources through grants and fundraising, and foster additional partnerships to enhance PCCR's impact on Rwanda’s communities. Together, we aim to secure the vital resources needed to empower these children to author their bright futures. It’s a journey I am deeply committed to, and I hope you’ll consider joining us in making a difference. It was tough saying goodbye to the students, but the thought of all the new stories we’ll soon share fills me with excitement! Reach out to discuss donating or collaborating: Click here to access the PCCR website and learn more! About Frankie Alchanati Los Angeles-raised triplet Frankie found her calling in architecture. Her architectural education in Philadelphia, coupled with global travel and volunteer experiences, solidified her commitment to socially impactful design. Now in D.C., Frankie balances her design career with PCCRI (Parenting Child Care Rwanda International), the NGO she founded to help families living in Rwanda. "Feel free to contact me if you are interested in getting involved with PCCRI!" Email: frankiealchanati@gmail.com / Instagram: @parentingchildcare_rwanda
- STEM Education Benefits All Kids, Even the Artists and Writers
As a kid I was obsessed with geology. My bookshelf overflowed with books about volcanoes, rocks and minerals, earthquakes, and other planets, and I used my elementary school science fairs as an opportunity to try identifying random rocks I found. Did I grow up to become a geologist? No, not at all, but my early exposure to STEM got me to ask questions about the world around me and taught me how to investigate my interests both inside and outside of the classroom. National STEM Day is celebrated annually on November 8th to emphasize the importance of introducing children to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Each year on this day the internet is flooded with stories about how STEM education is important because it sets children on a path to work in high paying, in-demand jobs. While that certainly could be one benefit, STEM education teaches valuable skills that all children will benefit from, even those who don’t grow up to pursue STEM professionally. STEM invites curiosity All science starts with a question: why does the moon change shape? What makes soda fizzy? How do animals communicate? STEM educators actively encourage children to be inquisitive and investigate the world around them. Whether it is by testing a hypothesis in a lab or checking out a library book, learning STEM is an exciting process of discovery. Each answer breeds more questions, and STEM education helps to foster a natural love of learning. STEM fosters creative problem-solving Learning STEM is all about trial-and-error. Whether they are testing a hypothesis in science class, solving a difficult math question, or programming a computer game, STEM challenges students to approach a problem from multiple different angles. They learn how to create new, innovative solutions, and this form of creative thinking can be found behind many of the world’s most influential inventions and discoveries. Beyond STEM, a person with strong problem solving skills will be a valued member of any team. STEM builds perseverance In addition, STEM teaches children that failure is a normal part of the process. If one approach doesn’t work, then try the next one. Rather than giving up in the face of adversity, STEM teaches kids to keep testing new hypotheses, running new lines of code, and trying new strategies until, at last, it works! This resilience is an important tool for every child to build because it prepares them to overcome both academic and personal challenges. STEM teaches teamwork Hollywood likes to portray people in STEM as lone geniuses, obsessing over their research in a cramped lab until finally, through sheer intelligence, they discover the solution. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. The field of STEM is defined by constant sharing of ideas and collaboration among teams. While working together in lab groups, children learn how to communicate their ideas to others, how to respect the ideas of their peers, and how to compromise when there are disagreements. Communication and teamwork are often rated among the most important skills that employers look for in candidates. Early education reduces the gender gap in STEM It is well-known that women are underrepresented among many STEM professions. Currently, women comprise only 15% of engineers, 25% of programmers and computer scientists, and 40% of jobs related to the physical sciences. Less well-known is that many of the societal forces that steer women away from STEM begin impacting children at a very young age. Multiple studies have shown that children as young as six are more likely to associate math with men than women. Introducing young girls to STEM topics early and actively encouraging their curiosity can help counteract these social forces and keep the door to a career in STEM open. STEM encourages environmental stewardship The natural sciences are a key component to STEM education. Often through hands-on experiences, children learn about how the Earth supports life and how various plants and animals interact to form an ecosystem. Learning these topics at a young age helps children build an emotional connection to the natural areas around them and encourages them to be conscientious stewards of their local environment. Teaching these topics early can also help kids establish lifelong sustainable habits like reducing their waste and energy consumption. Children who learn STEM build skills that will serve them well no matter where life takes them. At Science Naturally, we believe that books are a great way to foster STEM learning, and you can also check out some of these free online resources!
- Thoughts on Book Banning from a Scientist, Author, and Parent
Enjoy this excerpt from a Dallas Morning News OpEd by David Hu, author of The P Word, in which he discusses the importance of education and open dialogue, even in the face of book bans. Read the full article here. Banning books won’t stop puberty I’m a scientist, I’m a parent, and I’m an author. All three of these things mean that I’ve been paying attention to the rise in book bans in schools and public libraries across the country — particularly when it comes to children’s books about marginalized groups, health and sexuality. Last year, there were demands to remove over 2,500 books from library shelves. More than half of the attempted book bans targeted materials in school and classroom libraries. Of school bans in the past couple of school years, 38% featured themes of health and wellbeing and 41% featured LGBTQ+ themes. These books are hand-picked, put on shelves, and recommended by librarians who understand the needs of their schools and community members. These librarians talk with parents and spend time finding the right books for their library’s patrons — not to mention that many library books are requested by patrons, meaning actual, local community members could be requesting these reading materials. It’s no surprise — nor is it unintentional — that these topics make up a majority of the bans. With bans continuing across 26 states, more than 4 million children are losing access to books that could help them better understand themselves and their peers.
- Women's History Month: Women in Botany
In our continued celebration of Women’s History Month, this week we’re featuring just some of the many women who have contributed to the evolution of botany over the past five centuries. Botany is the scientific study of plants, from their physiological structure and genetics to their classification and importance in medicine and health. Not only are there millions of plant species in the natural world, there are also endless ways botanists can use their skills to make the world a better place. Ynés Mexía discovered hundreds of new plant species and classified them using the Linnaean system. Other botanists specialize in experimenting and finding new uses for plants, such as Loredana Marcello, who used her garden to create remedies for the plague. Others work on caring for the environment, like conservationist Dr. Wangari Maathai, who made a name for herself by planting over 50 million trees in Kenya and winning a Nobel Peace Prize. Want to know where you would fit in among these innovators? Take the quiz below to find out!
- Women's History Month: Women in Medicine
For the second week of Women's History Month, we're spotlighting some of medicine's most influential female pioneers! Healthcare is an incredibly broad field, and women around the world have been healing people, aiding in childbirth, and discovering new treatments since the beginning of time. One innovator, Dr. Helen Taussig, created the entire healthcare specialty of pediatric cardiology. She treated babies with life-threatening heart conditions, including a condition that restricted blood flow to the lungs. After collaborating with a surgeon on her idea for an operation, the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt operation became the standard procedure to solve this problem. A form of Dr. Taussig's surgery is still performed today, and it wouldn't have been possible without people from different disciplines working together. Some of the most well-known theories and breakthroughs in science have been from teams of people with diverse specialties, and the healthcare field isn’t any different. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of healthcare worker you would be, take this quiz!
- Women's History Month: Women in Engineering
March is here, which brings the official start of Women’s History Month! We are excited to kick off Women's History Month by recognizing some of the trail-blazing women who have made incredibly important contributions to the field of engineering, a male-dominated industry. Engineering combines science and math with boundless creativity to solve problems, connect the world, explore the universe, and make our everyday lives a little easier. From Emily Warren Roebling's work on the Brooklyn Bridge to Hedy Lamarr's brilliant idea of frequency hopping, the history of women in engineering spans a wide range of discoveries and inventions across all different branches of engineering. There are chemical engineers who work on projects in medicine, fuel development, and manufacturing; civil engineers who build safe structures for the general public, like dams and bridges; and mechanical engineers who invent and create new machines that make things like washing clothes and driving cars much easier and safer. And that's just the start! There are many fields of engineering that involve different disciplines and uses of science and math. Find out which type of engineering would suit you best in the quiz below, and discover an innovative woman who made advancements in that field!
- New Picture Book, “Women in Engineering,” Confronts Underrepresentation in STEM
“It’s a joy to learn how women have, throughout time and place, used innovation to change lives for the better! With a charming protagonist and biographical snapshots, this book masterfully shows the relevance and beauty of engineering.” – Ashley Raynal, Ph.D., Instrument Scientist, Brandywine Photonics Engineers create important things that help advance our society. Civil engineers build bridges and tunnels, aerospace engineers design airplanes and satellites, and mechanical engineers make escalators and elevators. No matter where you are, engineers have played a role in practically everything you see! Engineering is such a prevalent field, yet only 13% of engineers are women. STEM education can be incredibly impactful and meaningful for young minds, especially young girls. Women in Engineering teaches readers that women can not only be brilliant engineers, but they can contribute in big ways. Read the excerpt from STEM Magazine below to find out more about the amazing work done by female engineers. Then, play the game to see if you can match the engineer to her discovery! Making Dreams Tangible, “Women in Engineering” Battles Underrepresentation and Encourages Early STEM Education If you take a look at all of the items in your home, classroom, or office, most of them were developed with the help of an engineer. Engineering is a huge field that consists of many branches and career options. It is constantly growing and expanding. Yet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up only 13% of engineers in the country, which is the lowest amount of female representation out of all the major STEM fields. Female role models in engineering are absolutely vital for helping young girls feel confident in pursuing STEM education. There are plenty of engineers, now and in the past, who are living proof that women can not only become engineers, but can also have an important impact in a field dominated by men. All children need to be taught that a career in engineering can be both viable and incredibly meaningful. So how do we share and celebrate what women engineers have achieved and encourage the next generation to pursue this field? A picture book, perhaps? Coming in September, Women in Engineering tells the stories of inspiring figures from around the world, breaking down the engineering process with charming illustrations and informative graphics. Reviewed by real scientists, this book explores the fundamentals of civil, chemical, mechanical, biomedical, aerospace, and electrical engineering, plus concepts like bridge construction, frequency hopping radio signals, space expeditions, biomaterials—and much more! Women in Engineering introduces children to the complexities and endless possibilities of engineering. As Kelly Dooley, the Executive Director and CEO of International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) says: “Children with different backgrounds and interests will be excited to learn how impactful a career in this field can be. What an inspiring way to discover that engineers transform ideas into reality!” Match the engineer to her incredible scientific contribution! Be sure to learn more at STEMMagazine.com and check out Women in Engineering, the fourth book in the Science Wide Open series. Answers: Huang Daopo - Invented a machine to clean raw cotton quickly, used for fabric weaving. Mary the Prophetess - Invented her own tool to purify liquids for alchemy experiments. Hedy Lamarr - Designed and patented the first frequency-hopping device to protect radio transmissions. Dr. Treena Livingston Arinzeh - Created a calcium phosphate fiber structure to help bones heal. Sandra Cauffman - Directed the team that launched a spacecraft to study the atmosphere of Mars.