Five Fabulous Female Scientist Biographies

Summer Birds:  The Butterflies of Maria Merian

Margarita Engle, author

Julie Paschkis, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  

In the Middle Ages, people believed that insects were evil, born from mud in a process called spontaneous generation. Maria Merian was only a child, but she disagreed.  She studied caterpillars in secret, for the neighbors would have accused her of witchcraft if they knew.

Maria watched carefully as her caterpillars spun themselves cocoons, which opened to reveal summer birds, or butterflies and moths.  She saw the whole life cycle of the summer birds and documented what she learned in vibrant paintings. 

This is the story of one young girl who took the time to observe and learn, and in so doing, disapproved a theory that went all the way back to ancient Greece. 

Why It’s Fabulous:

Most of the story is about Maria as a young girl who observes, questions, and explores. Interwoven in the narrative is some basic information about butterflies and their life cycle as well as bit of medieval history. Not only does Maria have a scientific mind, but she also she has artistic talent.  Using her keen sense of observation, she paints insects, plants, and other creatures. One of the best parts of the book is Julie Paschkis’ meticulous and vibrant illustrations. Maria’s life demonstrates to children that they do not have to wait until they are adults to engage in scientific discovery and artistic exploration.  Most importantly, they can overcome prejudice and ignorance to make a difference in the world

Shark Lady:  The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Jess Keating, author

Marta Alvarez Miguens, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire.  This is the story of the Shark Lady.

Eugenia Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium.  She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures.  But Eugenia quickly discovered that many people believe sharks to be ugly and scary, and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks…Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared—and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

Why It’s Fabulous:

This biography presents a fascinating picture of a determined and fearless woman.  Eugenia boldly went where few dared to plunge—in the ocean to study sharks.  In the process, she discovered new ocean species and information about sharks.  She followed her childhood dream, and in the process, changed the way the world saw sharks.  The vivid illustrations add to the engaging story of Eugenia Clark’s accomplishments.

Caroline’s Comets: A True Story

Emily Arnold McCully, author & illustrator

Publisher Summary:

In 1786, Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet.  She was also the first woman ever to be paid for scientific research.

But no one who knew Caroline as a child could possibly have predicted her stellar future.  Illness scarred her face and stunted her growth.  Her mother didn’t want Caroline to be educated and insisted that Caroline’s role in life was to be the family’s housekeeper.

Through words, including excerpts from Caroline Herschel’s diary, and pictures, bring Caroline’s inspirational story to life.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Despite numerous challenges and constraints, Caroline (along with her brother) laid the foundation for future astronomers.  Their detailed observations and calculations endowed astronomy with a status equal to other fields.  Refusing to settle for just being her brother’s assistant, her work and boldness earned her a salary from the King.  As a result, she is known as the first profession woman scientist.  Her story of overcoming great odds and devoting her life to her passion is sure to inspire readers.

Grace Hopper:  Queen of Computer Code

Laurie Wallmark, author

Katy Wu, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Meet Grace Hopper:  the woman who revolutionized computer coding.

An ace inventor, groundbreaker, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she coined the term “computer bug” and developed the program that taught computers to recognize words and not just endless O’s and I’s.  Laurie Wallmark tells the inspirational story of this brilliant woman who had a passion for science and math and the firm belief that new solutions to problems were not found by those who said, “We’ve always done it this way.”

Why It’s Fabulous:

In a time when woman rarely studied science and math, Grace became a leader in an emerging field—computer science.  She was determined.  Despite some initial set backs in her education and career, she did not give up until she achieved her goals. Also, she had an insatiable curiosity to solve problems.  She fought against conventional thinking.  For instance, she would doodle fantastic creatures to help her think outside the box when she had a problem to solve.  Among other things, her innovations helped programmers write code more quickly.  (Bonus:  You will learn how the term “computer bug” came about.)  Her contributions continue to positively impact both men and women in the field. Grace was an amazing and inspiring figure. 

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor

Robert Burleigh, author

Raul Colon, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.

Throughout history, others had tried and failed to measure the depths of the oceans. Sailors lowered weighted ropes to take measurements. Even today, scientists are trying to measure the depth by using echo sounder machines to track how long it would take a sound wave sent from a ship to the sea floor to come back. But for Marie, it was like piecing together an immense jigsaw puzzle.

Despite past failures and challenges—sometimes Marie would be turned away from a ship because having a woman on board was “bad luck”—Marie was determined to succeed.

Why It’s Fabulous:
Like the other women on this list, Marie overcame discrimination in her field.  Though she had a job at a prestigious university, she often had to work “beneath” her skills and education.  However, she persevered and made friends. Eventually, she worked in collaboration with other scientists and mapped the ocean floor at a time when little was known about it.  She proved a much-disputed theory of her time—continental drift.  Her contribution to her field helped the world not just gain a map of the ocean floor, but learn more about how the Earth works. 

For more women in STEM biographies, click HERE.

Picture Books (Science): Pond Life

I love to visit a local pond which is tucked away in the middle of town.  I look forward to spring when there are animal babies. During a recent trip, I saw so many exciting creatures, such as ducklings, goslings, a water snake, turtles, tadpoles, and a blue jay.   Today, I highlight my five favorite juvenile books about pond life.  I hope you get a chance to visit a pond this spring.  Either way, these selections are sure to inspire young explorers.  

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond (by Mary Quattlebaum):

Like its title suggests, this fun story cleverly uses the beloved “Old MacDonald” song as inspiration.  The narrative follows a young girl’s exploration of a pond on her family farm.  She carries with her a notebook where she draws the plants and creatures she finds. The soft, watercolor illustrations are contrasted with a white background, keeping it simple and focused on the pond itself.  There is a great use of onomatopoeia.  For instance, the reeds go “swish, swish,” the deer “flick, flick” (as it drinks), and the dragonflies “whir, whir.”  As the exploration ends, Jo runs to playfully share her drawings with “Old MacDonald.” The closing pages reveal her drawings as wells as facts about ponds, additional resources on them, and ways to be a young naturalist.  Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond is ideal for ages 3-8. 

Pond Walk (by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace):

On summer morning, Buddy and Mamma decide to go on a pond walk.  Buddy wants to see a turtle more than anything!  As he investigates, his mamma helps him identify insects and animals.  They discuss what they know about them and tell silly jokes.  Buddy draws a picture of each creature and plant he sees like whirling beetles, a frog, cattail plants, dragonflies, a lily pad, and a salamander. The duo share a picnic lunch at the pond before heading home.  They finally spot a turtle but in an unexpected way!  The illustrations are typical of Wallace’s style—simple shapes using paper collage, photographs, and colored pencils.  Instructions at the end demonstrate how you can make a rock turtle with your little ones.  Pond Walk is a fun book for ages 3-8. 

Would You Rather Be a Pollywog?  (by Bonnie Worth):

This narrative is hosted by none other than the Cat in the Hat who teaches his child companions all about pond life. Though it is written in free verse poetic form with simple vocabulary and sight words, it delves into things big and small at the pond.  He begins by introducing microscopic organism like spirulina and amoeba.  Readers get a look at what can be seen in a microscope.  Next, he shows the snails, worms, and leeches on the pond’s floor.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 stop by to help out with the difference between a complete and an incomplete metamorphosis. Much more is revealed about the fish, insects, and other animals that make up this habitat. The narrative ends with one of the Cat’s unusual antics.  I recommend Would You Rather Be a Pollywog for ages 5-9.  Early Reader,

Looking Closely Around the Pond (by Frank Serafini):

This selection begins with a spy-hole view of a small part of something in the pond surroundings. The text asks, “Look very closely. What do you see?”  Several suggestions are made as possibilities.  Children can pick one of them or make their own guesses.  Turning the page reveals the animal or plant in full.  Two short paragraphs are written about each one.  For animals, their habits, such as eating, nesting, and protecting themselves, is disclosed.   For plants, their role in the pond habitat is explained.   This same pattern is repeated for each one like the box turtle, shubunkin, mallard duck, dragonfly, water lily, cattail, and tiger salamander.  The final page reveals a sweeping view of the pond at dusk.  The photograph illustrations are vivid and striking.  Looking Closely Around the Pond is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Life in a Pond (by Adam Hibbert):

This brilliant book is oozing with stunning photographs of plant and animal life.   There are so many amazing close-up shots from everything from algae and microscopic volvox to killer grubs and water boatman.  The fascinating text delves into the lives of the northern water snake, the great blue heron, the fearsome mink, and the red-spotted newt.   Creepy crawlers also abound like snails, mosquitoes, grubs, and leeches.  A snapshot of some of the most interesting information is given on each one.  Life in a Pond is a visual delight that ages 7 and up will love! 

This post is linked up with Science Sunday at Adventures of Mommydom and NonFiction Monday at Apple with Many Seeds.  

Math, Shapes, and Basic Geometry Picture Books

I have had these book tucked away for Math Monday for a few weeks. It is about time I share them!  Each selection focuses on shapes.  They move from simple to more complex.  I hope you can use these books with your youngsters at home or in school.

Shapes with Ocean Animals (by Melanie Watt)

This small board book is perfect for little hands and young minds learning or practicing shapes.  There is a basic thread that unifies the book.   It begins with, “In the ocean…”  Each 2-page layout has a short phrase that refers back to the original introductory phrase and describes the action like “Fish swimming,” “Rays gliding,” and “Crabs snapping.”   The layouts include the labeled shape at the top left corner and a framed picture of the ocean scene that sweeps across both pages, such as seen HERE.   The cheery cartoon animals are colorful and charming.  The fun verbs—swimming, snapping, crawling—on each page are perfect for imitating.  The final layout is a review of all the shapes.  Shapes with Ocean Animals is geared for ages newborn to 4.  

Are Eggs Square? (DK Books)

This see through book is entertaining for children who are already familiar with their shapes.   Each sequence begins with a question.  For instance, the first one is:  “Do ladybugs have square spots?”  The facing see-through page shows a ladybug with square spots.  Child readers or listeners may answer the question and "predict" what the correct answer will be.  A turn of the page reveals a ladybug with naturally shaped spots.  It replies:  “No, ladybugs have round spots.”  This pattern is repeated for triangles, stars, squares, ovals, and rectangles.  The easy, predictable text is good for early readers to practice on.  A quick review of shapes is provided at the end.  This fun, interactive book is perfect for ages 3-7. 

Shape Up!  Fun with Triangles and Other Polygons (by David A. Adler)

Using food and paper, Adler moves beyond basic shape recognition to introduce more advanced math concepts and vocabulary.  First, pieces of cheese and pretzel sticks serve as materials to make triangles of different kinds—scalene, equilateral, and isosceles.   Next, those same pretzel sticks and some paper depict basic angles.  Key vocabulary terms are illustrated such as vertex, right angle, and types of angles (right, obtuse, and acute).  Then, quadrilaterals—trapezoid, parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, and square—are defined and pictured with paper, pencil, and pretzels.   He finishes off with other polygon shapes using a piece of bread and a knife to create a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, and dodecagon.  The illustrations are captivating and interactive.  They will stimulate youngsters to come up with their own foods or household items to create shapes.  Shape Up!  is a fantastic tool for introducing or reinforcing geometric concepts for ages 9 and up.  

Visit love2learn2day for other Math Monday more linked up ideas and resources. 

Picture Book (Science): Star of the Sea (Janet Halfmann)

Summary of Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish (by Janet Halfmann):

Beginning on a starry night, an ochre sea star clings to a rock under the crashing waves.   When it is high tide, it moves along the ocean floor, avoiding predators.  On the shore, it inches along by twisting its body like a pretzel onto the shore to hunt.  Coming upon a mussel bed, it hunches over one and grips it with its strong feet.  A tug-a-war between them ensues until the sea star successfully cracks and feeds off it, in a most unusual and fascinating manner.  Follow this amazing sea creature as it fights its way back to the ocean before the tide recedes while protecting itself from predators. 

Evaluation: 

Author Janet Halfmann, along with illustrator Joan Paley, has created a superb picture book. The well-written text captures the magnificent sea star beautifully.  I found myself completely captivate by the story.  Hand-painted papers in watercolor blends are used to create a textured and enchanting vision of the ocean and the life of the sea star.  I recommend Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish for ages 4-10.   This book is ideal for leisure reading or as part of an ocean unit.  For more ocean related activities, see my Pinterest Teaching Activities Ocean Unit folder. 

This post is linked up with Read Aloud Thursday hosted by Hope is a Word.  

Picture Book (Science): Ocean Seasons by Ron Hirschi

Summary of Ocean Seasons:  

Similar to the seasonal changes in plant and animal life on land, there are ones in the ocean as well.  The ocean bursts with color in the spring as sea plants stretch and multiple their foliage.  Like on the land, baby animals are born in the spring and summer when there is abundant food and optimal weather.  Plankton sparkles in the sunlight.  Marine life grows bigger and stronger in preparation for the colder months ahead.  As the autumn winds blow across the ocean, plankton begin to die.  Salmon trek back toward the fresh water where they swim upstream, driving many animals to their migration to hunt them. The winter prompts the humpback whale to swim to warmer waters until the spring weather returns.  Ocean Seasons is set in the Pacific Ocean, but it reflect comparable changes in oceans around the world. 

Evaluation:

Using a distinctive, seasonal format, author and biologist Ron Hirschi brings to light the habits and changes in the ocean, providing an excellent teaching occasion to draw parallels to seasonal changes on land. The dynamic, meticulous illustrations (by Kirsten Carlson) offer a glimpse into this mysterious underwater world from the salmon swimming upstream to the humpback whales leaping through the air.  Many other fascinating marine creatures and plants are introduced, such as puffins, urchins, plankton, and orcas.  In a natural, narrative approach marine food chains and habitats are also revealed.  The food web cards provided in the book allow children the chance to recreate the food chains to demonstrate and to increase their knowledge.  Ocean Seasons is ideal for children ages 4-8. 

Teaching Opportunities: 

Sylvan Dell has created a 24-page across the curriculum teaching guide as well as quizzes and other resources at their website. 

This post is part of the Non-Fiction Monday blog hop hosted by L.L. Owens.  Check out other non-fiction titles at her website. 

Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud (Donna Rathmell)

Summary of Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud  

Octavia Octopus lives in a small, secret cave at the bottom of the ocean.  She has many playmates—a porcupine fish, a sea horse, a flounder, a sea turtle, a clown fish, and a parrotfish.  Together with her friends, she plays “hide from a hungry creature.”  As Octavia encounters each of them, she reveals how they safeguard themselves from predators.  Then, she practices her own method of protection—squirting a purple ink cloud.  It takes her several tries to get the right color ink which is at a time she needs it most:  a shark has entered their little nook in the corral reef. 

Evaluation

Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud  (ages 3-8) is beautifully illustrated by Connie McLennan.  The ocean floor and its inhabitants are vibrant and animated.   A peek into the real lives of some favorite sea creatures is exhibited in a natural, narrative manner.  Authors Donna and Doreen Rathmell have written a story that is playful, yet factual.  I love how so many inherent teaching opportunities are packed into this one book. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

·         Alliteration—All the names begin with the same sound (Freddy Flounder, Polly Parrotfish)

·         Colors—Each time Octavia “practices,” she shoots out a different color

·         Sea or Ocean Habitats—Excellent trade book for a preschool or elementary unit

·         Camouflage and Protection—Examine the variety of ways animals protect themselves (also see back of book)

·         Sea Creatures like the Octopus (see back of the book—includes a Ink Cloud Craft)

·         Fantasy vs. Reality—Much of the story illuminates facts about the sea creatures but there are also elements of fantasy, such as the various animals being friends, Octavia shooting out different colors, the personification of an octopus

·         More Ideas in Sylvan Dell’s 27-Page Teaching Guide and at their Website

Picture Book: Astro The Steller Sea Lion by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Summary of Astro, The Steller Sea Lion: 

A baby sea lion, only a few days old, is separated from his mother.  Fortunately, he is rescued by a scientist and taken to The Marine Mammal Center—a place for sick, injured, and stranded marine mammals.  The lost sea lion is named Astro.  For 10 months, he is cared for and feed by the staff.  When Astro is mature enough to join the other sea lions, he is taken down to the ocean shore.  Confused and frightened, he refuses to leave the beach area to find food.  He has bonded with humans instead of other steller sea lions, so he does not feel “at home” in the open sea.   Workers attempt on two more occasions to acclimate Astro back into his natural habitat.  Each time though, he returns to the area near the Center where he seeks to interact with humans.   The staff decides to find him an alternate home.  Fortunately, an aquarium in Connecticut offers him a place to live.  After some training in the Long Marine Lab at the University of California, Astro flies on a plane across the country.  He quickly acclimates into his new home, complete with lots of people visiting him each day!   This happy and playful seal is now a stellar attraction at the Mystic Aquarium.

Evaluation:

Astro, The Steller Seal is based on real events.  Author Jeanne Walker Harvey brings this remarkable and beloved sea lion’s story to students all over the country.  Realistic pictures accompany the fascinating narrative.  This book is especially conducive to teachable moments and the classroom instruction.  The resource pages in the back give general and life cycle information on steller sea lions.  A map is provided to plot out Astro’s travels.  Also, there is a comparison of steller sea lions to harbor seals.  Finally, Sylvan Dell, the publisher, has provided a 31-page Teaching Activity Guide full of across the curriculum handouts and ideas to accompany the book.  The website includes quizzes and other information.   Families and classroom students are sure to enjoy this story! 

Visit the Mystic Aquarium to see him in person or click on Meet the Real Astro to meet him on the web.    

The Pout-Pout Fish and the Big-Big Dark (Deborah Diesen)

  
Story Summary:

In his second underwater adventure, Mr. Fish enthusiastically sets out to help Ms. Clam recover her missing pearl.   He dives through the water, searching the ocean floor closely inch by inch.  As he gets to a ledge, a hidden voice urges him to set out further to sea.   Mr. Fish swims a little deeper, but his heart goes “flit-flutter.”   Trying to muster up courage, he recites to himself this mantra:

I’m FAST as a sailfish.

I’m STRONG as a shark.

I’m SMART as a dolphin…

But I’m scared of the dark.

Deeper and deeper, he explores the ocean floor.  Each time he emerges on a new level, he is roused by a quiet whisper and his personal mantra.   As he finds himself face to face with his greatest fear—darkness, his bravery begins to wane.  The now familiar whisper (Miss Shimmer) asserts that he can do it!  She cheers him on with her own song:

Two are FASTER than a sailfish.

Two are STRONGER than a shark.

Two are SMARTER than a dolphin…

Two are BIGGER than the dark!

Together they swim deep into the darkness.   With a little light from Mr. Lantern, they locate Ms. Clam’s pearl and reward Mr. Lantern for helping them out.  The whole gang gathers around Ms. Clam to celebrate the finding of the pearl and the joy of friendship.   Together than affirm, “We are bigger. Yes. BIGGER. Always Big, Big, Bigger, than the dark!” 

Evaluation: 

The introduction in The Pout-Pout Fish post outlines my thoughts on the language, illustrations, and character.  There are several essential motifs that are worthy of exploring in The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark. The most obvious is the fear of the dark that many children (and adults J) experience.  Use this book as a spring board to discuss that fear (or any fear) and how Mr. Fish overcomes it (as well as other strategies for overcoming fears).  Also, this book is about keeping promises.  The protagonist perseveres despite his worries until he fulfills his vow.  Finally, it is a lesson in friendship.  Mr. Fish helps Ms. Clam.  Miss Shimmer and Mr. Lantern assist Mr. Fish.  A whole gang of friends come to celebrate the recovered pearl. 

The Pout Pout Fish (Deborah Diesen)

Author Deborah Diesen has created a delightful marine character—Mr. Fish.  His oceanic world is vibrant and captivating.  

The books’ themes are relevant for children—being scared of the dark and dealing with negativity.   For teachers, these selections are ideal for an ocean or a poetry unit.   

The skillful uses of alliteration, rhyme, word play, and repetition make The Pout-Pout Fish and The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark pleasurable read-out-loud books—perfect for choral reading!  The target audience is ages 3-7. 

The Pout-Pout Fish    

 Story Summary:

Deep in the ocean a “glum gloomy” fish swims grumpily through the water with an “ever-present pout.”   He declares:

I’m a pout-pout fish

With a pout-pout face,

So I spread the dreary –wearies

All over the place.

Blub.  Bluuub.  Bluuuuuuub.

Various sea creatures—clam, jellyfish, squid, and octopus—try to convince him that his grouchy attitude is unattractive and unpleasant.  They implore him to be optimistic and amiable.    Mr. Fish agrees.  Nevertheless, he insists that it is not up to him.  He believes his pout-pout face destines him to be gloomy and bad-tempered.  Everything changes when a “bright and brilliant swimmer” approaches Mr. Fish.  Instead of trying to encourage him to change his attitude, she plants a kiss right on his pout-pout lips!  Mr. Fish has an epiphany…he is a “kiss-kiss fish with a kiss-kiss face.”   He realizes his destiny is to spread “cherry-cheeries” wherever he goes!   

Evaluation:

The Pout-Pout Fish can be used to discuss negative attitudes.   Many children go through a complaining stage.  Everyone encounters difficult people.  This narrative illustrates the effect that pessimistic outlooks have on others and how random acts of kindness can help turn things around.   The story illustrates another significant lesson.   A physical feature or personal characteristic can be viewed (or used) either positivity or negatively.  Children can learn to recognize what may appear to be a handicap or hindrance can be a blessing!  It is all about perspective. 

More Teaching Idea Links for The Pout-Pout Fish:
Across the Curriculum Ideas
Preschool Sea Life Lesson Plans
Fish Activities