Category: Science Books For Summer Reading

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Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA

The newest addition to the Scientists in the Field Series is out. Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vests, Sutures, and Parachute Rope by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Andy Comins highlights scientist Randy Lewis’ quest to find a better way to obtain large quantities of spider silk for innovative new products. stronger-than-steel

Packed with so much information on different topics, it is hard to know where to start with this book. The first chapter introduces us to both spiders and to the basics of genetics. Why genetics? Because Randy Lewis is exploring ways to produce large quantities of spider silk via the genetic engineering of a variety of different organisms, starting with goats.

After spending some time getting acquainted with the adorable goats, the reader is off to learn about potential products that could be made from the silk protein expressed in the milk of the transgenic females. The next stop is transgenic alfalfa, then transgenic silkworms, then transgenic bacteria. In the chapter about “Transgenic Organisms:  Ethical Concerns and Lifesaving Possibilities”  we also meet transgenic pigs that contain a mouse gene and soybeans that are resistant to an herbicide. It is a whirlwind tour of bio engineering.

Interspersed, we also get to know more about Randy Lewis and his technicians and students, including some of the techniques and equipment they use, as well as a few details of their personal lives.

Because Stronger Than Steel covers so much ground, it is likely to spark an interest in children to delve more deeply into a number of different topics. Be prepared to pull out further readings and supply activities on topics ranging from bacteria to spider webs. The book will also be a useful resource for students doing reports on transgenic organisms, because it shows both the benefits and the struggles of introducing the genes from one organism into another. Finally, as with the other books in the Scientists in the Field Series, this one offers budding scientists an important glimpse into the lives of actual scientists.

Some suggestions for related activities:

Study spider webs

Learn more about the amazing and beautiful robe made from golden spider silk:

 

Isolate DNA from strawberries and bananas (directions given in the book, too)

Explore silkworms (raising silkworms is a fun project to do with children)

Age Range: 10 and up
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (February 26, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0547681267
ISBN-13: 978-0547681269

 

Book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.

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Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus?

Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? And Other Questions about Inventions by Deborah Kops and illustrated by Colin W. Thompson is part of the growing Is That a Fact? series.

In the books in this series, common ideas or urban legends are put the the test. Did Henry Ford really invent the car as you might have heard? No, Henry Ford’s main contribution was in developing ways to mass produce cars (and some of that he borrowed from other sources as well.) Some questions are common, like this one, but others were new to me. I did not know about Clarence Birdseye was the person who invented a new technique for freezing food. I thought Birdseye was only a brand name.

The research and writing for this book are top notch, and the two-page spreads for each question addresses the main points, but don’t linger to the point of overkill. It’s a really nice format for this age group.

Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? is a wonderful way to delve into science, technology and history. It is also a perfect way to introduce topics of critical thinking and fact checking. Check one out today!

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Library Binding: 40 pages
Publisher: Lerner Publications (January 2011)
ISBN-10: 0761360980
ISBN-13: 978-0761360988

Stem Friday is at Chapter Book of the Day today. Click through for links to more excellent STEM books.

If you would like to participate in STEM Friday in the future, go to the new STEM Friday blog for more information.

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Science Fair Season

Science Fair Season: Twelve Kids, a Robot Named Scorch . . . and What It Takes to Win by Judy Dutton isn’t the usual fare. What it is, however, is a one of a kind book about kids getting ready for and participating in the 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair(R).

Sound like it might be dry? It is anything but! Judy Dutton really gets to know each of the the kids she highlights. She delves into their motivations, their struggles, and the implications of their projects. Every single story compelling.

Every story also emphasizes how important science fairs have become to the lives of kids. Basically, colleges and companies alike are scouting these science fairs for new talent, just like athletes are scouted at big games. Wondering how things will turn out for kids who futures depend on the outcome adds suspense and excitement.

Whether you are interested in science or not, this book is fun to read. If you are interested in science, or even more importantly, are likely to be assisting with or participating in a science fair, it is a must read.

Science Fair Season: Twelve Kids, a Robot Named Scorch . . . and What It Takes to Win is not listed as a children’s book. Because the main characters of the book are are kids, however, I’m sure it will appeal to older or mature middle grade students and it is definitely appropriate for young adults (there is an “adult” word, if that is an issue.)

For more information:

Science Fair Season was brought to my attention by a review by Abby the Librarian.

Author Judy Dutton takes part in the Talking Science blog group.

Growing With Science has more information about science fairs.

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (April 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401323790
ISBN-13: 978-1401323790

Stem Friday is at Ana’s Nonfiction Blog today. Click through for links to more excellent STEM books.

If you would like to participate in STEM Friday in the future, go to the new STEM Friday blog for more information.