Tiger Math and Science

You never know what is going to capture a child’s interest and at the same time take them forward academically. Take tigers. Right now there is a animated cartoon series called Uncle Grandpa that features a Giant Realistic Flying Tiger. Do I recommend the show? No! However, kids that do see the show or even the ads for it, just might want to find out more about tigers. If so, here are two STEM books that will take that interest and fly with it.

taking-away-with-tigers

Taking Away with Tigers (Animal Math) by Tracey Steffora (part of Heinemann’s Animal Math or Animath series) is sure to help young readers learn how to subtract.

Illustrated with cut out photographs of live tigers in various poses, the concepts are made concrete enough to help the curious child master them.

Want to take the lesson to the next level?

Obtain some tiger figurines, toy tigers and/or plush tigers to use as manipulatives. Count and move the tigers guided by the text. Then have some fun by playing hide and seek. Take turns hiding the figurines and then “hunting” for them like real tigers.

a-tiger-grows-up

A Tiger Grows Up (Wild Animals (Picture Window Paperback)) by Anastasia Suen and illustrated by Michael L. Denman and William J. Huiett is a beautiful introduction to the tiger life cycle. I was especially taken with the bright, colorful illustrations in this book.

Did you know that tigers can’t walk when they are first born? How about that each tiger has its own pattern of stripes? Tigers even swim and catch fish. Bet you house cat won’t do that!

Although learning about life cycles is an important part of early elementary curriculum, younger children are often also interested in baby animals. A Tiger Grows Up has the potential to be re-visited over a period of years as understanding progresses.

Two STEM books with tigers, what could be better?

Related activity:  Visit your local zoo or animal park to see some real, live tigers.

See Can We Save the Tiger? book review

Taking Away with Tigers (Animal Math)

Reading Level: PreK-1
Interest Level: PreK-1
Series: Animal Math
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Heinemann (August 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1432975706
ISBN-13: 978-1432975708

A Tiger Grows Up (Wild Animals (Picture Window Paperback))

Age Range: 5 and up
Grade Level: Kindergarten and up
Series: Wild Animals (Picture Window Paperback)
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Picture Window Books (September 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1404818014
ISBN-13: 978-1404818019

Disclosures: Taking Away with Tigers was provided by the publisher for review purposes. I borrowed  A Tiger Grows Up electronically from my local public library. I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at not extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

 

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