Full Description
Picture Books + Problem Solving = Joyful STEM Learning
What could you create with a cardboard box? Can you build a troll-proof bridge for the three billy goats to cross? How might you change what your shadow looks like?
In the first edition of this bestselling book, author Cate Heroman made teaching and learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts more accessible and fun through the maker movement—a hands-on learning approach rooted in designing, building, and inventing things. Using picture books as the springboard, teachers challenge and delight children by inviting them to use everyday materials and tools to create solutions to problems faced by book characters.
This updated and expanded second edition features
A collection of 35 design challenges appropriate for children ages 3 through 8, including revised favorites and all-new additions
A list of 140 picture books that encourage STEM-rich exploration and reflect the diverse experiences, interests, and identities of young children
More foundational information for educators, including clearer connections among tinkering, making, and engineering; updated language that reflects current thinking about how children learn; and guidance on how to observe, document, and assess children's learning during these experiences
A planning template to create your own design challenges (available online)
With this practical resource, you can build on the curiosity and creativity inherent in young children's play to nurture meaningful STEM exploration and learning.
Contents
About the Author About the Contributing Editor
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part One: Setting the Stage
Chapter 1: Understanding Children and Their Families
Chapter 2: Creating a Learning Environment for Tinkering, Making, and Engineering
Chapter 3: Guiding, Observing, Documenting, and Assessing STEM Learning
Chapter 4: Moving from Foundations to Action with Design Challenges
Part Two: Design Challenges
Section One: Build It
Beautiful Buildings
Bug City
Build a Bridge
Build a Fort
Home Tweet Home
A House for the Three Little Pigs
The Just-Right Chair
Section Two: Move It
Float Your Boat
Launch It!
Marbles in Motion
Move Like an Animal
Spring into Action
Squirrel Shenanigans
Tower Power
Wind Wonders
Zany Chain Reactions
Section Three: Change It
Bubble Wand Magic
Color-Mixing Machine
Face It!
Giant Shadows
If the Shoe Fits
Instrument Engineer
Juice It!
Silly Sounds
Weaving Wonders
Section Four: Invent It
Box It!
Design a Bot
Frame Factory
Gizmos Galore
Help, It's Stuck!
Invent a Thing
Pet Carrier
Playground Maker
Toy Workshop
What a Car!
Book List
References
Index
