Picture Books and Literature for Enhancing Mathematics and Science Learning a Presentation by Bonnie D. Houck Ed.D. and Katherine Botten Numbers and Operations Addition and Subtraction 365 Penguins by Jean-­‐Luc Fromental, (2011) Grades: PK and up This book is fun and filled with challenging math concepts. On New Year's Day, a family receives an anonymous penguin every day for one year. The family tries to organize them, feed them, and fit them into their household, but it becomes overwhelming! The book will fit into your science units, too. Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping by Eileen Christelow (2012) Grades: PK and up Five little monkeys go shopping for school clothes with their mama, but in spite of her warnings about not wandering off, things quickly get complicated. Big Fat Hen Big Book by Keith Baker (2010) Grades: PK and Up A hen lays eggs in quantities that increase by two, up to a total of ten. This book features number comparison, object grouping, addition, and subtraction. Multiplication and Division Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar by Mitsumasa Anno Grades: K and up Prepare to stretch your mathematical thinking. This picture book is easy to read, and presents two math concepts: the first is simply counting to ten. The second is factorials told in a very concrete and understandable way: If there are three kingdoms in two countries on one island, then how many kingdoms are there altogether? Even middle school students will enjoy the application of the factorial concept used to describe the numerical relationships. The Best of Times by Greg Tang (2002) Grades: 1 and up Tang recognizes that kids have an intuitive understanding of multiplication and encourages them to arrive at answers on their own rather than memorizing the times tables. A child who can multiply by two, for instance, can multiply by four and even eight! Likewise, times six builds on times two and times three. With his common-­‐sense approach, Greg Tang encourages kids to solve problems creatively, building both their skills and their confidence. One Grain of Rice by Demi (1997) Grades: K and up It's the story of Rani, a clever girl who outsmarts a very selfish raja and saves her village. When offered a reward for a good deed, she asks only for one grain of rice, doubled each day for 30 days. Remember your math? That's lots of rice: enough to feed a village for a good long time-­‐-­‐and to teach a greedy raja a lesson. One Hundred Hungry Ant by Eleanor Pinczes (1999) Grades: PK and Up One hundred very hungry ants hurry to sample the delights of a picnic, but marching in single file seems too slow for 100 empty tummies. The smallest ant of all suggests they travel in 2 rows of 50, four rows of 25 . . . and the division begins. A Remainder of One by Elinor Pinczes (2002) Grades K and up Pinczes applies numerical division to a practical problem-­‐and explains it in an entertaining way. The "25th Army Corps," a regiment of 25 beetles on parade has a blue bug queen that "likes things tidy." When the bugs march two by two, she notices that one bug brings up the rear. The unfortunate Joe has to stand aside rather than be a "remainder.” Joe tries dividing the squadron into symmetrical rows of three, then four, and finally five when he is at last accommodated. This rhyming tale is about Joe's search for a solution to his problem. Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Fractions, Decimals, Percents Piece = Part = Portion: Fractions = Decimals = Percents by Scott Gifford (2008) Grades: K and up Just as hola and bonjour express "hello" in different ways, fractions, decimals, and percents describe the same quantities in different ways. While it may sound simple, this basic math concept often baffles children. Full House: An Invitation to Fractions by Dayle Ann Dodds (2009) Grades: 1 and up Miss Bloom runs the Strawberry Inn, and she loves her colorful and crazy visitors! One day, all the rooms are rented; it’s a full house! In the middle of the night, Miss Bloom senses that something strange is happening — she finds the guests are all downstairs eating dessert. Readers will be inspired to do the math and discover that one delicious cake divided by five hungry guests and one doting hostess equals a perfect midnight snack at the Strawberry Inn. Patterns and Algebraic Thinking Mystery Math: A First Book of Algebra by David A. Adler and Edward Miller (2012) Grades: 2-­‐4 This story is set in a creepy haunted house! Readers learn to find the unknown number of skeletons, ravens, and bats by using simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve equations. A hands-­‐on activity further illustrates the topic by showing students how to make and use a balance scale. Algebra can be a mystery, but not for those who master the simple formulas in this spooky, colorful book! Math For All Seasons: Mind-­‐Stretching Math Riddles by Greg Tang (2005) Grades: 2 and up This book will challenge every kid -­‐-­‐ and every parent -­‐-­‐ to open their minds and solve problems in new and unexpected ways. By looking for patterns, symmetries, and familiar number combinations within eye-­‐catching pictures, math will become easier, quicker, and more fun than anyone could have imagined. Math Fables: Lessons that Count by Greg Tang (2005) Grades: 2 and up Greg Tang has built his career as an author and math missionary on the power of creative problem solving. Now, through winsome "fables" about concepts that are relevant to the very youngest math learners -­‐-­‐ sharing, teamwork, etc. -­‐-­‐ Greg encourages kids to see the basics of addition and subtraction in entirely new ways. Fresh, fun, and most of all, inspiring, MATH FABLES is perfect for launching young readers on the road to math success! Math-­‐terpieces by Greg Tang (2003) Grades: K and up Tang uses the artwork of 12 famous painters as an aid in developing problem-­‐solving skills through grouping. The child’s task is to find multiple ways of combining numbers to arrive at a chosen number. This art/math lesson exposes readers to new ways of seeing and thinking about numbers. Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-­‐Algebra Who's Boss by Danica McKellar (2009) Grades: 9 and up Danica McKellar is the bestselling author of Math Doesn't Suck, Hot X: Algebra Exposed, and, most recently, Girls Get Curves. Best known for her roles on The Wonder Years and The West Wing, Danica McKellar is also a summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mathematics. McKellar takes a lightweight approach to math, but is deadly serious about it. This book can be used as a reference book and contains many analogies and helpful techniques to assist understanding of difficult math concepts. Geometry and Spatial Relationships The Secret Birthday Message by Eric Carle (2006) Grades: PK and up Tim finds a secret coxed birthday message! BY following the instructions in the geometrically coded message, Tim finds his birthday present. This book introduces "pattern recognition, matching shapes, map-­‐reading, and directional relationships in full-­‐color pages that allow preschoolers to participate fully in the enticing adventure." Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman (2011) Grades: K and up Minnesota author and illustrator, Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-­‐winning poet Joyce Sidman celebrates the beauty and value of spirals. What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear? Sidman reveals the many spirals in nature and celebrates the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape. What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis and Phyllis Hornung (2004) Grades: 4 and up In ancient Greece, young boy named Pythagoras discovers a special number pattern (the Pythagorean theorem) and uses it to solve problems involving right triangles. The Warlord's Puzzle (Warlord's Series) by Virginia Pilegard (2000) Grades: 1 and Up An artist presents an autocratic warlord with a beautiful blue tile, but when he accidentally drops it, it breaks into seven geometrical pieces. Terrified by cruel threats of punishment, he cannot arrange the pieces back into a square to mend them. The warlord then holds a contest, promising a reward to anyone who solves the puzzle. Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter: A Math Adventure by Cindy Neuschwander (2006) Grades: 4 and up Sir Conference and his fellow family and kingdom go on another math adventure. This tale introduces readers to the concepts of perimeter and area. Older children (4th grade and higher) will most likely grasp the math concepts best. This book is a great way to introduce, flesh out, or reinforce the above concepts. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander Grades: 4 and up This book shares the relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle. Students grade 4 and above will love the play on words in the characters’ names. Sir Cumference, his wife, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius use different geometry and problem-­‐solving techniques to help King Arthur. Measurement and Data Analysis Measurement Actual Size by Steve Jenkins (2011) Grades: PK and up Just how big is a crocodile? What about a tiger, or the world’s largest spider? Can you imagine a tongue that is two feet long or an eye that is bigger than your head? Sometimes facts and figures don’t tell the whole story. In this visually stunning book, seeing is believing as Steve Jenkins illustrates animals both large and small at ACTUAL SIZE. Millions to Measure by David Schwartz (2006) (Number Sense) Grades: K and up Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician returns, this time to teach kids about how measurement was developed many years ago, and was first based on feet. The book traces the development of standard units of measure for distance, weight, and volume, then describes the development of the metric system in the late 1700s. A terrific explanation of the metric system concludes this little gem of a picture book. Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni (2010) Grades: PK and up A small green inchworm is proud of his skill at measuring anything—a robin’s tail, a flamingo’s neck, a toucan’s beak. Then one day a nightingale threatens to eat him if he cannot measure his song. Children will enjoy the clever inchworm’s solution and delight in finding the tiny hero on every page. Every inch the classic, this was the first of Lionni’s books to win the Caldecott Honor. Allen, P. Who sank the boat? by Pamela Allen Grades: PK and up Animals attempt to balance their weight in a boat, but unfortunately, the boat sinks. This book introduces weight and balance experiences, which children can experiment with at the classroom water table. Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Data Analysis and Probability It’s Probably Penny by Loren Leedy (2007) Grades: 1-­‐4 Lisa’s class is learning about probability. For part of her homework, she has to think of an event that will happen, one that might happen, and one that can’t happen. Who is that Boston terrier that keeps popping into Lisa’s imagination? It’s probably Penny! Tiger Math: Learning to Graph from a Baby Tiger by Ann Whitehead (2002) Grades: 2 and up T. J., a Siberian tiger cub, is born at the Denver Zoo. Ten weeks later, his mother dies. The narrative follows the little tiger through the difficult months ahead. The text is paired with four different types of graphs (picture, circle, bar, and line) that display information. A Fly on the Ceiling by Julie Glass (2004) Grades: 2 and up Recognized as the father of analytic geometry, René Descartes was a French mathematician and philosopher. Kids will love this funny and very accessible tale -­‐ based on one of math's greatest myths -­‐ about the man who popularized the Cartesion system of coordinates. Pigs at Odds by Amy Axelrod and Sharon Nally (2003) Grades: 2 and up The Pig family is having fun at the fair, but poor Mr. Pig isn't having luck winning a prize. The odds seem to be against him. Probability is introduced in order to consider whether his luck will change. Full of fun carnival action and vibrant, packed illustrations. Uno’s Garden by Graem Base (2006) Grades: All Grades Uno loves the forest and builds his home among colorful plants and the wondrous Moopaloops, Lumpybums, and Frinklepods. The beautiful setting soon draws other creatures, and the village grows. But as development continues, plant and animal life decrease, sending residents to greener pastures, leaving Uno and one Snortlepig tending the last little garden. Base's imaginative, intricate pictures, accompanied by visual icons to help children keep track of the increase and decrease of the various creatures and buildings. Mathematical Practices Math Curse by Jon Sceiska (1995) Grades: 3 and up The book is silly for young children and funny for older children. It is obvious and subtle at the same time. The book is
chock full of math concepts, all presented in the context of everyday circumstances. Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail by Danica McKellar (2008) Grades: 9 and up Danica gives girls and their parents the tools they need to master the math concepts that confuse middle schoolers. The book features real-­‐world examples, step-­‐by-­‐step instruction, and stories of Danica’s own childhood struggles in math. Hot X: Algebra Exposed by Danica McKellar (2011) Grades: 9 and up Recommended as a teaching aid. Students are encouraged to hop from chapter to chapter as their homework demands. The breakdown of equations is effective and certainly unconventional. Her approach is entertaining. The Absolute Value of Mike by Kathryn Erskine (2011) Grades: 4 and up Mike tries to please his father, but the only language his dad seems to speak is calculus. And for a boy with a math learning disability, life is difficult. When Mike is sent to Pennsylvania for the summer to work on an engineering project, Mike figures this is his chance. But when he gets there, Mike realizes the project has nothing at all to do with engineering! Working alongside his kooky eighty-­‐something-­‐ year-­‐old aunt, a homeless man, and a punk rock girl on a town-­‐wide project to adopt a boy from Romania, Mike learns something more valuable. Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Physical Science Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg (1998) Grades: 3-­‐8 Accustomed to the orderly and uneventful life in the ant hole, a colony of ants enter the bizarre world of a kitchen in the search for sugar crystals for the queen. Two greedy ants stay behind in the sugar bowl, eating their fill and then falling asleep. Mishaps include a heated stay in the toaster, a hazardous swirl in the garbage disposal and a zap in an electrical outlet. A Drop of Water by Walter Wick (1996) Grades: 3-­‐6 As you're admiring the "crown" created by a water drop splashing into a pool, or how many water droplets can fit on the head of a pin (the smallest droplet on the pin contains more than three trillion water molecules), you'll learn about evaporation, condensation, snowflakes, how clouds form, and more amazing water tricks. Hurricane by David Wiesner (2008) Grades: K-­‐4 Hurricane opens with a family preparing for an oncoming storm. After the hurricane lets up and is over the boys notice that there is a large tree that fell down right next to their house. For days it serves as a fantasy prop, becoming a spaceship, a jungle, a caravel-­‐-­‐a place "big enough for secret dreams, small enough for shared adventure." The two boys showed a bunch of love for the tree, unfortunately, it would go in the end. The Secret Science Project That Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra (2006) Grades: K-­‐4 The story of a third graders attempt to compete with her classmates’ ambitious science projects and the resulting chaos! Kids will love the silly and gross details Sierra uses to describe what happens when “Professor Swami’s Super Slime” arrives and is accidently released! An energetic, darkly comic spin on the common story of a science project gone wrong. Life Science Fossil Fish Found Alive by Sally M. Walker (2002) Grades: Middle-­‐High School Walker shares the story of the coelacanth, an ancient fish with a distinctive tail, four stubby bottom fins, and spines on its scales. Known from its fossil remains, this type of fish was thought to be extinct until a scientist discovered one in a South African fisherman's catch in 1938. The hunt was on, and since that time other coelacanths have been found in a few other parts of the world and observed in their habitats deep below the surface of the ocean. What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins (2008) Grades: K-­‐5 Nose for digging? Ears for seeing? Eyes that squirt blood? Explore the many amazing things animals can do with their ears, eyes, mouths, noses, feet, and tails in this beautifully illustrated interactive guessing book, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor. This title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar Earth and Space Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman (2005) Grades 2 and up Readers are introduced to all aspects of pond life, from cattails to painted turtles to the food chain. Science facts about pond life throughout the seasons are shared through various types of poetry. Perspectives in illustrations shift from one poem to another, providing a unique depiction of the life below the water, on shore level, and in the surrounding reeds and trees. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman (2011) Grades: All What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear? Spirals, from fiddleheads to elephant tusks, from crashing waves to spiraling galaxies, celebrate the usefulness and beauty of this fascinating shape. Minnesota author and illustrator shares a new way to look at the art in our world. Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh (2006) Grades: 4-­‐12 Think you know the story of the moon landing? Thimmesh retraces the journey through the perspective of literally thousands of people who helped make this mission possible. From the seamstress who sewed 22 layers of fabric into the space suits to Cliff Smith who battled a windstorm on top of a satellite dish so we would have footage of this event. Incredible reading by a Minnesota author! Engineering, Technology, and the Applications of Science The Cloud Book by Tomie Depaola (1994) Grades: PK -­‐3 Curious children who look at the sky and wonder about clouds will enjoy this book. De Paola describes the ten most common types of clouds and the myths that inspired their shapes. The clouds are compared to everyday things to more effectively describe what clouds look like. Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Timmesh (2002) Grades: 4 and up Do you have an invention lurking within? This collection of inspiring stories about women and their creative inventions that changed the world will inspire young scientists alike. Flotsam by David Wiesner (2006) Grades: K-­‐4 Flotsom is a wordless picture book. An inquisitive young boy discovers a camera as he is doused with a crashing wave. He develops incredible pictures of a fantastic underwater world filled with colorful, whimsical surprises that are a juxtaposition between the beach scenes and the sea. The last picture is composed of a chain of photos depicting variations of the same camera’s magical discovery throughout time. Tracking Trash by Loree Griffin Burns (2010) Grades: 5-­‐8 This book, filled with real pictures, opens with an explanation of ocean currents and their role in distributing five containers of Nike sneakers that fell overboard in 1990. The message throughout is we need to protect our marine environment from the mounting problem of plastic trash and debris that is polluting our oceans and causing harm to marine life. The Ultimate Weapon by Edward Sullivan (2007) Grades: 5 and up The world changed forever when the first atomic bomb was dropped, but the story begins long before that. The scientific developments of the Manhattan Project, the massive commitment by the Western world to win the great nuclear arms race, and the contributions to the war are shared complete with arresting black and white photographs. Just for Fun How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg and Kevin O'Malley (2011) Grades: 4 and up Contained within are the “the blood, sweat, and guts” of real people. The untimely deaths of famous people and all the gory details are shared and difficult to resist. From the first autopsy of Julius Ceasar to the stealing of Albert Einstein’s brain, kids with a keen sense of humor will be enthralled. Poop Happened!: A History of the World from the Bottom Up by Sarah Albe (2010) Grades: 3 and up This self-­‐proclaimed "number one book on number two" takes readers inside the fascinating world of excrement. Historical questions such as “How do astronauts…” are answered. Focus on bodily functions leads to public heath challenges created by mass urbanization of the historical and modern world dealing with disease as well as disposal. Science Verse by Jon Sceiska (2004) Grades: 2 and up Imagine being zapped with the Science Curse! Science “truths” are taught through excellent illustrations and fun rhymes that were inspired by poems we grew up with and loved. Each poem cleverly captures a scientific principle or sums up a discipline. This book will tickle hour funny bone. Whoever said science was boring! Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services© Teacher Resources About Teaching Mathematics: A K-­‐8 Resource (3rd Edition) by Marilyn Burns (2007) This book is a great resource for teachers. It provides essential information to help teachers understand how children learn mathematics. This book is a nice companion to NCTM s Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. It also gives background information and student activities that go hand in hand with Principles and Standards. As Easy as Pi: Picture books are Perfect for Teaching Math by Marilyn Burns (2010) Over the years, the author has learned that illustrated books can help dispel the myth that math is dull, unimaginative, and inaccessible. They can spark children's mathematical imaginations in ways that textbooks and workbooks often don't. Picture books can also help students who love to read-­‐-­‐but think math isn't their thing-­‐-­‐experience the wonder of math in the same way they already enjoy the wonder of books. For educators who do not enjoy or feel comfortable teaching math, using picture books can build on their existing strengths in teaching reading and language arts, and help bolster their confidence and enthusiasm for teaching math. PDF available at: http://k5coaching.wikispaces.com/file/view/Burns+As+Easy+as+Pi.pdf ERIC: http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ922969&
ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ922969 More Science through Children's Literature: An Integrated Approach by John and Carol Butzow (2000) More than 30 exciting instructional units integrate all areas of the curriculum. Each chapter contains a list of related sources-­‐including Internet sites. This resource features outstanding children's fiction books that are rich in scientific concepts yet equally well known for their strong story lines and universal appeal. Activities can be used with appropriate titles for higher grades. National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 http://www.nsta.org/publications/ostb/ostb2012.aspx Picturing Math: Hands-­‐On Activities to Connect Math With Picture Books by Colleen Kessler (2007) Grades: 2-­‐4 Engage and excite students who typically dread math lessons through picture books to teach math concepts to elementary students. Subjects covered include problem solving, geometry, measurement, algebra, and probability. The Power of Picture Books in Teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies: Grades PreK-­‐8 by Lynn Columba, Cathy Y. Kim, Alden J. Moe and John Wincek (2009) 50 plus lessons, each based on a different picture book, provide a firm foundation for teaching math, science, and social studies concepts. Lessons filled with suggestions identify ways to meet national standards. There is a successful match between theory and application. The Power of Picture Books in Teaching Math and Science by Lynn Columba (2005) Books were specifically chosen because of the power they possess to add relevance, excitement, and clarity to these subjects. Each of the 50 lessons includes the suggested grade level, math or science standards addressed, objectives, materials needed, and suggestions for assessment. The directions and procedures for teaching these lessons are clear and well developed, making them easy to implement. Prepared for the STEM Day Conference 2013, Building Partnerships for STEM Education B. Houck, Ed.D. & K. Botten (2013) Houck Educational Services©