Scientific and Engineering Practices

Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder (Images of Conservationists) by Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac

Locker, T., & Bruchac, J. (2009). Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder. Fulcrum Publishing. https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Carson-Preserving-Wonder-Conservationists/dp/1555916953#detailBullets_feature_div 

The book takes us through the life of Rachel Carson, alongside scenic imagery. We learn about her love for nature and the environment, her journey to becoming a scientist, and some of her inventions and initiatives she championed. The back of the book contains some of her major milestones. I like this book because of the beautiful imagery throughout, it also highlights a not-as-well-known scientist (specifically a conservationist). This book would be great as a read-aloud or to be left out for early finishers, it introduces students to a scientist and a less well-known career in the science field. (3.1)

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

Keating, J. (2017). Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Lady-Eugenie-Fearless-Scientist/dp/1492642045#detailBullets_feature_div 

This book is a creative illustrated bibliography of Eugenie Clark's life. We learn about where her love for sharks began as well as what her schooling was like. She was a trailblazer in research on sharks. The book contains imagery of marine ecosystems, shark facts, and a timeline of Eugenie Clark's life at the back of the book. This resource is a great tool to introduce students to a variety of scientific career paths as well as give students imagery of oceanic ecosystems. (3.1, 3.5b) 

Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian  by  Margarita Engle

Engle, M. (2010). Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian. Henry Holt and Company (BYR). https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Birds-Butterflies-Maria-Merian/dp/0805089373 

This book is written from the perspective of Maria Merian and illustrates her discovery and observations of "Summer Birds" (butterflies). The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, some pages also describe animal life cycles and adaptations. There is a historical note in the back giving more information about Maria Merian's life as well as the historical context of the time. This book is short enough for a read-a-loud, and can also be used to give students inspiration for their nature journals. (3.1, 3.4b)

George Washington Carver: An Innovative Life by Elizabeth MacLeod

MacLeod, E. (2007). George Washington Carver: An Innovative Life. Kids Can Press. https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Carver-Innovative-Snapshots/dp/1553379071#detailBullets_feature_div 

This book intertwines the history of the time with George Washington Carver's life and accomplishments. The book covers both scientific and historical content, it is lengthy, but has several images on each page. If being used for a read-aloud I would not read the whole book, there are pages that can be highlighted to get across the main points. George Washington was an innovator and scientist whose impact is still felt today, students can benefit from hearing his story and learning about the many uses he found from just one plant! The story exposes students to scientists and their methods. (3.1)

Ada Lace, on the Case (1) (An Ada Lace Adventure) by Emily Calandrelli

Calandrelli, E., & Weston, T. (2017). Ada Lace, on the Case. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481485989?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1702929585&sr=1-1#detailBullets_feature_div 

This is the first book in the Ada Lace, on the case adventure series. This story follows Ada Lase as she uses her scientific knowledge and investigation skills to help find her neighbor's missing pet Yorkie. This is a chapter book and would be great for a class read-along. (3.1a,b,d) 

Life Science

What's Under The Log? by Anne Hunter

Hunter, A. (1999). What's Under the Log? Houghton Mifflin. https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Under-Log-Hidden-Life/dp/0395754968/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PF58DDGLSU6Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QmHBDPL8xRgB5nevCCZhisYoxdYvwgFDSkKznfhqvdk.DamyEjOwipH2h6A-PZL5aYeu8z6PlI-wVc3fWg37Bds&dib_tag=se&keywords=what%27s+under+the+log%3F&qid=1744497 

This book describes the animals/insects that live under the log ( its ecosystem). The book highlights a variety of different animals within the ecosystem; detailing their characteristics, food needs, and lifestyle. Could be used for a quick read-aloud before having students go explore outside with their scientific notebooks. (3.5a,b)

Boy Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! by Kathleen V. Kudlinski

Kudlinski, K. V. (2008). Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! Penguin Young Readers Group. https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Were-Wrong-About-Dinosaurs/dp/0142411930/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E8CM107CCE29&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3FWVJX_zDszYyM5wlQY5MbBAaaIwoThWnU5Ka_0UOk-Ev5VlLSMa0AHsVe53v-X1gekq0qxDl5w9fxI-ld8-yBrAL1GqxOB1QzwdSrDuLiYkwlwXkBrO8o7N-eiqLi0xEj-1V4vR4WaLb 

Boy Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! is such a creative and interesting way to explain to children what we have learned and what we were wrong about in relation to the dinosaurs. It discusses different behaviors and adaptations dinosaurs would have had and needed to survive while they were alive, how they interacted with their environment and one another, as well as the process of discovering and learning from fossils. In the back of the book, there are places to find more information on dinosaurs as well as a dinosaur discovery timeline! This story would be great for a read-aloud or great to leave out for students to read on their own. (SOL 3.4a,b,c and 3.8c)

Animals Hibernating: How Animals Survive Extreme Conditions by Pamela Hickman

Hickman, P. (2005). Animals Hibernating: How Animals Survive Extreme Conditions. Kids Can Press. https://www.amazon.com/Animals-Hibernating-Survive-Conditions-Behavior/dp/1553376633/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QBMITC94F5G2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rWKtvP0TVOSYsRaDKrMnfw.vCRC2Z-UVLqv90KJvnT1t1xBXO7QemCKPAEy3q6YWaQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=animals+hibernating+how+animals+surviv 

This book covers hibernation in depth, from the preparation, during, and the aftermath(spring). It covers several different animals' hibernation patterns and "styles" as well as other information surrounding hibernation. There are also short and simple experiments within the book to demonstrate different concepts discussed in the book. May be too long for a read aloud but you can highlight certain pages and allow students to take a look at the book on their own after work or in their free time. In the back of the book, there is a glossary defining specific terminology used throughout the book. (SOL 3.1b,e, 3.4a,b and 3.5b)

What is Camouflage? by Carolyn Otto

Otto, C. B. (1996). What Color Is Camouflage? HarperCollins. https://www.amazon.com/Color-Camouflage-Lets-Read-Find-Out-Science/dp/0064451607/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15K1S8AHM7WQ2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ApSpzPYTcJB6fyKZxVyhioOtA5wGGCkEyg7I8717ODmbgEhfnP0dQsxeg0tx-yg2SyCfpZFW5dkSGGIrjT051gaoIpZHBLPqVwnJzIGWP8.PcnXPUzbIdbQa_Ol8wcD 

 This book breaks down camouflage in an age-appropriate way, it highlights the different ways animals can camouflage themselves as well as the reasons behind it. It encourages children to look for themselves and notice the animals they can readily see and to take a closer look at the ones that are slightly hidden from view. This story would be wonderful as a read-aloud, its pages are colorful and highlight a variety of animals. (SOL 3.4a,b, and 3.5a,b)

If You're Not From The Praire... by David Bouchard

Bouchard, D. (1998). If you're not from the prairie--. Aladdin. https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Prairie-David-Bouchard/dp/0689820356/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I29ZFW72ULKC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k9en07cUeVEx3FqvPXyPR96nTTMcryKUEiR1223V-8IErzmguD7ovtk7l5Z3dWzMFyqya1HKXlS7KkbM61VKOa3Pew1T4laTHxuvQskEqvk.BxA5MVG7YXdwBCymc6qK8_CrQr8Xh0d 

This book is a poetic and lyrical tribute to the Praire. It introduces scenic views as well as impactful experiences that can only be had on those flat lands. If You're Not From The Praire... is great for a read-aloud, though the text is small, the photography is helpful in showing students a landscape and ecosystem they have likely never seen before! (SOL 3.5a,b)

The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

Cherry, L. (2000). The Great Kapok Tree. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. https://www.amazon.com/Great-Kapok-Tree-Amazon-Forest/dp/0152026142/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q9KATN941OL8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uTR0YsPJjpY8YUywdwhq8wcBcxIqNBKVHHhrGJBdFddu8nV5DCLLs_7aPkPgies474N4YtSebRGm3diYo64vJWSa6opXBah90hXIpBsDgJBwWifSBJh6v32PLd0JHDuQoDKwggZd-4-tu 

The Great Kapok Tree is characterized by its gorgeous illustrations and its beautiful story. It begins with a man chopping down the tree, he grows tired after only making a small dent. As he slips several animals who call the tree home visit the man and whisper in his ear, sharing their story and encouraging the man not to cut down their home. The Great Kapok Tree shares a tale of the reality of deforestation and the forestry movement within the Amazon Rainforest. It introduces our students to a diverse landscape, how animals coexist with one another, as well as the impact was as humans have on the world around us. (SOL 3.5a,b, and 3.8a)

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola

Nivola, C. A. (2012). Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR). https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374380686/?bestFormat=true&k=life%20in%20the%20ocean&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_17&crid=2YRH3Z3H37BU0&sprefix=life%20in%20the%20ocean#detailBullets_feature_div 

This book is a bibliography of the life and work of Sylvia Earle. She is a fearless oceanographer (scientist of the sea) who made it her mission to explore the ocean and learn more about its inhabitants. This book is a bit long for a read-aloud but has beautiful imagery and highlights a female scientist in a male-dominated field. This book is great for showing students different scientific careers as well as ecosystems. (SOL 3.1, 3.5a,b)

The Living Rain Forest: An Animal Alphabet by Paul Kratter

Kratter, P. (2004). The Living Rain Forest: An Animal Alphabet. Charlesbridge. https://www.amazon.com/Living-Rain-Forest-Paul-Kratter/dp/1570916039/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XMY7I478XO08&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.clpeliZRs3sTmNU4WQjZxIm_GZ_i4EWrhG8kB7qhT3T9kOCXGEV9KJhuDDEAW2HUyVvsYSotnIS2Y0i97GrYrw.mOywkFJGue0YbaJrUHJtSyZgw4gjSmUiZ1B3cBIzgAk&dib_tag=se 

This book introduces students to a variety of animals living within the Rain Forest ecosystem, as well as highlighting one or more of their unique features (ex: The butterfly was listed as having camouflage abilities as well as proboscis). This book would be great for a read aloud and you can share a few of the letters of the alphabet to emphasize the variety of animals living in the Rain Forest. (SOL 3.4b and 3.5a)

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

Chin, J. (2017). Grand Canyon: (Caldecott Honor Book). Roaring Brook Press. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1596439505/?bestFormat=true&k=grand%20canyon%20jason%20chin%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_17&crid=IP32BLBOTLBX&sprefix=grand%20canyon%20jaso#detailBullets_feature_div 

This book exposes students to the Grand Canyon, its ecosystem, animals and plants, and its evolution over time. This book is useful in exposing students to a new ecosystem, evolution, fossils, and a diverse group of organisms. May be too long for a read aloud but it could be helpful to point out specific elements of the book including its mentioning of fossils and how to canyon was developed over time due to weathering and erosion. (SOL 3.4c, 3.5a, and 3.8c)

A Day in the Salt Marsh by Kevin Kurtz

Kurtz, K. (2007). A Day in the Salt Marsh. Sylvan Dell Pub. https://www.amazon.com/dp/193435919X/?bestFormat=true&k=a%20day%20in%20the%20salt%20marsh&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_20&crid=3DTJPU7LNPPW9&sprefix=a%20day%20in%20the%20salt%20ma#detailBullets_feature_div 

A Day in the Salt Marsh exposes students to the landscape and variety of animals that live in and ultimately helps support the Salt Marsh's ecosystem! The illustrations are beautiful and add to the book through the colorful depictions of the animals and landscape. The book would be great for a read-aloud, it also has several activities in the back of the book for students, including a mini quiz where students can match the animals to the descriptions given throughout the book. (SOL 3.4a,b and SOL 3.5a,b)

Beneath the Sun by Melissa Stewart

Stewart, M. (2020). Beneath the Sun. Holiday House. https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Sun-Melissa-Stewart/dp/1682631591/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A8VE6KHS8Q1I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._0553zHoTvHK1SMiEO2HGHbEBPr8fR6p_hn8LkM-CWDGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.Hgk3xe_87VbSfHEGbjEhOAL63asoGn3EmR6ZiNbFhuo&dib_tag=se&keywords=beneath+the+sun 

Beneath the Sun is a beautifully illustrated story that highlights the adaptations several animals have to stay cool and or protect themselves from the heat of the sun. This story would be great for a read-aloud, it has minimal text on the pages and lots of imagery. (SOL 3.4a,b, and 3.5a)

Desert Baths by Darcy Pattison

Pattison, D. (2012). Desert Baths. Arbordale Publishing. https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Baths-Darcy-Pattison-ebook/dp/B008FF7B04/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RGXVB985IU1G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Cr6qPDKUsSTnE2ChKhnCKw.0ub095gm7FPwJSXgEHvAhStXsgdsy0V-gQ95177CzaA&dib_tag=se&keywords=desert+baths&qid=1744595548&s=books&sprefix=desert+b 

This story shares the desert landscape and elaborates on the different ways desert animals bathe themselves in an area with such little water. It exposes students to the desert landscape, its characteristics, and the variety of animals that inhabit the land and their adaptations. Good for a read-aloud, small amounts of text on the pages with great illustrations. (SOL 3.4a,b and 3.5a,b)

Saguaro Moon: A Desert Journal by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini

Pratt-Serafini, K. J. (2002). Saguaro Moon: A Desert Journal. Dawn Publications. https://www.amazon.com/Saguaro-Moon-Journal-Sharing-Children/dp/1584690372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24XPPDE23G9FZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.G08d_GAK0zBsSRd1iKnsfCnWUvb7uFx_cAadiCcx7Pk.vqrvm1y8lrF5PRu4o0BpJV1VZs0ddeji66E9lHASmWk&dib_tag=se&keywords=saguaro+moon+a+desert+jour 

Saguaro Moon: A Desert Journal introduces students to the desert ecosystem; including its plants and animals. Megan the main character in the book has just moved to the Sonoran Desert and is spending the summer exploring the new environment, she journals and illustrates the things she encounters. In her journal, she obtains, evaluates, and communicates various information about the desert ecosystem. This book is useful in introducing students to the concept of scientific notebooks and nature journaling. (SOL 3.1f, and 3.5a,b)

Physical Science

How Do You Lift A Lion? by Robert E. Wells

Wells, R. E. (1996). How Do You Lift a Lion? Albert Whitman. https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Lion-Wells-Knowledge-Science/dp/0807534218/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VJXBF8ZG0TM9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ggZsGHX-yeKqrmA48jr7z8P01VYbp8VPaqmfcPdDoEPGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.0HpHCmBrEz1pW8pDLIN2rxQYk5BDgH7hkqw8FY-qQ24&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+do+yo 

This story is a cute, short, and simple way to introduce students to concepts such as; force, motion, simple machines, gravity, and compound machines. It covers several physical science materials in the illustrated story, it is easy to follow and would be great for a read-aloud. (SOL 3.2a,b,c,d)

Forces Make Things Move by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Bradley, K., & Bradley, K. B. (2005). Forces Make Things Move. HarperCollins. https://www.amazon.com/Forces-Things-Lets-Read-Find-Out-Science/dp/006445214X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CIQ89S5ALVL0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8MgZG_JAiGaD_2bt8XyFN91RTmfuYzxaMpniEglZ62ux5rxdVLNS6nPG-bcp6P1e.FsnwGQNESwVWzXb2Gz_i8LnhrWnatpHIjk9KY14ULZI&dib_tag=se&keywords=fo 

This book explains physical science concepts such as force and gravity using everyday examples children can relate to and comprehend. For instance, children in the story are playing with toy cars and seeing the effects of pushing and pulling them along the ground. Teachers could reference specific pages during a read-aloud before diving into a lesson on force and movement. (SOL 3.2a,b)

What is the World Made Of?: All about Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

Zoehfeld, K. W. (2015). What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases (P. Meisel, Ed.). HarperCollins. https://www.amazon.com/What-World-Made-Lets-Read-Find-Out/dp/0062381954/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y8G7JN60LJPX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U_YPOtyxeomDUswd9O2ynHCS6-1RC1cRHe06TY-pju9v9RUa6NV-7O2P0mJDw4po2opG1SoAriAvobUwmOl8bKHdjVlnDeFFHj0ZtGV-PFF_ST19cegoD6W03kGBAgcSTuvCdjAnK 

This book introduces students to the 3 phases of matter (solid, liquid, and gas), as well as how they transition into one another. The author uses simple examples of these concepts as well as things students would recognize from their lives. This book would be great for a read aloud as it is short and has simple drawings and explanations. (SOL 3.3a,b) 

A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder by Walter Wick

Wick, W. (1997). A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder. Scholastic Press. https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Water-Book-Science-Wonder/dp/0590221973/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LKQYVGUMK4KW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tS2QVcgF-SeKyJF0Ht2ydoJ35mzexE0Y5HcOxjIwSwXy3VR1sfeududM39F5ED3XW2zk9MvXwBKhxBTtU4jEdg.GieBhKcYZvZ6SE-ZjcmcjBXRauiGd6HkVYQrv4svET0&dib_tag=se 

Walter Wick's book highlights the various stages of water as well as its interactions with various surfaces and objects. It also touches on a few stages of the water cycle. It may be too complex for third graders but some pages would be helpful to show students to show the various states of water. (SOL 3.3a and 3.7b,c)

Earth and Space Science

Jump Into Science: Dirt by Steve Tomecek

Tomecek, S. (2016). Jump Into Science: Dirt. National Geographic Society. https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Into-Science-Steve-Tomecek/dp/142632362X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8BAY88BYPDGA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1LJZtvWVAYjgi4f65B2xsfw5q9EPLm1P2d1pEKDW69jLsrMnVd_hcBkyKP8GS2PYxyXcvEjeSI1RhpmM1eO2qx-18OkwnUMpWYjNjxR1ZTRsTmWfkDFIp-CMU06iyZhJ.i3Ir1hVVeANC 

This story centers on a star-nosed mole as it explain dirt, more specifically soil. He elaborates on how soil first forms, its properties, how it is used, and its importance. He also shares about the various animals who make their homes in the soil and how they contribute to the health of our soil. He elaborates deeper on the different layers of soil, soil's many uses, and how our soil is an important resource that needs to be protected. This book would be great for a read-aloud, there is also a mini project in the back of the book the class could make together. (SOL 3.8a,d)

A River Ran Wild by Lynee Cherry

Cherry, L. (2002). A River Ran Wild. Voyager Books/Harcourt Incorporated. https://www.amazon.com/River-Ran-Wild-Environmental-History/dp/0152163727/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UJWW9QM6Q3PZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iGOyyJMgPz0AdR8GJ_A-pxkl389NwG0ZwTWdUjxcqEvn3zMPJYvAbg923prh3AoOhQEffyZ5O4wk1-DYWOC7HQ.3EePWgW4ByCyzYVUvvO87Ejev3Q7eay37YzSI2pTGpM&dib_

A River Ran Wild tells the story of the Nashua people who first inhabited the land to the present day. It details the destruction of the river caused by people and industrialization and how the Nashua descendants worked and lobbied for the river to be clean once again. This story would be great for a read-aloud and reminds our students how important it is to preserve and protect our natural resources. (SOL 3.8a,b)

Fire! The Renewal of a Forest by Celia Godkin

Godkin, C. (2006). Fire!: A Renewal of A Forest. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Renewal-Forest-Celia-Godkin/dp/1550418890/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EI5E0RLN67A9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x_9T1zBRq244QgWgJx0doffkwo7ZrHsPQgJxbvklh9LLEDcacVOyffD4C8Dwi7uMoMtC7ixESYmI4qw-nU-PGaXDp0UIvpZ-lC8tfJZXGObjASzOqj1KZQwnEFTZ54D6RKUydb7K5lA 

This story shares the renewal and restoration after a forest fire. It explains the conditions that are typically present prior to a fire breaking out, what naturally causes them (lightning), and how a forest manages to regrow after the blaze. This story would be great for a read-aloud, it has very colorful depictions and goes a bit more in-depth with notes and illustrations in the final pages of the book. (SOL 3.8c)

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

Please see previous reference.

Please see previous reference.