Lesson 1: "We are LUCKY to have this book in our library!" Bulletin Board idea

Tell students that they will be creating a bulletin board showing some of their favorite books.  Using the iPads, have students look up the title  and author of their favorite books  in Destiny.  Pass out a shamrock template and them the fill out the information.  Tell students that these will be posted on a bulletin board to share with others, and will also serve as recommendation to other students.  Have students also jot down the call number, so that others may find it on the shelves.

After the students have completed this activity, please display them on a bulletin board or free space in and around your library.

Lesson 2: Generate Questions 

Remind students that asking questions is a great way to learn about a topic.  Use the Question Words graphic to remind students of the special words used to make questions.

Have students look at the cover of A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade.  Ask students to use the question words to come up with questions about the book, eg "What might this book be about?"  "Who is Katherine?"  "How can a computer have a name?"  Write these questions on easel paper or on the board.

Read A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade.

After reading, ask class to reread the questions and answer as many as possible.   

To conclude, ask students why they think the author wrote this book?  (Explanation: To tell the story of Katherine Johnson's life and achievements and to highlights her resilience and courage in overcoming racism and sexism to become a successful mathematician at NASA.)

Lesson 4: KEVA Plank Building Challenges

Read Crash! Boom!: a math tale  by Robie Harris.  The main character 's challenge was to build a structure that was taller than him.  He tried several times but he kept having to change his plan.  Today, we are going to try to try different challenges using our KEVA planks.  Working in partners, have students try some of the challenges.  You many need to pass out rulers as well.

Tip: Print, laminate and cut out these Wooden Plank STEM Challenge Task Cards ahead of time for student use.  Here is an editable page Task Cards, if you'd like to make your own.