Hands On STEM Learning with Apples, Arteries and Apollo 11

Hey, parents! Whether looking for a unique perspective on the Apollo 11 moon landing, making a homemade stethoscope to listen to your dog’s heart or using cool engineering techniques to whip up a baked apple dessert, National Geographic Kids Books has three books that will give your kids hands on STEM learning opportunities!

STEM Learning with Nat Geo Kids

To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure | A Pop-Up Book

by Buzz Aldrin with Marianne J. Dyson and paper engineering by Bruce Foster (ages 8-12, Retail value $32.00)

In celebration of the Apollo 11 Mission’s 50th Anniversary and punctuated by intricate pop ups and paper folds, in To The Moon and Back, Buzz Aldrin shares his personal stories. He reflects upon what historians call “humanity’s greatest adventure.” It includes never-before-published anecdotes from Aldrin and his family. These run the range of emotions — funny, sad, dangerous, hair raising, heartwarming and inspiring. They provide a truly unique, behind-the-scenes look at the mission to the moon.  Vivid photos, clearly marked diagrams and elaborate pop ups illustrate and explain the fascinating science behind this incredible story of human achievement. A build-your-own Apollo 11 lunar module is also included.

My Review of To the Moon and Back

The Eagle has landed. Ask your parents, grandparents (or great-grandparents!) if they remember seeing Apollo 11 on television. Landing on the moon might not seem like a big deal to us now, but when the Apollo 11 crew landed on the moon 50 years ago, it sure was! I wasn’t even born when this happened, but I am sure those who watched it happening were in awe. I love that this book is told in a first person perspective. Can you imagine going to outer space? Maybe now we see it as an achievable goal, but no one had ever landed on the moon when these three astronauts headed off on their mission. It must have been so exciting and scary! You (or your kids/grandkids) will love the fun pop-ups in this STEM learning book. They add to the already exciting story of human achievement. Anything is possible!

Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to Do With Your Canine Companion

by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen (ages 8-12, Retail Value $12.99)

Dog Science Unleashed shows kids how they can learn about science with the most faithful lab partner they’ll ever have, their dog! Twenty-two safe and pup-friendly activities let young scientists discover how their canine companions think, move, drink, stay warm, get clean and cool off. From determining your dog’s favorite smell, to figuring out if your dog is a righty or a lefty, to making a stethoscope to listen to your hound’s heart, Dog Science Unleashed explores the science behind dogs’ senses, how they move, how they learn and much more.

Each activity is paired with step-by-step instructions, clear and interesting scientific explanations, and photographs that illustrate important elements of the experiments and observations. Hands-on activities and fun information for budding scientists prompt further learning and offer a look at current, groundbreaking canine research. 

My Review of Dog Science Unleashed

If your child loves science and they love dogs, this book is for them! If I had had this book when I was younger, I know I would have loved doing these experiments with my dog. You and your child will learn all about your dog by using the carefully set up hands-on activities. You can find out your dogs favorite smells, take a peek into his brain, and so much more! This STEM learning book includes a glossary and shares books and websites where you can learn even more! Your child will love it!

Solve This!: Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You

by Joan Marie Galat (ages 8-12, Retail Value $16.99)

From the first wheel to the International Space Station, the miracles of engineering abound and the importance of growing the next generation of engineers cannot be stressed enough. Think cars, bridges, skyscrapers, and yes – even bubble wrap! Engineers dream up new ideas and bring them to life while figuring out creative solutions to problems they encounter along the way. But how do they do it?  In Solve This! engineers, scientists and National Geographic Explorers reveal how they apply the engineering process to solve 14 wild and wacky challenges.

Readers are invited to think like an engineer and are given the tools to imagine, design, and build their own creative solutions.  A giant bird stole your little sister’s teddy bear? You need to soundproof your bedroom before your super-rockin’ slumber party? These may not sound like “engineering” problems, but believe it or not, they are!

One of the biggest “take-aways” from this title is that there is often more than one solution.  Solve This! underscores the importance of creativity and that there are no wrong answers when it comes to brainstorming solutions.  Like MacGyver saving the day with a paperclip and rubber band, kids should let their imaginations run wild as they tackle fun scenarios and think through possible solutions.

My Review of Solve This!

Engineering is something we might not think about too much, but it sure is a good thing that engineers work hard to make our lives easier! This book proves that anyone can be an engineer by using certain tools and their brains! I really like that this book doesn’t just show one solution for each challenge. We all look at the world differently, and our brains work differently. Just because your solution looks different that someone else’s solution doesn’t mean that yours (or theirs) is wrong! This is a great STEM learning book to get your kids thinking like an engineer!