The Nerd Stop
Also known as Shenell's library
"Empowering Minds Through Science and Public Health Education"
I believe that introducing STEM concepts at an early age may pique interest in the sciences earlier and may deter student loss in the STEM pipeline as they matriculate through the K-12 education process and subsequently, college. My first book is great for the early reader and as a scaffolding tool. It is essentially a child’s first chapter book as it has no pictures and focuses on literacy. Teachers may find it to be a quick read for “little learners” who enjoy storytime. It can also be used in the classroom where students can take turns practicing their reading skills by reading aloud with the teacher during group reading or it can be used for quiet reading time in class.
Encouraging the naturally inquisitive nature of children by introducing STEM concepts at an early age fuels their curiosity. Children are constantly asking, “why?” Well, “why” is the basis of science. Science experiments are performed to provide answers to questions that we ask every day. I have included a mini-science experiment in the back of the chapter books, along with some guided inquiry questions.
Children will be able to use their imagination to follow Noa from her first introduction to science and along her journey of discovery. Parents may find that the book is helpful when their child's reading skills are being practiced at home. Reading a chapter at night before bedtime with a parent is another great way to encourage literacy and confidence when reading out loud. Additionally, although it may seem unconventional, perhaps parents who never learned to read themselves may find this book useful in sharpening their own literacy skills.
Each activity book includes elements where parents and children can work together to complete tasks. Hands-on experiments also appear in the picture books and can be performed by teachers and students as a science lesson in the classroom or performed at home with parent supervision. With your help and a sprinkle of puzzle fun, your little scientist can gain confidence in their reading/comprehension, spelling, and STEM literacy!