From the messy to the unbelievable the Library offers hands on STEM learning opportunities for kids across our 18 locations. We encourage children to discover and explore their dreams by connecting these fun activities to real life jobs they can aspire to. During Super Science programs we’re learning about innovative scientists like the inventor of Crayola crayons to the brave marine biologist who swam with sharks. Journey to space with Mae Jemison and then get down in the dirt with Charles Henry Turner.
While programs are on hold in response to COVID-19 STEM biographies are great to pair with activities at home. Read these books together and try out some experiments or outdoor adventures. Sites like PBS Learning Media, Wide Open School and the database Science Online (available from home with your Library card!) are stocked with fun activities to connect with these amazing STEM biographies.
Spotlighting vibrant, inspiring black women whose accomplishments have changed the world for the better, this volume profiles well-known historical figures and women who are pushing boundaries today, including Ida B. Wells, Mae Jamison, Maxine Waters and Ava DuVernay.
Renowned cat conservationist Alan Rabinowitz reflects on his early childhood struggles with a speech disorder, describing how he only spoke fluently when he was communicating with animals and how he resolved at a young age to find his voice in order to be their advocate. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.
Questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. Fascinated by bugs and other animals, he wondered: Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color?
Shares the story of the pioneering African American mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who helped calculate America’s first manned flight into space, its first manned orbit of Earth, and the world’s first trip to the moon. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
A picture book biography that celebrates the inspiring story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of the Crayola crayon.
A biography of Philip Freelon, whose rich family history and deep understanding of Black culture brought him to the role of lead architect for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Explores the extraordinary life and scientific discoveries of Maria Merian, who discovered the truth about metamorphosis and documented the science behind the mystery in this visual biography that features many original paintings by Maria herself. Includes glossary and timeline. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
Mae wanted to be an astronaut. Her parents encouraged her, saying, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” This encouragement, along with Mae’s own curiosity, intelligence, and determination, paved the way for her to become the first African American woman to travel in space.
The true story of how Mexican-American scientist Mario Molina helped solve the ozone crisis of the 1980s and went on to become a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His inspiring story gives hope in the fight against global warming.
Born in 1940s Harlem, Patricia Bath dreamed of being a doctor–even though that wasn’t a career option for most women. This biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to become an ophthalmologist and restore sight to the blind. “Choosing miracles” when everyone else had given up hope, she invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, becoming the first African American woman doctor to receive a medical patent
Biography of Eugenie Clark, who devoted her life to studying sharks and taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared. Includes facts about sharks and a timeline of Eugenie Clark’s life. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby, as eBook on Overdrive/Libby , as video on Hoopla, as eAudio on Hoopla, or as video with read-a-long on Hoopla.