Beauty and the Beak: How Science, Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle
on Goodreads (393)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Beauty, a bald eagle that loses her beak in a hunter's trap. With the help of a 3D-printed prosthetic, she learns to adapt and survive in the wild again. The book has been awarded the AAAS/SUBARU SB&F PRIZE for EXCELLENCE in SCIENCE BOOKS and has received 5 other children's book awards. Meet Beauty, the bald eagle that made world news when she was injured, rescued and received a 3D-printed prosthetic beak. Follow Beauty's brave and inspiring story as she grows up in the wild, is rescued after being illegally shot, and receives a new beak specially engineered by a human team including a raptor biologist, engineer and dentist. Learn more about how bald eagles as a species came back from near extinction, and about nationwide efforts to conserve this American symbol.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-13
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Beauty felt when she lost her beak, and how do you think she felt after receiving the 3D-printed beak?
Why is technology important in helping animals like Beauty?
How do you think the scientists and engineers felt when they saw Beauty using her new beak?
Can you think of other ways technology could help animals or people?
What did you learn about bald eagles from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about bald eagles and what they expect from the story. This primes their engagement with the book’s content.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the challenges Beauty faces, and how they would feel in a similar situation.
While reading, pause at key moments to discuss the significance of technology and teamwork in achieving solutions.
Post-reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing Beauty with her new beak or creating a simple model of a 3D printer to reinforce the story's themes.
Link the story to real-life examples of technology helping in animal conservation, enhancing educational value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases a bald eagle that overcomes adversity with the help of human innovation, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that with perseverance and creative thinking, they can overcome obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Readers see the care and effort put into rescuing and rehabilitating the bald eagle, fostering a sense of empathy and the importance of helping others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive towards both animals and people who are in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Science and Technology
Explanation: The use of 3D printing technology to create a prosthetic beak for the eagle highlights the role of modern technology in solving real-world problems.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the value of science and technology and be inspired to explore these fields further, understanding their potential to make positive changes in the world.
Example Lesson: Environmental Conservation
Explanation: The book touches on the impact of human activity on wildlife, promoting awareness about the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills a sense of responsibility towards preserving nature and encourages actions that support environmental health.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Various individuals come together to help save the eagle, showing that teamwork is crucial in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaboration and how working with others can lead to successful outcomes.