Nuts About Science: Lucy's Lab #1 (1)
#1 in Lucy'S Lab Series
What’s inside...
From IRA Children's Book Award-winner, Michelle Houts, Lucy Saves Some Squirrels draws on STEM themes and is aligned with curriculum guidelines to bring a love of science to young readers, inspiring them to start their own labs and explore their world. On Lucy's first day of second grade, she's excited to meet her new teacher, Miss Flippo, and learn about this year's school curriculum. When Lucy learns the class will have a science lab, she looks forward to exploring. But she's troubled by the absence of a tree that housed squirrels outside her first-grade classroom. Inspired by her new science lab, Lucy embarks on a research mission to discover what happened to the tree and campaigns for the school to plant a new one. With assistance from her cousin Cora and new classmates, Lucy realizes that science is everywhere and a lab can be anywhere.
Discussion points
What did Lucy discover about science in this story and how did it make her feel?
How can we use science in our daily lives just like Lucy?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Lucy and her friends in their experiments?
Can you think of an experiment you would like to try after reading about Lucy's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, discuss what science means to your child and what they find interesting about it.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, helping them connect cause and effect.
After reading, encourage your child to sketch or write about their favorite part or experiment from the book.
Help your child create a simple experiment at home related to the themes in the book to deepen their understanding and make connections to their world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Lucy's passion for science and exploration is evident as she navigates her new school and lab, inspiring children to ask questions and seek answers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the natural world around them and to actively engage in learning and discovering new things through experimentation.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Lucy encounters various challenges in her lab that require critical thinking and creativity to solve, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems thoughtfully and explore multiple solutions, skills that are useful in academic and everyday scenarios.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lucy works with her classmates to conduct experiments, highlighting the benefits of collaborating and respecting different ideas.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals and the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The book emphasizes learning through the character of Lucy who is excited about school and gaining new knowledge, showing that education can be enjoyable and rewarding.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to embrace learning and view school as an exciting opportunity to gain knowledge and develop new skills.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Lucy's experiments often relate to natural phenomena, which fosters a respect for the environment and an understanding of the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the environment and understand the impact of human activity on the ecological balance, promoting responsible behavior towards nature.