The Branch Archive : 2014

Extremely tall trees in a dense forest

The Gardener

The Gardener Published: 1997 Author: Sarah Stewart Illustrator: David Small Genres: Picture book, Children’s literature   Recommended Reading Set in the 1930’s Depression, young Lydia Grace Finch spends her days in the country gardening with her grandmother. When her Papa loses his job and no one buys her Mama’s dresses any longer, Lydia Grace is… Read more »

STEM: Bursting Buds

Spring is here! Flowers are beginning to bloom and new leaves are growing on the trees. Have your students take a closer look at trees to identify where leaves come from and how changing conditions affect leaf growth.

Extremely tall trees in a dense forest

There’s a Babirusa In My Bathtub!

There’s a Babirusa In My Bathtub! Grades 2 to 5 ISBN: 9781584691181 Dawn Publications, 2009 Authored by Maxine Rose Schur Illustrated by Michael S. Maydak   Recommended Reading This book introduces 13 exotic animals using a variety of witty, lively poems that makes learning about these unsung animals fun and exciting. On each two-page spread,… Read more »

Extremely tall trees in a dense forest

How PLT Supports STEM

According to the most widely-accepted definition, STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise.[1] While not specifically designed as a STEM curriculum, PLT fits this… Read more »