Our Camping Trip - (Everyday Stem) by Lenka Chytilova & Helena Harastova (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Embark on a STEM journey with a family camping trip, uncovering the marvels of physics and chemistry in everyday activities, promoting real-world applications and hands-on learning.

Set against the backdrop of a family camping trip, Our Camping Trip: Physics, Chemistry, and Fun from the Everyday STEM series is a captivating exploration for young minds aged 6-9. Join Teresa, Cooper, and the Bright family as they reveal the wonders of STEM concepts in everyday life. From the physics behind trampoline jumps to the chemistry of dough rising in the oven, this story-based journey seamlessly weaves science into the fabric of holidays and celebrations. Through engaging content and real-world applications, the book not only supports STEM learning in the classroom but extends it beyond school hours, inviting children to discover the science in their surroundings. Packed with activities for kids to try at home, this book transforms theoretical concepts into hands-on adventures, making learning an exciting and immersive experience.

Our Camping Trip is more than a book; it's a key to unlocking the world of STEM for curious young minds. Designed to connect theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios, this book ensures that STEM becomes a part of everyday adventures, from cooking to traveling. The story-based exploration makes complex physics and chemistry concepts accessible, fostering a love for learning in an engaging and relatable way. Whether for classroom use or at-home exploration, this book is a valuable addition to any young reader's collection, promising an educational journey filled with curiosity and discovery.

Review Quotes

Selected for the CBC October 2024 Hot Off The Press List.

"Gr 2-4--These titles feature the Bright family (mom, dad, son, and daughter), as they encounter STEM topics during their everyday activities. Each spread focuses on a question that the kids might ask. For instance, as they go camping, they wonder "What's the weather going to be like?" Other topics that come up include how to filter water and where the sun goes at night. Discussions about fractions, symmetry, and forms of measurement come up as they plan a birthday party for Grandma. Each question is followed by an explanation, observation or comparison, and an additional point or even suggestions to "Try It Yourself." Cartoonish illustrations capture the family in action. Diagrams, charts, and other visuals further support the text. To help extend the learning there is a suggested reading list and a "Learning Check" with five review questions. VERDICT A relatable way to introduce STEM content to young science learners." --School Library Journal

"Overall, I like that this book brings large concepts into relatable activities, sparking curiosity to learn more." --Connie Reid, YA Books Central

"Verdict: This is part of a series, Everyday STEM, which I think will be of special interest to my homeschooling families. It would also be a good supplemental book for classrooms looking for unit studies." --Flying Off My Bookshelf

"Our Camping Trip is such a great STEM resource for curious kids. Jam packed with science facts, curious questions and very cute infographics, Our Camping Trip is the perfect gift for any kid whose favorite question is, why?" --Chelsea R., NetGalley-Reviewer

"Very cool and fun way to learn about different STEM topics using every day topics and hands on learning." --Lindsay G., NetGalley-Reviewer

About the Author

Helena Harastova is a writer, translator, and mother. She graduated in Dramaturgy from the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts, having previously worked for the National Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic. Her most unusual pastime is proofreading texts for errors in spelling, grammar, and style.

Lenka Chytilova was drawn to books and writing from a young age. It was no surprise, then, when she got a degree in Czech Language and Literature and German Translation. She has always tried to connect books and reading, her greatest hobby, with her work; she worked part-time in a bookshop for many years and she also worked as an editor and proofreader. Lenka likes classic Czech fairytales, and she loves Večerníček, the Czech television program for children's bedtime stories. She grew up in a village in East Moravia.

Xiana Teimoy is an illustrator from Vigo, in the far northwest of Spain. After graduating in fine arts with honors, she completed a master's in design and illustration. So far, she's worked mostly on children's books and kid's magazines. She loves illustrating stories for kids and reading children's books, wondering what the illustrator's own creative process was. She works from her lovely and cozy studio located in sunny Valencia, Spain, where she develops her work using digital media. She also teaches illustration at the University of Valencia.