2022 Summer Reading Program Oceans of Possibilities
Children are naturally curious about nature and science. Discover how you can foster an appreciation of the oceans and water conservation.
The following books have been selected and paired with activities that provide opportunities for exploration and play to inspire creativity and wonder.
A House for Hermit Crab
Hermit Crabs
STEM Challenge: How do hermit crabs breathe?
My Ocean is Blue
Water Cycle
STEM Challenge: How to construct layers of the ocean?
Pokey, the Turtle Patrol
Sea Turtles
STEM Challenge: How do turtles design safe and sturdy spaces?
Rocket Says Clean Up
Ocean Pollution
STEM Challenge: How can pollution be reduced?
The Treasure of Pirate Frank
Ocean Adventures
STEM Challenge: How does a pirate learn science?
The Sandcastle that Lola Built
Sandcastles
STEM Challenge: How are sandcastles built?
2021 Summer Reading Program Tales of Tails
Unearth the Amazing World of Animal Habitats
Children are naturally curious about nature and science. Discover how you can foster an appreciation for animals and their homes. The following books have been selected and paired with activities that provide opportunities for exploration and play to inspire creativity and wonder.
I Don’t Want To Be a Frog
Pond
STEM Challenge: How can you use static electricity to make frogs jump?
2020 Summer Reading Program Imagine Your Story
Join us this summer exploring fairy tales.
Fairy tales provide an excellent springboard that encourages children to generate ideas and problem solve. The following books have been selected and paired with activities that can be adapted based children’s ages.
Goldilocks
STEM Challenge: Decide which materials are “just right” for you in this sensory experiment.
Little Mermaid
STEM Challenge: Examine the difference between salt and fresh water and why some items float and some sink.
Three Billy Goats Gruff
STEM Challenge: Help the Three Billy Goats Gruff build a raft to float by the grumpy old troll.
Three Little Pigs
STEM Challenge: Discover how weight affects how far and object will travel by huffing and puffing.
Thumbelina
STEM Challenge: Incorporate art with science by painting with the green pigments from plant leaves.
4-H STEM Reading Connections Summer Presentations
This program is available to youth development and early childhood professionals, afterschool clubs, summer school and camps, libraries, and parents. Program staff will provide engaging learning opportunities to spark an interest in STEM concepts and skills.
We will adhere to a high-quality lesson plan that includes:
- Introduction
- Learning objectives
- Opening questions
- Activities
- Physical fitness ideas
- Material list
- Book suggestions
Lesson plans are also adjusted to have early childhood components.
No endorsement of products or services by 4-H is intended or implied.
Want to request this program? Please contact us.
Jackie Steffen
Nebraska Extension in Cedar County
Early Childhood
jsteffen2@unl.edu
Sarah Roberts
Nebraska Extension in Dixon County
Early Childhood
sarah.roberts@unl.edu