Book of the Month

The creators of the New York Times bestselling picture books Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect are back with a story about the power of curiosity in the hands of a child who is on a mission to use science to understand her world. Ada Twist, Scientist, from powerhouse team Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, is a celebration of STEM, perseverance, and passion.

Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. Not afraid of failure, she embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. Ada Twist, Scientist champions girl power and women scientists, and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science. Touching on themes of never giving up and problem solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions, which is all part of her journey.

Ada uses diet soda, mint Mentos, and food coloring to do a quite colorful and fun, yet messy, experiment. With your students, complete this activity, but then turn it into an experiment. Have students brainstorm ways to change and measure the geysers (cold vs. room temperature, at vs. new, regular vs. diet). Also, please use the Cannon Engineering Design Process:

1.) Imagine

2.) Plan

3.) Design

4.) Improve

5.) Share

Experiment:

1.) Carefully open the bottle of soda.

2.) Position the bottle on the ground so that it will not tip over.

3.) Add your chosen amount of Mentos using your own plan/approach (see Criterion and Constraints for limitations)

4.) Stand back and watch the eruption!

Your goal is to achieve the HIGHEST geyser!

ALL GEYSERS WILL BE TESTED DURING FRIDAY ASSEMBLY ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4!

1. Must use no more than 6 Mentos candies (of your choice in flavor fruit or mint)

2. Must use any variation of soda/soda-type liquids up to 3 Liters

3. Liquid can be as colorful as you choose! Feel free to use dyes or food coloring.

4. Must wear protective eye gear while experimenting. Students may check out safety goggles from teachers.

5. Must have adult supervision at home while experimenting.

6. Must have a written plan following the Cannon Engineering Design Process (5 steps) with guardian signature

7. Must bring your tested geyser to school by Thursday, November 3

1. Roll up long sleeves and tie back long hair.

2. Wear safety goggles over your eyes.

3. When you are adding Mentos to soda, point the open end away from yourself and others. Back away quickly.

4. Keep your work area clean and clear of materials.

5. Do not eat the Mentos or drink the soda!