Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. Carl Sagan.
BOOKS
Bioengineering: Discover How Nature Inspires Human Design
Microbes: Discover an Unseen World
IN THE PRESS
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Praise for Bioengineering
AAAS 2016 Best Science Book
NSTA Recommends:
I was ready to hear yet again how birds inspired wing design but what I found was much more. This bioengineering book goes from the definition of bioengineering to how it has influenced communication, energy production, household products, architecture, healthy living, clothing and food. This book has something for everyone.
There are 25 hands–on projects to try which use various easy to find items and really help the student to gain a deeper understanding of the science and engineering discussed in the book. Bioengineering is filled with “PS” sections that contain QR codes that take you to anything from primary source documents and additional information to interesting trivia. The book focuses on the scientific and engineering processes involved in the myriad of discoveries discussed within. It contains well drawn diagrams that help to explain complex machines and their functions. The cartoon characters and illustrations are reminiscent of the anime style which appeals to young adults and adolescents.
This book could be used by a teacher with her class when covering biotechnology topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or could be used by individual students at the high school and even at the middle school level. The reading level is not too difficult and there is a glossary for all of the technical terms.
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Praise for Microbes
AAAS 2016 Best Science Book
Booklist Review:
Making microbes an engaging topic for young readers is no easy task, but by marshaling comic-book-style illustrations and plenty of relatable examples, this book will be an appealing choice for the science classroom and the library shelf. Essential questions are introduced at the start of each chapter and are repeated at that chapter’s close to reinforce the main concepts and encourage metacognition. Twenty-five experiments expound on concepts such as understanding herd immunity, viewing bacteria cultures, diagnosing infectious disease, and studying decomposition. Access to more information is made easy through the scannable QR codes and keyword search prompts that are embedded in the marginalia. By discussing the ways the microbes grow and thrive, this offers plenty of practical advice for staying healthy and preventing infection. As a series of fun experiments in a dynamic layout that also remains faithful to the basic tenets of scientific inquiry, this is sure to engage young biologists.
Erin Anderson,
Booklist.
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Praise for Bioengineering
Archimedes Notebook:
This book introduces kids to a wide range of applications of bioengineering, from medical applications to wind power, farming, clothing, architecture, transportation, and 3-D printing. There are 25 hands-on projects, including "backyard bioengineering", and tons of links to primary sources. Back matter includes a glossary, resources (including a list of QR codes) and an index.
Sue Heavenrich, Archimedes Notebook.
Olga Hunt,
Science Coordinator
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Take a Peek Inside!
Bioengineering explores different fields, including communication, transportation, and construction, and follows the process of engineering from the raw material of the natural world to the products we use in the human world every day. Activities such as building cantilevers and inventing a new fabric that mimics pinecone behavior require kids to think critically about their own needs and find creative ideas to fulfill those needs using designs from nature. Essential questions and links to digital and primary resources make this book an engaging and illuminating experience.
Hands-on experiments such as building a mini incubator, making bacterial growth plates, and growing fungi allow children to explore their microbiological surroundings safely while employing the scientific method to discover details about microbes. Fun facts and primary sources make learning fun and integrative, while cartoon illustrations engage kids' imaginations and prod their natural curiosity about this weird and fascinating topic.
BIO
Christine Burillo-Kirch earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology from the School of Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill. She has conducted scientific research in the fields of bacteriology and immunology for 12 years. She is a seasoned lecturer and has taught at the college level as well as guest lectured at the graduate, high, middle & elementary school levels. Christine lives with her husband, daughter and puppy in North Carolina.
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