Liz Lee Heinecke

Inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators with the stories of 50 groundbreaking women in STEM—each paired with a fun, hands-on experiment that makes science exciting and accessible!For thousands of years, women have made remarkable contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math. Though many faced barriers because of their gender, they persevered—and today, more women than ever are shaping the future of STEM.She Can STEM brings these inspiring stories to life by exploring the pivotal moments that sparked these women’s passion for science, the challenges they overcame, and the unique interests that make them extraordinary individuals beyond the lab.Meet just a few of the brilliant and resilient women featured:Dr. Nadya Mason (Physicist): From running track and competing on the U.S. National Gymnastics Team to exploring how electrons move through materials like carbon and graphene.Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer (Ecologist): A love for wild strawberries as a child led her to reconnect with her Potawatomi heritage and become a leading plant ecologist and celebrated author.Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (Physicist): Once dreaming of baseball stardom and training as a dancer, she now studies the universe through astronomy and theoretical physics.Dr. Raychelle Burks (Chemist): Inspired by Agatha Christie and Star Trek, she now develops portable chemical sensors that help solve real-world crimes.Dr. Esther Lederberg (Microbiologist): Growing up during the Great Depression, her love of music and literature evolved into a groundbreaking career in biochemistry.Each biography is thoughtfully paired with a simple, engaging experiment that connects kids directly to the science these women explored—turning curiosity into hands-on discovery.Whether your child loves science, art, sports, or storytelling, the diverse role models in She Can STEM show that with curiosity, creativity, and determination, anyone can pursue a future in STEM.Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Physics for Kids, Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.

Aspiring young ecologists will discover an amazing group of role models and memorable experiments in Ecology for Kids, the fifth book in The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series.*2024 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Hands-On Science Book Shortlist**2024 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist, Middle Grade Literature*This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with ecology. Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world.A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you’ll explore:Eunice Newton Foote (b. 1819)See how carbon dioxides trap heatGeorge Washington Carver (b. 1864)Grow beans and study soil conditionsRachel Carson (b. 1907)Test the water clarity from local ponds, lakes, or steamsE. O. Wilson (b. 1929)Observe insects in their natural habitatsWith this fascinating, hands-on exploration of the history of ecology, inspire the next generation of great scientists.Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Physics for Kids, and Math for Kids.

With Sheet Pan Science, contain the mess and let the fun overflow with 25 safe, easy physics, biology, and chemistry projects.Each project in the book contains simple instructions, easy-to-understand science explanations, and step-by-step photographic guides. While a stovetop or freezer may occasionally be required, most steps of the experiments can be performed directly on a rimmed baking sheet.Messy play is important for young learners. Mixing colors, creating bubbly chemical reactions, and playing with goo are visual and tactile experiences that create strong memory pathways. In addition to allowing kids to explore and hone problem-solving skills, science experimentation encourages curiosity and engages a sense of wonder. A sheet pan and a few simple ingredients will instantly transform any kitchen countertop into a laboratory bench filled with fizzy fun.The projects in Sheet Pan Science cater to a wide range of interests. While some kids love getting their hands into cornstarch goo, others will enjoy creating colorful tie-dye milk. Using a lemon, aspiring geologists can test rock collections to see whether they contain limestone. Art lovers may gravitate towards fabric dying and leaf prints, while budding chefs can play with edible experiments. Ice Globe create a colorful explosion of carbon dioxide gas foaming from hollow frozen spheres.Engage your child with hours of science fun and learning.

Show your little ones the ways of the Force, and the kitchen, with this cookbook filled with fun, simple, and delicious recipes for young Jedi!Let young chefs discover a galaxy of flavor with Star Wars: The Padawan Cookbook, the ultimate children's guide to cooking with Star Wars! This comprehensive cookbook contains a variety of Star Wars-themed dishes that budding Jedi will love, covering snacks, lunches, mains, desserts, and drinks. Featuring helpful cooking tips, a complete kitchen reference guide, and photography that will immerse you in the Star Wars galaxy, this accessible cookbook is the perfect way to instill young fans with a passion for cooking.

Show your little ones the ways of the Force, and the kitchen, with this cookbook filled with fun and delicious recipes for young Jedi Discover a galaxy of flavor with Star Wars: The Padawan Cookbook, the ultimate guide to cooking for kids This fun cookbook is packed with a variety of Star Wars-inspired dishes that budding Jedi will love. Featuring full-color photography, this accessible cookbook is the perfect way to instill young Star Wars fans with a passion for cooking. - COOK WITH YOUR PADAWAN: Just as Padawans must complete Jedi Trials as part of their training, so too will your budding chef master escalating levels of difficulty in this cookbook. - 50 DELICIOUS RECIPES: With recipes such as Mudhorn Egg Noodles, Ahsoka's Jelly Cubes, and Bantha Milk Slushies, this cookbook combines the adventure of Star Wars with the delicious recipes of expert chef Jenn Fujikawa. - TEACH CHILDREN THE SCIENCE OF COOKING: Featuring fascinating supplementary content covering physics, nutrition, and chemistry, children will become as immersed in the science of cooking as they are in the Star Wars galaxy. - TRANSPORT YOUR KITCHEN TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY: Fans of Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, and more will love creating dishes inspired by Star Wars films, as well as live action and animated television shows. - THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR STAR WARS COLLECTION: Pair the recipes in Star Wars: The Padawan Cookbook with dishes from Insight Editions' line of Star Wars cookbooks, including Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook, Star Wars: Galactic Baking, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook.

Aspiring young physicists will discover an amazing group of inspiring scientists and memorable experiments in Physics for Kids, the third book of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series. Make a water rocket and engineer the perfect paper airplane. Play with mirror images. Use atmospheric pressure to push an egg into a bottle. Crush a mint to create a flash of light. This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with physics, from ancient history through today. Each lab tells the illustrated story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world. A step-by-step experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you'll explore:Galileo (b. 1564)Play with pendulumsSir Isaac Newton (b. 1642)Center of gravity balancing trickAlbert Einstein (b. 1879)Playground ball relativityStephen Hawking (b. 1942)Collapsing stars and black holesChristine Darden (b. 1942)Engineer a perfect paper airplane With this fascinating, hands-on exploration of the history of physics, inspire the next generation of great scientists. Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.

Aspiring young biologists will discover an amazing group of inspiring scientists and memorable experiments in Biology for Kids, the second book of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series. Play disease detective to learn how John Snow tracked down the source of a cholera epidemic. Learn about biologist Ernest Everett Just’s discoveries and experiment with osmosis using eggs with dissolved shells. Make your own agar plates for growing bacteria and fungi just like Fannie Hess. This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with biology, from ancient history through today. Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world. A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you’ll explore:Maria Sibylla Merian (b. 1647)Observe, photograph and illustrate insects on plants Scientific concepts: observation and documentation of insect habitat and metamorphosisCharles Darwin (b. 1809)Play a competitive advantage game. Scientific concepts: natural selection and evolutionLouis Pasteur (b. 1822)Make a flask like Pasteur’s to grow microbes from the air. Scientific concepts: microbial fermentation and germ theoryRae Wynn-Grant (b. 1985)Use cookie crumbs to attract ants. Observe the behavior of ants and other animals. Scientific concepts: ecology and animal behaviorBiology is the name for the study of living organisms, but long before the word biologist was coined, people around the world realized that by studying the world around them, they could improve their lives. Learning about plants and insects helped them discover new medicines and grow better crops. Studying animals taught them how to raise healthy poultry, cattle, and horses for food, farming, and transportation.Today’s biologists study everything imaginable. From oceans, jungles, and cities to the space station, the universe is their laboratory. Like those who went before them, they are fascinated by plants, animals, and microbes and understand that their discoveries can make the world a better place for all living things. With this fascinating, hands-on exploration of the history of biology, inspire the next generation of great scientists. Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Chemistry for Kids, Physics for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.

* 2021 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in Middle Grade Longlist * 2021 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book * 2021 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Honor BookAspiring young chemists will discover an amazing group of role models and memorable experiments in Chemistry for Kids, the debut book of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series. Replicate a chemical reaction similar to one Marie Curie used to purify radioactive elements. Distill perfume using a method created in ancient Mesopotamia by a woman named Tapputi. This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with chemistry, from ancient history through today. Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world. A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you’ll explore:Galen (b. 129 AD)Make soap from soap base, oil, and citrus peels. Modern application: medical disinfectantsJoseph Priestly (b. 1733)Carbonate a beverage using CO2 from yeast or baking soda and vinegar mixture. Modern application: soda fountainsAlessandra Volta (b. 1745)Make a battery using a series of lemons and use it to light an LED. Modern application: car batteryTu Youyou (b. 1930)Extract compounds from plants. Modern application: pharmaceuticals and cosmeticsPeople have been tinkering with chemistry for thousands of years. Whether out of curiosity or by necessity, Homo sapiens have long loved to play with fire: mixing and boiling concoctions to see what interesting, beautiful, and useful amalgamations they could create. Early humans ground pigments to create durable paint for cave walls, and over the next 70 thousand years or so as civilizations took hold around the globe, people learned to make better medicines and discovered how to extract, mix, and smelt metals for cooking vessels, weapons, and jewelry. Early chemists distilled perfume, made soap, and perfected natural inks and dyes.Modern chemistry was born around 250 years ago, when measurement, mathematics, and the scientific method were officially applied to experimentation. In 1896, after the first draft of the periodic table was published, scientists rushed to fill in the blanks. The elemental discoveries that followed gave scientists the tools to visualize the building blocks of matter for the first time in history, and they proceeded to deconstruct the atom. Since then, discovery has accelerated at an unprecedented rate. At times, modern chemistry and its creations have caused heartbreaking, unthinkable harm, but more often than not, it makes our lives better. With this fascinating, hands-on exploration of the history of chemistry, inspire the next generation of great scientists. Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Biology for Kids, Physics for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.

STEAM Lab for Kids is an art-forward doorway to science, math, technology, and engineering through 52 family-friendly experiments and activities. While many aspiring artists don’t necessarily identify with STEM subjects, and many young inventors don’t see the need for art, one is essential to the other. Revealing this connection and encouraging kids to explore it fills hungry minds with tools essential to problem solving and creative thinking. Each of the projects in this book is designed to demonstrate that the deeper you look into art, the more engineering and math you’ll find. Following clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, learn about: Angular momentum by creating tie-dyed fidget spinners. Electrical conductors by making a light-up graphite-circuit comic book. Kinetic energy by constructing a rubber-band racer car. Parabolic curves by creating string art with pushpins and a board. Symmetry by making fruit and veggie stamp paintings. And much more!Along with the creative, hands-on activities, you’ll find: Suggestions for taking your projects to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.” Accessible explanations of the “The STEAM Behind the Fun,” including cross-disciplinary related topics. Safety tips and hints. The projects can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the activities are safe enough for children as young as toddlers and exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of STEAM together. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Energy Lab for Kids offers 40 discovery-filled and thought-provoking energy projects by Emily Hawbaker, a science educator from the NEED (National Energy Education Development) project—with a foreword by Liz Lee Heinecke, author of Kitchen Science Lab for Kids. Using supplies that you can find around the house or in the grocery store, these exciting projects let you observe, explore, discover, and get energized! We hear about energy on the news, we use it every day, and sometimes we're told we have too much of it. But what is energy—potential, kinetic, chemical, radiant, and thermal? The lab activities in this book will let you explore almost everything about energy—what it is, how we find it, how we use it, and how we can save it. Uniting this collection of science experiments for the kitchen, backyard, or classroom is the goal to explore and discover real energy solutions. The chapters cross all categories—from steam, electricity, and chemical reactions, to water, solar, and wind power—allowing kids to compare and test the different sources and to discover their strengths and failings. Why is one source of energy is more efficient for a one situation but not for another? Why might two energy sources combined work better than a single source? Which sources are renewable? Projects are geared to understanding actual issues in the news today. With an emphasis on inventive exploration, you'll discover that creativity leads to breakthroughs. Learn about:chemical, radiant, and thermal energy by activating a glow stick and watching it get brighter in hot water.viscosity by sucking soda and chocolate syrup up an "oil pipeline" made from straws.solar energy by melting s'mores in a pizza box solar oven.wind power by lifting paperclips with a wind turbine made from a cup, paper, tape, and straw.calories by burning cheese puffs (and other food) in a homemade calorimeter.The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Inspire a lifelong passion for science and nature with these outdoor physics, chemistry, and biology experiments for kids! In Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, scientist and mom Liz Heinecke presents 52 family-friendly labs designed to get kids outside in every season. From playground physics to backyard bugs, this book makes it fun and easy to dig into the natural sciences and learn more about the world around you. Following clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, have fun learning about:The laws of physics by constructing and using a marshmallow catapult. Centripetal forces by swinging a sock filled with gelatin snack and marbles. Earthworms by using ground mustard seed dissolved in water to make them wriggle to the surface. Germination by sprouting a sapling from a pine cone or tree seed. Surface tension and capillary action by growing baking soda stalagmites and stalactites. And so much more!Along with the experiments, you’ll find: Tips for keeping a science journal. Suggestions for taking your experimentation to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.” Accessible explanations of “The Science Behind the Fun.” Safety tips and hints. The experiments can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the simple and inexpensive experiments are safe enough for toddlers, yet exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science and STEM education together. *Outdoor Science Lab for Kids was a 2017 Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru Prize for excellence in science books.* The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Inspire a lifelong passion for science with these physics, chemistry, and biology experiments for kids—all using common household tools and ingredients! In Kitchen Science Lab for Kids, mom and scientist Liz Lee Heinecke presents 52 family-friendly labs that introduce fundamental scientific principles in a fun and accessible format. Following clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, have fun exploring: Microbiology by growing your own microbe zoo on a homemade petri plate. Rocket science by making and launching bottle rockets, using water and a bike pump. Physics—marshmallow slingshots serve as a lesson on the transformation of energy and an egg-throwing experiment demonstrates the law of motion. And so much more! Other great projects explore the exciting science of crystals, static electricity, acidification, and solar energy. Along with the experiments, you’ll find: Tips for keeping a science journal. Suggestions for taking your experimentation to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.” Accessible explanations of “The Science Behind the Fun.” Safety tips and hints. The experiments can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the experiments are safe enough for children as young as toddlers and exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science together. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.