The Secret in the Jelly Bean Jar

June 15, 2020
In this offering in a new series, naturally curious fourth grader Jesse uses science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills to solve simple mysteries. Jesse makes mistakes estimating volume, resulting in spilled juice when she overfills her glass and, more critically, a popped bike tire when she puts in too much air. When the local toy store offers a prize of a new bike to whomever is the first to guess (within 500) the number of jelly beans in a large container, she welcomes the assistance of neighbor Professor Peach in learning how to calculate volume. He provides easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions that help Jesse measure how many jelly beans fit into a cubic inch (which they make with construction paper) and then determine the volume of a container. Jesse makes her own calculations to figure out how many jelly beans should be in the jar--leading to a smart estimate. Jesse and the other principals are white; racially diverse friends play supporting roles. Four companion titles publish simultaneously, each focusing on a different aspect of STEAM. The stories are appropriately short for emergent readers, lavishly illustrated with Bowser's attractive, colorful illustrations, and present commonplace, recognizable situations. The other stories explain pendulums, discuss geology and archaeology, provide information on the aerodynamics of a sycamore seed, and illustrate how a lens can focus light. Backmatter in each includes a surprisingly amusing glossary and a supporting activity. This effort models STEAM concepts in such an inviting way that readers will be inspired to make their own explorations. (Mystery. 7-10)

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