Ada Twist, Scientist STEM Activities: The Questioneers STEAM Challenges

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Ada Twist, Scientist is one of several books in The Questioneers, a picture book series, that celebrates STEM, problem-solving, and the power of perseverance.

Written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts, The Questioneers are a diverse group of second grade students who ask big questions, solve problems, and explore their own passions through playful experimentation and creation.

In today’s blog post, I’m sharing five different STEM activities to accompany the Ada Twist, Scientist book series.

1. Ada Twist, Scientist

Ada Twist, Scientist Summary

Ada Twist has a big imagination and even bigger questions. As a curious second grader, Ada wonders, “Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose?” One day, Ada’s home fills with a terrible smell, leading her to embark on a fact-finding mission to conduct scientific experiments.

Ada Twist, Scientist helps students, particularly young girls and students of color, see themselves represented in STEM.

Ada Twist, Scientist STEM Activity

In the picture book, an overwhelmingly stinky smell enters her home, and Ada attempts to use her scientific skills, like formulating questions, conducting experiments, and inquiry, to find an answer.

Consider having your child or students build a device that can detect stinky smells as a STEM activity to accompany Ada Twist, Scientist.

2. Iggy Peck, Architect

Iggy Peck, Architect Summary

Iggy Peck is a builder. He has a knack for building structures using unexpected materials, like a tower built from dirty diapers! When his second grade teacher Miss Lila Greer declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy is presented with a challenge. How can he give up his love for building? Until one day, Iggy’s 2nd grade class finds themselves in a tricky situation – only one that a true builder can solve!

Iggy Peck, Architect not only introduces young students to the field of architecture, but also inspires them to pursue their dreams, as well as be independent and creative.

Iggy Peck, Architect STEM Activity

In the picture book, Iggy Peck and his class go on a field trip and cross a bridge while on their trip. After the bridge collapses, their entire class is stuck! It’s up to Iggy to save the day and re-build a sturdy bridge.

Consider having your child or students build the tallest tower possible using toothpicks and gummies, or build a bridge that can support some weight (i.e. a certain number of pennies, LEGO mini-figures, etc.). Students can build as a STEM activity to accompany Iggy Peck, Architect.

3. Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie Revere, Engineer Summary

Rosie Revere is an inventor of gizmos and gadgets, who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes to visit, Rosie sets out to help achieve her aunt’s goal of building a contraption to fly. Although at first it seems as though her invention has failed, Rosie learns an important life skill: the power of perseverance.

In addition to exposing students to STEM concepts, Rosie Revere, Engineer teaches students and children a growth mindset.

Rosie Revere, Engineer STEM Activity

In the picture book, Rosie lets her imagination run wild, playfully experimenting with different materials to create a unique invention.

Consider having your child or students create an invention using recyclable materials as a STEM activity to accompany Rosie Revere, Engineer.

4. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez Summary

Sofia Valdez is an activist who cares about her local community. Her Abuelo walks Sofia to school every morning, until one day, he hurts his ankle working in a landfill. Sofia begins to wonder what she can do to improve the landfill, called Mount Trashmore, and comes up with a great idea! She can turn the site into a community park. Sofia creates plans and pitches them to City Hall, only to be told that her dreams will not come true because she is just a kid. Sofia sets out to prove what she can accomplish.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez shows students that no matter your age, you can create meaningful differences to support your local community.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez STEM Activity

Sofia Valdez is an activist with a goal of helping her community.

Consider having your child or students create a 3D model of a public space like a park, or develop a plan to solve a problem in your neighborhood.

5. Aaron Slater, Illustrator

Aaron Slater, Illustrator Summary

Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of becoming a storyteller, but when he tries to read them, the words just look like squiggles. Despite trying to write stories in school, Aaron is unable to write words on the page, believing his dream of becoming a storyteller is no longer feasible. Quickly, Aaron discovers that he can still tell stories through art.

Printed in a dyslexia-friendly font, Aaron Slater, Illustrator is an empowering story of a boy with dyslexia who uses his creativity to tell stories in his own unique way.

Aaron Slater, Illustrator STEM Activity

Aaron Slater is a gifted communicator who finds inspiration and joy in telling stories.

Consider having your child or students illustrate a scene to a story as a STEAM activity to accompany Aaron Slater, Illustrator.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post about with five different STEM activities to accompany the Ada Twist, Scientist book series. What other ideas do you have? Let me know in the comments below, DM me on Instagram @edtechclass, or email me at myedtechclassroom@gmail.com.