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Book, Comic Book, Photo-A-Day, Review

S.T.E.M. Learning Through Comics with Flash Facts from DC Kids Comics

Reading Flash Facts
Photo-A-Day 2.0 #00762

We received a free copy of Flash Facts to read and review. Opinions are our own.

Getting kids to learn about Science can be tricky but I think that DC Kids Comics has a fantastic learning tool in their new, and first ever STEM themed book called Flash Facts. The book is even curated by a Neuroscientist, Mayim Bialik, PHD! You may recognize that name if you have been watching The big Bang theory but if you are a child of the 80’s like me then you first met Mayim in the sitcom Blossom. I was not a fan of Beaches or I would have known who she was even earlier as she portrayed the young Bette Midler in that movie. But, acting aside Mayim is a straight up scientist and mom raising two boys. She’s even an author in her own right. A multi-faceted person for sure and she does a great job curating this collection of ten different comic stories that each delve into a different science field that is exciting and informative for kids.

In this book we get to see Cyborg and Beast Boy talking about Virtual Reality as they take on the roles of Batman and Superman skiing down Spaghetti and sauce covered hills. Batman and Plastic Man discuss 3D printing and even create a fireproof Bat Suit! Supergirl explores our neighborhood in the cosmos and Green Lantern explains how electricity is generated and brought to our homes. You can even try your hand at forensics with Barry Allen, The Flash, as you attempt to solve a jewelry heist!

Batman

I gave this book to Andy to read and was excited to see that he not only enjoyed the book but was able to retain many of the Flash Facts inside. There are some big time concepts for kids to learn inside the book but as disguised at comics which is a great way to get kids interested in the high concept ideas. Plus, each story is a quick read and before you know it you are on to another story by another creative team so if one story doesn’t speak to your child another one may. There are ten in all and they cover the gamut of scientific concepts. The comics also feature heroes like The Flash and Supergirl like I mentioned but also villains like Poison Ivy, who is a botanist and Weather Wizard, who controls weather. The book took me about an hour to read cover to cover and for Andy he can read one story at a time before he’s on to doing something else, but he dog-earred the book an he will be back to read more.

If your child may be a reluctant reader or you are looking for a fun S.T.EM. book for kids during quarantine then this would be a great one for you. It even has experiments and sources for further learning at the end of the book. Consider picking it up through our amazon.com affiliate link below and also below that is more information about the book.

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Photo-A-Day

Andy and Ocean Science

Andy and his Science Project

Photo-A-Day 2.0 #00464

My kids are so very lucky. They have a great extended family. My in-laws sent them a basketball hoop so they could continue to keep active and safe during isolation. My parents dropped off a few things for us including a baby photo and some of my old books for the kids. My sisters Facetime with the kids and set up family Zoom sessions weekly. Also, My sister Tara has set up an additional Science curriculum for both kids and she works with both of them weekly. This is a poster that Andy made for his Ocean section, specifically coral reefs. We have giant paper from when Allison was an administrative assistant long ago. It has been kicking around the house and now is being used for all sorts of things. Andy enjoyed being able to make a this coral reef to show Auntie.

Later tonight the kids and Allison watched the Dolphin Reef movie on Disney + while I had my Krav Class in the basement. I guess there was a moment when a shark appeared on screen and at the same moment I must have punched the heavy bag really hard and made the house shake which made everyone upstairs jump that much more.