Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats. Rosie’s gizmos would astound – if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose, who shows her that a first flop isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate.
1. Questions to ask before watching the video:
Does your child know what an engineer does? Explain that an engineer solves problems and builds things. What does your child like to build?
2. WATCH and LISTEN to astronaut Kate Rubins read “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts IN SPACE!
3. Questions to ask after watching the video:
- How did Rosie’s uncle and great-great-aunt react to her machines?
- How does Rosie feel? How would you feel?
- What did Rosie and her classmates do when they “failed” at something?
- What does “perfect failure” mean?
- How can failing be a good thing?
- Have you ever failed? What did you do about it?
4. Reading and writing activities:
5. Let them tinker on their own! Click here for a STEM challenge for preschoolers and older.
6. Click here for some adult-led activities (pdf).
7. You can find more educational activities for older kids on the author’s website. Click here and here.