New York Mom's Creative Way to Improve Science Education for Kids

By Rachel M. Anderson, Contributing Writer

(Malverne, NY) - Why does an apple float, what is the force at work when you open the kitchen cupboard and why are there spaces and gaps left on bridges? The answers are simple—if you understand basic science concepts—but not enough Americans do.

According to a recent article in Popular Science, when quizzed on several widely-known science concepts, the majority of Americans (80 percent) know the continents have been moving for millions of years and will continue to do so, but less than half of Americans (45 percent) know it takes the Earth a year to go around the sun, and only 25 percent know that antibiotics don’t kill viruses.

Carol Basdeo of Malverne, N.Y., says the problem is the way science is taught in American schools, and she is on a mission to improve the methods. “In my native country (Guyana), science is more hands-on and relatable,” she says.

For example, when studying the heart or skeleton in Guyana, she explains, kids do a lot of drawing and labeling, not to mention hands-on experiments. “Plus, you have to be able to relate everything you learn to the everyday lifestyle, which helps you remember the concepts easier,” says Basdeo.
A few years ago when her now 7-year-old son, K.C., came home all excited about a science experiment he had done at school, the former integrated science teacher came up with an easy way for him to understand the concept being taught: storytelling.
Now she’s sharing her discovery with others through an award-winning series of science books she has dedicated to her children, K.C., who is 7, and Kayla, 9. In its 2020 contest, Moonbeam Awards recognized K.C. & Kayla’s Science Corner as one of the best non-fiction book series’ published. The first four books in the series are now available. Books 5 and 6 are scheduled for release in 2021.
Each book has educational facts and do-it-yourself experiments. In Book 1, The Apple Experiment, K.C. and Kayla, and readers, learn all about density and why an apple will float in a bowl of water. In Book 2, The Life Cycle of an Apple, kids learn how one of their favorite fruits is grown. In Book 3, Matter! What’s the Matter?, kids learn matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. They also learn the definition of mass—a measure of how much material makes up an object. Book 4 covers the various states of matter.
Basdeo says Book 5 will be about the different parts of the plant and Book 6 will be about photosynthesis. “The idea behind the series is that parents can read these books to their kids at home, so by the time the kids get into the classroom, they will already be familiar with the concepts, which will make it easier for them to learn,” says Basdeo.

Books 1, 2, 3 and 4 are currently available in both hardcover and paperback through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Book 4 is also available as an eBook through Amazon’s Kindle. Basdeo is hoping to get the books into school and municipal libraries in the near future as well.
“Everyone learns differently. With some kids you tell them 1,2,3 and it makes sense right away. With others, you need to give them an example to show how it applies to everyday life. Now you have another resource they can take home and read to try and make the connections. The book series is meant to strengthen their learning process,” says Basdeo.
In his review of Book 4 on Amazon, Sandeep K. said, “The quality and pictures is very good. My 6-year-old love this book. It is easy to read and have simple fun science facts. A great learning tool for children.”
In her review of Book 3 in the series for ReadersFavorite.com, Samantha Coville said, “Using a fun exchange, one that might occur within a family unit, the author introduces the scientific concepts simply and with a touch of humor. Too often, young people look at science as something complicated and confusing. Introducing youngsters to simple concepts in a fun-filled way opens up the possibility of sparking an interest in all things scientific. Well done!”
Melissa V’s review of Book 2 on Amazon.com says, “Great book. A great, fun learning experience, my girls love the book. Can't wait to do the experiments.”
And Winsome Burnett’s review of Book 1 on Amazon.com says, “Excellent children’s book! Your kids will learn a lot of information from these books. I would highly recommend this book for your children.”
For more information, check out CarolBasdeo.com. The books are available for purchase in both hardcover and paperback through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

About the Author

Carol Basdeo has always had a passion for science. A native of the South American country of Guyana, she taught integrated science for a time, working with elementary and middle school-aged children.
When her own son was in Kindergarten, a trip to the library in search of books that would explain simple science concepts to him didn’t turn up anything she liked, so she decided to create her own science story books. The K.C. & Kayla’s Science Corner series of books both feature and are dedicated to her kids, K.C. and Kayla.
Carol enjoys spending time with her friends and family. In addition to writing, her hobbies include crafting props for events and painting. Her goal is to leave a legacy of hope and aspirations by influencing young minds with positivity.
Carol Basdeo and her family live in Malverne, N. Y., which is a village in the town of Hempstead on Long Island.