Teachers.netEnvironment
Explore Rocks and Minerals!
Have you ever wondered what those sparkly specks in the piece of gravel in your driveway might be? Or why some crystals grow so big? In Explore Rocks and Minerals! kids can try activities that will help them figure out the answers, from testing minerals and making crystals, to making yummy models of the earth and volcanic meringue cookies. Explore Rocks and Minerals! presents an in-depth discussion of how minerals form, teaching readers ages 6–9 all about some of the most interesting and most common minerals. It also explores how and why the earth changes, including the rock cycles of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Finally, the book introduces kids to fossils and what they tell us about the past, and how to start their own collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
"I recommend this fun and educational introduction to the science of Geology.”
—Marc L. Wilson, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
“This is a terrific introduction to an exciting science, one that appeals to kids at an early
age! I will certainly enjoy Explore Rocks and Minerals with my grandson (third-generation
geologist?) when he is a little older.” —R.A. (Bud) Wobus, Williams College
“A great book with accurate, factual information about geology coupled with
easy-to-do and instructive exercises. A worthwhile addition for families and
teachers alike!”—Matt Nyman, PhD, The University of New Mexico
Books
Anderson, Alan, Gwen Diehn,and Terry Krautwurst.
Geology Crafts for Kids: 50 Nifty Projects to Explore the
Marvels of Planet Earth. New York: Sterling, 1998.
Blobaum, Cindy and Michael Kline. Geology Rocks!:
50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Earth.
Vermont:Williamson Publishing Company, 1999.
Bonewitz, Ronald Louis. Rock and Gem.
New York: DK Smithsonian, 2008.
Farndon, John. The Complete Guide to Rocks & Minerals.
Massachusetts: World Publications Group, 2007.
Farndon, John. How the Earth Works.
New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd, 1999.
Pough, Frederick H. Peterson First Guide to Rocks
and Minerals. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company,1991.
Symes, R.F. and R.R Harding. Crystal and Gem. New York:
DK Children, 2007.
Ward, David. Fossils (Smithsonian Handbooks).
DK Adult, 2002.
Web Sites
U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.)
The City Rocks! Explore the Hidden World of Building Stone
The story of the Haddonfield “Bone Wars”
Strange Science: The Rocky Road to Modern Paleontology and Biology
Science News for Kids
The Story of the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian
Mineral Information Institute
Museums
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History,
Washington, D.C.
University of California Museum of Paleontology
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
Mineralogical Museum at Harvard University,
Cambridge, MA
Yale University Peabody Museum of Natural History
Franklin Mineral Museum,
Franklin, NJ
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture,
Seattle, WA
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, Phoenix, AZ
The Mineral Museum of Michigan
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Mineral and Fossil Museums, Exhibits, and Displays in
the USA
Bryan Stone has worked on a variety of professional comics and illustration projects, including drawings for Dartmouth College’s Hopkins Center and a monthly, three page, comic called Onion Head for Bash Magazine. Bryan also self-publishes his comic book, Frogherder. Bryan moved from Alabama to New England so that he could attend The Center for Cartoon Studies. Bryan and his wife, Amanda Ann, live in White River Junction, Vermont. For more information visit his website, www.bryan-stone.com
Try this activity to get an idea of how a fossil forms but remember NEVER pour plaster down the sink!
Discover the Desert: The Driest Places On Earth
Ever wonder what it would be like to visit the desert? Is it as dry and barren as it seems, or are there exciting discoveries waiting to be found? And how would you survive the extremes of temperatures, the rough terrain, and the vast distances? Discover the Desert takes readers ages 8 to 12 across breathtaking landscapes to explore the plants and animals of the desert, its lost civilizations, and today's desert-dwelling cultures.
Discover the Deserts wins 2010 Skipping Stones Award
Skipping Stones Magazine Summer 2010—This fun-filled, easy-to-read educational gem will inspire you to explore the diversity of our world’s deserts through their unique climates, geography and ecology. But that’s not all! Among the engaging illustrtions you will find helpful vocabulary, fascinating facts, survival skills and fun at-home projects. It may even compel you to pick up a sandboard. Imagine snowboarding in the desert! Projects ideas include solar cooking, building an underground shelter, or planting an indoor cactus garden. Don’t forget, pack a copy of this book on your next expedition to the desert!
School Library Journal - 3/2010—Chock-full of definitions and facts, this exploration of deserts provides a lot of information about their location, formation, and characteristics.. . Produced to promote conservation of resources, the book includes illustrations and backgrounds in various shades of brown and gray, a logical choice for the subject… Those who peruse even some sections, though, can come away with topics they want to investigate in more depth by consulting additional sources, including the many books and Web sites noted at the end.
Wired Magazine, GeekDad- 1/2010 - Discover the Desert gives a great overview of deserts of the world, with plenty of specifics and important safety tips. You will come away with a much greater knowledge of what the world's deserts are like, culturally, meteorologically and biologically....the included activities and projects will be very memorable.
Booklist February 2010— This large-format book introduces deserts and helps readers imagine traveling through different types, observing their features, and coping with the challenges they present…. These relatively simple, hands-on activities will be useful to teachers and parents looking for ways to engage children with the subject.
“Deserts are the least understood among the land features of the earth because of their vastness and harsh conditions. Yet they remain one of the most fascinating regions of the earth, invoking mysteries and legends, especially in young minds. This book explains in simple terms the various features of deserts with practical lessons of how to travel in and enjoy that wilderness. Today’s young individuals are concerned about preserving the natural features of our planet. This book teaches them how to learn about and how to appreciate one of the most fragile environments on Earth.”
—Dr. Farouk El-Baz, renowned desert explorer, Boston University
“Children will learn a great deal about what deserts are like. I enjoyed Discover the Desert. Combines science with the excitement of discovery.” —Andrew Goudie, Master of St Cross College, Oxford, Emeritus Professor in Geography, recipient of the 2007 Geological Society of America’s Farouk El-Baz Prize for desert research
“Important concepts about the diversity of deserts, human habitation and use, and
geology are reinforced in a child-friendly and accessible manner. Discover the Desert
provokes excitement about a biome that has been traditionally and erroneously treated
as barren and devoid of life. Readers will be left with an increased understanding of the desert and, perhaps more importantly, an increased appreciation for the value of
deserts.” —Frank van Breukelen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences,
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Deserts of the World
California Academy of Sciences: The Great Sahara Desert
Deserts: Geology and Resources by Alta Sharon
Walker (US Geological Survey)
Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA
Missouri Botanical Garden Biomes of the World:
Desert
National Geographic Deserts Information
United Nations Environment Program: Global
Deserts Outlook
Deserts of the United States
Desert Survivors (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
USGS Death Valley National Park Virtual
FieldTrip
Utah Geological Survey
Desert Travel and Recreation
California Deserts Visitors Association
The Cultured Traveler (February 2006 issue)
Dreamride Mountain Bike Skills
United Nations World Tourism Organization:
Sustainable Development of Ecotourism in
Desert Areas
Desert Survival
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Agency Clothing and Solar UV Protection
Discovery Survival Zone: Desert
Expert Village Video Series: How to Survive in the
Desert
Lawrence of Arabia (PBS)
Maricopa County Dept. of Emergency Management
Desert Awareness Booklet
U.S Army Field Manual 3-05.70: Survival (May, 2002)
Desert Preservation and Desertification
The Center for Sonoran Desert Studies of the Desert
Research Institute, NV
The International Center for Agricultural Research
in the Dry Areas
The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research,
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
United Nations Conference on Desertification
United Nations World Food Program
General
Google Maps
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization World Heritage Convention
United States Department of the Interior Bureau
of Land Management
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
United States Geological Survey
BOOKS
Allaby, Michael. Deserts. Chelsea House, 2006.
Annerino, John. Desert Survivor: An Adventurer’s
Guide to Exploing the Great American Desert.
Four Walls Eight Windows, 2001.
Brown, John. Journey Into the Desert.
Oxford University Press, 2002.
Castaldo, Nancy F. Deserts: An Activity Guide
for Ages 6-9. Chicago Review Press, 2004.
Davenport, Gregory J. Surviving the Desert.
Stackpole Books, 2004.
Flegg, Jim. Deserts: Miracle of Life.
Facts on File, 1993.
Guiberson, Brenda Z. Cactus Hotel.
H. Holt, 1991.
Harris, Nathaniel. Atlas of the World’s Deserts.
Fitzroy Dearborn, 2003.
Jenkins, Martin. Deserts.
Lerner Publications, 1995.
Lazaroff, David Wentworth. Arizona-Sonora Desert
Museum Book of Answers. Arizona-Sonora
Desert Museum Press, 1998.
Le Rochais, Marie-Ange. Desert Trek:
An Eye-Opening Journey Through the World’s
Driest Places. Walker & Co., 2001.
Pipe, Jim. Desert Survival.
Gareth Stevens Pub., 2008.
Reynolds, Jan. Sahara: Vanishing Cultures.
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
Rozario, Paul. Spreading Deserts.
Raintree, 2004.
Silver, Donald M. Cactus Desert.
W. H. Freeman, 1995.
Simon, Seymour. Deserts. Morrow Junior
Books, 1990.
Stilwell, Alexander. The Encyclopedia of Survival
Techniques. The Lyons Press, 2000.
Storm, Rory. Desert Survivor’s Guide.
Scholastic, 2001.
Warren, Andres and Tony Allan. Guide to Deserts.
Firefly Books Inc., 2006.
Sam Carbaugh received a BA from Cornerstone University and is earning his MFA from the Center for Cartoon Studies. He currently lives in Vermont and enjoys hiking and playing Scrabble with his wife, Kristin. Check out his website at Carbaughcomics.wordpress.com
Learn how light rays bend as they go from lower-density air to
higher-density water. The object you’re looking at will appear to be floating upside down
above the table!
Discover National Monuments, National Parks: Natural Wonders
National Monuments, National Parks: Natural Wonders introduces readers ages 8–12 to the history and science behind some of the most amazing natural sites in our country that have been named national monuments. These natural phenomena have been created by the forces of wind, fire, water, and time. All of these monuments, many of which are now national parks, belong to everyone in America. Each has a fascinating story to tell about America’s past. Kids will learn about some big concepts, such as how a coral reef is formed, or what causes volcanoes to erupt. They can also explore these concepts with hands-on experiments that include making stalactites and discovering how a river can erode rock into a canyon. By understanding the science behind the growth of a coral reef or the petrification process at work in fossil formation, kids will feel invested in the future of the natural areas where these phenomenon occur. History, science, culture, and a wow factor sure to get the attention of this age group will enlighten kids about the importance of safeguarding our world’s treasures.
CLEAR REVIEW (SWON Libraries) February 2010— The science and history is explained behind the monuments featured in this book. This includes "words to know" and activities with supply lists for each chapter. This is a great resource for explaining science concepts in natural environments.
Schoolhouse Magazine May 2009 — Discover National Monuments is a fifteen-chapter activity book for ages 8 and up. It covers a combination of 14 National Parks and Monuments...The pages are colorful and full of graphics in addition to the text... There are plenty of excellent descriptions of specific terminology related to volcanoes, caves, and fossils..Reading the book and doing the activities would definitely enhance your experience.
— Booklist February 15, 2009 "With an inviting, browsable design and a chatty style, this large-sized volume in the Discover Your World series covers 15 national monuments and parks in the U.S. that celebrate and protect natural phenomena - from volcanoes and caves to glaciers, trees, and sand dunes - and discusses their geology, botany, chemistry, zoology, and much more... The informal talk does away with intimidating jargon ("Slug slime is one of the best natural glues"), and the science will excite readers... Always the conservation message is rooted in the truth of what is being lost and what to do about it. "
Websites
National Park Service main website. From here, you can click on links to find specific national parks and monuments, as well as pages on nature & science or for kids & teachers:
http://www.nps.gov/
National Park Service, Nature & Science:
http://www.nature.nps.gov/studentsteachers/linkstolearning/index.cfm
Click on links on the left about Biology and Geology
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment. For general information and links for geology, biology, geography, and water:
http://www.usgs.gov/
USGS website for Geology of the National Parks. From this page you can click on links for specific national parks, as well as subjects such as plate tectonics, sand dunes, glaciers, volcanoes, and more:
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/parks/index.html
Blair D. Shedd was educated at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, Inc. In 1999, he formed oneGemini Studios, where he now works as a freelance illustrator and writer. Since then he's worked with numerous clients, including Marvel Entertainment, Upper Deck Entertainment, Kellogg's Pop Tarts, the Rittenhouse Archives among many others, as well as taking on storyboarding and character concept chores for independent films and television. His work can also be found in many private collections across the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Australia. Blair is currently writing and illustrating a comic book based on his Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized screenplay, Wayward Son.
Blair resides in Vermont with his wife Sarah, son Devon, and brand-new daughter Madlyn. www.oneGemini.com
Make Your Own Cavern
Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself
Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself takes kids ages 9 and up on a circumnavigation of the globe to learn about Earth's terrestrial and aquatic biomes.
They'll wander through forests, sizzle in deserts, shiver in the tundra, plunge beneath the seas to explore coral reefs, and slog through marshy waters. Along the way, kids will encounter flora and fauna adapted for survival in each unique climate zone.
School Library Journal, June 2010—Although the text addresses young “eco explorers” directly, this book will likely be used as much by teachers, parents, and organization leaders in planning group activities. Offering an overview of eight terrestrial biomes as well as the ocean, Latham crams a lot of information about climate, plants, animals, soil, and other characteristics onto every page. Vocabulary, jokes, and short questions and answers are tucked into various layouts along with small drawings in shades of gray. Instructions for hands-on activities related to different biomes include craft projects such as pictographs and a cornhusk doll. Students can learn how to make a glacier, an erupting volcano, and a tornado in a bottle. They can bake honey wheat bread or concoct rainforest “crunch and munch.” They can create a pinecone bird feeder, conduct experiments related to acid rain, and assemble a desertarium. Latham also lists ways to help the environment in everyday life. ... Designed for hands-on learners, with adult advice and guidance as needed.
This high-powered tour of ecological principles is chocked full of information, activities, and science vocabulary. Science educators and parents will be thrilled with the amount of information the author has packed into Biomes. —Greg DeFrancis Director of Education Montshire Museum
BOOKS
Cherry, Lynn. What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming. Dawn Publications, 2008.
Davis, Barbara J. Biomes and Ecosystems. Gareth Stevens, 2007.
Olien, Rebecca. Kids Care! 60 Ways to Make a Difference for People, Animals, and the Environment.
Ideal Publications, 2007.
Parker, Steve. 100 Things You Should Know About Endangered Animals. Barnes & Noble, 2008.
Reilly, Kathleen M. Planet Earth: 25 Environmental Projects You Can Build Yourself. Nomad Press, 2008.
Rothschild, David. Earth Matters: An Encyclopedia of Ecology. DK Publishing, 2008.
Simon, Seymour. Earth: Our Planet in Space. Simon and Schuster, 2003.
Thornhill, Jan. This Is My Planet: The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming. Maple Tree Press, 2007.
VanCleave, Janice. Science Around the World: Activities on Biomes From Pole to Pole. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
Weigel, Marlene. Encyclopedia of Biomes. U-X-L, 2000.
Wexo, John B. Endangered Animals (Zoobooks Series.) Wildlife Education, 2001.
Wines, Jacquie. You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference. Scholastic, 2008.
WEB SITES
Center for Educational Technology, Biomes Module
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/ msese/earthsysflr/biomes.html
Enchanted Learning, Biomes
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/
NASA’s Earth Observatory
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Laboratory/Biome/
University of California Museum of Paleontology’s Biome Exhibit
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/index.php
World Wildlife Federation’s Main Biomes of the World
http://www.panda.org/news_facts/education/webfieldtrips/major_biomes/ind...
WEB SITES FOR KIDS
Calculate your household’s carbon footprint
http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/
EPA Environmental Kids Club
http://www.epa.gov/kids/
EEK! Environmental Education for Kids
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/eek/
Inch in a Pinch: Saving the Earth
http://inchinapinch.com/
Kids Do Ecology
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/nceas-web/kids/
National Geographic Kids
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
NOAA for Kids
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/kids
USDA Forest Service
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/ce/content/for_kids/index.cfm
Farah Rizvi is a graphic designer and an illustrator. She moved to the United States in 2000 and received her bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a concentration in French from Colby-Sawyer College.
Go outside and scout around for a plump pine cone. Then use the cone’s seed case to make a birdfeeder, and observe the birds that swoop in for a crunchy snack.
