Teachers.netDiscover 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
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