Preparing for Winter
The PLT activity, Birds and Worms, is often used in warmer months. But, wintertime is the best time to show how camouflage works (especially if you have snow)! Animals prepare for winter in many different ways; squirrels store food, bats hibernate, fish’s metabolism slows down, etc. Some animals become a lighter color in winter to blend in with snow better. When there is a lot of snow cover, animals are at a greater risk of predation if they are not camouflaged well enough.
To make this activity more suitable for winter months, have students act like hawks, and find “mice” instead of “worms.” Be sure to include some “mice” that are not as camouflaged as the others for comparison.
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 2000. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Aruego, J. and A. Dewey. 1979. We Hide, You Seek. Greenwillow Books.
Foley, C. 2000. Find the Insect. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Fowler, A. 1998. Hard-to-See Animals. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ganeri, A. 1991. Animal Camouflage. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Ganeri, A. 1995. Animals in Disguise. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Heller, R. 1992. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Heller, R. 1994. How to Hide a Crocodile and Other Reptiles. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Heller, R. 1995. How to Hide a Meadow Frog and Other Amphibians. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Kalman, B. 2005. Camouflage: Changing to Hide. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B. 2001. What Are Camouflage and Mimicry?Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lionni, L. 1997. Color of His Own. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.
Otto, C.B. 1996. What Color Is Camouflage? HarperCollins Publishers.
Oxford University Press. 1986. Hide and Seek. Penguin Group.
Penny, M. 1988. Animal Camouflage. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ryder, J. 1994. Lizard in the Sun. HarperTrophy.
Skinner, D. 2003. Almost Invisible Irene. Kane Press.
Stockdale, S. 1999. Nature's Paintbrush: The Patterns and Colors around You. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Stockland, P.M. 2005. Red Eyes Or Blue Feathers: A Book About Animal Colors. Picture Window Books.
Tildes, P.L. 2000. Animals in Camouflage. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Weber, B. 2002. Woody Woodpecker: Amazing Animal Disguises. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Whitehouse, P. 2003. Hiding in a Forest. Heinemann Library.
Grades 3-5
Batten, M. 1991. Nature's Tricksters: Animals and Plants That Aren't What They Seem. Little, Brown & Company.
Canizares, S. 1997. Who's Hiding? Scholastic, Inc.
Dell, P. 2006. Why Do Tigers Have Stripes?: A Book about Camouflage. Capstone Press.
Dewey, J.O. 1991. Can You Find Me?: A Book about Animal Camouflage. Scholastic, Inc.
Ferrell, N.W. 1989. Camouflage: Nature's Defense. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gates, P. 2000. Camouflage. Cambridge University Press.
Greenway, S. 1992. Can You See Me? Hambleton-Hill Publishing, Incorporated.
Harland, J. 1993. Invisible Animals. Running Press Book Publishers.
Hoff, M. 2002. Mimicry and Camouflage. Creative Company.
Llewellyn, C. 1996. Disguises and Surprises. Candlewick Press.
Martin, J. 1993. Hiding out: Camouflage in the Wild. Random House Children's Books.
Mcdonnell, J. 1989. Animal Camouflage. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Miracha, P. 1994. Look Again! Animal Camouflage and Disguise: A Real Life Pop-up Book. W. H. Freeman Company.
O'Hare, J.A. 1999. Searchin' Safari: Looking for Camouflaged Creatures. Boyds Mills Press.
Perry, P.J. 1997. Hide and Seek: Creatures in Camouflage. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Powzyk, J.A. 1990. Animal Camouflage: A Closer Look. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Seymour, P.S. 1985. Animals in Disguise. Macmillan Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Soffer, R. 2002. Mimicry and Camouflage in Nature. Dover Publications.
Wells, R. 1990. Who's Hiding Here? Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Woodward, J. 2004. Clever Camouflage. Heinemann.
Grades 6-8
Batten, M. 1991. Nature's Tricksters: Animals and Plants That Aren't What They Seem. Little, Brown & Company.
Ferraro, M. 1997. Colors for Survival: Mimicry and Camouflage in Nature. Barnes & Noble Books.
Lovett, S. 1997. Extremely Weird Animal Disguises. Avalon Travel Publishing.
Parker, S. 1991. Camouflage. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Pearce, Q.L. 1991. Camouflagers. Penguin Group.
Purser, B. 2003. Jungle Bugs: Masters of Camouflage and Mimicry. Firefly Books, Limited.
Stonehouse, B. 1999. Camouflage. Scholastic, Inc.
Wolfe, A. 2005. Vanishing Act. Bulfinch.
Grades 9-12
Stonehouse, B. 1999. Camouflage. Scholastic, Inc.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Sounds of the Season
Winter is a wonderful time for students to sit quietly and use their sense of hearing to observe nature. Project Learning Tree’s Sounds Around takes a look at hearing as an adaptation and encourages students to sharpen their observations skills. To expand upon this activity, do it during different seasons, and use other senses (touch, sight, smell, etc) to detect changes that may have gone unnoticed. Keep the results of each activity for comparison.
Assign the classic Walden, by Henry David Thoreau as a reading extension for high school students. Have students note similarities and differences between what they observed, and what Thorough observed.
Check back next week to look at an adaptation animals use to survive the winter.
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bunting, E. 1996. Secret Place. Clarion Books.
Carle, E. 1984. Mixed-up Chameleon. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Cole, H. 1998. I Took a Walk. Greenwillow Books.
Fleming, D. 1993. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Company.
Fleming, D. 1991. In the Tall, Tall Grass. Henry Holt and Company.
Hiscock, B. 1995. When Will It Snow? Atheneum.
Jenkins, S. 2001. What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Kalman, B. 2000. How Do Animals Adapt? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Minor, W. 1993. Red Fox Running. Houghton Mifflin Company
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin Books.
Grades 3-5
Carroll, C. 1998. How Artists See Animals: Mammal, Bird, Fish, Reptile. Abbeyville Press.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Seeds, Stems, And Stamens: The Ways Plants Fit into the World. Millbrook Press.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Claws, Coats, And Camouflage: The Ways Animals Fit into the World. Millbrook Press.
Grades 6-8
Leslie, C. 1991. Nature All Year Long. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Vaupel, R. 2003. My Contract with Henry. Holiday House.
High School
Anderson, P. 1996. Henry David Thoreau: American Naturalist. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Leslie, C. 2003. Keeping a Nature Journal. Storey Publishing.
Thoreau, H. 2004. Walden. Houghton Mifflin Books.
Winter is a wonderful time for students to sit quietly and use their sense of hearing to observe nature. Project Learning Tree’s Sounds Around takes a look at hearing as an adaptation and encourages students to sharpen their observations skills. To expand upon this activity, do it during different seasons, and use other senses (touch, sight, smell, etc) to detect changes that may have gone unnoticed. Keep the results of each activity for comparison.
Assign the classic Walden, by Henry David Thoreau as a reading extension for high school students. Have students note similarities and differences between what they observed, and what Thorough observed.
Check back next week to look at an adaptation animals use to survive the winter.
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bunting, E. 1996. Secret Place. Clarion Books.
Carle, E. 1984. Mixed-up Chameleon. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Cole, H. 1998. I Took a Walk. Greenwillow Books.
Fleming, D. 1993. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Company.
Fleming, D. 1991. In the Tall, Tall Grass. Henry Holt and Company.
Hiscock, B. 1995. When Will It Snow? Atheneum.
Jenkins, S. 2001. What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Kalman, B. 2000. How Do Animals Adapt? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Minor, W. 1993. Red Fox Running. Houghton Mifflin Company
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin Books.
Grades 3-5
Carroll, C. 1998. How Artists See Animals: Mammal, Bird, Fish, Reptile. Abbeyville Press.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Seeds, Stems, And Stamens: The Ways Plants Fit into the World. Millbrook Press.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Claws, Coats, And Camouflage: The Ways Animals Fit into the World. Millbrook Press.
Grades 6-8
Leslie, C. 1991. Nature All Year Long. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Vaupel, R. 2003. My Contract with Henry. Holiday House.
High School
Anderson, P. 1996. Henry David Thoreau: American Naturalist. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Leslie, C. 2003. Keeping a Nature Journal. Storey Publishing.
Thoreau, H. 2004. Walden. Houghton Mifflin Books.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Hunter
Ask a group of adults their opinions on hunting and you may receive responses across the spectrum. The same is true with students. Project WILD’s activity “The Hunter” allows students to take a closer look at their personal feelings regarding hunting, while respecting other points of view.
Explore more about the hunting debate. As a class choose natural resource organizations and find their stand on hunting. Check out a list of conservation organization in Iowa. Assign students to serve as members of these organizations and hold a debate.
Wildlife Management Book List
Grades 3-5
Chandler, G. 1997. Guardians of Wildlife. Lerner Publishing Group.
Patent, D.H. 1986. Buffalo: The American Bison Today. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grades 6-8
Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Grades 9-12
Bailey, J.A. 1984. Principles of Wildlife Management. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Deal, K.H. 1997. Wildlife and Natural Resource Management. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Dinsmore, J.J. 1994. A Country So Full of Game: The Story of Wildlife in Iowa. University of Iowa Press.
Feldhamer, G.A. 2004. Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Ask a group of adults their opinions on hunting and you may receive responses across the spectrum. The same is true with students. Project WILD’s activity “The Hunter” allows students to take a closer look at their personal feelings regarding hunting, while respecting other points of view.
Explore more about the hunting debate. As a class choose natural resource organizations and find their stand on hunting. Check out a list of conservation organization in Iowa. Assign students to serve as members of these organizations and hold a debate.
Wildlife Management Book List
Grades 3-5
Chandler, G. 1997. Guardians of Wildlife. Lerner Publishing Group.
Patent, D.H. 1986. Buffalo: The American Bison Today. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grades 6-8
Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Grades 9-12
Bailey, J.A. 1984. Principles of Wildlife Management. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Deal, K.H. 1997. Wildlife and Natural Resource Management. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Dinsmore, J.J. 1994. A Country So Full of Game: The Story of Wildlife in Iowa. University of Iowa Press.
Feldhamer, G.A. 2004. Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Let’s Talk Turkey
The most celebrated animal of Thanksgiving is, of course, the turkey. The WILD activity “Let’s Talk Turkey” delves into the history of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Americas. Research the history, current status, and hunting regulations of the wild turkey in Iowa at http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/trkindex.html.
Add these great books about wild turkey to your Thanksgiving favorites.
Grades Prek-2
Becker, J.E. 2002. Wild Turkeys. Thomson Gale.
Patent, D.H. 1999. Wild Turkeys. Lerner Publishing Group.
Scheer, J. 2001. A Thanksgiving Turkey. Holiday House.
Grades 3-5
Patent, D.H. 1989. Wild Turkey, Tame Turkey. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Stemple, D. 2001. High Ridge Gobbler: A Story of the American Wild Turkey. Boyds Mills Press.
Grades 6-8
Lavine, S.A. 1984. Wonders of Turkeys. Penguin Group.
The most celebrated animal of Thanksgiving is, of course, the turkey. The WILD activity “Let’s Talk Turkey” delves into the history of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Americas. Research the history, current status, and hunting regulations of the wild turkey in Iowa at http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/trkindex.html.
Add these great books about wild turkey to your Thanksgiving favorites.
Grades Prek-2
Becker, J.E. 2002. Wild Turkeys. Thomson Gale.
Patent, D.H. 1999. Wild Turkeys. Lerner Publishing Group.
Scheer, J. 2001. A Thanksgiving Turkey. Holiday House.
Grades 3-5
Patent, D.H. 1989. Wild Turkey, Tame Turkey. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Stemple, D. 2001. High Ridge Gobbler: A Story of the American Wild Turkey. Boyds Mills Press.
Grades 6-8
Lavine, S.A. 1984. Wonders of Turkeys. Penguin Group.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Deer Management
Whether they know it or not, students are frequently exposed to the debate on deer management in Iowa. The WILD activity “Deer Dilemma” brings this topic from discussions at the dinner table to the classroom. Besides using the background information in the activity, try using the following to make it more Iowa related.
• Discover issues about Iowa’s deer population by going to the Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau’s webpage.
• Incorporate literature into your lesson by assigning the 80 page book Whitetail – Treasure, Trophy, or Trouble, a History of Deer in Iowa by Larry Stone to the students. Read about the book online.
• Read about Iowa City’s efforts to reduce the deer herd in its city limits.
Reading Connections
Grades PreK-2
Bennett, D. 2005. Finding a Friend in the Forest: A True Story. Down East Books.
Patent, D.H. 2004. White-Tailed Deer. Lerner Publications.
Kalbacken, J. 1992. White-Tailed Deer. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Lantier-Sampon, P. 1992. Wonder of Whitetails. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Sams, C.R. 2004. Lost in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Sams, Carl R. II, Photography.
Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic.
Evert, L. 2002. Whitetail Deer. T&N Children's Publishing.
McClung, R.M. 1987. Whitetail. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 6-8
Munoz, W. 1994. Deer and Elk. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Whether they know it or not, students are frequently exposed to the debate on deer management in Iowa. The WILD activity “Deer Dilemma” brings this topic from discussions at the dinner table to the classroom. Besides using the background information in the activity, try using the following to make it more Iowa related.
• Discover issues about Iowa’s deer population by going to the Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau’s webpage.
• Incorporate literature into your lesson by assigning the 80 page book Whitetail – Treasure, Trophy, or Trouble, a History of Deer in Iowa by Larry Stone to the students. Read about the book online.
• Read about Iowa City’s efforts to reduce the deer herd in its city limits.
Reading Connections
Grades PreK-2
Bennett, D. 2005. Finding a Friend in the Forest: A True Story. Down East Books.
Patent, D.H. 2004. White-Tailed Deer. Lerner Publications.
Kalbacken, J. 1992. White-Tailed Deer. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Lantier-Sampon, P. 1992. Wonder of Whitetails. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Sams, C.R. 2004. Lost in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Sams, Carl R. II, Photography.
Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic.
Evert, L. 2002. Whitetail Deer. T&N Children's Publishing.
McClung, R.M. 1987. Whitetail. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 6-8
Munoz, W. 1994. Deer and Elk. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Friday, November 03, 2006
WILD About Mountain Lions
Nothing says “teachable moment” like the sightings of mountain lions (Felis concolor) in Iowa. Similar to WILD’s “How Many Bears Can Live in the Forest?,” “How Many Lions Can Live in the Forest”* looks at the limiting factors of mountain lions. An engaging social studies extension for secondary grades is to assign students a position on the classification of these animals - no classification (current status) vs. furbearer status (proposed by the IDNR). Allow time for research, preparation, and a debate.
*used with permission from South Dakota’s Game, Fish, and Park’s recent publication WILD About Mountain Lions
Reading Connections
Grades PreK-2
Fowler, A. 1999. Cougar: Lion of the Mountains. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hodge, D. and N.G. Ogle. 1999. Wild Cats: Cougars, Bobcats and Lynx. Kids Can Press.
Middleton, D. 2001. Pumas: Big Cats. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Walker, S. 2002. Eye Wonder: Big Cats. DK Publishing, Inc.
Grades 3-5
Barrett, J. 1998. Cougar. Gale Group.
Corrigan, P. 2001. Cougars. Northwood Press.
Corrigan, P. et.al. 2002. Big Cats!: Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Cougars, Leopards, Lions, and Tigers. T&N Children's Publishing.
Crewe, S. 1998. Life Cycle of the Mountain Lion. Steck-Vaughn.
Gentle, V. 2002. Cougars. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Simon, S. 1994. Big Cats. HarperTrophy.
Stone, L.M. 1997. Cougars. Lerner Publishing Group.
Grades 9-12
Bolgiano, C. 2005. Eastern Cougar: Historic Accounts, Scientific Investigations, and New Evidence. Stackpole Books.
Busch, R.H. 2004. The Cougar Almanac: A Complete Natural History of the Mountain Lion. Lyons Press.
Ewing, S. and Elizabeth Grossman. 1999. Shadow Cat: Encountering the American Mountain Lion. Sasquatch Books.
Nothing says “teachable moment” like the sightings of mountain lions (Felis concolor) in Iowa. Similar to WILD’s “How Many Bears Can Live in the Forest?,” “How Many Lions Can Live in the Forest”* looks at the limiting factors of mountain lions. An engaging social studies extension for secondary grades is to assign students a position on the classification of these animals - no classification (current status) vs. furbearer status (proposed by the IDNR). Allow time for research, preparation, and a debate.
*used with permission from South Dakota’s Game, Fish, and Park’s recent publication WILD About Mountain Lions
Reading Connections
Grades PreK-2
Fowler, A. 1999. Cougar: Lion of the Mountains. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hodge, D. and N.G. Ogle. 1999. Wild Cats: Cougars, Bobcats and Lynx. Kids Can Press.
Middleton, D. 2001. Pumas: Big Cats. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Walker, S. 2002. Eye Wonder: Big Cats. DK Publishing, Inc.
Grades 3-5
Barrett, J. 1998. Cougar. Gale Group.
Corrigan, P. 2001. Cougars. Northwood Press.
Corrigan, P. et.al. 2002. Big Cats!: Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Cougars, Leopards, Lions, and Tigers. T&N Children's Publishing.
Crewe, S. 1998. Life Cycle of the Mountain Lion. Steck-Vaughn.
Gentle, V. 2002. Cougars. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Simon, S. 1994. Big Cats. HarperTrophy.
Stone, L.M. 1997. Cougars. Lerner Publishing Group.
Grades 9-12
Bolgiano, C. 2005. Eastern Cougar: Historic Accounts, Scientific Investigations, and New Evidence. Stackpole Books.
Busch, R.H. 2004. The Cougar Almanac: A Complete Natural History of the Mountain Lion. Lyons Press.
Ewing, S. and Elizabeth Grossman. 1999. Shadow Cat: Encountering the American Mountain Lion. Sasquatch Books.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Iowa stopover
When you travel a long distance, you need places along the way where you can stop and “refuel.” The same is true for migratory waterfowl. Iowa wetlands are great resting spots that provide a reliable source of food, water, and shelter. Want to lead your students in an investigation of wetlands and their incredible benefits? Check out the PLT activity, Watch on Wetlands.
Wetland Book List
Grades Pre-K-2
Anderson, H.C. 1999. The Ugly Duckling. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 1989. Come Out, Muskrats. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 2000. Crinkleroots Guide To Knowing Animal Habitats. Aladdin.
Burgess, T.W. 1996. Old Mother West Wind. Dover Publications.
Day, A. 1992. River Parade. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
Ehleert, L. 2001. Fish Eyes. Harcourt Children's Books.
George, W.T. 1989. Box Turtle at Long Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Gibbons, G. 1999. Marshes and Swamps. Holiday House, Inc.
Hawes, J. 1975. Spring Peepers. HarperCollins Publishers.
Jordon, S. 2002. Frog Hunt. Roaring Brook.
Kalman, B. 2002. What Are Wetlands? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lavies, B. 1993. Lily Pad Pond. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
McCloskey, R. 1941. Make Way for Ducklings. Viking Children's Books.
Mendoza, G. 1991. If You Were a Wild Duck Where Would You Go? Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Inc.
Naden, C.J. 1972. Let's Find Out About Frogs. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Nichols, C. 2002. Wetlands. Benchmark Books.
Oxford Scientific Films. 1979. Common Frog. Putnam Pub Group.
Say, A. 1993. A River Dream. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books.
Schade, S. and J. Butler. 1987. The Noisy Counting Book. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Seuss, Dr. 1971. The Lorax. Random House, Incorporated.
Sidman, J. 2005. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Tresselt, A. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Williams, T.T. 1985. Between Cattails. Macmillan Library Reference.
Wyler, R. 1990. Puddles and Ponds. Silver Burdett Press.
Grades 3- 5
Cortesi, W.W. 1978. Explore a Spooky Swamp. National Geographic Society.
Fredericks, A.D. 2005. Near One Cattail: Turtles, Logs and Leaping Frogs. Dawn Publications.
Parker, N.W. and J.R. Wright. 1990. Frogs, Toads, Lizards and Salamanders. Greenwillow Books.
McClung, R.M. 1980. Green Darner: The Story of a Dragonfly. William Morrow & Co.
Richardson, A.D. 2001. Wetlands. Capstone Press.
Thaler, M. 1988. In the Middle of the Puddle. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 6-8
Errington, P.L. 1996. Of Men and Marshes. Iowa State Press.
Moore, P.D. 2006. Wetlands. Chelsea House Publishers.
Grades 9-12
Muller, M. 2005. Wetlands in Your Pocket: A Guide to Common Plants and Animals of Midwestern Wetlands. University of Iowa Press.
Runkel, S. and D. Roosa. 1999. Wildflowers and Other Plants of Iowa Wetlands. Ames: Iowa State University Press.
When you travel a long distance, you need places along the way where you can stop and “refuel.” The same is true for migratory waterfowl. Iowa wetlands are great resting spots that provide a reliable source of food, water, and shelter. Want to lead your students in an investigation of wetlands and their incredible benefits? Check out the PLT activity, Watch on Wetlands.
Wetland Book List
Grades Pre-K-2
Anderson, H.C. 1999. The Ugly Duckling. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 1989. Come Out, Muskrats. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 2000. Crinkleroots Guide To Knowing Animal Habitats. Aladdin.
Burgess, T.W. 1996. Old Mother West Wind. Dover Publications.
Day, A. 1992. River Parade. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
Ehleert, L. 2001. Fish Eyes. Harcourt Children's Books.
George, W.T. 1989. Box Turtle at Long Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Gibbons, G. 1999. Marshes and Swamps. Holiday House, Inc.
Hawes, J. 1975. Spring Peepers. HarperCollins Publishers.
Jordon, S. 2002. Frog Hunt. Roaring Brook.
Kalman, B. 2002. What Are Wetlands? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lavies, B. 1993. Lily Pad Pond. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
McCloskey, R. 1941. Make Way for Ducklings. Viking Children's Books.
Mendoza, G. 1991. If You Were a Wild Duck Where Would You Go? Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Inc.
Naden, C.J. 1972. Let's Find Out About Frogs. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Nichols, C. 2002. Wetlands. Benchmark Books.
Oxford Scientific Films. 1979. Common Frog. Putnam Pub Group.
Say, A. 1993. A River Dream. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books.
Schade, S. and J. Butler. 1987. The Noisy Counting Book. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Seuss, Dr. 1971. The Lorax. Random House, Incorporated.
Sidman, J. 2005. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Tresselt, A. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Williams, T.T. 1985. Between Cattails. Macmillan Library Reference.
Wyler, R. 1990. Puddles and Ponds. Silver Burdett Press.
Grades 3- 5
Cortesi, W.W. 1978. Explore a Spooky Swamp. National Geographic Society.
Fredericks, A.D. 2005. Near One Cattail: Turtles, Logs and Leaping Frogs. Dawn Publications.
Parker, N.W. and J.R. Wright. 1990. Frogs, Toads, Lizards and Salamanders. Greenwillow Books.
McClung, R.M. 1980. Green Darner: The Story of a Dragonfly. William Morrow & Co.
Richardson, A.D. 2001. Wetlands. Capstone Press.
Thaler, M. 1988. In the Middle of the Puddle. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 6-8
Errington, P.L. 1996. Of Men and Marshes. Iowa State Press.
Moore, P.D. 2006. Wetlands. Chelsea House Publishers.
Grades 9-12
Muller, M. 2005. Wetlands in Your Pocket: A Guide to Common Plants and Animals of Midwestern Wetlands. University of Iowa Press.
Runkel, S. and D. Roosa. 1999. Wildflowers and Other Plants of Iowa Wetlands. Ames: Iowa State University Press.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Birds in Flight
Keep your eyes on the skies! It’s time for waterfowl to start their remarkable journey south. The WILD Aquatic activity, Migration Headache, is a great way to explore factors affecting migratory birds. Discover how wetlands have changed in your county since the mid 1800’s. Look up your county on the Iowa Historic Vegetation Map on the Iowa Geographic Map Server. Compare the historic vegetation with the more recent maps. Visit your local library to find more information on your county’s past.
Reading Connections
Check out these great books about migratory birds.
Grades PreK-2
Allen, K. 2006. Why Do Geese Fly South in Winter?: A Book About Migration. Capstone Press.
Crossingham, J. 1997. What Is Migration. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Fall. Smart Apple Media.
Owens, M.B. 1993. Counting Cranes. Little, Brown & Company.
Sayre, A. 1998. Home At Last – A Song of Migration. Henry Holt & Company.
Grades 3 – 5
Bredeson, C. 2002. Animals That Migrate. Franklin Watts.
Cherry, L. 1997. Flute's Journey: The Life of a Wood Thrush. Harcourt Brace.
Davies, J. 2004. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company
Knight, T. 2003. Marvelous Migrators. Heinemann.
Lerner, C. 2001. On the Wing: American Birds in Migration. HarperCollins.
Willis, C. 2006. Red Knot: A Shorebird’s Incredible Journey. Birdsong Books.
Grades 6 – 8
Arnold, C. 1997. Hawk Highway in the Sky: Watching Raptor Migration. Gulliver Green.
Gans, R, Mirocha, P. 1996. How Do Birds Find Their Way? HarperTrophy.
Rylant, C. 2006. The Journey: Stories of Migration. Blue Sky Press.
Check back next week for a list of books about wetlands.
Keep your eyes on the skies! It’s time for waterfowl to start their remarkable journey south. The WILD Aquatic activity, Migration Headache, is a great way to explore factors affecting migratory birds. Discover how wetlands have changed in your county since the mid 1800’s. Look up your county on the Iowa Historic Vegetation Map on the Iowa Geographic Map Server. Compare the historic vegetation with the more recent maps. Visit your local library to find more information on your county’s past.
Reading Connections
Check out these great books about migratory birds.
Grades PreK-2
Allen, K. 2006. Why Do Geese Fly South in Winter?: A Book About Migration. Capstone Press.
Crossingham, J. 1997. What Is Migration. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Fall. Smart Apple Media.
Owens, M.B. 1993. Counting Cranes. Little, Brown & Company.
Sayre, A. 1998. Home At Last – A Song of Migration. Henry Holt & Company.
Grades 3 – 5
Bredeson, C. 2002. Animals That Migrate. Franklin Watts.
Cherry, L. 1997. Flute's Journey: The Life of a Wood Thrush. Harcourt Brace.
Davies, J. 2004. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company
Knight, T. 2003. Marvelous Migrators. Heinemann.
Lerner, C. 2001. On the Wing: American Birds in Migration. HarperCollins.
Willis, C. 2006. Red Knot: A Shorebird’s Incredible Journey. Birdsong Books.
Grades 6 – 8
Arnold, C. 1997. Hawk Highway in the Sky: Watching Raptor Migration. Gulliver Green.
Gans, R, Mirocha, P. 1996. How Do Birds Find Their Way? HarperTrophy.
Rylant, C. 2006. The Journey: Stories of Migration. Blue Sky Press.
Check back next week for a list of books about wetlands.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Take a Seed Walk
When we think about seeds, we think about spring. Many plants and trees disperse their seed in the fall. The Project WILD activity, Seed Need, suggests a fun, easy way for kids to collect seeds. Wearing a large, old, wool sock over one shoe, students walk through a weedy area near the school. As they walk around, various seeds will stick to their socks.
Take a closer look at the seeds you collect. Set up a seed classification learning station (organize by color and shape characteristics) or have students create a seed journal.
A great extension to this activity is classifying the seeds by the ways they are dispersed. Many plants depend on animals to disperse their seeds. The seeds get caught on the animal’s fur and are carried on, similar to how the seeds stuck to the socks on the students’ shoes. For more information about how seeds are dispersed, check out the PLT activity, Have Seeds, Will Travel.
Reading Connections
Here’s a list of books about seeds and how they are dispersed.
PreK – Grade 2
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Lauber, P. 1981. Seeds Pop-Stick-Glide. Crown Publishers, Inc.
Moncure, J.B. 1990. How Seeds Travel: Popguns and Parachutes. Child's World, Incorporated, The.
Pascoe, E. 2002. How & Why: Seeds Travel. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Robbins, K. 2005. Seeds. Atheneum.
Saunders-Smith, G. Seeds. 1998. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Grades 3-5
Anthony, J.A. 1997. Dandelion Seed. California: Dawn Publications.
Burns, D. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds. Northwood Press.
Hoff, M.K. 2004. Pollination. The Creative Company.
Overbeck, C. 1982. How Seeds Travel. Minneapolis: Lerner.
When we think about seeds, we think about spring. Many plants and trees disperse their seed in the fall. The Project WILD activity, Seed Need, suggests a fun, easy way for kids to collect seeds. Wearing a large, old, wool sock over one shoe, students walk through a weedy area near the school. As they walk around, various seeds will stick to their socks.
Take a closer look at the seeds you collect. Set up a seed classification learning station (organize by color and shape characteristics) or have students create a seed journal.
A great extension to this activity is classifying the seeds by the ways they are dispersed. Many plants depend on animals to disperse their seeds. The seeds get caught on the animal’s fur and are carried on, similar to how the seeds stuck to the socks on the students’ shoes. For more information about how seeds are dispersed, check out the PLT activity, Have Seeds, Will Travel.
Reading Connections
Here’s a list of books about seeds and how they are dispersed.
PreK – Grade 2
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Lauber, P. 1981. Seeds Pop-Stick-Glide. Crown Publishers, Inc.
Moncure, J.B. 1990. How Seeds Travel: Popguns and Parachutes. Child's World, Incorporated, The.
Pascoe, E. 2002. How & Why: Seeds Travel. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Robbins, K. 2005. Seeds. Atheneum.
Saunders-Smith, G. Seeds. 1998. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Grades 3-5
Anthony, J.A. 1997. Dandelion Seed. California: Dawn Publications.
Burns, D. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds. Northwood Press.
Hoff, M.K. 2004. Pollination. The Creative Company.
Overbeck, C. 1982. How Seeds Travel. Minneapolis: Lerner.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Fall Colors
A great way to illustrate why leaves turn colors is the PLT activity “Signs of Fall.” A fun art extension to this science activity is the Cherokee Leaf Printing. You need leaves of different colors, newspaper, wax paper, a flat-headed hammer or medium sized rock, and some white fabric or t-shirts. Make a “sandwich” in the following order; board (or sidewalk), newspaper, cloth, leaves arranged in desired pattern, and wax paper. Tape the edges of wax paper, and then pound the pigments out of the leaves and onto the cloth. Use the colorful leaf prints to design a bulletin board, decorate a classroom, or for the students to take home.
Want to learn more about why leaves change colors in the fall? See the links on the right!
What topics do you teach during the fall season?
A great way to illustrate why leaves turn colors is the PLT activity “Signs of Fall.” A fun art extension to this science activity is the Cherokee Leaf Printing. You need leaves of different colors, newspaper, wax paper, a flat-headed hammer or medium sized rock, and some white fabric or t-shirts. Make a “sandwich” in the following order; board (or sidewalk), newspaper, cloth, leaves arranged in desired pattern, and wax paper. Tape the edges of wax paper, and then pound the pigments out of the leaves and onto the cloth. Use the colorful leaf prints to design a bulletin board, decorate a classroom, or for the students to take home.
Want to learn more about why leaves change colors in the fall? See the links on the right!
What topics do you teach during the fall season?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Apples, falling leaves, and plump pumpkins - just a few signs of fall. A great way to incorporate fall into your classrooms is through books. We have compiled a list of books with fall themes.
Pre-K – Grade 2
Arnosky, J. 1977. I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. Penguin Group (USA).
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
DePalma, M. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Dorros, A. 1997. A Tree is Growing. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Children's Books.
Ehlert, L. 1991. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Harcourt Children's Books
Evans, L. 1997. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gerber, C. 2006. Leaf Jumpers. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Gamlin, L. 1997. Trees. DK Publishing, Inc.
Hall, Z. 2000. Fall Leaves Fall! Scholastic Press.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Nevada City, California: Dawn Publications.
Johnson, R. 2000. A Walk in the Deciduous Forest. Lerner Publishing Group.
Jasperson, W. 1980. How the Forest Grew. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Levenson, G. 2002. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden. Ten Speed Press.
Locker, T. 2001. Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maass, R. 1992. When Autumn Comes. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Maestro, B. 1993. How Do Apples Grow? HarperCollins Children's Books.
Maestro, B. 1994. Why Do Leaves Change Color? HarperCollins Children's Books.
Marzollo, J. 1999. I Am a Leaf. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Nidey, K. 2004. When Autumn Falls. Albert Whitman.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees? William R. Scott Publishers.
Ryder, J. 1991. Hello Tree! Lodestar Publishers.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1997. Animals in the Fall. Capstone Press.
Schweninger, A. 1991. Autumn Days: Let's Look at the Seasons. Viking Children's Books.
Sherrow, V. 1994. Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane. Soundprints.
Silver, D.M. 1995. One Small Square: Woods. W. H. Freeman Company.
Silverstein, S. 1964. The Giving Tree. HarperCollins Publishers.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did with a Leaf! Walker & Company.
Sykes, J. 1996. Sara Squirrel and the Lost Acorns. Little Tiger Press.
Spinelli, E. 2004. I Know It's Autumn. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Burns, D. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds. Northwood Press.
Burns, D. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. Northwoods Press.
Gibbons, G. 1988. Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree. Globe Pequot Press.
Holub, J. 2005. Who Was Johnny Appleseed? Penguin Young Readers Group.
Johnson, S. 1986. How Leaves Change. Learner Publications.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Tree Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Lerner, C. 1987. A Forest Year. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: An Alphabet of Trees. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Morrison, G. 2000. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Robbins, K. 1998. Autumn Leaves. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Simon, S. 1993. Autumn across America. Hyperion Books for Children.
Svedberg, U. 1988. Nicky the Nature Detective. R & S Books.
Vitosh, M. and A. Vitosh. 2000. The Forest Where Ashley Lives. Ames: Iowa State University Extension. (downloadable at www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1812.pdf, 515/294-5247)
Grades 6-8
Wiggers, R. 1991. Picture Guide to Tree Leaves. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Zim, H.S. and A.C. Martin. 1956. A Golden Guide to Trees. New York: Golden Press.
Pre-K – Grade 2
Arnosky, J. 1977. I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. Penguin Group (USA).
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
DePalma, M. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Dorros, A. 1997. A Tree is Growing. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Children's Books.
Ehlert, L. 1991. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Harcourt Children's Books
Evans, L. 1997. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gerber, C. 2006. Leaf Jumpers. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Gamlin, L. 1997. Trees. DK Publishing, Inc.
Hall, Z. 2000. Fall Leaves Fall! Scholastic Press.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Nevada City, California: Dawn Publications.
Johnson, R. 2000. A Walk in the Deciduous Forest. Lerner Publishing Group.
Jasperson, W. 1980. How the Forest Grew. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Levenson, G. 2002. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden. Ten Speed Press.
Locker, T. 2001. Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maass, R. 1992. When Autumn Comes. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Maestro, B. 1993. How Do Apples Grow? HarperCollins Children's Books.
Maestro, B. 1994. Why Do Leaves Change Color? HarperCollins Children's Books.
Marzollo, J. 1999. I Am a Leaf. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Nidey, K. 2004. When Autumn Falls. Albert Whitman.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees? William R. Scott Publishers.
Ryder, J. 1991. Hello Tree! Lodestar Publishers.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1997. Animals in the Fall. Capstone Press.
Schweninger, A. 1991. Autumn Days: Let's Look at the Seasons. Viking Children's Books.
Sherrow, V. 1994. Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane. Soundprints.
Silver, D.M. 1995. One Small Square: Woods. W. H. Freeman Company.
Silverstein, S. 1964. The Giving Tree. HarperCollins Publishers.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did with a Leaf! Walker & Company.
Sykes, J. 1996. Sara Squirrel and the Lost Acorns. Little Tiger Press.
Spinelli, E. 2004. I Know It's Autumn. HarperCollins Publishers.
Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Burns, D. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds. Northwood Press.
Burns, D. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. Northwoods Press.
Gibbons, G. 1988. Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree. Globe Pequot Press.
Holub, J. 2005. Who Was Johnny Appleseed? Penguin Young Readers Group.
Johnson, S. 1986. How Leaves Change. Learner Publications.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Tree Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Lerner, C. 1987. A Forest Year. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: An Alphabet of Trees. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Morrison, G. 2000. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Robbins, K. 1998. Autumn Leaves. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Simon, S. 1993. Autumn across America. Hyperion Books for Children.
Svedberg, U. 1988. Nicky the Nature Detective. R & S Books.
Vitosh, M. and A. Vitosh. 2000. The Forest Where Ashley Lives. Ames: Iowa State University Extension. (downloadable at www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1812.pdf, 515/294-5247)
Grades 6-8
Wiggers, R. 1991. Picture Guide to Tree Leaves. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Zim, H.S. and A.C. Martin. 1956. A Golden Guide to Trees. New York: Golden Press.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Take a closer look at leaves!
The Project Learning Tree activity, Looking at Leaves, has several fun art extensions. For example, instead of using fabric paint and stamps, use fallen leaves you have collected on a walk around the school grounds or to a nearby park. Lightly coat the leaves with paint and press squares of cotton cloth (or even an old T-shirt) on them to create colorful leaf print collages.
See the list below for more fall activities from the manuals.
Fall is a great time to get outside and discover the beauty of nature. Check out the following WILD/WILD Aquatic/PLT activities with fall themes.
Project Learning Tree
Adopt a Tree
Get in Touch with Trees
Have Seeds Will Travel
Looking at Leaves
Plant a Tree
Signs of Fall
WILD
Deer Crossing
History of Wildlife Management
Hunter, The
Migration Barriers
Oh Deer!
Quick Frozen Critters
Seed Need
Thicket Game
WILD Aquatic
Migration Headache
Turtle Hurdles
Check back next week for a list of books related to fall.
The Project Learning Tree activity, Looking at Leaves, has several fun art extensions. For example, instead of using fabric paint and stamps, use fallen leaves you have collected on a walk around the school grounds or to a nearby park. Lightly coat the leaves with paint and press squares of cotton cloth (or even an old T-shirt) on them to create colorful leaf print collages.
See the list below for more fall activities from the manuals.
Fall is a great time to get outside and discover the beauty of nature. Check out the following WILD/WILD Aquatic/PLT activities with fall themes.
Project Learning Tree
Adopt a Tree
Get in Touch with Trees
Have Seeds Will Travel
Looking at Leaves
Plant a Tree
Signs of Fall
WILD
Deer Crossing
History of Wildlife Management
Hunter, The
Migration Barriers
Oh Deer!
Quick Frozen Critters
Seed Need
Thicket Game
WILD Aquatic
Migration Headache
Turtle Hurdles
Check back next week for a list of books related to fall.
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