Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Improve Your Place

What is a habitat? Every living thing has a habitat - a place to live that suits its needs. For animals it may be the forest or wetland where they live. For humans, our habitat is the community in which we live. This month we have looked at activities that examine our natural resource use and the choices that we make for the environment. As the cumulating activity for our “green” month we are going to use Project Learning Tree’s “Improve Your Place” to guide students as they carry out a service learning project that focuses on making a positive environmental change in their community. Students will identify ways in which they can improve their local community. They will then create and carry out a plan for improving the area. Projects can be simple, such as planting flowers, shrubs or trees, or they can be elaborate, such as finding ways to reduce and eliminate litter or encourage recycling. No matter what the project encompasses, students will be left with a great sense of pride in their project and their local community!


Book List

Grades PreK-2
DeRubertis, B. and T. Sperling. 1996. Earth Day: Let’s Meet the Earth Kids. Kane Press.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Goodings, C. 2008. Growing Green: AChild’s Guide to Taking Care of the Planet. Lion UK.

Grades 3-5
Amsel, S. and C.J. Maron. 2007. The Everything Kids’ Environment Book: Learn How You Can Help the Environment--by Getting Involved at School, at Home, or at Play. Adams Media Corporation.
Berry, J.W. 2001. Every Kid's Guide to Saving the Earth. Warehousing & Fulfillment Specialists, LLC.
Collard, S.B. 2000. Acting for Nature: What Young People around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Dee, C. 1991. Kid Hereos of the Environment. Bathroom Reader Press.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Elkington, J., D. Hill, J. Hailes, and J. Mekower.1990. Going Green: A Kid's Handbook to Saving the Planet. Viking Children's Books.
Gardner, R. 1992. Celebrating Earth Day: A Source Book of Activities and Experiments. Lerner Publishing Group.
Holmes, A. 1993. I Can Save the Earth: A Kid's Handbook for Keeping Earth Healthy and Green. Silver Burdett Press.
Kurusa. 1985. The Streets are Free. Annick Press.
Landau, E. 2002. Earth Day: Keeping Our Planet Clean. Enslow Elementary.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Taylor, B. 2001. How to Save the Planet. Scholastic Library Publishing.


Grades 6-8
Clare, P. 2009. Living Green: Saving Our Earth. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Driscoll, M., D. Driscoll, and M. Hamilton. 2008. A Child’s Introduction to the Environment: The Air, Earth, and Sea Around Us--Plus Experiments, Projects, and Activities YOU Can Do to Help Our Planet. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Fleischman, P. 1999. Seedfolks. HarperCollins.
Gay, K. 1993. Caretakers of the Earth. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Lewis, B.A. 1992. Kids with Courage: True Stories about Young People Making a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc.
Lewis, B.A. 1998. The Kid’s Guide to Social Action: How to Solve the Social Problems You Choose - and Turn Creative Thinking into Positive Action. Free Spirit Publishing.
McKay, K., J. Bonnin, and D. de Rothschild. 2008. True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet. Natl Geographic Soc Childrens Boks.
Orme, H. 2008. Living Green. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Stetson, E. 2004. Kids' Easy-to-Create Wildlife Habitats: For Small Spaces in City-Suburbs-Countryside. Williamson Books.
Watson, S. 2003. Protecting Global Environments. Smart Apple Media.
Wines, J. and S. Horne. 2008. You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference. Scholastic, Inc

Grades 9-12
Collard III, S. 2000. Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Are Doing to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Hayes, D. 2000. Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair. Island Press.
Lewis, B.A. 1992. Kids with Courage: True Stories about Young People Making a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc.
Lomberg, M. 2004. Healthy Cities: Improving Urban Life. Smart Apple Media.
Morgan, S. 1998. Living for the Future: Homes and Cities. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Riley, T. 2007. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living. Alpha Books.
Sailer, J. 1993. A Vogt for the Environment. The Book Publishing Company.
Sivertsen, L. and T. Sivertsen. 2008. Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Smith, A.M. 2008. 50 Plus One Tips for Going Green. Gale Cengage Learning.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Resource-Go-Round

Take a look at the pencil in your hand: Do you know where it came from? Most pencils are made out of wood, but the answer may not be as simple as “the pencil came from a tree”. A single pencil may have incense cedar from California, pumice from Italy, rubber from Brazil, copper from Canada and graphite from Sri Lanka. Most of the products we use are made from natural resources that come from a variety of sources. The production, distribution and disposal of products, such as pencils, requires natural resources and energy every step of the way. As consumers we should be aware of the natural resources and energy required to produce the products that we use. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Resource-Go-Round” to explore the cycle of natural resources from raw materials to the eventual disposal or recycling of the product. By examining the cycles of the products we use, students can learn to make choices that lead to responsible and sustainable uses of our natural resources.

Enrichment activities:
Students can follow a locally made and produced product from the local raw materials to the final end product ready for use.

Students can explore a local natural resource that is used to make a global product, such as local mining or timber resource.


Book List

Grades PreK-2
Asimov, I. 1992. Where Does Garbage Go? Gareth Stevens Audio.
Cast, C.V. 1994. Where Does Pollution Come From? Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Deedy, C.A. and L.L. Seeley. 1994. Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story. Peachtree Publishers.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Fuzellier, M. 1994. Rufus Recycles Paper. Child's World, Incorporated.
Gibbons, G. 1996. Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Gifford, C. 2008. Materials. Roaring Brook Press.
Green, J. 2005. Why Should I Recycle? Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Hare, T. 1991. Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Harlow, R. 2001. The Environment. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Harlow, R. 2002. Garbage and Recycling. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Hennessey, B.G. and L. Cravath. 2001. One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Jacobs, F. 1996. Follow That Trash: All about Recycling. Penguin Group.
Leedy, L. 2005. The Great Trash Bash. Holiday House.
Leeper, A. 2004. To a Garbage Dump. Heinemann.
Lepthien, E.U. 1991. Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Martin, B. Jr. 2006. I Love Our Earth. Charlesbridge Publishing.
McQueen, K. and D. Fassler. 1991. Let's Talk Trash: The Kids' Book about Recycling. Waterfront Books.
Priceman, M. 2008. How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. Random House Childrens Books.
Roca, N. 2007. Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Salvo-Ryan, D.D. 1994. City Green. HarperCollins Publishers.
Showers, P.1994. Where Does the Garbage Go? HarperTrophy.
Stecker, R. 2002. Recycled! Capstone Press.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc
Taback, S. 2000. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. Penguin Group.
Testa, F. 2001. Too Much Garbage. North-South Books.
Wallace, N.E. 2003. Recycle Every Day! Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
Weber, R. 2002. Waste Not: Time to Recycle. Capstone Press.

Grades 3-5
Amos, J. 1995. Waste and Recycling. Steck-Vaughn.
Arthus-Bertrand, Y., et al. 2004. Future of the Earth: An Introduction to Sustainable Development for Young Readers. HNA Books.
Ball, J. 2003. Conservation and Natural Resources. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Berry, J.W. 2001. Every Kid's Guide to Saving the Earth. Warehousing & Fulfillment Specialists, LLC.
Binns, T.B. 2005. Clean Planet: Stopping Litter and Pollution. Heinemann Library.
Collard, S.B. 2000. Acting for Nature: What Young People around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Elkington, J., D. Hill, J. Hailes, and J. Mekower.1990. Going Green: A Kid's Handbook to Saving the Planet. Viking Children's Books.
Harlow, R. 2002. Pollution and Waste. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Holmes, A. 1993. I Can Save the Earth: A Kid's Handbook for Keeping Earth Healthy and Green. Silver Burdett Press.
Kalman, B.D. 1991. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Landau, E. 2002. Earth Day: Keeping Our Planet Clean. Enslow Elementary.
Love, A. and J. Drake. 2006. Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage. Tundra.
McQueen, K. 1991. Let's Talk Trash: The Kids' Book about Recycling. Waterfront Books.
Nelson, S.E. 2006. Let's Reduce Garbage! Capstone Press.
Nielsen, S. 1993. Trash! Trash! Trash! ABDO Publishing Company.
Ostopowich, M. 2003. Science of Waste: Refuse, Misuse, and Reuse. Raintree Publishers.
Parker, S. 2002. Wood (Science Files Series). Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Saunders-Smith, G. and K.M. Krebs. 2006. Let's Recycle! Capstone Press.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Skidmore, S. 1991. What a Load of Trash!: Rescue Your Household Waste. Lerner Publishing Group.
Taylor, B. 2001. How to Save the Planet. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Whyman, K. 2004. Plastics and the Environment. Stargazer Books
Woods, S.G. and G. Zucker. 1999. Chocolate: From Start to Finish. Cengage Gale.

Grades 6-8
Becklake, S. 1991. Waste Disposal and Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Binns, T. 2004. Clean Planet: Stopping Litter and Pollution. Heinemann Library.
Blashfield, J.F. 1991. Recycling. Children's Press.
Bowden, R. 2002. Waste, Recycling and Reuse: Our Impact on the Planet. Raintree Publishers.
Braus, J. 1991. Pollution: Problems and Solutions (Ranger Rick’s Naturescope Series). National Wildlife Federation.
Clare, P. 2009. Living Green: Saving Our Earth. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Foster, J. 1991. Cartons, Cans, and Orange Peels: Where Does Our Garbage Go? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gay, K. 1993. Caretakers of the Earth. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Gutnik, M.J. 1993. Recycling: Learning the Four R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Hall, E.J. 1997. Garbage. Gale Group.
Lambert, D. 1986. Pollution and Conservation. Bookwright Press.
Lindeen, C.K. 2007. Natural and Human-Made. Pebble Books.
McKay, K., J. Bonnin, and D. de Rothschild. 2008. True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet. Natl Geographic Soc Childrens Boks.
McQueen, K. & Fassler, D. 1991. Let’s Talk Trash: The Kid’s Book About Recycling. Waterfront Books.
Miller, C. 1986. Wastes. Franklin Watts.
Morgan, S. 2009. Natural Resources. Black Rabbit Books.
Nardo, D. 1992. Recycling. Thomson Gale.
Newton, D. 1990. Taking A Stand Against Environmental Pollution (Taking a Stand Series). Franklin Watts.
O’Connor, K. 1989. Garbage. Lucent Books.
Orme, H. 2008. Living Green. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Rhatigan, J. and H. Smith. 2003. Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Showers, P. 1994. Where Does the Garbage Go?. Thomas Crowell.
Silverstein, A. 1992. Recycling: Meeting the Challenge of the Trash Crisis. Penguin Group.
Skidmore, S. 1991. What a Load of Trash!: Rescue Your Household Waste. The Milford Press, Inc.
Smith, H. and J. Rhatigan. 2002. Earth-Friendly Crafts for Kids: 50 Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark Books.
Snodgrass, M. 1991. Environmental Awareness: Solid Waste. Bancroft-Sage Publishing Inc.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Earth’s Resources. Chelsea House Publishers.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc
Vogel, C.G. 2003. Human Impact. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Wines, J. and S. Horne. 2008. You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference. Scholastic, Inc
Woodburn, J. 1993. Garbage and Recycling. Gareth Stevens Audio.

Grades 9-12
Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Collard III, S. 2000. Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Are Doing to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Cozic, C.P. 1997. Garbage and Waste. Thomson Gale.
Gay, K. 1991. Garbage and Recycling. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Haley, J. 2002. Pollution. Thomson Gale.
Kimball, D. 1992. Recycling in America: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.
Middleton, J. 1989. Atlas of Environmental Issues. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Parks, P. 2004. Global Resources. Cengage Gale
Riley, T. 2007. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living. Alpha Books.
Rogers, H. 2006. Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage. New Press.
Roleff, T.L. 1999. Pollution. Gale Group.
Rhatigan, J. and H. Smith. 2003. Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark.
Sivertsen, L. and T. Sivertsen. 2008. Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Smith, A.M. 2008. 50 Plus One Tips for Going Green. Gale Cengage Learning.
Stein, K. 1997. Beyond Recycling: A Re-user's Guide. Clear Light Publishers.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.
Strong, D.L. 1997. Recycling in America: A Reference Book. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.
Tammemagi, H.Y. 1999. Waste Crisis: Landfills, Incinerators, and the Search for a Sustainable Future. Oxford University Press.
Winters, A. 2006. Destruction of Earth’s Resources: The Need for Sustainable Development. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

In the Driver’s Seat

Let’s talk about transportation! How often do you drive or get a ride in a car, truck or bus? Transportation is a part of our everyday lives. We use cars, trucks, buses and airplanes to get us where we need to go. Most forms of transportation today are powered by gasoline. Gasoline is a refined product of crude oil, or petroleum. Most of the petroleum consumed in the United States is used for transportation. How often does your family use transportation that relies on petroleum? Use Project Learning Tree’s “In the Driver’s Seat” to explore these questions, learn how petroleum is refined and explore fuel conservation and energy efficiency.

Enrichment activities:
Students can conduct a survey to determine the average vehicle occupancy in your community. Choose an observation point and record the number of people in 100 cars. Discuss how vehicle occupancy affects fuel use and ways that your community could increase vehicle occupancy.

Students can explore alternative energy sources for transportation, such as biofuels, electric hybrids and solar powered vehicles.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Cast, C.V. and S. Wilkinson. 1993. Where Does Oil Come From? Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews.
Harlow, R. 2001. The Environment. Houghton Mifflin Company.
McMeel Publishing.
Maynard, C. 2003. I Wonder Why Planes Have Wings and Other Questions About Transportation. Roaring Brook Press.
Mitgusch, A. et al. 1981. From Oil to Gas. Lerner.
Murray, J. 2006. Oil to Gas. ABDO Publishing Company.
Rockwell, A.F. and P. Meisel. 2009. What’s So Bad About Gasoline?: Fossils Fuels and What They Do. Collins.
Vogel, C.G. 2003. Human Impact. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Zemlicka, S. and S. Knudsen. 2003. From Oil to Gas. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Ball, J. 2003. Conservation and Natural Resources. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Berry, J.W. 2001. Every Kid's Guide to Saving the Earth. Warehousing & Fulfillment Specialists, LLC.
Blackbirch Graphics.1997. Alternate Energy Sources. Twenty-first Century Books.
Collard, S.B. 2000. Acting for Nature: What Young People around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Cunningham, K. 2008. Gasoline. Cherry Lake Publishing.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews.
Elkington, J., D. Hill, J. Hailes, and J. Mekower.1990. Going Green: A Kid's Handbook to Saving the Planet. Viking Children's Books.
McMeel Publishing.
Gibson, D. 2001. Fossil Fuels. Black Rabbit Books.
Graham, I.S. 1999. Fossil Fuels, Vol. 1. Raintree Publishers.
Harris, E.S. 2009. Save the Earth Science Experiments. Lark Books NC.
Holmes, A. 1993. I Can Save the Earth: A Kid's Handbook for Keeping Earth Healthy and Green. Silver Burdett Press.
Petersen, C. 2004. Alternative Energy. Children’s Press (CT).
Raum, E. 2008. Fossil Fuels and Biofuels. Heinemann Library.
Rice, D. and P. Daniels. 1990. Energy from Fossil Fuels. Steck-Vaughn.
Rickard, G. 1993. Oil. CENGAGE Learning.
Sherman, J. 2004. Energy at Work: Fossil Fuel Power. Capstone Press Inc.
Wheeler, J. 1991. Earth Moves: Get There With Energy to Spare. ABDO.

Grades 6-8
Clare, P. 2009. Living Green: Saving Our Earth. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Cross, W.L. 1983. Petroleum. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hawkes, N. 1985. Oil. Scholastic Library Publishing.
McKay, K., J. Bonnin, and D. de Rothschild. 2008. True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet. Natl Geographic Soc Childrens Boks.
Miller, K.M. 2002. What if We Run Out of Fossil Fuels? Children’s Press.
Orme, H. 2008. Living Green. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Pampe, W.R. 1984. Petroleum: How it is Found and Used. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Passero, B. 2006. Energy Alternatives. Cengage Gale.
Povey, K.D. 2006. Biofuels. Cengage Gale.
Rock, M. 1992. The Automobile and the Environment. Chelsea House.
Twist, C. 1990. Facts on Fossil Fuels. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Wines, J. and S. Horne. 2008. You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference. Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Miller, K.M. 2002. What if We Run Out of Fossil Fuels? Children’s Press.
Muschal, F. 2008. Biofuels. Chery Lake Publishing.
Pampe, W.R. 1984. Petroleum: How it is Found and Used. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Polesetsky, M. and C.P. Cozic. 1991. Energy Alternatives. Cengage Gale.
Povey, K.D. 2007. Energy Alternatives. Cengage Gale.
Riley, T. 2007. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living. Alpha Books.
Sivertsen, L. and T. Sivertsen. 2008. Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Smith, A.M. 2008. 50 Plus One Tips for Going Green. Gale Cengage Learning.
Snedden, R. 2001. Energy from Fossil Fuels. Heinemann.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.

Friday, December 05, 2008

A Peek at Packaging

Think back to the last time you went shopping: Did you notice the packing on the items that you bought? Packaging is an often unnoticed part of our every day lives. However, almost everything that we buy comes in some sort of package. Packaging is necessary to protect items, keep them fresh and tamper-free, hold items together and eases the distribution of products. Although in recent years both manufacturers and consumers have become aware of the impact packaging has on our environment, packaging is still one of the biggest waste products in our landfills today. Use Project Learning Tree’s “A Peek at Packaging” to help students investigate the pros and cons of different packaging and learn how to make responsible packaging choices in the future.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Asimov, I. 1992. Where Does Garbage Go? Gareth Stevens Audio.
Bailey, D. 1991. What We Can Do about Recycling Garbage. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Brimner, L.D. 2003. Trash Trouble. Children's Press.
Chapman, G. and P. Robson. 2007. Making Art with Packaging. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Fuzellier, M. 1994. Rufus Recycles Paper. Child's World, Incorporated.
Gibbons, G. 1996. Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Green, J. 2005. Why Should I Recycle? Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Hare, T. 1991. Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Harlow, R. 2002. Garbage and Recycling. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Jacobs, F. 1996. Follow That Trash: All about Recycling. Penguin Group.
Leedy, L. 2005. The Great Trash Bash. Holiday House.
Leeper, A. 2004. To a Garbage Dump. Heinemann.
Lepthien, E.U. 1991. Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Madden, D. 1993. The Wartville Wizard. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
McQueen, K. and D. Fassler. 1991. Let's Talk Trash: The Kids' Book about Recycling. Waterfront Books.
Roca, N. 2007. Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Root, P. and J. Sanford. 1992. The Old Red Rocking Chair. Arcade Publishing.
Testa, F. 2001. Too Much Garbage. North-South Books.
Wheeler, J.C. and S.A. Kallen. 1991. The Food We Eat. ABDO Publishing Company.

Grades 3-5
Amos, J. 1995. Waste and Recycling. Steck-Vaughn.
Anderson, R. and J. Buggey. 1991. Garbage: Understanding Words in Context. Thomson Gale.
Dorion, C. 2007. Earth's Garbage Crisis. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Heilman, J.R. 1992. Tons of Trash: Why You Should Recycle and What Happens when You Do. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kalman, B.D. 1991. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B.D. and J. Schaub. 1991. Buried in Garbage. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Llewellyn, C. 2003. Let's Recycle. Thameside Press.
Love, A. and J. Drake. 2006. Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage. Tundra.
Mandel, L. and H.M. Mandel. 1993. Treasure of Trash: A Recycling Story. Avery Publishing Group, Inc.
McQueen, K. 1991. Let's Talk Trash: The Kids' Book about Recycling. Waterfront Books.
Mitchell, J. 2001. Crashed, Smashed and Mashed: A Trip to Junkyard Heaven. Tricycle Press.
Nelson, S.E. 2006. Let's Reduce Garbage! Capstone Press.
Nielsen, S. 1993. Trash! Trash! Trash! ABDO Publishing Company.
Ostopowich, M. 2003. Science of Waste: Refuse, Misuse, and Reuse. Raintree Publishers.
Romanek, T. 2005. Switched on, Flushed Down, Tossed out: Investigating the Hidden Workings of Your Home. Annick Press, Limited.
Saunders-Smith, G. and K.M. Krebs. 2006. Let's Recycle! Capstone Press.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Skidmore, S. 1991. What a Load of Trash!: Rescue Your Household Waste. Lerner Publishing Group.
Ward, H. 2001. Tin Forest. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Whyman, K. 2004. Plastics and the Environment. Stargazer Books.
Wilcox, C. 1989. Trash! Sagebrush Education Resources.

Grades 6-8
Becklake, S. 1991. Waste Disposal and Recycling. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Blashfield, J.F. 1991. Recycling. Children's Press.
Boekhoff, P.M. 2004. Recycling. Thomson Gale.
Bowden, R. 2002. Waste, Recycling and Reuse: Our Impact on the Planet. Raintree Publishers.
The Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Foster, J. 1991. Cartons, Cans, and Orange Peels: Where Does Our Garbage Go? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gutnik, M.J. 1993. Recycling: Learning the Four R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Hadingham, E. 1990. Garbage! Where It Comes from, Where It Goes. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Hall, E.J. 1997. Garbage. Gale Group.
Nardo, D. 1992. Recycling. Thomson Gale.
O’Connor, K. 1989. Garbage. Lucent Books.
Rhatigan, J. and H. Smith. 2003. Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Silverstein, A. 1992. Recycling: Meeting the Challenge of the Trash Crisis. Penguin Group.
Smith, H. and J. Rhatigan. 2002. Earth-Friendly Crafts for Kids: 50 Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark Books.
Stefoff, R. 1991. Recycling. Chelsea House Publishers.
Sullivan, G.E. 1976. How Do They Package It? Westminster John Knox Press.
Woodburn, J. 1993. Garbage and Recycling. Gareth Stevens Audio.

Grades 9-12
Cozic, C.P. 1997. Garbage and Waste. Thomson Gale.
Gay, K. 1991. Garbage and Recycling. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Imhoff, D. and R. Carra. 2005. Paper or Plastic? Searching for Solutions to an Overpackaged World. Sierra Club Books.
Kimball, D. 1992. Recycling in America: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.
Rhatigan, J. and H. Smith. 2003. Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Lark.
Rogers, H. 2006. Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage. New Press.
Sailer, J. 1993. A Vogt for the Environment. The Book Publishing Company.
Stein, K. 1997. Beyond Recycling: A Re-user's Guide. Clear Light Publishers.
Strong, D.L. 1997. Recycling in America: A Reference Book. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.
Sullivan, G.E. 1976. How Do They Package It? Westminster John Knox Press.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

To Zone or Not to Zone

There are many issues involved when we are deciding how to utilize the land and our natural resources. How do we decide where to build new housing developments? How do we decide where to set aside land for wildlife and recreation? Figuring out how best to use the resources that we have for the greatest good of all, human and wildlife, can be tricky. There are many factors to consider when making these decisions. Conflicting attitudes and beliefs about how our natural resources should be used can also make coming to a decision difficult. Use Project WILD’s “To Zone or Not to Zone” to try your hand at deciding a land-use issue. Students will simulate a meeting of a county commission and decide whether or not to rezone an 80-acre plot of undeveloped forest land for a housing development. What will they decide to do?

Extension Activities:
Have students identify a local land-use issue that affects wildlife and develop their own meeting simulation to discuss the issue.

Bring local experts on land-use to the classroom and have them discuss with students how they make the sometimes difficult decisions about zoning and land-use.

Book List

Grades PreK-2

Aston, D.H. and K. Murphy. 2007. Loony Little: An Environmental Tale. Candlewick Press.
Bauer, D. 2003. People Change the Land. Coughlan Publishing.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing Staff. 2004. Forest (Eye Wonder Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Glaser, L. and E. Kleven. 2000. Our Big Home: An Earth Poem. Lerner Publishing Group.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Protect Nature? Barron’s Educational Series, Incoporated.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Wheeler, J.C. 1993. Branch out: A Book about Land. ABDO Publishing Company.

Grades 3-5
Arthus-Bertrand, Y., et al. 2004. Future of the Earth: An Introduction to Sustainable Development for Young Readers. HNA Books.
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree (Eyewitness Books Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Dalgleish, S. 2002. Managing the Land. Chelsea House Publishers.
Deboo, A. 2006. Mapping the Land and Environment. Heinemann.
James, B. 1993. Use of Land. Cengage Learning.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Petersen, C. 2004. Conservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Petersen, C. 2004. Land Preservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Dolan, E.F. 1992. American Wilderness and Its Future: Conservation Versus Use. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Kallen, S. 2005. Managing America's Forests. Greenhaven Press.
Lane, B. and L. Buller. 2005. Ecology. DK Publishing, Inc.
Mania, C. and R. Mania. A Forest’s Life: From Meadow to Mature Woodland. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Marvis, B. and M. Ferron. 1995. Plants of the Forest. Facts on File, Inc.
Morgan, S. 2009. Natural Resources. Black Rabbit Books.
Rybolt, T.R. 1993. Environmental Experiments about Land. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Earth’s Resources. Chelsea House Publishers.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land Is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Willis, T. 1992. Land Use and Abuse. Scholastic.

Grades 9-12
Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Desonie, D. 2008. Geosphere: The Land and Its Uses. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Gibson, C.C., et al. 2000. People and Forests: Communities, Institutions, and Governance. MIT Press.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Our Human Planet Summary for Decision-Makers. New York: Island P.
Parks, P. 2004. Global Resources. Cengage Gale
Schwartz, M. 1993. Environment and the Law. Chelsea House Publishers.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Forests. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Winters, A. 2006. Destruction of Earth’s Resources: The Need for Sustainable Development. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Walker, B., Salt,D., and Reid, W. 2006. Resilience Thinking : Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World. New York: Island P.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Look at Lifestyles

What aspects of modern life would you be willing to live without? Your television? Your video games? Electricity? When pioneers settled in America they did not have electricity, running water or televisions. They lived a lifestyle of subsistence that would be considered difficult by modern standards. Likewise, Native Americans relied upon the land to provide them with the natural resources they needed. Both cultures survived and thrived without the modern conveniences and luxuries that we often take for granted. Admittedly, living without electricity and running water would be very difficult in our modern world, but what about the other luxuries that we enjoy? What could you live without? Use Project Learning Tree’s “A Look at Lifestyles” to examine the historical attitudes of Native Americans and American Pioneers towards the land and our natural resources. Then explore your own modern lifestyle by defining your needs and deciding what is essential, what maintains our modern lifestyle and what things are luxuries. Finally, identify where all these things come from and the natural resources needed to produce and provide them.




Book List

Grades PreK-2
Aliki. 1986. Corn is Maize: The Gift of the Indians. HarperCollins Publishers.
Bruchac, J. 1998. Earth under Sky Bear's Feet: Native American Poems of the Land. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Carlson, L.W. 1994. More Than Moccasins: A Kid's Activity Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life. Chicago Review Press, Incorporated.
Deedy, C.A. and L.L. Seeley. 1994. Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story. Peachtree Publishers.
Englar, M. 2005. The Great Plains Indians: Daily Life in the 1700s. Capstone Press Inc.
Hennessey, B.G. and L. Cravath. 2001. One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Orie, S. 1996. Did You Hear Wind Sing Your Name? Walker & Company.
Osborne, M.P. and S. Murdocca. 1999. Buffalo Before Breakfast (Magic Tree House Series #18). Random House Childrens Books.

Grades 3-5
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Englar, M. 2005. The Great Plains Indians: Daily Life in the 1700s. Capstone Press Inc.
Erickson, P. 1995. Daily Life in a Covered Wagon. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Goble, P. 2005. All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts About Nature. World Wisdom Books.
Greenwood, B. and H. Collins. 1998. Pioneer Sampler: The Daily Life of a Pioneer Family in 1840. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Henry, J.L., J.A. Zarins, and C.E. Henry. 2002. Log Cabin in the Woods: A True Story about a Pioneer Boy. Guild Press/Emmis Pub.
Mayo, G.W. 1989. Earthmaker's Tales: North American Indian Stories about Earth Happenings. Walker & Company.
Osborne, M.P. and S. Murdocca. 1999. Buffalo Before Breakfast (Magic Tree House Series #18).
Petersen, C. 2004. Conservation. Children’s Press (CT). Random House Childrens Books.
Petersen, C. 2004. Land Preservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Terry, M.B.H. 1999. Daily Life in a Plains Indian Village 1868. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Wade, M.D. and H. Dunn. 1997. Homesteading on the Plains: Daily Life in the Land of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Lerner Publishing Group.
Warren, A. 1998. Pioneer Girl: Growing up on the Prairie. HarperCollins Publishers.
Wilder, L.I., R. Graef and G. Williams. 1995. Winter Days in the Big Woods. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 6-8
Boekhoff, P.M. and S.A. Kallen. 2003. Native Americans of the Great Lakes. Cengage Gale.
Greenwood, B. and H. Collins. 1998. Pioneer Sampler: The Daily Life of a Pioneer Family in 1840. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Harvey, K.D. and L.D. Harjo. 2006. Indian Country: A History of Native People in America. Fulcrum Publishing.
Kavin, K. 2006. Tools of Native Americans: A Kid's Guide to the History and Culture of the First Americans. Nomad Press VT.
Lindeen, C.K. 2007. Natural and Human-Made. Pebble Books.
Marsh, C. 1996. Iowa Indian!: A Kid's Look at Our State's Chiefs, Tribes, Reservations, Powwows, Lore and More From the Past and the Present. Gallopade International.
May, R. 1987. American Pioneer Family. Rourke Enterprises, Incorporated.
Morgan, S. 2009. Natural Resources. Black Rabbit Books.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Earth’s Resources. Chelsea House Publishers.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc
Tunis, E. 1976. Frontier Living. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Warren, A. 1998. Pioneer Girl: Growing up on the Prairie. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 9-12
Desonie, D. 2008. Geosphere: The Land and Its Uses. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Parks, P. 2004. Global Resources. Cengage Gale
Pendleton, L. 2003. Native Americans (Discoveries Series). Barnes and Noble.
Tunis, E. 1976. Frontier Living. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Waldman, C. 1985. Atlas of the North American Indian. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Winters, A. 2006. Destruction of Earth’s Resources: The Need for Sustainable Development. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Words in Time

Throughout history people have been influenced by the written word, the writings of different authors have helped shape entire generations and reflect the views of their time period. Use Project Learning Tree’s “In the Good Old Days” to explore excerpts from the writings of different authors who have influenced people’s thinking about the environment. Students will become familiar with different authors and explore how those authors’ personal experiences shaped their relationship with our environment. Along the way, they will examine their own views about the environment and how their own personal experiences have shaped their relationship with the environment.

Enrichment activity:

Students can research an important environmental or conservation leader, such as a scientist, political leader or writer, to learn about the influences in that person’s life. They can also explore what the general environmental attitudes were during that person’s time period and how the attitudes and events of the time may have helped shape their attitude about the environment.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Aliki. 1971. The Story of Johnny Appleseed. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Holling, C. 1980. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Romanova, N. 1999. Once There Was a Tree. Rebound by Sagebrush.
Schnur, S., H.D. Thoreau and P.M. Fiore. 2002. Henry David’s House. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 3-5
Hamerstrom, F. 1985. Walk When the Moon Is Full. Crossing Press, Inc.
Holling, C. 1980. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Houghton Mifflin Company
Thorson, K., R. Thorson and G. Moore. 2003. Stone Wall Secrets. Tilbury House Publishers.
Wilder, L.I., R. Graef and G. Williams. 1995. Winter Days in the Big Woods. HarperCollins Publishers.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 6-8
Atkins, J. and P. Conner. 2000. Girls Who Looked Under Rocks. Dawn Publications.
Fletcher, R.J. 1997. Ordinary Things: Poems from a Walk in Early Spring. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Hass, R. and P. Michael. 2008. River of Words: Young Poets and Artists on the Nature of Things. Milkweed Editions.
Holling, C. 1980. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Houghton Mifflin Company
Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
Maurer, R. 1999. The Wild Colorado. Random House Children’s Books.
Pratt-Serafini, K.J. 2001. Salamander Rain. Dawn Publications.
Stewart Knight, A. and M. McCurdy. 1993. The Way West: Journal of a Pioneer Woman. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land Is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 9-12
Anderson, P. 1996. Henry David Thoreau: American Naturalist. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Carson, R. 2002. Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Emerson, R.W. and L. Ziff. 2003. Nature and Selected Essays. Penguin Group(USA).
Finch, R. The Norton Book of Nature Writing College Edition with Field Guide. W. W. Norton & Co. Inc.
Lendt, D.L. 1989. Ding: The Life of Jay Norwood Darling. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
Muir, J. 1997. John Muir: Nature Writings. Penguin Group.
Thoreau, H. 2004. Walden. Houghton Mifflin Books.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

By the Rivers of Babylon

Throughout history, people have relied upon our natural resources for survival. The availability of water, food and other resources determined where people settled. The availability of these resources has also influenced how cultures have evolved over time. Many civilizations have endured for thousands of years, while others were unable to survive for so long. What are the reasons behind these declines? Did these civilizations use more resources than the environment was able to renew? Or were there other factors such as politics, war or a changing environment that caused the eventual decline? Use Project Learning Tree’s “By the Rivers of Babylon” to explore how an ancient civilization changed over time and explain possible causes for that change.

Enrichment Activities:

Students can research and discuss present-day issues related to our natural resources and land use.

Students can write an update on the land areas that were once home to great civilizations. For example, ancient Babylonia is now Iraq.




Book List

Grades PreK-2

Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Protect Nature? Barron’s Educational Series, Incoporated.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Save Water? Barron’s Educational Series, Incoporated.
Deedy, C.A. and L.L. Seeley. 1994. Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story. Peachtree Publishers.
Priceman, M. 2008. How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. Random House Childrens Books.
Berenstain, S. and J. Berenstain. 1991. The Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute (Anymore). Random House Children’s Books.
Hennessey, B.G. and L. Cravath. 2001. One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims. Penguin Young Readers Group.

Grades 3-5
Pearson, A. 2007. Eyewitness Ancient Greece. DK Publishing, Inc.
Gruber, B. and J. Reinhard. National Geographic Investigates Ancient Inca: Archaeology Unlicks the Secrets of the Inca’s Past. National Geographic Society Childrens Books.
Apel, M.A. 2004. Land and Resources in Ancient Greece. Powerkids Press.
Gedacht, D. 2004. Land and Resources in Ancient Rome. Powerkids Press.
Kaplan, L.C. 2004. Land and Resources in Ancient Egypt. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Petersen, C. 2004. Conservation. Children’s Press (CT).
Petersen, C. 2004. Land Preservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.


Grades 6-8
Baquedano, E. and M. Zabe. 2005. Aztec, Inca and Maya (Eyewitness Books Series). D.K. Publishing, Inc.
Schomp, V. 2005. Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians (People of the Ancient World Series). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Roberts, P.C. 2003. Ancient Rome (Discoveries Series). Barnes & Noble.
Pearson, A. 2007. Eyewitness Ancient Greece. DK Publishing, Inc.
Adams, S. and K. Baxter. 2006. The Kingfisher Atlas of the Ancient World. Roaring Brook Press.
James, S. 2008. Ancient Rome. DK Publishing, Inc.
Hart, G. 2008. Eyewitness Ancient Egypt. DK Publishing, Inc.
Gruber, B. and J. Reinhard. National Geographic Investigates Ancient Inca: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Inca’s Past. National Geographic Society Childrens Books.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.
Morgan, S. 2009. Natural Resources. Black Rabbit Books.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Earth’s Resources. Chelsea House Publishers.
Lindeen, C.K. 2007. Natural and Human-Made. Pebble Books.

Grades 9-12
Schomp, V. 2005. Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians (People of the Ancient World Series). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Larsen, C.E. Life and Land Use on the Bahrain Islands: The Geoarchaeology of an Ancient Society. University of Chicago Press.
Kliot, N. 2005. Water Resources and Conflict in the Middle East. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Winters, A. 2006. Destruction of Earth’s Resources: The Need for Sustainable Development. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Parks, P. 2004. Global Resources. Cengage Gale.
Desonie, D. 2008. Geosphere: The Land and Its Uses. Facts on File, Incorporated.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land…Or is it?

Native Americans are said to call the November full moon the Beaver Moon. American Indians traditionally had strong connections to the land and most engaged regularly in ceremonies to thank the creator for the land. Attitudes towards, and uses of, our land have changed over time and these patterns of change can be observed throughout history. Use Project Learning Tree’s activity, “Native Ways” to explore some traditional American Indian attitudes with respect to the land and our natural resources.

Students can research local past Indian Chiefs and explore their tribes’ relationship to the land.

Students can interview individuals within their community, or within a local Native American tribal community, about their relationship to, and attitude toward, the land and land use.

Suggested extension activity - Project WILD’s “Wildlife Issues: Community Attitude Survey”. Explore the differing beliefs, attitudes and values towards our land, the environment, and wildlife within your community.




Book List
Grades PreK-2


Bruchac, J. 1997. Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Bruchac, J. 1998. Earth under Sky Bear's Feet: Native American Poems of the Land. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Carlson, L. 1994. More Than Moccasins: A Kid's Activity Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life. Chicago Review Press.
Hamanaka, S. 1999. All the Colors of the Earth. HarperCollins Publishers.
Jeffers, S.J. 1991. Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: A Message from Chief Seattle. Dial.
Macgill-Callahan, S. 1996. And Still the Turtle Watched. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Morris, A. 2002. Grandma Maxine Remembers: A Native American Family Story. Lerner Publishing Group.
Orie, S. 1996. Did You Hear Wind Sing Your Name? Walker & Company.
Schmid, E. 2000. The Living Earth. North-South.


Grades 3-5

Adler, N. 1996. Dial Book of Animal Tales from around the World. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
Bruchac, J. 2000. Pushing Up the Sky: Seven Native American Plays for Children. Penguin Group.
Caduto, M.J. 1997. Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Gates, F. 1994. Owl Eyes. HarperCollins Publishers.
Goble, P. 2005. All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts About Nature. World Wisdom Books.
Levitt, P.M. 1989. Stolen Appaloosa and Other Indian Stories. Bookmakers Guild, Incorporated.
Lopez, B.H. 1998. Crow and Weasel. North Point Press.
Mayo, G.W. 1989. Earthmaker's Tales: North American Indian Stories about Earth Happenings. Walker & Company.
Miller, J. 1996. American Indian Festivals. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ortiz, S.J. 1988. People Shall Continue. Children's Book Press.
Williamson, R.A. and J.G. Monroe. 2007. They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dalgleish, S. 2002. Managing the Land. Chelsea House Publishers.

Grades 6-8

Bruchac, J. 2003. Our Stories Remember: American Indian History, Culture, and Values through Storytelling. Fulcrum Publishing.
Gleason, K. 1996. Native American Literature. Chelsea House Publishers.
Harvey, K.D. and L.D. Harjo. 2006. Indian Country: A History of Native People in America. Fulcrum Publishing.
Hirschfelder, A.B. 1993. Rising Voices: Writings of Young Native Americans. Random House Publishing Group.
Kavin, K. 2006. Tools of Native Americans: A Kid's Guide to the History and Culture of the First Americans. Nomad Press VT.
Keoke, E.D. 2005. American Indian Contributions to the World: Food, Farming and Hunting. Facts on File.
Legay, G. 2007. Dictionary of North American Indians and Other Indigenous Peoples. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Marsh, C. 1996. Iowa Indian!: A Kid's Look at Our State's Chiefs, Tribes, Reservations, Powwows, Lore and More From the Past and the Present. Gallopade International.
Murdoch, D. 2005. North American Indian. DK Publishing, Inc.
Nies, J. 1996. Native American History: A Chronology of the Vast Achievements of a Culture and Their Links. Random House Publishing Group.
Waldman, C. 2006. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land Is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Willis, T. 1992. Land Use and Abuse. Scholastic.


Grades 9-12

Austin, M. 2004. Trail Book. University of Nevada Press.
Waldman, C. 1985. Atlas of the North American Indian. Facts on File, Incorporated.
Cronon, W. 2003. Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonist and the Ecology of New England. Hill and Wang.


Thursday, October 23, 2008

Is Anyone Home?
This week is Urban Nature Week! Urban areas are not usually thought of when individuals are discussing wildlife. Students can find wildlife in urban areas if they look close enough, wildlife can even be found in your backyard! Project Learning Tree’s “Are Vacant Lots Vacant?” gives students the opportunity to find wildness in the city.



Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bunting, E. 1996. Secret Place. Clarion Books.
Capogna, V.V. 1999. Did You Ever Wonder about Things You Find in Your Backyard? Marshall Cavendish Inc.
Cooper, A.C. 2000. In the City. Rinehart P.
Davis, W. 1998. City Park. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Di Salvo-Ryan, D. 1994. City Green. HarperCollins Publishers.
Eclare, M. 2002. Harvest of Color: Growing a Vegetable Garden. Handprint Books.
Edwards, N. 2000. Glenna's Seeds. Child & Family Press.
Ehlert, L. 2004. Nuts to You! Harcourt.
Epstein, S. 1989. Bugs for Dinner?: The Eating Habits of Neighborhood Creatures. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Fife, D.H. 1996. The Empty Lot. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Fleming, D. 1995. In the Tall, Tall Grass. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Fleming, D. 2000. Where Once There Was a Wood. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Herberman, E. 1989. The City Kid's Field Guide. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Hester, N. 2004. The Living Town. Watts Pub Group.
Huelbig, C. 1996. City Kids and City Critters! McGraw-Hill Companies.
Koontz, R.M. 1998. The Complete Backyard Nature Activity Book: Fun Projects for Kids to Learn About the Wonders of Wildlife and Nature. McGraw-Hill.
Lunis, N. 1996. Life in Your Backyard. Newbridge Educational Publishing.
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Raintree Steck-Vaughn. 1987. Animals in Cities and Parks. Steck-Vaughn.
Rammell, S.K. 2006. City Beats: A Hip-Hoppy Pigeon Poem. Dawn Publications.
Rockwell, A. 2006. Backyard Bear. Walker & Company.
Ruurs, M. 2007. In My Backyard. Tundra.
Schwartz, D.M. 1997. In the Park. Creative Teaching Press, Incorporated.
Thornhill, J. 1996. Wild in the City. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Wheeler, J.C. 1993. Beastly Neighbors. ABDO Publishing Company.

Grades 3-5
Barrons Educational Series. 2000. Urban Animal. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bash, B. 1992. Urban Roosts: Where Birds Nest in the City. Little, Brown & Company.
Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Gustafson, K.B. 2005. Aunt Gussie And Grandfather Tree. Beaver's Pond Press.
Hirschi, R. 1987. City Geese. Penguin Group.
Hodgkins, F. 2000. Animals among Us: Living with Suburban Wildlife. Shoe String Press, Incorporated.
Kirkland, J. 2006. Take a City Nature Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Maurer, R. 1989. City Kid's Field Guide. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Morgan, S. 2001. Cities. World Book, Incorporated.
Morgan, S. 1998. Homes and Cities: Living for the Future. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Sanders, S.R. 2002. Crawdad Creek. National Geographic Society.
Shattil, W. 1997. City Foxes. Alaska Northwest Books.
Stetson, E. 2004. Kids' Easy-to-Create Wildlife Habitats: For Small Spaces in City-Suburbs-Countryside. Williamson Books.
Turner, S. 1999. Communities. Raintree Publishers.

Grades 6-8
Aldis, R. 1992. Towns and Cities. Silver Burdett Press.
Barrons Educational Series. 2000. Urban Animal. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bruning, N.P. 1992. Cities against Nature. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cochrane, J. 1988. Urban Ecology. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Fleischman, P. 1999. Seedfolks. HarperCollins Publishers.
Gralla, P. 1999. How Cities Work: Open Your Eyes to the Wonders of the Urban Environment. DIANE PublishingCompany.

Grades 9-12
Adams, C.E. 2005. Urban Wildlife Management. CRC Press.
Bosselaar, L.A. 2000. Urban Nature: Poems About Wildlife in the City. Milkweed Editions.
Lomberg, M. 2004. Healthy Cities: Improving Urban Life. Smart Apple Media.

Friday, October 17, 2008

A Few of My Favorite Things


This week is Earth Science Week. Connecting students with our natural resources to make good stewards is a priority. The majority of students do not realize how their favorite things are made or what natural resources go in to making them. Project Learning Tree’s activity “A Few of My Favorite Things” will assist students in connecting what resources are used to make their favorite item. Students will be amazed at how many products can be made from one resource.

As an extension, have students research if the resources used to make their object are sustainable.

Can you name some of Iowa’s naturally occurring resources?
  • Wind

  • Coal

  • Clay and Shale

  • Silica Sand

  • Coalbed Methane

  • Lime

  • Gypsum

  • Crushed stone (Limestone)


  • Source*
  • Iowa DNR




  • Book List
    Grades 6-8
    Walker, N. 2007. Generating Wind Power (Energy Revolution).New York: Crabtree Publishing Company.
    Woelfle, G. 1997. The Wind at Work: An Activity Guide to Windmills. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.

    Grades 9-12
    Gradwohl, D., & Osborn, N. 1990. Exploring Buried Buxton: Archaeology of an Abandoned Iowa Coal Mining Town with a Large Black Population (Bur Oak Book). Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
    Pederson, S., & Rygle, K. 2008. Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.: Where and How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals. Woodstock: GemStone Press.
    Spilsbury, L., & Spilsbury, R. 2007. The Pros and Cons of Wind Power (The Energy Debate). New York City: Rosen Central.
    Walker, N. 2007. Generating Wind Power (Energy Revolution). New York: Crabtree Publishing Company.
    Woelfle, G. 1997. The Wind at Work: An Activity Guide to Windmills. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.
    2006. Coal (Fueling the Future). Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press.

    Friday, October 10, 2008

    Forest Hotels

    Fall is an excellent time to explore Iowa forests. More than 300 wildlife species live in Iowa forests. Lead your students on a scavenger hunt, looking for signs of animal homes. Check out Project Learning Tree’s activity, “Trees as Habitats” for great tips and suggestions.






    Book List
    Grades PreK-2
    Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Space in a Tree. HarperCollins.
    Brett, J. 1989. The Mitten. G.P. Putnam Sons.
    Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
    Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
    Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
    Fisher, A. 1965. In the Woods, In the Meadow, In the Sky. Scribner.
    Hutchins, P. 1972. Good-Night Owl!.MacMillan.
    Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
    Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Dutton.
    Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
    Ryder, J. 1989. A Chipmunk Song. Lodestar Books.
    Seiffert, P. 1994. Exploring Tree Habitats (Exploring Habitats). Mondo Publishing.
    Schwartz, D. 1999. In a Tree. Gareth Steven Publications.
    Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.

    Grades 3-5
    Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Space in a Tree. HarperCollins.
    Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
    Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
    Hutchins, P. 1972. Good-Night Owl!. MacMillan.
    Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
    Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
    Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.

    Grades 6-8
    Watts, M.T. 1970. Winter Tree Finder. Nature Study Guild.

    Grades 9-12
    Trelease, W. 1967. Winter Botany: An Identification Guide to Native Trees and Shrubs. Dover Publications.

    Friday, October 03, 2008

    Forest Consequences

    Iowa’s forest area is making a comeback!
    Managing forest private or public is not an easy job.
    Use Project Learning Tree’s activity, “400-Acre Wood”, to explore the role of managers of a 400-acre piece of public forest or you can use “Forest Consequences” for a view in to managing private forests.

    Students can find out how the use of private or public land can affect future generations.

    Contact a local forest manager near you and ask for a sample of a management plan.





    Book list

    Pre-K – Grade 2

    Bauer, D. 2003. People Change the Land. Coughlan Publishing.
    Wheeler, J.C. 1993. Branch out: A Book about Land. ABDO Publishing Company.

    Grades 3-5

    Bockenhauer, M.H., J. Carter, and S.F. Cunha. 2004. National Geographic Our Fifty States. National Geographic Society.
    Dalgleish, S. 2002. Managing the Land. Chelsea House Publishers.
    Deboo, A. 2006. Mapping the Land and Environment. Heinemann.
    James, B. 1993. Use of Land. Cengage Learning.
    Petersen, C. 2004. Land Preservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Snodgrass, M.E. 1991. Environmental Awareness: Land Pollution. Bancroft-Sage Publishing,Incorporated.

    Grades 6-8

    Beckman, W.H. 2004. National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
    Casper, J.K. 2007. Agriculture: The Food We Grow and Animals We Raise. Chelsea House Publishers.
    Dolan, E.F. 1992. American Wilderness and Its Future: Conservation Versus Use. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Kallen, S. 2005. Managing America's Forests. Greenhaven Press.
    Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.
    Miles, B. 1991. Save the Earth: An Action Handbook for Kids. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Rybolt, T.R. 1993. Environmental Experiments about Land. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
    Skurzynski, G. 1981. Safeguarding the Land. Harcourt.
    Whitman, S. 1994. This Land Is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Willis, T. 1992. Land Use and Abuse. Scholastic.

    Grades 9-12

    Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
    Prior, J.C. and L.A. Stone. 2000. Iowa - Portrait of the Land. Iowa Department of Natural Resources,Geological Survey.
    Schwartz, M. 1993. Environment and the Law. Chelsea House Publishers.

    Friday, September 26, 2008

    Take a Child Outside Week, Sept. 24-30
    Saturday September 27 is National Public Lands Day.




    Ecosystem Facelift

    Iowa’s landscape has changed through out the years, Iowa was originally all prairies. Now only a few native prairies remain however, the effort to restore prairies is full force. Check out your local county conservation board to find the native and restored prairies near you.

    To explore this topic Project WILD offers the activity Ecosystem Facelift. This activity helps identify ways to restore your community’s ecosystem.
    Modification: The students can go out side and use digital cameras to take picture of local plant and animals to use in the activity.



    Book List

    Grades PreK-2

    Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild : An Environmental History. New York: Voyager Books/Libros Viajeros.

    Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature's Green Umbrella : Tropical Rain Forests. New York: Harper Trophy.

    Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.

    Locker, T. 2001. Sky Tree : Seeing Science Through Art. New York: HarperCollins.


    Grades 3-5

    Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild : An Environmental History. New York: Voyager Books/Libros Viajeros.

    Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature's Green Umbrella : Tropical Rain Forests. New York: Harper Trophy.

    Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.

    Locker, T. 2001. Sky Tree : Seeing Science Through Art. New York: HarperCollins.

    Grades 6-8

    Lane, B. 2005. Ecology. Grand Rapids: Dorling Kindersley, Incorporated.

    Grades 9-12

    Collard, S. B. 2005. The Prairie Builders : Reconstructing America's Lost
    Grasslands.
    Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company Trade & Reference Division.

    Lane, B. 2005. Ecology. Grand Rapids: Dorling Kindersley, Incorporated.

    Novacek, M. J. 2007. Terra : Our 100-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem--and the Threats That Now Put It at Risk. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

    Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Our Human Planet : Summary for Decision-Makers. New York: Island P.

    Peterson, D. 2004. Exploration of the Tetons. New York: Farcountry P.

    Reilly, K. M. 2008. Planet Earth : 25 Environmental Projects You Can Build Yourself. New York: Nomad P.

    Shirley, S. 1994. Restoring the Tallgrass Prairie : An Illustrated Manual for Iowa and the Upper Midwest. New York: University of Iowa P.

    Smith, J. R., and Smith, B. S. 1980. A Prairie Garden : Seventy Native Plants You Can Grow in Town or Country. New York: University of Wisconsin P.

    Smith, R. B., and Siegel. L. J. 2000. Windows into the Earth : The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. New York: Oxford UP.

    Stolzenburg, W. 2008. Where the Wild Things Were : Life, Death, and Ecological Wreckage in a Land of Vanishing Predators. Grand Rapids: Bloomsbury.

    Walker, B., Salt,D., and Reid, W. 2006. Resilience Thinking : Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World. New York: Island P.

    Tuesday, September 02, 2008

    Break the Ice in the Classroom!

    The first weeks of school can be challenging for some students, especially those who are new. Try this activity modified from Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Exchange Box to assist students in getting to know each other.

    Create a list of questions (see sample questions below for ideas). Incorporate natural resource topics into your questions. If you are planning on taking your students on outside field trips this fall, this activity can be used as an indicator of the comfort level of your students to outside activities.

    Cut the list of questions into individual slips of paper (1 question per slip). Place the slips into a box. Pass the box around. Each student pulls out a slip of paper, reads the question, and answers to the class.

    As an extension, the students could record the answers and graph the results. They could share the results with other sections of their same grade level.

    Sample Questions

    • What is your favorite thing to do outside?
    • What is your favorite food?
    • If you could be any animal what would you be and why?
    • What is your favorite color?
    • Do you prefer to view sunrise or sunset?
    • What is your favorite song?
    • What is your best outdoor memory?
    • What is your favorite flower?
    • What is your favorite tree?
    • What is your favorite movie?
    • What is your favorite sound heard outside?
    • What is your favorite smell?





    Book List
    Grades PreK-2
    Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
    Carle, E. 1999. Eric Carle’s Animals, Animals. Putnam Juvenile.
    Carlson, N. 1990. I Like Me! Puffin.
    DK Publishing. 2007. Backyard Bugs. DK Publishing, Inc.
    Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
    Hallinan, P.K. 2001. My First Day of School. Ideals Publications.
    Penn, A. 2006. Kissing Hand. Tanglewood Press IN.
    Selsam, M.E. and J. Hunt. 1991. Keep Looking! Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

    Grades 3-5
    Amato, C.A. 2002. Backyard Pets: Activities for Exploring Wildlife Close to Home. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
    Arnosky, J. 1983. Secrets of a Wildlife Watcher. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats (Crinkleroot Series). Aladin.
    Bishop, N. 2002. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. Scholastic, Inc.
    Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
    Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Norsgaard, E.J. 1990. Nature's Great Balancing Act: In Our Own Backyard. Penguin Young Readers Group.
    Sterry, P. 2005. Nature Explorer. Running Press Book Publishers.

    Thursday, August 21, 2008

    Our Changing World

    After natural disasters many individuals find the task of rebuilding overwhelming. Some communities rebuild in the same spot and some move locations. There are pros and cons to each of these ideas.

    Greenburg, Kansas received catastrophic damage due to an EF5 tornado on May 7th, 2007. As a community they pulled together to begin rebuilding with an environmentally conscious effort which is documented on Planet Green.

    Soldier Grove, Wisconsin relocated their downtown in the late 70’s due to flooding. This move proved successful in 2007 when the previous Soldier Grove location stood under water for ten days.

    Chelsea, Iowa, a town in Tama County reviewed moving in 1993 but decided to stay, received flooding in 2008. No one was injured nor was any property catastrophically damaged however; the town is still subject to flooding.

    Our Changing World, a Project Learning Tree activity, can be modified to help students understand and/or cope with the changes that affect our communities socially and physically due to natural disasters.





    Book List

    Grades PreK-2

    Boyce, N., Osborne, M. 2007. Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters: A Nonfiction Companion to High Tide in Hawaii. Random House Children’s Books.
    McGuire, B., Quake, D. 2007. Natural Disaster. Kingfisher.

    Grades 3-5

    Boyce, N., Osborne, M. 2007. Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters: A Nonfiction Companion to High Tide in Hawaii. Random House Children’s Books.
    Day, T.,Watts, C. 2006. Natural Disasters (DK Eyewitness Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
    McGuire, B., Quake, D. 2007. Natural Disaster. Kingfisher.



    Grades 9-12

    Barry, J. 1998. Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing.
    Brinkley, D. 2007. The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Cost. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Horne, J. 2006. Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City. Random House Publishing Group.
    Larson, E., Cline, I.2000. Issac’s Storm: A Man, A Time and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. Knopf Publishing Group.
    Maser, C. 1995. Resolving Environmental Conflicts: Towards Sustainable Community Development. CRC Press.
    McCullough, D. 1987. The Johnstown Flood. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing.
    Miller, D., Rivera, J. 2008. Hurricane Katrina and the Redefinition of a Landscape. Lexington Books
    Stern, G. 2008. The Buffalo Creek Disaster: The Story of Survivor’s Unprecedented Lawsuit. Knopf Publishing Group.

    Wednesday, August 13, 2008

    Students and Watershed

    The 12th of August was International Youth Day. Empower students by giving them the tools to investigate their environment.

    Where does all that rain go? It doesn’t all evaporate. Some of the water runs off in to the creeks and streams that eventually go to rivers. This is called a watershed. When the land cannot keep up with the weather we see issues with flooding and erosion. “Where does the Water Run?” a Project WILD Aquatic activity, allows students the chance to investigate this topic.




    Book List

    Grades PreK-2

    Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
    Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

    Grades 3-5

    Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
    Hiscock, B. 1997. Big Rivers: The Missouri, the Mississippi, and the Ohio. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
    Wick, W. 1997. Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder. Scholastic, Inc.
    Yolen, J. 1995. Water Music: Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

    Grades 9-12

    DeBarry, P.A. 2004. Watersheds: Processes, Assessment and Management. Wiley.
    Dobson, C. 1999. Watersheds: A Practical Handbook for Healthy Water. Firefly Books, Limited.
    Newton, Lisa H., C.K. Dillingham and J.H. Choly. 2005. Watersheds 4: Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics. Wadsworth Publishing.

    Friday, August 08, 2008

    Changing the Land


    We have all seen the news and have experienced changes in our own environment. We as a culture are changing the landscape so fast Mother Nature can not keep up. With these changes come devastating effects, excess pollutants and silt in watersheds that would normally be filtered by vegetation and are worsened by natural disasters. Students can examine this topic further by using Project WILD’s activity “Changing the Land”.

    The earth is ever changing, our impacts are far reaching, but with a conscious effort these effects can be slowed and possibly reversed. Students can see that one person; one small change can make a huge difference.




    Book List

    Grades PreK-2

    Bauer, D. 2003. People Change the Land. Coughlan Publishing.
    Rutten, J. 1998. Erosion. Child's World, Incorporated.
    Wheeler, J.C. 1993. Branch out: A Book about Land. ABDO Publishing Company.

    Grades 3-5

    Dalgleish, S. 2002. Managing the Land. Chelsea House Publishers.
    Deboo, A. 2006. Mapping the Land and Environment. Heinemann.
    James, B. 1993. Use of Land. Cengage Learning.
    Olien, R. 2001. Erosion. Capstone Press.
    Winner, C. 1999. Erosion. Lerner Publishing Group.

    Grades 6-8

    Bailey, J. 2006. Cracking up: A Story about Erosion. Coughlan Publishing.
    Downs, S. 2000. Shaping the Earth: Erosion. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Fodor, R.V. 1983. Chiseling the Earth: How Erosion Shapes the Land. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
    Kallen, S. 2005. Managing America's Forests. Greenhaven Press.
    Koontz, R.M. 2006. Erosion: Changing the Earth's Surface. Coughlan Publishing.
    Leopold, A. 1989. A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press
    Petersen, C. 2004. Land Preservation. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Rybolt, T.R. 1993. Environmental Experiments about Land. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
    Stille, D. 2004. Erosion: How Land Forms How It Changes. Compass Point Books.
    Willis, T. 1992. Land Use and Abuse. Scholastic.

    Grades 9-12

    Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.
    Cronon, W. 2003. Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonist and the Ecology of New England. Hill and Wang.
    Goldsmith, Z., Pearce, F. 2007. Earth Then and Now: Amazing Images of our Changing World. Firefly Books, Limited.
    Janice, R. 2006. Land Abuse and Soil Erosion. Wiegel Publishers.
    Nardi, J.B. 2005. World beneath Our Feet: A Guide to Life in the Soil. Oxford University Press.
    Prior, J.C. and L.A. Stone. 2000. Iowa - Portrait of the Land. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey.
    Schwartz, M. 1993. Environment and the Law. Chelsea House Publishers.
    Stille, D. 2004. Erosion: How Land Forms How It Changes. Compass Point Books.

    Wednesday, July 30, 2008

    Ever Changing Landscape

    School will begin soon, for many counties. A number of students might not return due to the natural disasters this summer. Students could feel the effects due to loss of home or friends. However, some students might not have had to deal with the natural disasters directly.

    A grand total of 83 counties were declared disaster areas over the course of May and June this summer.

    With this summer’s natural disasters a very troubling question has been asked.

    Did we do this to ourselves?

    To investigate this topic further we suggest using Project Learning Tree’s activity “Then and Now” modified to focus on the history of natural disasters effect on your community. Here are some questions to ask when researching this topic.

    • Did your community expand in to a flood zone?
    • How many natural disasters have affected your community?
    • How has natural disasters damaged and/or changed the landscape?

    Natural disasters have profound effects on the community. For a big picture use other natural disasters i.e. Alaska’s Great Tsunami/Earthquake of 1964 or Hurricane Katrina’s effect on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Closer to home is the devastating floods in Cedar Rapids and the catastrophic tornado in Parkersburg. Students can see the lasting effects of the devastating damage natural disasters can have on a community and the landscape from these well documented occurrences.




    Book List

    Grades PreK-2

    Boyce, N., Osborne, M. 2007. Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters: A Nonfiction Companion to High Tide in Hawaii. Random House Children’s Books.
    McGuire, B., Quake, D. 2007. Natural Disaster. Kingfisher.

    Grades 3-5

    Boyce, N., Osborne, M. 2007. Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters: A Nonfiction Companion to High Tide in Hawaii. Random House Children’s Books.
    Day, T. and C. Watts. 2006. Natural Disasters (DK Eyewitness Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
    McGuire, B. and D. Quake. 2007. Natural Disaster. Kingfisher.

    Grades 9-12

    Barry, J. 1998. Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing.
    Brinkley, D. 2007. The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Cost. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Horne, J. 2006. Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City. Random House Publishing Group.
    Larson, E., Cline, I. 2000. Issac’s Storm: A Man, A Time and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. Knopf Publishing Group.
    McCullough, D. 1987. The Johnstown Flood. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing.
    Miller, D., Rivera, J. 2008. Hurricane Katrina and the Redefinition of a Landscape. Lexington Books
    Stern, G. 2008. The Buffalo Creek Disaster: The Story of Survivor’s Unprecedented Lawsuit. Knopf Publishing Group.

    Wednesday, July 23, 2008

    Do You See What I See?

    To draw nature is to interpret what you see. How do you view your surroundings? Are they a simple blur as you drive past? Do you take a moment to “smell the roses”? Nature has inspired many famous artists over the centuries. If you were a wildlife artist what animals would inspire you?

    Drawing on Nature, a Project WILD activity, explores how drawing can assist learning in nature. So pick up a pen and a pad, meander through a trail or field, and find some inspiration in nature.



    Book List
    Grades PreK-2

    Carreiro, C. 1997. Hand-Print Animal Art. Ideals Publications.
    Davies, J. 2004. Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Lakin, P. 2002. Harold and the Purple Crayon: The Giant Garden. HarperFestival.
    LeRoux-Hugon, H. 2001. I Can Draw Wild Animals. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
    Ruurs, M. 2007. In My Backyard. Tundra.

    Grades 3-5
    Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Arnosky, J. 1987. Sketching Outdoors in Spring. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Arnosky, J. 1988. Sketching Outdoors in Summer. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
    Court, R. 2005. How to Draw Things In Nature. The Child’s World, Inc.
    Hammond, L. 2000. Lee Hammonds Big Book of Drawing. North Light Books.
    Harpster, S. 2006. Pencil, Paper, Draw!: Animals. Sterling Publishing.
    Harpster, S. 2008. Pencil, Paper, Draw!: Flowers. Sterling Publishing.
    Hultgren, K. 1993. The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action, Analysis, Caricature. Dover Publications.
    Kranz, L. 2002. My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for Kids. T&N Children's Publishing.
    Lasky, K. 1992. Think Like an Eagle: At Work with a Wildlife Photographer. Little, Brown & Company.
    Levin, F. 2001. 1-2-3 Draw Wild Animals: A Step-by-Step Guide. Peel Productions, Inc.
    Mason, M.E. 2005. John Audubon: Young Naturalist. Patria Press, Inc.
    Raham, R.G. 1996. Explorations in Backyard Biology: Drawing on Nature in the Classroom. Libraries Unlimited.
    Rines, F. 2006. Landscape Drawing in Pencil. Dover Publications.
    Rines, F. 2007. How to Draw Trees. Dover Publications.
    Ross, M.E. 1997. Wildlife Watching with Charles Eastman. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Walsh, P. 2006. Wild Animals. Heinemann Raintree.

    Grades 6-8
    Anderson, P. 1995. John James Audubon: Wildlife Artist. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Court, R. 2005. How to Draw Things In Nature. The Child’s World, Inc.
    Hammond, L. 2004. Lee Hammonds Big Book of Drawing. North Light Books.
    Harding, J. 2005. On Drawing Trees and Nature: A Classic Victorian Manual with Lessons and Examples. Dover Publications.
    Hultgren, K. 1993. The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action, Analysis, Caricature. Dover Publications.
    Huntley, M. 2008. Draw Nature. A&C Black Publishers, LTD.
    Monroe, C. 2006. The Wonders of Nature Sketchbook: Learn about Nature and How to Draw It. Storytime Press, Inc.
    Montgomery, R.G. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press.
    Rines, F. 2007. How to Draw Trees. Dover Publications.
    Temple, K. 2005. Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You’ll Ever Need to Be the Artist You’ve Always Wanted to Be. Sterling Publishing.

    Grades 9-12
    Hammond, L.2004. Lee Hammonds Big Book of Drawing. North Light Books.
    Hultgren, K. 1993. The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action, Analysis, Caricature. Dover Publications.
    La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
    Rines, F. (2007). How to Draw Trees. Dover Publications.

    Wednesday, July 16, 2008

    Sounds of Summer

    Imagine you are camping, it is night time and everyone has finally gone to sleep. The camp is quiet. You strain your ears for sound. What summer night time noises would you hear? Chirp, Chirp. Chirp, Chirp. Crickets!

    Did you know crickets are in the same genus as grasshoppers and only the male crickets sing? Air temperature also affects the speed of the chirping, the higher the temperature at night the faster they chirp. How do crickets protect themselves? What do they eat? Where do they live?

    Discover Project WILD’s “Grasshopper Gravity” activity under the stars and explore the world of crickets.





    Book List
    Grades PreK-2
    Allen, J. 2002. Are You a Grasshopper?. Kingfisher.
    Archambault, J. 2006. The Leaping Grasshopper. Jitterbug Books.
    Barkan, J. 2007. Little Cricket’s Song. Readers Digest Children’s Publishing, Incorporated.
    Berger, M. 1999. Chirping Crickets. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
    Bosca, F. 2006. The Three Grasshoppers. Purple Bear Books, Incorporated.
    Carle, E. 1997. Very Quiet Cricket. Penguin Young Readers Group.
    Caudill, R. 2004. Pocketful of Cricket. Holt, Henry Books for Young Readers.
    Collins, B. Insect’s Body, Vol 1. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Green, E. 2006. Crickets. Bellwether Media.
    Hall, M. 2004. Crickets. Coughlan Publishing.
    Howe, J. 1994. I Wish I Were a Butterfly. Harcourt Children’s Books.
    Lobel, A. 1986. Grasshopper on the Road (I Can Read Book Series: Level 2). HarperCollins Publishers .
    Loewen, N. 2005. Chirp, Chirp!: Crickets in Your Backyard. Coughlan Publishing
    Loewen, N. 2003. Hungry Hoppers: Grasshoppers in Your Backyard. Coughlan Publishing.
    Spinelli, E., Berger. M. 1998. Chirping Crickets, Vol. 2. Harper Collins Children’s Books.
    Wheeler, Lisa. 2003. Old Cricket. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

    Grades 3-5
    Collins, B. Insect’s Body, Vol 1. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Green, E. 2006. Crickets. Bellwether Media.
    Goldish, M., Brown. B. 2008. Leaping Grasshoppers. Bearport Publishing Company, Incorporated.
    Hall, M. 2004. Crickets. Coughlan Publishing.
    Lobel, A. 1986. Grasshopper on the Road (I Can Read Book Series: Level 2). HarperCollins Publishers .
    Lockwood, S. 2007. Grasshoppers. Child’s World, Incorporated, The.
    Miller, S. 2001. Grasshoppers and Crickets of North America. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Ross, M. 2002. Cricketology. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Scholl, E. 2004. Grasshopper (Bug Series). Gale Group.
    Spinelli, E., Berger. M. 1998. Chirping Crickets, Vol. 2. Harper Collins Children’s Books.

    Grades 6-8
    Jacobs, L. 2003. Wild Wild World: Crickets. Gale Group.
    Perry, P. 1995. Fiddlehoppers: Crickets, Katydids, and Locust. Scholastic Library Publishing.

    Wednesday, July 09, 2008

    Ants on a Twig

    Imagine that you are an ant! What would it be like to carry ten times your weight? What would your adventure be? Would you meet new friends while you collect leaves or would you save the day by protecting ant pupa from invading insect armies?

    Project WILD’s activity “Ants on a Twig” is a great activity for kids of all ages, even the kids at heart. Ants have fascinated kids through the years. Observing insects in their natural habitat can be great experiences. Have kids sit on a log and watch the insects interact. Ask what they learned from watching the insects react to the change in their environment. You can also do an insect scavenger hunt by finding the type of food certain ants would eat or by finding different species of ants. Please remember to respect the insects’ habitat and take care to avoid harmful insects.




    Book List
    Grades PreK-2

    Ashley, S., Nations, S. 2003. Ants. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
    Beech, L. 1996. Magic School Bus Gets Ants in Its Pants. Perma-Bound Books.
    Brenner, B. 1996. Thinking About Ants. Mondo Publishing.
    Hoose, P. and H Hoose. 1998. Hey, Little Ant. Ten Speed Press.
    Humphries, T. 2004. Are You an Ant? Kingfisher.
    Micucci, C. 2006. The Life and Times of the Ant. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Pinczes, E. 1999. One Hundred Hungry Ants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Rockwell, A. 2001. Bugs Are Insects. Harper Collins Publishers.
    Seuss, Dr. 1999. On Beyond Bugs: All About Insects. Random House Children’s Books.
    Stockdale, S. 1999. Nature’s Paintbrush: The Patterns and Colors Around You. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.

    Grades 3-5
    Ashley, S. and S. Nations. 2003. Ants. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
    Dorros, A. 1988. Ant Cities. Harper Collins Publishers.
    Fowler, A. 1998. Inside an Ant Colony. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Hodge, D. 2004. Ants. Kids Can Press, Limited.
    Holldobler, B. 1998. Journey to the Ants: A Story of Scientific Exploration. Harvard University Press.
    Hoose, P., Hoose, H. 1998. Hey, Little Ant. Ten Speed Press.
    Micucci, C. 2006. The Life and Times of the Ant. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Parramon, J.M. and M.A. Julivert. 1991. Fascinating World of Ants. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
    Pinczes, E. 1999. One Hundred Hungry Ants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Poole, A. 2000. Ant and the Grasshopper. Holiday House, Inc.
    Tschinkel, W. 2006. The Fire Ants. Harvard University Press.
    Winner, C. 2004. Everything Bug: What Kids Really Want to Know About Insects and Spiders. T&N Children’s Publishing.
    Grades 6-8
    Tschinkel, W. 2006. The Fire Ants. Harvard University Press.

    Grades 6-8
    Holldobler, B. 1998. Journey to the Ants: A Story of Scientific Exploration. Harvard University Press.
    Tschinkel, W. 2006. The Fire Ants. Harvard University Press.

    Grades 9-12
    Holldobler, B. 1998. Journey to the Ants: A Story of Scientific Exploration. Harvard University Press.

    Monday, June 30, 2008

    Independence Day – July 4th

    When the 4th of July is mentioned what are the first things that come to mind? Flags, parades, fireworks, and picnics are probably it. What about nature? Does wildlife come to mind? Wildlife is not as showy as fireworks but the animals can be just as majestic. Animals have been featured on national flags, family crests, and nicknames for famous people for centuries. Project WILD’s activity “Wildlife in National Symbols” encourages kids to conduct investigations on this topic. Bald Eagles are the most well known American national symbol but can you find other symbols in nature? To make this activity more challenging look for state animal symbols. You can also imagine a mythical country and create your own animal symbol. Independence Day is a great time to step in to nature. Take your celebration outside and look for national symbols in wildlife.




    Book List
    Grades PreK-2
    Banting, E. 2004. Flags and Seals. Weigl Publishers, Incorporated.
    Cohen, J. 2003. Bald Eagle. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Dalgliesh, A. 1995. Fourth of July Story. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
    DeGezelle, T. 2004. American Symbols: The Great Seal of the United States. Coughlan Publishing.
    Dell, P. 2004. The Bald Eagle. Capstone Press.
    Douglas, L.G. 2003. The Bald Eagle. Children's Press.
    Gibbons, G. 1998. Souring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Gieck, C. 1991. Eagles for Kids. Northword Pr.
    Hodge, D. 2000. Eagles. Kids Can Press, Limited.
    Keenan, S. 2004. O, Say Can You See? America's Symbols, Landmarks, And Important Words. Scholastic, Inc.
    Kule, E.A. 2003. Iowa Facts and Symbols. Capstone Press.
    James, K 2001. Soaring Bald Eagles. Tandem Library Books.
    Morrison, G. 1998. Bald Eagle. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Minshull, E. 2002. Eaglet’s World. Albert Whitman.
    Osborne, M.P. 2008. Happy Birthday America. Square Fish.
    Pearl, N. 2007. Bald Eagle. Coughlan Publishing.
    Sis, P. 2004. The Train of States. HarperCollins Publishers.
    Soresen, L. 1994. The American Eagle. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
    Yanuck, D.L. 2003. The Bald Eagle. Capstone Press.

    Grades 3-5
    Amato, C.A. 1996. Bald Eagle: Free Again! Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
    Arndt, U. 2001. Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Bair, D. 1999. Eagle Watching. Capstone Press.
    Bateman, T. 2003. Red, White, Blue and Uncle Who?: The Story behind Some of America's Patriotic Symbols. Holiday House, Inc.
    Colman, C. 2006. The Bald Eagles View of American History. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
    Evert, L. 2001. Eagles. T&N Children's Publishing.
    Gerholdt, J. 1997. Bald Eagles. ABDO Publishing Company.
    Hempstead, A. 2005. Bald Eagle. Raintree Publishers.
    Hodge, D. 2000. Eagles. Kids Can Press, Ltd.
    Johnson, L.C. 1992. Our National Symbols. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Johnson, S.A. 1995. Raptor Rescue!: An Eagle Flies Free. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.
    Laubach, C.M. 2002. Raptor!: A Kid's Guide to Birds of Prey. Storey Books.
    Morrison, G. 1998. Bald Eagle. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books.
    Munoz, W. 2000. The Bald Eagle Returns. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Patent, D.H. 1995. Eagles of America. Holiday House, Inc.
    Patent, D.H. 1984. Where the Bald Eagles Gather. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Potts, S. 2006. The Bald Eagle. Capstone Press.
    Price, A. 2002. Raptors: The Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Owls of North America. Rinehart P.
    Priebe, M. 2000. Bald Eagle: Endangered No More. Mindfull Publishing.
    Quiri, P.R. 1998. Bald Eagle. Scholastic Library Publishing.
    Raven, T.M. 2005. Challenger: America's Favorite Eagle. Sleeping Bear Press.
    Ryden, H. 1985. America's Bald Eagle. Penguin Young Readers Group.
    Stone, L. 2003. Bald Eagles. Lerner Publishing Group.
    Thames, S. 2006. Our American Symbols. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
    Wechsler, D. 2003. Bald Eagles. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
    West, D.C. and J.M. West. 2000. Uncle Sam and Old Glory. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
    Wilson, J. 1998. American Eagle: The Symbol of America. Child's World, Incorporated.
    Worsley, A. 2001. Bald Eagles. Weigl Publishers, Incorporated.

    Grades 6-8
    Birenbaum, B. 1999. Amazing Bald Eaglet. Peartree.
    Defries, C.L. 2003. Bald Eagle. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
    Dudley, K. 2000. Bald Eagle. Sagebrush Education Resources.
    Goldish, M., Hatcher, B. 2007. Bald Eagles: A Chemical Nightmare. Bearport Publishing Company, Incorporated.
    Marcovitz, H. 2002. Bald Eagle. Mason Crest Publishers.
    Munoz, W. 2000. The Bald Eagle Returns. Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Parry-Jones, E. 2000. Eyewitness: Eagles and Birds of Prey. DK Publishing, Inc.
    Patent, D.H. 2000. The Bald Eagle Returns. Clarion Books.

    Grades 9-12
    Breining, G. 1994. Return of the Eagle: How America Saved Its National Symbol. Falcon.