Nature’s Recyclers
Have you ever heard of sow bugs and pill bugs? Did you know that they are not “bugs” at all but are more closely related to crabs and lobsters? Sow bugs (Oniscus asellus) and pill bugs (Armadillidium vulgare) are crustaceans that feed on dead plant material and “recycle” those materials back into the soil. They are usually found under rocks, logs or under leaf litter. Earthworms and other soil organisms also help recycle plants and other biodegradable organic wastes. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Nature’s Recyclers” to explore the fascinating world of decomposers!
Young Child Extension
Set up a container with sow bugs, pill bugs or earthworms and watch these fascinating decomposers in action! Make feeding them a part of every day. You can feed them your leftovers from snack time. Study which snacks they enjoy the best. Make charts and observations.
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Brendler, C., and A. Hoyt. 2009. Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer. Farrar, Strau and Giroux.
Burnett, R. 1992. The Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation. National Science Teachers Association.
Chandler, C. 2008. Ralphina, the Roly-Poly. Leathers Publishing.
Coleman, G. and T. Gibbons. 1997. Worms. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Fredericks, A.D. 2001. Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and Other Ughs. Dawn Publications.
French, V., and J. Ahlberg. 2010. Yucky Worms. Candlewick Press.
Himmelman, J. 2001. An Earthworm’s Life. Children’s Press.
Himmelman, J. 2000. A Pill Bug’s Life. Children’s Press.
Hughes, M. 2003. Pill Bugs. Heinemann-Raintree.
Pyers, G. 2005. Pill Bugs Up Close. Heinemann-Raintree.
Smith, M. 2009. Roly-Poly Pillbugs. Bearport Publishing.
St. Pierre, S. 2008. Pillbug. Heinemann-Raintree.
Tokunda, Y., and K. Takahasi. 2006. I’m a Pill Bug. Kane Miller Book Publishers.
Grades 3-5
Burnett, R. 1992. The Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation. National Science Teachers Association.
Coleman, G. and T. Gibbons. 1997. Worms. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Chandler, C. 2008. Ralphina, the Roly-Poly. Leathers Publishing.
Fredericks, A.D. 2001. Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and Other Ughs. Dawn Publications.
Himmelman, J. 2001. An Earthworm’s Life. Children’s Press.
Himmelman, J. 2000. A Pill Bug’s Life. Children’s Press.
Hughes, M. 2003. Pill Bugs. Heinemann-Raintree.
Pascoe, E. 2001. Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs and Other Crustaceans. Blackbirch Press.
Pyers, G. 2005. Pill Bugs Up Close. Heinemann-Raintree.
Smith, M. 2009. Roly-Poly Pillbugs. Bearport Publishing.
St. Pierre, S. 2008. Pillbug. Heinemann-Raintree.
Tokunda, Y., and K. Takahasi. 2006. I’m a Pill Bug. Kane Miller Book Publishers.
Grades 6-8
Pascoe, E. 2001. Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs and Other Crustaceans. Blackbirch Press.
Rustad, M. E. H. 2009. Pillbugs. Pebble Books.
Schaffer, D. 2000. Pillbugs. Coughlan Publishing.
Links
Sowbugs
http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/sow-bugs.html
Pillbugs
http://www3.northern.edu/natsource/INVERT1/Pillbu1.htm
Pillbug Printout
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/invertebrates/isopod/Pillbugprintout.shtml
Pillbugs and Sowbugs
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig093
How to Make a Habitat for a Roly Poly
http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-make-a-habitat-for-a-rolly-poly/91e96b2b-0c15-4097-8602-5f5f055eec5b
What is the Gray Bug Found Under Bricks & Dirt?
http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/what-is-the-gray-bug-found-under-bricks--dirt/a2027a66-e969-af70-c9ed-382588d7641b
Fun With Roly Poly Bugs
http://www.squidoo.com/pillbugs
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Sunlight and Shades of Green
Trees and other green plants make their own food by harnessing the energy of the sun in a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color, is essential for photosynthesis. Without sunlight, leaves and plants turn yellow and photosynthesis stops. This occurs because without sunlight plants no longer produce chlorophyll. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Sunlight and Shades of Green” to explore what happens when you block sunlight from the leaves of a tree.
Young Child Extension
Take children on a nature hike to look at leaves and plants. Provide children with magnifying glasses to closely examine leaves. Ask children to describe the leaves. Ask what color the leaves and why they think they are green. Talk about how leaves are the “food factories” of trees and plants. Make leaf print t-shirts by using hammers or rocks to pound leaves on cloth to get the imprint from the chlorophyll!http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/decorate-kids-t-shirts5.htm
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Chisholm, P. and M. G. Bang. 2009. Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life. Scholastic, Inc.
Claybourne, A. 2002. Plants. Raintree Publishers.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Florian, D. 2010. Poetrees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Goldish, M. 1990. How Plants Get Food. Steck-Vaughn.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maestro, B. and L. Krupinski. 1996. Why Do Leaves Change Color?. HarperCollins Publishers.
Riley, P. 2003. Plants. World Almanac Books.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.
Grades 3-5
Asimov, I. 1989. How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis? Walker & Company.
Ball, J.A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Burnie, D. 2004. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Chisholm, P. and M. G. Bang. 2009. Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life. Scholastic, Inc.
Dow, L., S. Addario, and R. C. Carolin. Incredible Plants. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Plant Life. Raintree Publishers.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. KidHaven Press.
Julivert, M.A. 1993. Life of Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Kalman, B. 2008. Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
McEvoy, P. 2003. Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Meucci, A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Notkin, L. 1997. The Magic School Bus Gets Planted: A Book About Photosynthesis. Scholastic Paperbacks.
O’Donnell, L., et al. 2007. Understanding Photosynthesis with Max Axiom, Super Scientist. Capstone Press.
Ross, B. 1995. Straight From the Bear’s Mouth: The Story of Photosynthesis. Atheneum.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.
Spilsbury, L. 2002. Plant Parts. Heinemann Library.
Stewart, M. 2003. Plants. Capstone Press.
Wyatt, V. 2000. Wacky Plant Cycles. Mondo Publishing.
Grades 6-8
Asimov, I. 1989. How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis? Walker & Company.
DK Publishing. 1992. Plants. DK CHILDREN.
Howell, L. 2002. World of Plants. E.D.C. Publishing.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. Thomson Gale.
Kalman, B. 2008. Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food. Crabtree Publishing Company.
O’Donnell, L., et al. 2007. Understanding Photosynthesis with Max Axiom, Super Scientist. Capstone Press.
Ross, B. 1995. Straight From the Bear’s Mouth: The Story of Photosynthesis. Atheneum.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Staub, F.J. 2004. Photosynthesis. Creative Company.
Grades 9-12
Farndon, J. 2002. 1000 Things You Should Know about Plants. Mason Crest Publishers.
Parker, R. 2003. Introduction to Plant Science: Revised Edition. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Links
Wikipedia: Chlorophyll
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll
Why Leaves Change Color in the Fall
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
PBS: Illuminating Photosynthesis
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/photosynthesis.html
Real Trees 4 Kids: Let’s Eat! (Photosynthesis)
http://www.realtrees4kids.org/sixeight/letseat.htm
Arbor Day: Teaching Youth About Trees – Beat a Leaf
http://www.arborday.org/kids/beataleaf.pdf
Trees and other green plants make their own food by harnessing the energy of the sun in a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color, is essential for photosynthesis. Without sunlight, leaves and plants turn yellow and photosynthesis stops. This occurs because without sunlight plants no longer produce chlorophyll. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Sunlight and Shades of Green” to explore what happens when you block sunlight from the leaves of a tree.
Young Child Extension
Take children on a nature hike to look at leaves and plants. Provide children with magnifying glasses to closely examine leaves. Ask children to describe the leaves. Ask what color the leaves and why they think they are green. Talk about how leaves are the “food factories” of trees and plants. Make leaf print t-shirts by using hammers or rocks to pound leaves on cloth to get the imprint from the chlorophyll!http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/decorate-kids-t-shirts5.htm
Book List
Grades PreK-2
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Chisholm, P. and M. G. Bang. 2009. Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life. Scholastic, Inc.
Claybourne, A. 2002. Plants. Raintree Publishers.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Florian, D. 2010. Poetrees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Goldish, M. 1990. How Plants Get Food. Steck-Vaughn.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maestro, B. and L. Krupinski. 1996. Why Do Leaves Change Color?. HarperCollins Publishers.
Riley, P. 2003. Plants. World Almanac Books.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.
Grades 3-5
Asimov, I. 1989. How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis? Walker & Company.
Ball, J.A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Burnie, D. 2004. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Chisholm, P. and M. G. Bang. 2009. Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life. Scholastic, Inc.
Dow, L., S. Addario, and R. C. Carolin. Incredible Plants. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Plant Life. Raintree Publishers.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. KidHaven Press.
Julivert, M.A. 1993. Life of Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Kalman, B. 2008. Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
McEvoy, P. 2003. Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Meucci, A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Notkin, L. 1997. The Magic School Bus Gets Planted: A Book About Photosynthesis. Scholastic Paperbacks.
O’Donnell, L., et al. 2007. Understanding Photosynthesis with Max Axiom, Super Scientist. Capstone Press.
Ross, B. 1995. Straight From the Bear’s Mouth: The Story of Photosynthesis. Atheneum.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.
Spilsbury, L. 2002. Plant Parts. Heinemann Library.
Stewart, M. 2003. Plants. Capstone Press.
Wyatt, V. 2000. Wacky Plant Cycles. Mondo Publishing.
Grades 6-8
Asimov, I. 1989. How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis? Walker & Company.
DK Publishing. 1992. Plants. DK CHILDREN.
Howell, L. 2002. World of Plants. E.D.C. Publishing.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. Thomson Gale.
Kalman, B. 2008. Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food. Crabtree Publishing Company.
O’Donnell, L., et al. 2007. Understanding Photosynthesis with Max Axiom, Super Scientist. Capstone Press.
Ross, B. 1995. Straight From the Bear’s Mouth: The Story of Photosynthesis. Atheneum.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Staub, F.J. 2004. Photosynthesis. Creative Company.
Grades 9-12
Farndon, J. 2002. 1000 Things You Should Know about Plants. Mason Crest Publishers.
Parker, R. 2003. Introduction to Plant Science: Revised Edition. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Links
Wikipedia: Chlorophyll
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll
Why Leaves Change Color in the Fall
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
PBS: Illuminating Photosynthesis
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/photosynthesis.html
Real Trees 4 Kids: Let’s Eat! (Photosynthesis)
http://www.realtrees4kids.org/sixeight/letseat.htm
Arbor Day: Teaching Youth About Trees – Beat a Leaf
http://www.arborday.org/kids/beataleaf.pdf
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