Exploring Iowa's Natural Resources

2012-01-19T14:31:00.001-06:00

Wildlife in National Symbols

January is the perfect time to observe bald eagles in Iowa! A great number of bald eagles overwinter in Iowa and can be observed along rivers and streams. Years ago it was unusual to see bald eagles in Iowa at all but today we enjoy their presence year-round as many have made Iowa their permanent home and breed within our borders. On August 8, 2007, the bald eagle was officially removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act. The bald eagle has a rocky history in the United States and has made a tremendous recovery in recent years.

A wonderful social studies tie in with viewing these majestic birds is the Project WILD activity “Wildlife in National Symbols.” This activity takes a look at the diversity of countries and cultures that include wildlife in their symbols. An interesting extension to this activity is to look at the symbols of other states, and Iowa schools. Are the symbols animals? Are these animals native to the respective state or school? Research more about the history of these symbols.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Dell, P. 2004. The Bald Eagle. Capstone Press.
Douglas, L.G. 2003. The Bald Eagle. Children's Press.
Gibbons, G. 1998. Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle. HarperCollins.
Gieck, C. 1991. Eagles for Kids. Northword Pr.
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.
Sis, P. 2004. The Train of States. HarperCollins Publishers.
Sorensen, 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.
Bair, D. 1999. Eagle Watching. Capstone Press.
Colman. C. H. 2006. Bald Eagle's View of American History. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Evert, L. 2001. Eagles. T&N Children's Publishing.
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.
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.M. 2004. Bald Eagle. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Thames, S. 2006. Our American Symbols. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Wechsler, D. 2003. Bald Eagles. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Wilson, J. 1998. American Eagle: The Symbol of America. Child's World, Incorporated.

Grades 6-8
Defries, C.L. 2003. Bald Eagle. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Dudley, K. 1999. Bald Eagles. Steck-Vaughn.
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.

Links
Polk County Conservation Board: Eagle Recovery in Iowa
http://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/education/nature-podcasts/bald-eagle-recovery-in-iowa/

American Bald Eagle fact sheet
http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle-facts.html

National Geographic Kids: Creature Features - Bald Eagle
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/baldeagle/

Decorah Bald Eagles Web Cam
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Iowa State Symbols
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Pubinfo/StateSymbols/

Eagle Viewing
Koekuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau
http://www.keokukiowatourism.org/eagledays.htm

Middle Mississippi River Valley Area Bald Eagle Events & Programs Winter 2012
http://www.greatriverroad.com/eagles/eagleevents.htm

Dubuque Audubon Society Bald Eagle Watch
http://www.audubondubuque.org/baldeagle.html

2011-12-13T11:15:00.001-06:00

The Hunter

Ask a group of adults their opinions on hunting and you may receive responses across the spectrum. The same is true with students. Project WILD’s activity “The Hunter” allows students to take a closer look at their personal feelings regarding hunting, while respecting other points of view.

Explore more about the hunting debate. As a class choose natural resource organizations and find their stand on hunting. Check out a list of conservation organizations in Iowa http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/iowa_environment/environmental_groups/Environmental_groups.html
Assign students to serve as members of these organizations and hold a debate.
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Wildlife Managment Book List
Grades 3-5
Chandler, G. 1997. Guardians of Wildlife. Lerner Publishing Group.
Patent, D.H. 1986. Buffalo: The American Bison Today. Houghton Mifflin Company.

Grades 6-8
Camp, W.G. 2000. Managing Our Natural Resources. Thomson Delmar Learning.

Grades 9-12
Bailey, J.A. 1984. Principles of Wildlife Management. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Deal, K.H. 1997. Wildlife and Natural Resource Management. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Dinsmore, J.J. 1994. A Country So Full of Game: The Story of Wildlife in Iowa. University of Iowa Press.
Feldhamer, G.A. 2004. Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation. Johns Hopkins University Press.

2011-11-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

“People of the Forest”

For many people around the world the forest is home. They live under the green canopy of the trees and rely upon the bounty it provides to clothe, shelter and feed them. Whether you live in the forest, near the forest, or many miles away, we all rely upon the forest for the raw materials we use every day in our lives. How do you depend upon the forest? What items do you use that come from the forest? What other value does the forest provide other than goods? To explore these and other questions use Project Learning Tree’s “People of the Forest”. Learn about forests, the people that call it home, and the products that come from it!

Young Child Extension
Explore forests! Bring in pictures of indigenous people that live in forests, such as the Mbuti of Africa, or the Pesch of Latin America. Discuss how these people may live differently than we do but that we all rely upon the forest for many things. Have examples of products from forest to explore at center time. Read stories about people and forests. Who else uses the forest? Do animals need forests too?

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Crandell, R. 2009. Hands of the Rain Forest: The Embera People of Panama. Henry Holt and Co.
Dundy, M.R., and K. Richardson. 2010. Forests For All. MDCT Publishing.
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fonte, I. 2007. Animals of the Forest. Barnes & Noble Books.
Fowler, A. 1999. Our Living Forests. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature's Green Umbrella : Tropical Rain Forests. New York: Harper Trophy.
Jeunesse, G. 2003. In The Forest. Scholastic, Inc.
Lindeen, C.K. 2003. Life in a Forest. Capstone Press.
McGehee, C. 2006. A Woodland Counting Book. University of Iowa Press.
Pyers, G. 2004. Forest Explorer. Raintree Publishers.
Rutten, J. 1998. Forests. Child's World, Incorporated.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Forests. Rourke Publishing, LLC.

Grades 3-5
Dundy, M.R., and K. Richardson. 2010. Forests For All. MDCT Publishing.
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fonte, I. 2007. Animals of the Forest. Barnes & Noble Books.
Fowler, A. 1999. Our Living Forests. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ganeri, A. 2003. Forests. World Almanac Books.
Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature's Green Umbrella : Tropical Rain Forests. New York: Harper Trophy.
Jeunesse, G. 2003. In The Forest. Scholastic, Inc.
Lindeen, C.K. 2003. Life in a Forest. Capstone Press.
Marvis, B. 1995. Plants of the Forest. Chelsea House Publishers.
McGehee, C. 2006. A Woodland Counting Book. University of Iowa Press.
Owens, C. 1998. Deforestation. Child's World, Incorporated.
Paul, T. 1997. In Woods and Forests. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Pyers, G. 2004. Forest Explorer. Raintree Publishers.
Rutten, J. 1998. Forests. Child's World, Incorporated.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Forests. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Woods, M. 1999. People of the Rain Forest. ABDO Publishing Company.

Grades 6-8
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Lucas, E. 1994. The Ojibwas: People of the Northern Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Martin, P.A. 2000. Woods and Forests. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Parker, J. 2002. Disappearing Forests. Weigl Publishers.
Woods, M. 1999. People of the Rain Forest. ABDO Publishing Company.

Grades 9-12
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lucas, E. 1994. The Ojibwas: People of the Northern Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Rae, A. 2010. Trees and Timber Products. Black Rabbit Books.
Siy, A. 1993. The Waorani: People of the Ecuadoran Rain Forest. Silver Burdett Press.

Links
An Introduction to North America’s Native People: Northeast Woodlands Culture Area
http://www.cabrillo.edu/~crsmith/noamer_newoodlands.html

People of the Forest
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/elephant/PDFs/pygmybg.pdf

People of the Rainforest
http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/people.html

Baka People
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baka_people_(Cameroon_and_Gabon)

Pygmy Peoples
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_peoples

People of the Amazon Rainforest: The Yanomami
http://library.thinkquest.org/27507/people.htm

Forest Products
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_product

Non-timber Forest Products
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-timber_forest_products

Forest Habitat
http://www.cabrillo.edu/~crsmith/noamer_newoodlands.html

2011-10-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

“Can It Be Real?”
A beetle that drinks fog? A flower that smells like rotten meat? A fish that “shoots down” its prey? Can these plants and animals possibly be real? The answer is yes! Many plants and animals have adaptations that might seem peculiar or even downright weird to us but which are essential to the plant or animal’s survival. An adaptation is a feature that has developed in a species over time and one which is important for the organism’s survival and reproduction. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Can It Be Real?” to discover extraordinary plants and animals with amazing adaptations!

Young Child Extension
Talk about the difference between real and imaginary animals. Use examples that young children might know about, for example, unicorns vs. horses, dragons vs. lizards. Use pictures, stories or songs to showcase the different animals. Talk about how some real animals have characteristics that might make them seem more like imaginary creatures but that are real. Show them the beetle that drinks fog, the fish that shoots water at its prey. Use pictures to show the children. Take children on a nature walk to look for animals and plants that might have “weird” characteristics.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2007. Fake Out! Animals That Play Tricks. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Freak Out! Animals Beyond Your Wildest Imagination. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2009. Far Out! Animals That Do Amazing Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Gross Out! Animals That Do Disgusting Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Heller, R. 1999. Plants That Never Ever Bloom. Penguin Group (USA).
Laman, J., and J. D. Wilhelm. 2008. 10 Most Bizarre Animal Behaviors. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Unwin, M. 2010. 100 Bizarre Animals. Brandt Travel Guides.
Whitfield, P. 2011. Show-Offs: Astonishing Animals, Bizarre Behavior. Kingfisher.

Grades 3-5
Anderson, M. J. 1996. Bizarre Insects. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Carmichael, N., J. Marsh, and R. Nicholson. 2000. Nature’s Wild!. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2007. Fake Out! Animals That Play Tricks. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Freak Out! Animals Beyond Your Wildest Imagination. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2009. Far Out! Animals That Do Amazing Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Gross Out! Animals That Do Disgusting Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Fontanel, B. 2001. Bizarre Beasts. Hodder Wayland Childrens.
Ganeri, A. 1996. Bizarre Beasts And Other Oddities of Nature. Harry N Abrams.
Heller, R. 1999. Plants That Never Ever Bloom. Penguin Group (USA).
Laman, J., and J. D. Wilhelm. 2008. 10 Most Bizarre Animal Behaviors. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Polydoros, L. 2010. Strange but True Animals. Capstone Press.
Souza, D. M. 2004. Wacky Trees. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Unwin, M. 2010. 100 Bizarre Animals. Brandt Travel Guides.
Wechsler, D. 2003. Bizarre Birds. Boyds Mills Press.
Wechsler, D. 2004. Bizarre Bugs. Boyds Mills Press.
Whitfield, P. 2011. Show-Offs: Astonishing Animals, Bizarre Behavior. Kingfisher.

Grades 6-8
Anderson, M. J. 1996. Bizarre Insects. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Carmichael, N., J. Marsh, and R. Nicholson. 2000. Nature’s Wild!. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2007. Fake Out! Animals That Play Tricks. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Freak Out! Animals Beyond Your Wildest Imagination. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2009. Far Out! Animals That Do Amazing Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Clarke, G. L., and P. Mueller. 2006. Gross Out! Animals That Do Disgusting Things. Grosset & Dunlap.
Fontanel, B. 2001. Bizarre Beasts. Hodder Wayland Childrens.
Ganeri, A. 1996. Bizarre Beasts And Other Oddities of Nature. Harry N Abrams.
Laman, J., and J. D. Wilhelm. 2008. 10 Most Bizarre Animal Behaviors. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Polydoros, L. 2010. Strange but True Animals. Capstone Press.
Souza, D. M. 2004. Wacky Trees. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Unwin, M. 2010. 100 Bizarre Animals. Brandt Travel Guides.
Wechsler, D. 2003. Bizarre Birds. Boyds Mills Press.
Wechsler, D. 2004. Bizarre Bugs. Boyds Mills Press.
Whitfield, P. 2011. Show-Offs: Astonishing Animals, Bizarre Behavior. Kingfisher.

Grades 9-12
Anderson, M. J. 1996. Bizarre Insects. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Fontanel, B. 2001. Bizarre Beasts. Hodder Wayland Childrens.
Ganeri, A. 1996. Bizarre Beasts And Other Oddities of Nature. Harry N Abrams.
Laman, J., and J. D. Wilhelm. 2008. 10 Most Bizarre Animal Behaviors. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Unwin, M. 2010. 100 Bizarre Animals. Brandt Travel Guides.
Whitfield, P. 2011. Show-Offs: Astonishing Animals, Bizarre Behavior. Kingfisher.

Links
25 World’s Weirdest Animals
http://divaboo.info/

10 Most Bizarre Animals Recently Discovered
http://urbantitan.com/10-most-bizarre-animals-recently-discovered/

Bizarre Animals From Around the World (Photos)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/10/bizarre-animal-photos_n_796638.html#s207679

The Top 15 Most Bizarre Sea Animals
http://blog.rocketboom.com/post/102948092/the-top-15-most-bizarre-sea-animals

ABC News: Bizarre Plants
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/popup?id=4775232

World’s Most Weird and Bizarre Plants
http://ourfunnyplanet.com/world-most-weird-and-bizarre-plants/

2011-09-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

“From Bison to Bread: The American Prairie”

It’s Iowa Prairie Heritage Week! Prairies are ecosystems that are made up of mostly grasses and sedges with other flowering plants called forbs. Prairie is the French word for meadow. Prairie originally covered vast areas of North America, from Canada to Texas and from Indiana to the Rocky Mountains. Today, little original prairie is left in North America. Of the 30 million acres of prairie that once covered Iowa it is estimated that only 0.1% remains. Prairies are a diverse pool of plants species, are habitat for many wildlife species and are a protective buffer for ground and surface water supplies. Use Project WILD’s “From Bison to Bread: The American Prairie” to explore Iowa’s prairies.

Young Child Extension
Start by asking children about prairies. Have they ever been to a prairie? What did it look like? Look at pictures of prairie grasses, plants and wildlife. Read books together about prairies. If possible plan a trip to a local prairie so children can get a hands-on look at a prairie. Try bringing in prairie plants for kids to look at, touch and explore. Contact your local county conservation board for resources, such as naturalist programs and supplies, they are always happy to help! http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/AboutDNR/ConservationLawEnforcement/CountyConservationBoards.aspx

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bannatyne-Cugnet, J. 1992. Prairie Alphabet. Tundra.
Butterfield, M. 1999. Animals on Plains and Prairies. Raintree Publishers.
Cefrey, H. 2003. Grasslands. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Chinery, M. 1992. Grassland Animals. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Christiansen, P. and M. Muller. 1999. An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Cole, M.S. 2003. Prairies. Thomson Gale.
Fleming, D. 1991. In the Tall, Tall Grass. Henry Holt and Co.
Fowler, A. 2000. Lands of Grass. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Geisert, A. 1998. Prairie Town. Walter Lorraine Books.
Hirschi, R. 1992. Where Are My Prairie Dogs and Black-Footed Ferrets? Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.
Hirschi,R. 1989. Who Lives On The Prairie? Putnam Publishing Group.
Howard, F. 2006. Grasslands. ABDO Publishing Company.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kirt, R.R. 1995. Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Identification and Ecology. Stipes Publishing, L.L.C.
Ladd, D. 2005. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide to the Common Wildflowers and Plants of the Prairie Midwest. Globe Pequot Press.
Lerner, C. 1980. Seasons of the Tallgrass Prairie. William Morrow & Co Library.
Mader, J. 2004. Living on a Prairie. Scholastic Library Publishing.
McGehee, C. 2004. A Tallgrass Prairie Alphabet. University of Iowa Press.
McMillan, B. 1986. Counting Wildflowers. New York: Lothrop, Lee, & Shepard Books.
Nichols, C. 2002. Grassy Lands. Benchmark Books.
Patent, D.H. 1996. Prairies. Holiday House.
Pattison, D., and K. Rietz. 2011. Prairie Storms. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Penny, M. 2003. Grasslands. Thameside Press.
Reynolds, M. 1999. Prairie Fire. Orca Book Publishers.
Rowan, J.P. 1983. Prairies and Grasslands. Scholastic Library Publishing.
St. Antoine, S. 2001. Stories from Where We Live -- The Great North American Prairie. Milkweed Editions.
Staub, F. 1993. America's Prairies. Lerner Publishing Group.
Taylor, D. 1992. Endangered Grassland Animals. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Thompson, L. 2004. People of the Plains and Prairies. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Wallace, M.D. 2001. America's Prairies and Grasslands: Guide to Plants and Animals. Fulcrum Publishing.
Wilder, L. I., and R. Graef. 1900. Prairie Day (My First Little House Books Series). HarperCollins Publishers.
Winner, C. 2004. Prairie Animals. T&N Children's Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 1993. Through the Year with - Prairie Dogs. Scholastic, Inc.
Bannatyne-Cugnet, J. 2002. Heartland: A Prairie Sampler. Tundra.
Bouchard, D. 1998. If You're Not from the Prairie. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Chinery, M. 1992. Grassland Animals. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Christiansen, P. and M. Muller. 1999. An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Cole, M.S. 2003. Prairies. Thomson Gale.
Cook, K.J. 1993. Disappearing Grasslands. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Dvorak Jr., D. 1994. A Sea of Grass. New York: Macmillan.
Erlic, L. 2005. Grasslands. Weigl Publishers, Incorporated.
George, M. 1994. Prairie. Creative Company.
Gray, S.H. 2000. Grasslands. Capstone Press.
Horton, C. 1982. Grasslands and People. Silver Burdett Press.
Horton, C. 1985. Grasslands. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Jackson, K. and S. Mather. 2006. Explore the Grasslands. Capstone Press.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, S.A. 1976. Animals of the Grasslands. Lerner Publishing Group.
Khanduri, K. 1994. Grassland Wildlife. EDC Publishing.
Kirt, R.R. 1995. Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Identification and Ecology. Stipes Publishing, L.L.C.
Ladd, D. 2005. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide to the Common Wildflowers and Plants of the Prairie Midwest. Globe Pequot Press.
Lambert, D. 1988. Grasslands. Silver Burdett Press.
Langley, A. 1993. Grasslands. Reader's Digest Children's Publishing, Incorporated.
Levy, J. 2003. What Lives on a Prairie? Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Lynch, W. and A. Lang. 2006. Prairie Grasslands. T&N Children's Publishing.
Patent, D.H. 1996. Prairies. Holiday House.
Patent, D.H. 1998. Fire: Friend or Foe. Clarion Books.
Patent, D.H. 2003. Life in a Grassland. Lerner Publishing Group.
Pattison, D., and K. Rietz. 2011. Prairie Storms. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Pipes, R. 1998. Grasslands. Raintree Publishers.
Savage, S. 1997. Animals of the Grasslands. Raintree Publishers.
St. Antoine, S. 2001. Stories from Where We Live -- The Great North American Prairie. Milkweed Editions.
Staub, F. 1993. America's Prairies. Lerner Publishing Group.
Steele, P. 1997. Grasslands. Lerner Publishing Group.
Stille, D.R. 1998. Grasslands. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Grasslands. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Thompson, L. 2004. People of the Plains and Prairies. Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Wallace, M.D. 2001. America's Prairies and Grasslands: Guide to Plants and Animals. Fulcrum Publishing.
Wilder, L. I., and R. Graef. 1900. Prairie Day (My First Little House Books Series). HarperCollins Publishers.
Winner, C. 2004. Prairie Animals. T&N Children's Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Busch, P.S. 1977. Wildflowers and the Stories Behind Their Names. Charles Scribner & Sons.
Christiansen, P. and M. Muller. 1999. An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Collard, S.B. 2005. Prairie Builders: Reconstructing America’s Lost Grasslands. Houghton Mifflin.
Hoare, B. 2003. Temperate Grasslands. Raintree Publishers.
Kirt, R.R. 1995. Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Identification and Ecology. Stipes Publishing, L.L.C.
Ladd, D. 2005. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide to the Common Wildflowers and Plants of the Prairie Midwest. Globe Pequot Press.
Lerner, C. 1980. Seasons of the Tallgrass Prairie. New York: William Morrow and Company.
Murray, P. 1997. Prairies: Biomes of Nature. The Child' World Inc.
Ricciuti, E.R. 1996. Grassland. Marshall Cavendish Inc.
Rotter, C. 2002. The Prairie. Creative Company.
Runkel, S. and D.M. Roosa. 1989. Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie. Ames: Iowa State University Press.
Schwarm, L. 2003. On Fire. Duke Un Mentary.
Scullin, W.M. 2005. Young Person's Guide to the Prairie. South River Press.
Siy, A. 1991. Native Grasslands. Silver Burdett Press.
Stone, L.M. 1989. Prairies. Rourke Enterprises, Incorporated.
Tarbox, A. D. 2011. A Prairie Food Chain. The Creative Company.
Toupin, L.P. 2005. Life in the Temperate Grasslands. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Vyn, K. 1978. The Prairie Community. New York: Julian Messener.

Grades 9-12
Boon, W. and H. Groe. 1990. Nature's Heartland: Native Plant Communities of the Great Plains. Ames:
Brown, L. 1979. Grasses: An Identification Guide. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Christiansen, P. and M. Muller. 1999. An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Collard, S. B. 2005. The Prairie Builders : Reconstructing America's Lost Grasslands. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company Trade & Reference Division.
Edsall, M.S. 1985. Roadside Plants and Flowers. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press.
Forey, P. and C. Fitzsimons. 1992. Instant Guide to Wildflowers. Random House Value Publishing, Incorporated.
Johnsgard, P.A. 2001. Prairie Birds: Fragile Splendor in the Great Plains. University Press of Kansas.
Johnsgard, P.A. 2005. Prairie Dog Empire: A Saga of the Shortgrass Prairie. University of Nebraska Press.
Kindscher, K. 1992. Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical Guide. University Press of Kansas.
Kirt, R.R. 1995. Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Identification and Ecology. Stipes Publishing, L.L.C.
Kurtz, C. 1996. Iowa's Wild Places. Ames: Iowa State University Press.
Ladd, D. 2005. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide to the Common Wildflowers and Plants of the Prairie Midwest. Globe Pequot Press.
Madson, J. 1994. Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press.
Madson, J. 2005. The Elemental Prairie: Sixty Tallgrass Plants. University of Iowa Press.
Manning, R. 1997. Grassland: The History, Biology, Politics, and Promise of the American Prairie. Penguin Group.
Moul, F. 2006. The National Grasslands: A Guide to America's Undiscovered Treasures. University of Nebraska Press.
Muller, M. 2000. Prairie in Your Pocket: A Guide to Plants of the Tallgrass Prairie. University of Iowa Press.
Packard, S. 2005. Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and Woodlands. Island Press.
Peterson, R.T. and M. McKenny.1968. A Field Guide to the Wildflowers: Northeastern and North-Central North America. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Sherow, J.E. 2007. The Grasslands of the United States: An Environmental History. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.
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.
Thompson, J.R. 1992. Prairies, Forests and Wetlands: The Restoration of Natural Landscape Communities in Iowa. University of Iowa Press.
Waterlow, J. 1996. Grasslands. Raintree Publishers.

Links
ISU Extension: Iowa Prairies
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/IAN203.pdf

What is a Prairie?
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/habitat/whatprai.htm

IDNR: Iowa County Conservation Boards
http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/AboutDNR/ConservationLawEnforcement/CountyConservationBoards.aspx

Iowa Prairie Network
http://www.iowaprairienetwork.org/

INPS Website Calendar
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~herbarium/inps/index.php

2011-08-30T09:31:00.001-05:00

“Planet Diversity”
Imagine you are a scientist from the planet Deevoid and have been sent on an exploratory mission to Earth. Deevoid has very little biodiversity. You have been sent to explore the wonderful diversity on Earth. You are viewing life on Earth for the first time and need to describe every creature and plant you see in minute detail. You need to be able to share what you have found with your fellow Deevoidians when you return home. Fly your imaginary spaceships and land in your schoolyard, backyard or local park. Split into teams of scientists and explore and record a plot of land. Record and describe every life form that you find. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Planet Diversity” to explore the wonders of Earth’s biodiversity! Then further your study with Project Learning Tree’s “Charting Diversity”!

Young Child Extension
Take your little alien visitors from Deevoid on a nature walk. Make space hats before you go to get the children ready and excited to be aliens! Make a nature journal and/or chart of your life form findings on planet Earth.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Morrison, G. 2008. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Pfeffer, W., and R. Brickman. 2007. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Rotner, S., and K. Kreisler. 1992. Nature Spy. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Silver, D.M., and P.J. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square: Backyard. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Silver, D.M., and P. Wynne. 1994. One Small Square: Pond. W.H. Freeman and Co.
Silver, D. M., and P. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square: Woods. The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Grades 3-5
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Johnson, R., and P. V. Saroff. 2001. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Classroom.
Morrison, G. 2008. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Pratt-Serafini, K. J. 2002. Saguaro Moon. Dawn Publications.
Silver, D.M., and P.J. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square: Backyard. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Silver, D.M., and P. Wynne. 1994. One Small Square: Pond. W.H. Freeman and Co.
Silver, D. M., and P. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square: Woods. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Strauss, R., and M. Thompson. 2004. Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth. Kids Can Press, Limited.

Grades 6-8
Johnson, R., and P. V. Saroff. 2001. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Classroom.
Patent, D. H., and W. Munoz. 2003. Biodiversity. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Pratt-Serafini, K. J. 2002. Saguaro Moon. Dawn Publications.
Strauss, R., and M. Thompson. 2004. Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth. Kids Can Press, Limited.

Grades 9-12
Gaston, K. J., and J. I. Spicer. 2004. Biodiversity: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
Patent, D. H., and W. Munoz. 2003. Biodiversity. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Links
Iowa Biodiversity
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/IAN407.pdf

Iowa NatureMapping
http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/Pages/default.aspx

The Encyclopedia of Earth: Biodiversity
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Biodiversity?topic=49480

Wikipedia: Biodiversity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversity

Biodiversity Hotspots
http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/Pages/default.aspx

2011-07-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-07-07T15:15:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-08T13:29:00.001-05:00

Water We Eating?

Do you like to go fishing and eat fish? If so, then you harvest food from a local aquatic resource. In Iowa, anglers harvest millions of fish each year for consumptive use. Species harvested include bluegill, bass, crappie and catfish. Other aquatic animals such as frogs and crayfish are also harvested. Iowa is also home to aquatic plants such as wild rice and cattails, which are edible. Explore the fascinating world of aquatic food sources and their origins with Project WILD Aquatic’s “Water We Eating”! Then take a trip to your local lake, pond or river and catch your own fish to eat!

Young Child Extension
Bring in a variety of foods from aquatic sources for children to see and taste (be sure to check for food allergies) such as fish, shellfish, and wild rice. Take children fishing to catch their own fish to eat.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's Twenty-five Fish Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Clements, A. and Yoshi. 1997. Big Al. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Cook, B. 2005. The Little Fish that Got Away. HarperCollins.
Gall, C. 2006. Dear Fish. Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
Gallimard, J. 1998. Fish. Scholastic.
Harris, T. 2000. Pattern Fish. Millbrook Press.
Heinrichs, A.R. 2003. Fish. Coughlan Publishing.
Lionni, L. 1974. Fish is Fish. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Lionni, L. 1973. Swimmy. Random House Children's Books.
Long, E. 1987. Gone Fishing. Houghton Mifflin.
Pfeffer, W. 1996. What's it Like to be a Fish? (Let's Read-and-Find-Out Science 1). Harper Trophy.
Pfister, M. and J.A. James. 1999. Rainbow Fish. North-South Books.
Prosek, J. 2004. A Good Day’s Fishing. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Quigley, M. 2007. Granddad’s Fishing Buddy. Dial.
Sayre, P. 2007. Trout, Trout, Trout: A Fish Chant. Northword Books for Young Readers.
Stockdale, S. 2008. Fabulous Fishes. Peachtree Publishers.
Turnage, S. and J. Stevens. 1984. Trout the Magnificent. Harcourt Children's Books.
Wells, E. 2006. Wishing I was Fishing. Beaver’s Pond Press.
Winner, C. and B. Lehnhausen. 1998. Trout. Lerner Publishing Group.
Wood, A. and B.R. Wood. 2004. Ten Little Fish. Blue Sky Press (AZ).
Yoo, T. 2007. The Little Red Fish. Dial.

Grades 3-5
Amdahl, P. 2000. The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book for Kids. Clearwater Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's Twenty-five Fish Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Brewster, B. 1988. Discovering Freshwater Fish. The Bookwright Press.
Burger, C. 1960. All About Fish. Random House.
Gallimard, J. 1998. Fish. Scholastic.
Heinrichs, A.R. 2003. Fish. Coughlan Publishing.
Lionni, L. 1974. Fish is Fish. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Long, E. 1987. Gone Fishing. Houghton Mifflin.
Parker, S. 2005. Fish. DK Publishing, Inc.
Pfeffer, W. 1996. What's it Like to be a Fish? (Let's Read-and-Find-Out Science 1). Harper Trophy.
Sayre, P. 2007. Trout, Trout, Trout: A Fish Chant. Northword Books for Young Readers.
Schaefer, L.M. 2001. What Is a Fish?. Coughlan Publishing.
Sill, C. 2005. About Fish: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Sobol, R. 2010. The Life of Rice: From Seedling to Supper. Candlewick Press.
Stockdale, S. 2008. Fabulous Fishes. Peachtree Publishers.
Wells, E. 2006. Wishing I was Fishing. Beaver’s Pond Press.
Winner, C. and B. Lehnhausen. 1998. Trout. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 6-8
Fletcher, A.M. 1971. Fishes That Travel. Addison-Wesley.
Harvey, B. 2004. Fish. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Parker, S. 2005. Fish. DK Publishing, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Greenberg, P. 2010. Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food. Penguin Group (USA).
Matsen, B. 2001. Faces of Fishing: People, Food and the Sea at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century. Monterey Bay Aquarium.

2011-05-25T11:10:00.001-05:00

Surprise Terrarium

Create a “surprise terrarium” for your classroom with an animal that is hard to spot because of its camouflage. Have students observe the terrarium and describe what they see. Then take a walk on the wild side and go on a nature hike to look for camouflaged animals. Keep a nature journal of what you observe. Choose an animal that uses camouflage (preferably one that you saw one your hike) and do a class study of it. For more great ideas and info on how to create a surprise terrarium use Project WILD’s “Surprise Terrarium”.

Young Child Extension
Create a surprise terrarium for your classroom. Then take young children on a nature hike to look for camouflaged animals. Play a game of animal hide and seek with toy animals, have children hide animals by placing them where they are camouflaged, take turns being the “predator” and finding them! Read books about animal camouflage, try “Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed…and Revealed” by David Schwartz, Yael Schy, and Dwight Kuhn.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Dewey, J. 1994. Can You Find Me? A Book About Animal Camouflage. Scholastic Trade.
Donati, A. 1995. Animal Camouflage: Fun Facts for Curious Kids. Random House Children’s Books.
Donati, A. 2001. I Wonder Why Crocodiles Float Like Logs and Other Neat Facts About Animal Camouflage. Graymont.
Gilpin, D. 2010. 3-D Close Up: Animal Camouflage. Silver Dolphin Books.
Foley, C. 2000. Find the Wild Animal. Children’s Press (CT).
Heller, R. 1994. How to Hide a Crocodile and Other Reptiles. Penguin Group (USA).
Heller, R. 1995. How to Hide a Meadow Frog and Other Amphibians. Penguin Group (USA).
Heller, R. 1992. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects. Penguin Group (USA).
Jenkins, S. 2001. What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
McDonnell, J. 1997. Animal Camouflage. Child’s World, Inc.
O’Mara, K. 2009. Camouflage: Survival in the Wild. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Otto, C. B. 1996. What Color is Camouflage? HarperCollins Publishers.
Peterson, M. C. 2010. Camouflage Clues: A Photo Riddle Book. A+ Books.
Schwartz, D. M., Y. Schy, and D. Kuhn. 2011. Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed…and Revealed. Random House Children’s Books.
Smith, P. 2006. Animal Hide and Seek. DK Children.
Tildes, P. L. 2000. Animals in Camouflage. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Weber, B. 2004. Animal Disguises. Kingfisher.
Wood, A. J., and N. Palin. 1996. Hidden Pictures: Find a Feast of Camouflaged Creatures. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Dewey, J. 1994. Can You Find Me? A Book About Animal Camouflage. Scholastic Trade.
Donati, A. 1995. Animal Camouflage: Fun Facts for Curious Kids. Random House Children’s Books.
Donati, A. 2001. I Wonder Why Crocodiles Float Like Logs and Other Neat Facts About Animal Camouflage. Graymont.
Gilpin, D. 2010. 3-D Close Up: Animal Camouflage. Silver Dolphin Books.
Foley, C. 2000. Find the Wild Animal. Children’s Press (CT).
Heller, R. 1994. How to Hide a Crocodile and Other Reptiles. Penguin Group (USA).
Heller, R. 1995. How to Hide a Meadow Frog and Other Amphibians. Penguin Group (USA).
Heller, R. 1992. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects. Penguin Group (USA).
Jenkins, S. 2001. What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Kalman, B. 2005. Camouflage: Changing to Hide. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mettler, R. 2008. Animal Camouflage. Moonlight Publishing.
McDonnell, J. 1997. Animal Camouflage. Child’s World, Inc.
O’Mara, K. 2009. Camouflage: Survival in the Wild. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Otto, C. B. 1996. What Color is Camouflage? HarperCollins Publishers.
Peterson, M. C. 2010. Camouflage Clues: A Photo Riddle Book. A+ Books.
Powzyk, J. 1990. Animal Camouflage. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Schwartz, D. M., Y. Schy, and D. Kuhn. 2011. Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed…and Revealed. Random House Children’s Books.
Smith, P. 2006. Animal Hide and Seek. DK Children.
Tildes, P. L. 2000. Animals in Camouflage. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Weber, B. 2004. Animal Disguises. Kingfisher.
Wood, A. J., and N. Palin. 1996. Hidden Pictures: Find a Feast of Camouflaged Creatures. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 6-8
Harland, J. 1993. Invisible Animals: A Close-Up Look at Animals and Their Camouflage. Running Press Book Publishers.
Mitchell, S. K. 2008. Animals with Crafty Camouflage: Hiding in Plain Sight. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Petty, K. 2005. Animal Camouflage and Defense. Chelsea House Publishers.
Woodward, J. 2005. Clever Camouflage. Heinemann Library Paperbacks.

Grades 9-12
Owen, D. 1982. Camouflage and Mimicry. University of Chicago Press.
Stevens, M., and S. Merilaita. 2011. Animal Camouflage: Mechanisms and Function. Cambridge University Press.

2011-04-19T10:42:00.002-05:00

Bursting Buds

Trees buds, though actually formed during the previous summer, begin to swell and open the following spring. Until the buds start to open they are covered by scales, specialized leaves that keep the miniature leaves inside protected until they are ready to grow.

Go outside and go on a nature walk around your schoolyard or neighborhood. Look for buds on trees and shrubs. Do the buds still have their scales? Are they starting to open? Compare buds from several different types of trees and shrubs. See if you can identify the different parts of the buds and twigs.

Have each student choose a tree. Visit the tree weekly to observe the buds and to cut a bud open. Dry the buds each week and mount chronologically so show the bud development and growth.

For more fun ideas and the full activity use Project Learning Tree’s “Bursting Buds”.

Young Child Extension
Take children on walk to look for buds on trees, and shrubs. Do any of the plants have new leaves or flowers? Do any of them have buds? What do they look like? Describe them (color, texture, size). What do you think the buds will grow into? What do you think they will look like? Make plans to periodically return to the plants that have unopened buds over the next few weeks to watch for new growth.

Collect twigs with buds from plants that have been pruned. Using plastic knives encourage the children to take the buds apart. Provide magnifying glasses. Questions to ask: What do you think the buds will grow into? Leaves or flowers? Why? What do the plant materials smell like? Feel like? Describe the inside of the buds. What do you think would happen if we put the twigs with buds in water? Try putting a few of the twigs in water. Observe what happens.

For more great ideas use Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood’s “Bursting Buds”.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Behn, H. and J. Endicott. 1994. Trees. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Society.
Blackaby, S., and C. Delage. 2003. Bud and Blossoms. Coughlan Publishing.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Burns, D. and L. Garrow. 1998. Leaves, Trees and Bark (Take-Along Guide). NorthWord Books for Young Readers.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1997. Look At This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Eckroat, L. W. 2009. The Life of Bud. Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Hewitt, S. 1999. Plants and Flowers. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Orme, H. 2003. Why Do Plants Grow in Spring? Gareth Stevens Audio.
Royston, A. 2001. Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Heinemann.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1997. From Bud to Blossom. Coughlan Publishing.
Schwartz, D. M., and D. Kuhn. 1998. Plant Blossoms. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Behn, H. and J. Endicott. 1994. Trees. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Society.
Blackaby, S., and C. Delage. 2003. Bud and Blossoms. Coughlan Publishing.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Burns, D. and L. Garrow. 1998. Leaves, Trees and Bark (Take-Along Guide). NorthWord Books for Young Readers.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1997. Look At This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Dow, L., S. Addario, and R. C. Carolin. Incredible Plants. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Eckroat, L. W. 2009. The Life of Bud. Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Plant Life. Raintree Publishers.
Hewitt, S. 1999. Plants and Flowers. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Julivert, M.A. 1993. Life of Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Orme, H. 2003. Why Do Plants Grow in Spring? Gareth Stevens Audio.
McEvoy, P. 2003. Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Notkin, L. 1997. The Magic School Bus Gets Planted: A Book About Photosynthesis. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Royston, A. 2001. Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Heinemann.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1997. From Bud to Blossom. Coughlan Publishing.
Schwartz, D. M., and D. Kuhn. 1998. Plant Blossoms. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Spilsbury, L. 2002. Plant Parts. Heinemann Library.
Stewart, M. 2003. Plants. Capstone Press.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.
Wyatt, V. 2000. Wacky Plant Cycles. Mondo Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing. 1992. Plants. DK CHILDREN.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Howell, L. 2002. World of Plants. E.D.C. Publishing.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Parker, R. 2003. Introduction to Plant Science: Revised Edition. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Massa, R. 1997. Breathing Earth. Steck-Vaughn.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Staub, F.J. 2004. Photosynthesis. Creative Company.
Walker, Alan. 1999. A Leaf in Time. Portland Press.

Grades 9-12
Farndon, J. 2002. 1000 Things You Should Know about Plants. Mason Crest Publishers.
Greenaway, T. 1999. Plant Kingdom: A Guide to Plant Classification and Biodiversity. Raintree Publishers.
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.

2011-04-04T13:53:00.000-05:00

Soil Stories
Soil is the foundation for life on Earth. It is a wonderful mix of living and non-living organic matter in which most of the plants on our planet grow. There are different classifications of soils and these classifications can tell us whether or not the soil can sustain plant life, which plants can grow there, and even which soils are good for withstanding erosion and for building houses on. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Soil Stories” to explore the fascinating world of soil!

Young Child Extension
Bring in samples of the three main soil textures, sand, silt and clay. Allow children time to play with and feel each of the soil textures. Ask: What do each of the soils feel like? How do the soils differ from one another? Why do you think they are different? Try growing seeds in each of the soils and in a mixture of the three. Record what happens in a chart.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bial, R. 2001. A Handful of Dirt. Walker & Company.
Bourgeois, P. 1990. The Amazing Dirt Book. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Bourgeois, P., M. Newbigging, and K. Vanderlinden. 2008. The Dirt on Dirt. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Bryant-Mole, K. 1996. Soil. Steck-Vaughn.
De Bourgoing, P. and G. Jeunesse. 1995. Under the Ground. Scholastic, Inc.
Oxlade, C. 2002. Soil. Heinemann Library.
Richardson, A.D. 2001. Soil. Capstone Press.
Rosinsky, N. M., and S. Williams. 2002. Dirt: The Scoop on Soil. Coughlan Publishing.
Siddals, M. M., and A. Wolff. 2010. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth. Random House Children’s Books.
Woodman, N. 2007. Dirt. National Geographic Society.

Grades 3-5
Aloian, M. 2010. Different Kinds of Soil. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Bial, R. 2001. A Handful of Dirt. Walker & Company.
Bourgeois, P., M. Newbigging, and K. Vanderlinden. 2008. The Dirt on Dirt. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Hyde, N. 2010. Micro Life in Soil. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lindeen, C. K. 2007. Soil Basics. Pebble Books.
Montgomery, H. L. 2010. How is Soil Made? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Tomecek, S. 2002. Dirt: Jump into Science. National Geographic Society.

Grades 6-8
Aloian, M. 2010. Different Kinds of Soil. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Gurney, B. 2004. Sand and Soil. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Montgomery, H. L. 2010. How is Soil Made? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Silverstein, A., V. Silverstein, and C. E. Silverstein. 2000. Life in a Bucket of Soil. Dover Publications.

Grades 9-12
Graham, I. 2004. Soil: A Resource Our World Depends On. Heinemann Library.
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.

2011-03-17T15:34:00.002-05:00

Tree Lifecycle

All living things have a lifecycle that includes, birth, growth, aging, and death. Trees go through these stages over the course of their life even though we may not be here to witness the full cycle. As trees go through their lifecycle their role in the ecosystem changes. Visit a local forest, park or explore your schoolyard for trees in different stages of their lifecycle from acorns to rotting logs. Observe the animals and insects that use them at each. Then use Project Learning Tree’s “Tree Lifecycle” to investigate the lifecycle of trees and their varying role in the forest ecosystem.

Young Child Extension
Ask children: Are trees alive? How do they know? How do trees start life? Go for a walk outside and find trees at different stages of their lifecycle, such as an acorn under a tree, a sapling just starting to grow, a mature tree and a log on the ground. As a class act out the lifecycle of a tree: curl into a ball (you’re a seed), slowing uncurl and kneel (you’ve sprouted), stick your arms up (you’ve grown branches), wiggle your fingers (you grew leaves), stand up (you grew tall), wiggle your toes (you grew lots of roots), sway around and sigh (you are now a mature tree and home to wildlife), make a creaking sound and fall over (you grew old and fell down during a storm), curl into a ball (you are one of your seeds growing from under your rotting wood), slowly uncurl and kneel (you are sprouting again)…and so the tree lifecycle goes around.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell (Sharing Nature with Children Book Series). Dawn Publications.
Aston, D. 2007. A Seed Is Sleepy. Chronicle Books LLC.
Behn, H. and J. Endicott. 1994. Trees. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Berger, M. 1994. All about Seeds: A Hands-on Science Book. Scholastic, Inc.
Buscagalia, L.F. 1982. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages. SLACK, Inc.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts,and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Cole, J. 1995. The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow. Scholastic, Inc.
DePalma, M.N. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Fowler, A. 2001. From Seed to Plant. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gackenbach, D. 1996. Mighty Tree. Harcourt Children's Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Hankin, R. 1995. Up the Tall Tree. Steck-Vaughn.
Hickman, P. 1996. A Seed Grows: My First Look at a Plant's Life Cycle. Kids Can Press, Ltd.
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. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Moss, M. and A. Kennaway. 2005. This is the Tree. Random House Adult Trade Publishing Group.
Nayer, J. 1994. A Tree Can Be. Scholastic, Inc.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Peck, J. and V. Petrone. 2005. Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Silverstein, S. 2004. The Giving Tree. HarperCollins Publishers.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Udry, J.M. and M. Simont. 1987. A Tree is Nice. HarperCollins Publishers.
Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. Morrow/Avon.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Burns, D. 1996. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds. Northwood Press.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Dorros, A. 1997. A Tree is Growing.
Dundy, M.R., and K. Richardson. 2010. Forests For All. MDCT Publishing.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
George, K. 1998. Old Elm Speaks. Clarion Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hiscock, B. 1991. The Big Tree. Atheneum Books-MacMillan.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Locker, T. 1995. Sky Tree. Harper Collins Publishers.
Lyons, D. 2002. The Tree. Illumination Arts Publishing.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Morrison, G. 2005. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Staub, F.J. 1998. America's Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Bates, J.W. 1991. Seeds to Plants: Projects with Biology. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.

Grades 9-12
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Forests. Rourke Publishing, LLC.

2011-03-08T13:45:00.001-06:00

Web of Life

Life is dependent on life. Without sunlight there would be no plants, without plants there would be no animals. Learn how plants and animals are connected to each other with Project Learning Tree’s “Web of Life”. Then head out to your schoolyard, backyard or local park and study the ecosystem and food webs right outside your door.

Young Child Extension
Ask children if they have eaten any sunshine today. Share with children various food items, such as apples, whole-grain bagels and orange juice. Serve the snack and talk about where food comes from. Talk about how the food we eat gives us energy to play and grow. For more information and for snack and craft ideas use Growing Up WILD’s “Show Me the Energy” activity!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Bradley, K. B. Energy Makes Things Happen (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2).
Godkin, C. 2006. Wolf Island. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Limited.
Jenkins, S. 2001. What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Hickman, P. 1997. Hungry Animals: My First Look at a Foodchain. Kids Can Press Ltd.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Kitchen, B. 1994. When Hunger Calls. Candlewick Press.
Lauber, P. 1995. Who Eats What?: Food Chains and Food Webs. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 1993. How Do Apples Grow? HarperCollins Publishers.
Mckinney, B.S. 2000. Pass the Energy, Please! Dawn Publications.
Relf, P. 1996. Magic School Bus Gets Eaten: A Book about Food Chains. Scholastic, Inc.
Rosenfeld, D. and R. Lyampe. 2002. Where Does Food Come From? Hachai Publishing.
Sayre, A.P. and K. Endle. 2008. Trout Are Made of Trees. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.

Grades 3-5
Cole, J. 1996. The Magic School Bus Gets Eaten. A Book About Food Chains. Scholastic Inc.
Ellis, B.F. 2006. Web at Dragonfly Pond. Dawn Publications.
Greenaway, T. 2001. Cycles in Nature Food Chain. Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers.
Heinz, B.J. 2006. Butternut Hollow Pond. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. and J. Langille. 1998. What Are Food Chains and Webs? Crabtree.
Mason, C. 2003. Everybody's Somebody's Lunch: The Role of Predator and Prey in Nature. Tilbury House Publishers.
Nadeau, I. 2001. Food Chains in a Pond Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Nadeau, I. 2002. Food Chains in a Meadow Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Norsgaard, E.J. 1990. Nature's Great Balancing Act: In Our Own Backyard. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Penny, M. 1998. The Foodchain. The Bookwright Press.
Pringle, L.P. 1975. Chains, Webs and Pyramids: The Flow of Energy in Nature. HarperCollins Publishers.
Riley, P. 2002. Food Chains. Franklin Watts.

Grades 6-8
Capeci, A. 2003. Food Chain Frenzy (The Magic School Bus Chapter Book). Scholastic Inc.
Hemsley, W. 1992. Feeding to Digestion: Projects with Biology. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Food Chains. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 9-12
Ballard, C. 2010. Food Webs. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Gray, S. H. 2008. Food Webs: Interconnecting Food Chains. Coughlan Publishing.

2011-02-24T13:33:00.001-06:00

Water’s Going On?

Every molecule of water that was present when the Earth’s oceans were formed millions of years ago is still present today. That means the water you drink is the same water dinosaurs drank! Most of the water consumed in the United States comes from groundwater. Groundwater takes hundreds or even thousands of years to replenish. Water is important to every living thing on Earth which is why it is so important to conserve and protect our water resources. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s “Water’s Going On?” to track your own water consumption!

Young Child Extension
Set up stations for children to explore water. Supply scoops, cups and other tools for filling, dumping and exploring. Supply cold water, warm water and ice. If possible, boil water to show children water in its gas form – steam. Ask children: Do you use water? What do you use water for? Who else uses water? Do animals use water? Where is there water? At your home? Outside? What do you like about water?

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Base, G. 2001. The Water Hole. Harry N Abrams, Inc.
Branley, F.M. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Brimner, L.D. 1999. Raindrops. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cole, J. and B. Degen. 1988. The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks. Scholastic, Inc.
Curry, D.L. 1999. The Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
DK Publishing. 2007. Water Everywhere. DK Publishing, Inc.
Edom, H. 2007. Science with Water. EDC Publishing.
Falwell, C. 2001. Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
Greenfield, E. and J.S. Gilchrist. 1999. Water, Water. HarperCollins Publishers.
Hooper, M. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Viking Press.
Jango-Cohen, J. 2005. Why Does It Rain? Lerner Publishing Group.
Jarnow, J. and E. Hathon. 2000. Splish! Splash! Penguin Group, Inc. (USA).
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Pluckrose, H. 2001. Water. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Seuling, B. 2000. Drip! Drop!: How Water Gets to Your Tap. Holiday House, Inc.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Waldman, N. 2003. Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story. Millbrook Press.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Weininger, B. and A. Moller. 2003. Precious Water. North-South Books.
Yolen, J. 1995. Water Music: Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 3-5
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1998. Water. June 1998.
Cobb, V. 1986. Trip of a Drip. Little, Brown & Company.
Ditchfield, C. 2001. Water. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Water. Capstone Press.
Goodrich, R.S. 2004. Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle. Geoquest Pubns.
Hughes, M. 2004.Water Cycle. Heinemann Library.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Moor, J.E. 1998. Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Olien, R. 2006. Making Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Olien, R. 2006. Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
Royston, A. 2006. The Life And Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Raintree.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
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 6-8
Bailey, G. and S. Way. 2009. Water. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Baker, L.W. 2004. Encyclopedia of Water Science. Thomson Gale.
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Day, T. 2007. Water. DK Publishing, Inc.
Markert, J. 1992. Water. The Creative Company.
McKinney, B.S. and M.S. Maydak. 1998. A Drop Around the World. Dawn Publications.
Morgan, S. 2009. The Water Cycle. Rosen Publishing Group.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Yolen, J. 1995. Water Music: Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 9-12
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Cossi, O. 1993. Water Wars. Silver Burdett Press.
Gardner, R. 2004. Experimenting with Water. Dover Publications.
Harman. 2005. The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion. Heinemann-Raintree.
Lucas, E. 1991. Water: A Resource in Crisis. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Newton, Lisa H., C.K. Dillingham and J.H. Choly. 2005. Watersheds 4: Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics.
Wadsworth Publishing.
Rice, W.B., and M. Sullivan. 2010. Inside the Water Cycle. Compass Point Books.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.
Ryerson, M. 2003. Water Music. University of Michigan Press.

2011-02-09T12:39:00.001-06:00

Bird Song Survey

Inventorying wildlife populations is a technique that is used by wildlife professionals to gather information about the number and kinds of wildlife in a given area. People who are interested in wildlife can assist conservation professionals by helping to inventory wildlife populations. Use Project WILD’s “Bird Song Survey” to inventory a local bird population. Use this activity in conjunction with the annual Great Backyard Bird Count February 18-21 and make your survey really count! Visit the GBBC website at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ for more information.

Young Child Extension
Young children can participate in the GBBC too! Plan a hike around the school yard to inventory the local bird population. Setting up a bird feeder close to your classroom windows would be a wonderful opportunity to observe and inventory birds. As a class you could create your own bird feeders and set up a bird feeding station that the students can enjoy every day!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Boring, M. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. T&N Children's Publishing.
Bushnell, J. 1996. Sky Dancer. HarperCollins Publishers.
Collard, S.B. 2002. Beaks! Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Garelick, M. 1995. What Makes a Bird a Bird? Mondo Publishing.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Oppenheim, J.F. and B. Reid. 1987. Have You Seen Birds?. Scholastic, Inc.
Pascoe, E., et al. 2000. How and Why Birds Use Their Bills (How and Why Series). Creative Teching Press, Inc.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. 1999. Bird Watch: A Book of Poetry. Putnam Juvenile.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Nature's Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Boring, M. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. T&N Children's Publishing.
Burnie, D. 2005. Birdwatcher. DK Publishing, Inc.
Cortright, S. 1995. Birding Basics. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Davies, J. 2004. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dawe, N. 1988. Bird Book and the Bird Feeder. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Fitcher, G.S. 1982. Birds of North America. Random House, Incorporated.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Hume, R. 1993. Birdwatching. Random House, Incorporated.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Backyard Bird Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Kress, S.W. 2001. Bird Life. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lerner, C. 1994. Backyard Birds of Winter. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lindsey, T. 1999. Birding. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Loates, G. and B. Kalman. 1988. Birds at My Feeder. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mania, C. 2000. Woodpecker in the Backyard. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Winter. Smart Apple Media.
Peterson, R.T. 1999. Backyard Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. 1999. Bird Watch: A Book of Poetry. Putnam Juvenile.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 6-8
Burgess, T.W. 2003. Burgess Bird Book for Children. Dover Publications.
Burnie, D. 2004. Bird. DK Publishing, Inc.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Birds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lee, F. 2005. Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide and Activities. Gibbs Smith.
Robbins, C.S. 2001. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Spaulding, D.T. 1997. Watching Our Feathered Friends. Lerner Publishing Group.
Ward, A. 2004. Pocket Factfiles: Birds. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Dobson, C. 1981. Feeding Wild Birds in Winter. Firefly Books.
Gardner, D. and N. Overcott. 2003. Birds at Your Feeder: A Guide to Winter Birds of the Great Plains. University of Iowa Press.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Johnson, J. 2003. 1000 Facts on Birds. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Peterson, R. T. and L. A. Peterson. 2010. Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Roth, S. 2000. Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible. Rodale Press, Incorporated.
Sibley, D. A. 2000. National Aububon Society: The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Stokes, D. and L. Stokes. 2010. The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Little, Brown & Company.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.

2011-01-25T10:50:00.000-06:00

Tracks!

Animal tracks are a wonderful way to learn about wildlife. By observing wildlife tracks you can learn what kind of animal species live in a certain area, how many there may be and what they are doing. Other signs of wildlife such as burrows, droppings, nests and food litter can also tell us many things about wildlife. Animal tracks are easily found in mud and snow. Take advantage of all of our Iowa snow and get outside to look for animal tracks! Use Project WILD’s “Tracks!” to delve into the wonder of animal tracks!

Young Child Extension
Young children can look for animal tracks too! Take children on a walk through the snow to observe animal tracks. Encourage them to make observations about what they see. How big are the tracks? What kind of animal do they think they are from? Do they themselves also make tracks in the snow? Upon returning to the classroom allow children to make their own track pictures using tracks stencils or rubber tracks stamp, or remove their shoes and let them make their own tracks with their own bare feet! For more fun ideas with young children use Project WILD’s Growing Up WILD “Tracks!”.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 1994. Crinkleroot's Twenty-Five Mammals Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Boring, M. and L. Garrow. 1996. Rabbits, Squirrels, and Chimpmunks (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Dingwall, L. 1994. Deer (Getting to Know Nature's Children Series). Grolier Academic Reference.
Dorros, A. 1991. Animal Tracks. Scholastic, Inc
George, L. B. 1999. In the Snow: Who's Been Here?. HarperCollins Publishers.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
MacLulich, C. 1996. Animal Feet. Scholastic, Inc.
Nail, J.D. and H. Skudder. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These? A Clue Book for Familiar Forest Animals. Rinehart Publishing.
Ricci, C. and S. Hall. 2003. Follow Those Feet! (Dora the Explorer Ready-to-Read, Level 1). Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart.
Rockwell, A. 1992. Our Yard is Full of Birds. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishers.
Ruurs, M. 2007. In My Backyard. Tundra.
Sams, C.R. and J. Stoick. 2000. Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Selsam, M. E. and M.D. Hill. 1999. Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints. HarperCollins Publishers.
Selsam, M.E. and J. Hunt. 1991. Keep Looking! Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Wiesmuller, D. 2003. In the Blink of an Eye. Walker & Company.
Wolff, A. 2006. Stella and Roy Go Camping. Yosemite Association.
Yee, W.H. 2007. Tracks in the Snow. Square Fish.

Grades 3-5
Amato, C.A. 2002. Backyard Pets: Activities for Exploring Wildlife Close to Home. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. HarperCollins.
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 1983. Secrets of a Wildlife Watcher. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Deer Watching. Capstone Press.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bishop, N. 2002. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. Scholastic, Inc.
Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Loates, G. and B. Kalman. 1988. Birds at My Feeder. 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.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds (HarperCollins Nature Study Book). Harper Collins.
Ross, M.E. 1997. Wildlife Watching with Charles Eastman. Lerner Publishing Group.
Russo, M. 1998. Watching Nature: A Beginner's Field Guide. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Shedd, W. 2002. Kids' Wildlife Book. Williamson Kids Can Series.
Squire, A.O. 1996. 101 Questions and Answers about Backyard Wildlife. Walker & Company.
Sterry, P. 2005. Nature Explorer. Running Press Book Publishers.

Grades 6-8
Dinsmore, S. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Grassy, J. 1998. Mammals (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Peterson, R. T., R. P. Grossenheider, and O. J. Murie. 1996. Peterson Flash Guides: Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Grades 9-12
Bang, P., P. Dahlstrom, and R. Mears. 2006. Animal Tracks and Signs. Oxford University Press, USA.
Dinsmore, S. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Kavanagh, J., and R. Leung. 2000. Animal Tracks. Waterford Press, Ltd.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Peterson, R. T., O. J. Murie, and M. Elbroch. 2005. Peterson Field Guide to Animals Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2011-01-13T13:22:00.000-06:00

Adopt a Tree We All Need
Get out those mittens, hats, boots and coats; it’s time to go outside! It is the heart of winter and time to explore the great outdoors in the snow. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Adopt a Tree” and “We All Need Trees” to explore the wonder of trees in the winter. Take a winter walk around the schoolyard or backyard and have each student choose a tree to “adopt”. Have students make observations about their tree and/or take measurements of height, girth etc. Take a picture of each student with their tree. Make plans to visit the trees during the spring. Then, have each student learn more about their tree. Can they figure out what kind of tree it is? What animals use their tree for food or shelter? Do we use their tree for food or what products do we get from this kind of tree? Explore and learn more!

Young Child Extension
Take young children out to explore the schoolyard and let them “adopt” a tree! Encourage them to learn all they can about their tree. What does it feel like? Smell like? What animals do they think might use their tree? Once back in the classroom have children draw pictures or write stories about their tree. Discuss different ways in which we use trees. Eat fruit or nuts from trees or make hot cocoa which comes from trees!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Barasch, L. 1993. A Winter Walk. Ticknor & Fields.
Behn, H. and J. Endicott. 1994. Trees. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Berger, M. 1995. What Do Animals Do in Winter?: How Animals Survive the Cold. Ideals Publications.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Burns, D. and L. Garrow. 1998. Leaves, Trees and Bark (Take-Along Guide). NorthWord Books for Young Readers.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1997. Look At This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
DePalma, M.N. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Evans, L. 2002. Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Finnegan, M.P. 2002. Winter: Signs of the Season around North America. Capstone Press.
Freedman, R. 1981. When Winter Comes. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Gackenbach, D. 1996. Mighty Tree. Harcourt Children's Books.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
George, J.C. 2001. Winter Moon. HarperCollins Publishers.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Jones, J.B. 2001. Who Lives in the Snow? Rinehart P.
Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Lawlor, E.P. 1998. Discover Nature in Winter: Things to Know and Things to Do. Stackpole Books.
Llewellyn, C. 2004. Tree. T&N Children's Publishing.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Sams, C.R. 2000. Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Sams, Carl, R. II, Photography.
Thomson, R. 1989. Winter. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.
Wildsmith, B. 1991. Animal Seasons. Oxford University Press.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.
Yolen, J. 2005. Snow, Snow: Winter Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 3-5
Albert, T. 1998. A Kid's Winter EcoJournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season. Trickle Creek Books.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Burton, J. and K. Taylor. 1999. Nature and Science of Winter. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Dowden, A. The Blossom on the Bough: A Book of Trees. Thomas Y. Crowell.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
George, K. 1998. Old Elm Speaks. Clarion Books.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Hiscock, B. 1991. The Big Tree. Atheneum Books-MacMillan.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America.. Dawn Publications.
Meyer, M.L. 2002. Winter. Smart Apple Media.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.
Yolen, J. 2005. Snow, Snow: Winter Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Cassie, B. and M. Burns. 1999. Trees. Scholastic, Inc.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Jones, A. 2006. Four Seasons: Uncovering Nature. Firefly Books, Limited.
Santrey, L. 1982. Winter. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Watts, M.T. 1970. Winter Tree Finder. Nature Study Guild.

Grades 9-12
Arnosky, J. 1988. Sketching Outdoors in Winter. HarperCollins Publishers.
Bastedo, J. 2003. Falling for Snow: A Naturalist's Journey Into the World of Winter. Red Deer Press.
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Marchand, P.J. 1987. Life in the Cold: An Introduction to Winter Ecology. University Press of New England.
Stokes, D.W. 1979. Stokes Guide to Nature in Winter. Little, Brown & Company.
Trelease, W. 1967. Winter Botany: An Identification Guide to Native Trees and Shrubs. Dover Publications.

2010-12-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

Bird Song Survey

It is time once again for the annual Christmas Bird Count! This year marks the 111th National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count which thousands of Americans participate in annually. Young and old, students and teachers, parents and grandparents participate every year as citizen scientists to do their part to gather important information for bird conservation. Use Project WILD’s “Bird Song Survey” to explore the importance of inventorying wildlife populations!

Christmas Bird Count http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

And don’t forget about the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count in February! http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

Young Child Extension

Young children can help count birds too! Take kids on a walk around the school yard or observe birds through the windows of the classroom. Keep a chart to track the number of birds sighted. Put a bird feeder up outside the classroom window to attract birds for children to watch. Or help the children make pinecone bird feeders to hang up themselves. Use Growing Up WILD’s “Bird Beak Buffet” to learn more about our feathered friends!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Boring, M. and L. Garrow. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. National Book Network.
Collard, S.B. 2002. Beaks! Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Garelick, M. 1995. What Makes a Bird a Bird? Mondo Publishing.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Oppenheim, J.F. and B. Reid. 1987. Have You Seen Birds?. Scholastic, Inc.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. 1999. Bird Watch: A Book of Poetry. Putnam Juvenile.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Nature's Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Boring, M. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. T&N Children's Publishing.
Burnie, D. 2005. Birdwatcher. DK Publishing, Inc.
Cortright, S. 1995. Birding Basics. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Davies, J. 2004. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dawe, N. 1988. Bird Book and the Bird Feeder. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Fitcher, G.S. 1982. Birds of North America. Random House, Incorporated.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Hume, R. 1993. Birdwatching. Random House, Incorporated.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Backyard Bird Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Kress, S.W. 2001. Bird Life. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lerner, C. 1994. Backyard Birds of Winter. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lindsey, T. 1999. Birding. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Loates, G. and B. Kalman. 1988. Birds at My Feeder. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Winter. Smart Apple Media.
Peterson, R.T. 1999. Backyard Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. 1999. Bird Watch: A Book of Poetry. Putnam Juvenile.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 6-8
Burgess, T.W. 2003. Burgess Bird Book for Children. Dover Publications.
Burnie, D. 2004. Bird. DK Publishing, Inc.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Birds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lee, F. 2005. Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide and Activities. Gibbs Smith.
Robbins, C.S. 2001. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Spaulding, D.T. 1997. Watching Our Feathered Friends. Lerner Publishing Group.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.
Ward, A. 2004. Pocket Factfiles: Birds. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Dobson, C. 1981. Feeding Wild Birds in Winter. Firefly Books.
Gardner, D. and N. Overcott. 2003. Birds at Your Feeder: A Guide to Winter Birds of the Great Plains. University of Iowa Press.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Johnson, J. 2003. 1000 Facts on Birds. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Peterson, R. T. and L. A. Peterson. 2010. Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Roth, S. 2000. Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible. Rodale Press, Incorporated.
Sibley, D. A. 2000. National Aububon Society: The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Stokes, D. and L. Stokes. 2010. The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Little, Brown & Company.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.

2010-11-18T14:11:00.001-06:00

Let’s Talk Turkey

Thanksgiving is next week and as everyone knows we often refer to this day of giving thanks as “Turkey Day”. This year before “Turkey Day” gather your students and talk about turkeys. Ask them what they think of when they hear the word “turkey”. Are their thoughts about domestic or wild turkeys? What is the difference? Use Project WILD’s “Let’s Talk Turkey” to explore the history of Wild Turkeys.

For information on the history of Wild Turkeys in Iowa visit:
Iowa DNR Wildlife Wild Turkey Restoration http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/files/turkey_restoration.pdf

Young Child Extension

Ask young children if they have ever seen a turkey. Where was it? What did it look like? Talk about what turkeys look like and where they live and the difference between wild and domestic turkeys. For more ideas and for snacks and crafts use Growing Up WILD’s “Terrific Turkeys”

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 2008. All About Turkeys. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 2009. I'm A Turkey! Scholastic, Inc.
Balian, L. 2003. Sometimes It's Turkey, Sometimes It's Feathers. Star Bright Books, Inc.
Bateman, T. 2004. A Plump and Perky Turkey. Marshall Cavendish, Inc.
Bloxam, F. and J. Sollers. 2005. Little Tom Turkey. Down East Books.
Johnston, T. and R.F. Deas. 2004. 10 Fat Turkeys. Scholastic, Inc.
May, J. and J. Hamberger. 1973. Wild Turkeys. Holiday House, Inc.
Patent, D.H. and W. Munoz. 1989. Wild Turkeys,Tame Turkey. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Spirn, M.S. and R.W. Alley. 2000. The Know-Nothings Talk Turkey (I Can Read Book 2). HarperCollins Children's Books.
Stemple, D. and T. Lewin. 2001. High Ridge Gobbler: A Story of the American Wild Turkey. Boyds Mills Press.
Steinberg, D. and L. Conrad. 2005. The Turkey Ball. Penguin Group (USA).

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 2008. All About Turkeys. Scholastic, Inc.
Balian, L. 2003. Sometimes It's Turkey, Sometimes It's Feathers. Star Bright Books, Inc.
Bateman, T. 2004. A Plump and Perky Turkey. Marshall Cavendish, Inc.
Bloxam, F. and J. Sollers. 2005. Little Tom Turkey. Down East Books.
May, J. and J. Hamberger. 1973. Wild Turkeys. Holiday House, Inc.
Spirn, M.S. and R.W. Alley. 2000. The Know-Nothings Talk Turkey (I Can Read Book 2). HarperCollins Children's Books.
Stemple, D. and T. Lewin. 2001. High Ridge Gobbler: A Story of the American Wild Turkey. Boyds Mills Press.
Steinberg, D. and L. Conrad. 2005. The Turkey Ball. Penguin Group (USA).

Grades 6-8
May, J. and J. Hamberger. 1973. Wild Turkeys. Holiday House, Inc.
Patent, D. H. and W. Munoz. 1992. Wild Turkey: Tame Turkey. Sandpiper.
Stemple, D. and T. Lewin. 2001. High Ridge Gobbler: A Story of the American Wild Turkey. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 9-12
Dickson, J. G. 1992. The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management. Stackpole Books.
Eiche, S. 2006. Presenting the Turkey: The Fabulous Story of a Flamboyant and Flavorful Bird. Centro Di.
Williams, L. E. and G. W. Griffen. 1993. Wild Turkey Country. Northword Press.

2010-11-05T10:17:00.001-05:00

Have Seeds Will Travel

It’s time to take a “seed walk”! Autumn is the best time of year for collecting seeds. Take kids out to collect seeds from plants along a trail, in the schoolyard or have them collect seeds from home to bring to school. Then use Project Learning Tree’s “Have Seeds Will Travel” to examine and explore the wonder of seeds!

Young Child Extension
Use Growing Up WILD’s “Seed Need” to explore the fascinating world of plant seeds with young children. Take the children on a “seed walk” to collect seeds and then let them examine the seeds. They can sort them by size, shape, or color. Or use the seeds to create seed collages!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Aston, D. 2007. A Seed Is Sleepy. Chronicle Books LLC.
Berger, M. 1994. All about Seeds: A Hands-on Science Book. Scholastic, Inc.
Brown, R. 2001. Ten Seeds. Knopf Publishing Group.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts,and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Cole, J. 1995. The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow. Scholastic, Inc.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Doyle, M. and J. Allibone. 2002. Jody's Beans. Candlewick Press.
Ehlert, L. 1992. Planting a Rainbow. Harcourt Children's Books.
Fowler, A. 2001. From Seed to Plant. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1991. From Seed to Plant. Holiday House.
Hickman, P. 1996. A Seed Grows: My First Look at a Plant's Life Cycle. Kids Can Press, Ltd.
Jennings, T.J. 1988. Seeds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Jordan, H.J. 1992. How a Seed Grows. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Kuchalla, S. 1990. All About Seeds. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Krauss, R. 1993. The Carrot Seed. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lauber, P. 1981. Seeds Pop-Stick-Glide. Crown Publishers, Inc.
Lovejoy, S. 1999. Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children. Workman Publishing Company.
Manning, M. and B. Granstrom. 2003. The Seed I Planted (Wonderwise Readers). Franklin Watts, Ltd.
Marzollo, J. 1996. I'm a Seed. Scholastic, Inc.
Moncure, J.B. 1990. How Seeds Travel: Popguns and Parachutes. Child's World, Incorporated.
Morgan, S. 2004. Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Thameside Press.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2002. How and Why Seeds Travel. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Pascoe, E. 2003. Plants with Seeds. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Richards, J. and A. Hariton. 2006. A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds. Lerner Publishing Group.
Robbins, K. 2005. Seeds. Atheneum.
Rockwell, A. 1999. One Bean. Walker Books for Young Readers.
Roemer, H.B. 2006. What Kinds of Seeds Are These? T&N Children's Publishing.
Royston, A. 2001. Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Heinemann.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1998. Seeds. Capstone Press.
Schaefer, L.M. 2003. Pick, Pull, Snap!: Where Once a Flower Bloomed. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Scrace, C. 2002. Growing Things. Franklin Watts.
Wexler, J. 1988. Flowers, Fruits Seeds. Prentice Hall Books.
Whitehouse, P. 2002. Seeds. Heinemann.
Worth, B. 2001. Oh Say Can You Seed?: All About Flowering Plants. Random House, Incorporated.

Grades 3-5
Anthony, J.A. 1997. Dandelion Seed. California: Dawn Publications.
Berger, M. 1994. All about Seeds: A Hands-on Science Book. Scholastic, Inc.
Bix, C.O. 1982. How Seeds Travel. Lerner Publishing Group.
Branigan, C. 2005. Flowers and Seeds. Smart Apple Media.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts,and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Burton, J. and K. Taylor. 1999. Nature and Science of Seeds. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Cole, J. 1995. The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow. Scholastic, Inc.
Farndon, J. 2006. Seeds. Thomson Gale.
Fowler, A. 2001. From Seed to Plant. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1991. From Seed to Plant. Holiday House.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Seeds, Stems, and Stamens: The Ways Plants Fit into Their World. Lerner Publishing Group.
Hickman, P. 1996. A Seed Grows: My First Look at a Plant's Life Cycle. Kids Can Press, Ltd.
Hoff, M.K. 2004. Pollination. The Creative Company.
Jennings, T.J. 1988. Seeds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Jennings, T.J. 1989. Seeds and Seedlings. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Jordan, H.J. 1992. How a Seed Grows. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Kalman, B.1996. How a Plant Grows. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kirkpatrick, R.K. 1990. Look at Seeds and Weeds. Raintree Publishers.
Lauber, P. 1991. Seeds: Pop Stick Glide. Crown Books for Young Readers.
Moncure, J.B. 1990. How Seeds Travel: Popguns and Parachutes. Child's World, Incorporated.
Morgan, S. 2004. Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Thameside Press.
Overbeck, C. 1982. How Seeds Travel. Minneapolis: Lerner.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2002. How and Why Seeds Travel. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Pascoe, E. 2003. Plants with Seeds. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Richards, J. and A. Hariton. 2006. A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds. Lerner Publishing Group.
Robbins, K. 2004. Seeds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Roemer, H.B. 2006. What Kinds of Seeds Are These? T&N Children's Publishing.
Royston, A. 2001. Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Heinemann.
Rushing, F. 2004. Dig, Plant, Grow. Cool Springs Press.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1998. Seeds. Capstone Press.
Schaefer, L.M. 2003. Pick, Pull, Snap!: Where Once a Flower Bloomed. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Scrace, C. 2002. Growing Things. Franklin Watts.
Wexler, J. 1988. Flowers, Fruits Seeds. Prentice Hall Books.
Whitehouse, P. 2002. Seeds. Heinemann.
Worth, B. 2001. Oh Say Can You Seed?: All About Flowering Plants. Random House, Incorporated.

Grades 6-8
Bates, J.W. 1991. Seeds to Plants: Projects with Biology. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts,and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Goodman, S.E. 2001. Seeds, Stems, and Stamens: The Ways Plants Fit into Their World. Lerner Publishing Group.
Lauber, P. 1991. Seeds: Pop Stick Glide. Crown Books for Young Readers.
Moncure, J.B. 1990. How Seeds Travel: Popguns and Parachutes. Child's World, Incorporated.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2002. How and Why Seeds Travel. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Pascoe, E. 1996. Seeds and Seedlings. Thomson Gale.
Robbins, K. 2004. Seeds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Royston, A. 2001. Plants, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Heinemann.
Saunders-Smith, G. 1998. Seeds. Capstone Press.
Schaefer, L.M. 2003. Pick, Pull, Snap!: Where Once a Flower Bloomed. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Winckler, S. 2002. Planting the Seed: A Guide to Gardening. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 9-12
Bates, J.W. 1991. Seeds to Plants: Projects with Biology. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Burns, D.L. and J.F. McGee. 1996. Berries, Nuts,and Seeds (Take-Along Guide). T&N Children's Publishing.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Kesseler, R., and W. Stuppy. 2009. Seeds: Time Capsules of Life. Firefly Books, Limited.
Martin, A. C. 2000. Seed Identification Manual. The Blackburn Press.
Robbins, K. 2004. Seeds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Thoreau, H. D. 1996. Faith in a Seed: The Dispersion of Seeds and Other Late Natural Natural Writings. Island Press.
Young, J. A. 2009. Seeds of Woody Plants in North America. Timber Press, Inc.

2010-10-18T21:40:00.002-05:00

Deer Crossing

Every year wildlife biologists and other wildlife professionals must make important decisions that impact wildlife and people. There are many factors that can impact these decisions. Use Project WILD’s “Deer Crossing” to put students in the wildlife management seat and let them decide what should be done with a deer herd in Idaho (or Iowa!).

Young Child Extension
Use Growing Up WILD’s “Oh, Deer!” activity to explore wildlife habitat. Make deer antler headbands and take the kids outside to the schoolyard to pretend they are deer. What would real deer do if they were in the schoolyard? Is there water for them to drink? Is there food for them to eat? Try reading Jim Arnosky’s “All About Deer” and then make deer shaped sandwiches with pretzel antlers!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ballard, C. 2008. Watching Wildlife: Animal Habitats. Heinemann.
Biel, T. L. 1996. The Deer Family (Zoobooks Series). Wildlife Education, Limited.
Bruchac, J. 1991. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Carle, E. 2007. My Very First Book of Animal Homes. Penguin Group (USA).
Dingwall, L. 1994. Deer (Getting to Know Nature's Children Series). Grolier Academic Reference.
Galko, F. 2002. Forest Animals (Animals in Their Habitats). Heinemann Library.
Hoberman, M. A. and B. Fraser. 2007. A House is a House for Me. Penguin Group (USA).
Hodge, D. and P. Stephens. 1999. Deer, Moose, Elk, and Caribou (Kids Can Press Wildlife Series). Kids Can Press, Limited.
Jenkins, S. and R. Page. I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Magellan, M. 1990. Home At Last. Humanics Children's House.
Press, J. and B. Day. 2005. Animal Habitats! Ideals Publications.
Squire, A.O. 2002. Animal Homes. Scholastic Library Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Deer Watching. Capstone Press.
Biel, T. L. 1996. The Deer Family (Zoobooks Series). Wildlife Education, Limited.
Chinery, M. 2004. Animal Habitats. Southwater.
DK Publishing. 2009. Animal Habitats. DK Publishing, Inc.
Kalman, B. 2007. The ABC’s of Habitats. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Press, J. and B. Day. 2005. Animal Habitats! Ideals Publications.

Grades 6-8
DK Publishing. 2009. Animal Habitats. DK Publishing, Inc.
Ganeri, A. 2005. Animal Homes (Nature Files Series). Chelsea House Publishers.
Benvus, J.M., and G. Wolff. 1989. The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Brasch, N. 2010. Why Do Spiders Live in Webs?: All About Animal Habitats. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Press, J. and B. Day. 2005. Animal Habitats! Ideals Publications.
Zwaschka, M. and M. Hansen. 1999. The White-Tailed Deer. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 9-12
Benvus, J.M., and G. Wolff. 1989. The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Bang. M. 1997. Common Ground: The Earth We Share. Blue Sky Press.
Dinsmore, J. 1994. A Country So Full of Game: The Story of Wildlife in Iowa. University of Iowa Press.
Dinsmore, S. and J. Moore. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Francis, M. H. 2006. The Whitetail Fieldbook: The Visual guide to Deer. Nova Vista Publishing.

2010-09-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

Signs of Fall

The air is crisp and autumn winds are starting to blow. That can mean only one thing – it’s time to go on a fall leaf hunt! Use Project Learning Tree’s “Signs of Fall” and take students outside to observe nature’s leaf show! Learn why and how leaves change color as the temperature outside drops.

Young Child Extension
Use Project Learning Tree: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood’s “Signs of Fall”. Take little kids on a leaf hunt on your school grounds or backyard and look for different colored leaves. Then read stories about autumn leaves and make leaf art!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1999. Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1977. I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. Penguin Group (USA).
Bridwell, N. 1997. Clifford's First Autumn. San Val.
Carle, E. 1991. The Tiny Seed. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Colandro, L. 2010. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves. Scholastic, Inc.
Curry, D. L. L. and A. Janinski. 2004. Fall Leaves. Scholastic Library Publishing.
DePalma, M. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Desjardens, D. 2005. The Autumn Marathon. Artistic Ventures LLC.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Ehlert, L. 1991. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Harcourt Children's Books
Evans, L. 1997. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gamlin, L. 1997. Trees. DK Publishing, Inc.
Gerber, C. 2006. Leaf Jumpers. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Good, E.W. 1994. Fall Is Here! I Love It! Good Books.
Hall, Z. 2000. Fall Leaves Fall! Scholastic Press.
Lynn, M. 2008. Fall Leaves. Publish America.
Maestro, B. 1994. Why Do Leaves Change Color? HarperCollins Children's Books.
Marzollo, J. 1999. I Am a Leaf. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Muller, G. 2004. Autumn. Floris Books.
Nidey, K. 2004. When Autumn Falls. Albert Whitman.
Rawlinson, J., and T. Beeke. 2008. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves. HarperCollins Publishers.
Roca, N., and R. M. Curto. 2004. Fall. Barron’s Educational Series Incorporated.
Ryder, J. 1991. Hello Tree! Lodestar Publishers.
Schweninger, A. 1991. Autumn Days: Let's Look at the Seasons. Viking Children's Books.
Turner, B. J., J. Schultz, and J. Dunlap. 2002. Autumn: Signs of the Season Around North America. Coughlan Publishing.
Woodworth, V. 1997. Do Cows Turn Colors in the Fall? Child's World.

Grades 3-5
Albert, T. 1997. A Kid's Fall EcoJournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season. Trickle Creek Books.
Arnosky, J. 1999. Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1977. I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Burns, D. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. Northwoods Press.
Gibbons, G. 1988. Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree. Globe Pequot Press.
Johnson, S. 1986. How Leaves Change. Learner Publications.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Tree Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Lerner, C. 1987. A Forest Year. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: An Alphabet of Trees. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Morrison, G. 2000. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Robbins, K. 1998. Autumn Leaves. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Simon, S. 1993. Autumn across America. Hyperion Books for Children.
Svedberg, U. 1988. Nicky the Nature Detective. R & S Books.

Grades 6-8
Albert, T. 1997. A Kid's Fall EcoJournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season. Trickle Creek Books.
Johnson, S. 1986. How Leaves Change. Learner Publications.
Leslie, C. 1991. Nature All Year Long. HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Wiggers, R. 1991. Picture Guide to Tree Leaves. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Zim, H.S. and A.C. Martin. 1956. A Golden Guide to Trees. New York: Golden Pres

Grades 9-12
Leslie, C.W. 2003. Keeping a Nature Journal. Storey Publishing, LLC.
Smith, C.W. 2005. Fall Foliage: The Mystery, Science, and Folklore of Autumn Leaves. Globe Pequot Press.

2010-09-20T09:07:00.007-05:00

Improve Your Place

Explore your school’s water “footprint”! Use Project Learning Tree’s “Improve Your Place” to explore your school’s water footprint and design a service learning project to improve your school’s water runoff and pollutant loading. Planting trees, shrubs and grasses, as well as installing rain gardens help prevent runoff of possible pollutants.
Go to Rain Water Audit and start your a rain water audit today!

Need a plan for improvement?
Visit Rain Gardens: Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation
for ideas and designs for rain gardens, which prevent runoff by “capturing” rainwater.
Does your school need more trees and shrubs? Try visiting
Trees Forever to learn what trees, shrubs and grass you can plant to help “improve your place”!

Young Child Extension
Explore water this week! Give children cups or bowls of water to drink, play with and explore. Use Project WILD’s Growing Up WILD “Aqua Charades” for more fun ideas to get kids excited about water!

Is another grade in your school doing the Project Learning Tree “Improve Your Place” activity? Be sure to get the little kids involved! Even small children can help plant trees and shrubs!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnold, T. 2002. No More Water in the Tub! Penguin Group (USA).
Asch, F. and D. Halverson. 2000. Water. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Base, G. 2001. The Water Hole. Harry N Abrams, Inc.
Branley, F.M. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Brimner, L.D. 1999. Raindrops. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cole, J. and B. Degen. 1988. The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks. Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing. 2007. Water Everywhere. DK Publishing, Inc.
Donnelly, A. 1998. Water Pollution. Child's World, Incorporated.
Edom, H. 2007. Science with Water. EDC Publishing.
Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
Fraiser, D. 2004. The Incredible Water Show. Harcourt.
Greenfield, E. and J.S. Gilchrist. 1999. Water, Water. HarperCollins Publishers.
Hooper, M. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Viking Press.
Jango-Cohen, J. 2005. Why Does It Rain? Lerner Publishing Group.
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
London, J., T. Widener, and G. Couch. 2001. Sun Dance, Water Dance. Penguin Group (USA).
Morrison, G. 2006. A Drop of Water. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Pluckrose, H. 2001. Water. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Rauzon, M.J. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Relf, P. 1996. The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Rosinsky, N.M. 2002. Water: Up, Down, and All Around. Capstone Press.
Seuling, B. 2000. Drip! Drop!: How Water Gets to Your Tap. Holiday House, Inc.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Weininger, B. and A. Moller. 2003. Precious Water. North-South Books.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Yolen, J. 1995. Water Music: Poems for Children. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 3-5
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
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.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1998. Water. June 1998.
Cobb, V. 1986. Trip of a Drip. Little, Brown & Company.
Collard, S.B. 2000. Acting for Nature: What Young People around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Ditchfield, C. 2001. Water. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House, Incorporated.
Elkington, J., D. Hill, J. Hailes, and J. Mekower.1990. Going Green: A Kid's Handbook to Saving the Planet. Viking Children's Books.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Water. Capstone Press.
Goodrich, R.S. 2004. Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle. Geoquest Pubns.
Holmes, A. 1993. I Can Save the Earth: A Kid's Handbook for Keeping Earth Healthy and Green. Silver Burdett Press.
Hughes, M. 2004. Water Cycle. Heinemann Library.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Moor, J.E. 1998. Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Olien, R. 2006. Making Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Olien, R. 2006. Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
Petersen, C. 2004. Water Power. Children's Press (CT).
Roberts, P. 2002. Kids taking Action: Community Service Learning Projects, K-8. Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.
Royston, A. 2006. The Life And Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Raintree.
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 6-8
Bailey, G. and S. Way. 2009. Water. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Baker, L.W. 2004. Encyclopedia of Water Science. Thomson Gale.
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House 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.
Day, T. 2007. Water. DK Publishing, Inc.
Giono, J. 2003. Man Who Planted Trees. Random House UK Distribution.
Halpin, M. 2004. It's Your World - If You Don't Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Harman. 2005. The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion. Heinemann-Raintree.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barns and Noble Books.
Lewis, B. A. 2009. The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing.
Markert, J. 1992. Water. The Creative Company.
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.
McKinney, B.S. and M.S. Maydak. 1998. A Drop Around the World. Dawn Publications.
McLeish, E. 1998. Keeping Water Clean, Vol. 4 Raintree Publishers.
Morgan, S. 2009. The Water Cycle. Rosen Publishing Group.
Rice, W.B., and M. Sullivan. 2010. Inside the Water Cycle. Compass Point Books.
Roberts, P. 2002. Kids taking Action: Community Service Learning Projects, K-8. Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
The Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Grades 9-12
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Collard III, S. 2000. Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Are Doing to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Cossi, O. 1993. Water Wars. Silver Burdett Press.
Dobson, C. 1999. Watersheds: A Practical Handbook for Healthy Water. Firefly Books, Limited.
Gardner, R. 2004. Experimenting with Water. Dover Publications.
Graham, K. and G. Chandler. 1996. Environmental Hereos: Success Stories of People at Work for the Earth. Pruett Publishing Company.
Halpin, M. 2004. It's Your World - If You Don't Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Harman. 2005. The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion. Heinemann-Raintree.
Lewis, B. A. 2009. The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing.
Lucas, E. 1991. Water: A Resource in Crisis. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Newton, Lisa H., C.K. Dillingham and J.H. Choly. 2005. Watersheds 4: Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics. Wadsworth Publishing.
Rice, W.B., and M. Sullivan. 2010. Inside the Water Cycle. Compass Point Books.
Riley, T. 2007. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living. Alpha Books.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.
Ryerson, M. 2003. Water Music. University of Michigan Press.
Sivertsen, L. and T. Sivertsen. 2008. Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.

2010-09-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

Are Vacant Lots Vacant?

Take a look at your schoolyard - it probably has a playground, maybe grass and a little gravel or concrete too. Now look closer. Where you run and play is also home to insects, birds and possibly a few mammals too. Take a schoolyard nature walk and see if you can find them! Use Project Learning Tree’s “Are Vacant Lots Vacant?” to explore your schoolyard or a nearby vacant lot for signs of wildlife.

Young Child Extension
Little kids love getting down on their hands and knees and exploring nature! Take them out to the schoolyard and let them explore as they search for signs of wildlife and insects. Have the children paint or draw a picture of an animal that they found or gather a variety of art and craft supplies and have them create wildlife sculptures. Then have everyone gather around and read “In the Tall, Tall Grass” by Denise Fleming.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Boring, M. 1999. Fun with Nature. T&N Children's Publishing.
Boring, M. and L. Evert. 2001. More Fun with Nature. Northword Press.
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.
Corwin, J. 2009. Your Backyard is Wild. Penguin Group (USA).
Davis, W. 1998. City Park. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Dinsmore, S. J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Epstein, S. 1989. Bugs for Dinner?: The Eating Habits of Neighborhood Creatures. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Fife, D. H. and J. Arnosky. 1996. The Empty Lot. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Fleming, D. 1995. In the Tall, Tall Grass. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR).
Fredericks, A.D. 2001. Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and Other Ughs. Dawn Publications.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Herberman, E. 1989. The City Kid's Field Guide. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Kavanagh, J. and R. Leung. 2001. Urban Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (North American Nature Guides). Waterford Press.
Kirkland, J. 2006. Take a City Nature Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Landry, S.B. and R.T. Peterson. 1998. Peterson First Guide to Urban Wildlife. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lunis, N. 1996. Life in Your Backyard. Newbridge.
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin Books.
Rotner, S. 1992. Nature Spy. Atheneum.
Silver, D.M. and P.J. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square Backyard. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Wood, A. J. 2003. Beetles and Bugs: A Nature Trail Book. Silver Dolphin Books.

Grades 3-5
Barrons Educational Series. 2000. Urban Animal. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Boring, M. 1999. Fun with Nature. T&N Children's Publishing.
Boring, M. and L. Evert. 2001. More Fun with Nature. Northword Press.
Bunting, E. 1996. Secret Place. Clarion Books.
Burnie, D. 2005. Bug Hunter. DK Publishing, Inc.
Corwin, J. 2009. Your Backyard is Wild. Penguin Group (USA).
Dinsmore, S. J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Fife, D. H. and J. Arnosky. 1996. The Empty Lot. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Fredericks, A.D. 2001. Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and Other Ughs. Dawn Publications.
Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hodgkins, F. 2000. Animals among Us: Living with Suburban Wildlife. Shoe String Press, Incorporated.
Kavanagh, J. and R. Leung. 2001. Urban Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (North American Nature Guides). Waterford Press.
Kirkland, J. 2006. Take a City Nature Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Kranz, L. 2002. My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for Kids. T&N Children's Publishing.
Landry, S.B. and R.T. Peterson. 1998. Peterson First Guide to Urban Wildlife. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lunis, N. 1996. Life in Your Backyard. Newbridge.
Maurer, R. 1989. City Kid's Field Guide. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin Books.
Ross, M.E. 1993. World of Small: Nature Explorations with a Hand Lens. Yosemite Association.
Silver, D.M. and P.J. Wynne. 1997. One Small Square Backyard. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
VanCleaves, J. 1997. Janice VanCleave's Play and Find Out About Nature: Easy Experiments for Young Children. Wiley.
Wood, A. J. 2003. Beetles and Bugs: A Nature Trail Book. Silver Dolphin Books.

Grades 6-8
Barrons Educational Series. 2000. Urban Animal. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Dinsmore, S. J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Kavanagh, J. and R. Leung. 2001. Urban Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (North American Nature Guides). Waterford Press.
Landry, S.B. and R.T. Peterson. 1998. Peterson First Guide to Urban Wildlife. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Lawlor, E.P. 1993. Discover Nature Close to Home: Things to Know and Things to Do. Stackpole Books.

Grades 9-12
Bosselaar, L.A. 2000. Urban Nature: Poems About Wildlife in the City. Milkweed Editions.
Dinsmore, S. J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Kavanagh, J. and R. Leung. 2001. Urban Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (North American Nature Guides). Waterford Press.
Landry, S.B. and R.T. Peterson. 1998. Peterson First Guide to Urban Wildlife. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Leslie, C. 2003. Keeping a Nature Journal. Storey Publishing.

2010-09-03T09:02:00.003-05:00

Environmental Exchange Box

Do you know what makes your environment special? What is unique about where you live from other regions of the world? Well it’s time to find out! Use Project Learning Tree’s “Environmental Exchange Box” to explore your unique geographic region. Then exchange your “environmental box” with another school to learn about their unique environment. First step – find another group to exchange with! Follow this link and fill out the form to be matched with another “environmental exchange” group: PLT Environmental Exchange Box Sign-up
Then set out to learn all you can about your own environment and start collecting items to share!

Young Child Extension
Sign up for an environmental exchange group too! Then take small children on a walk around your schoolyard, yard or local park to observe the plants and animals that live there. Start your own exchange box and put the children in charge of gathering local leaves from trees or drawing pictures of birds they see.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Chesanow, N. and A. W. Iosa. 1995. Where Do I Live?. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
Dorros, A. and S. M. Dorros. 1997. Radio Man: Don Radio. San Val.
Edwards, M. 1994. Eve and Smithy: An Iowa Tale. HarperCollins Publishers.
Holling, C. 1980. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Hopkins, L. B. and S. Alcorn. 2000. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Kohl, M. and J. Potter. 1998. Global Art: Activities, Projects, and Inventions from Around the World. Gryphon House.
Petty, K. and J. Maizels. 2000. The Amazing Pop-Up Geography Book. Penguin Group (USA).
Pierce, P. and B. Langton. 2003. H is for Hawkeye: An Iowa Alphabet. Sleeping Bear Press.
Pierce, P. A. and D. Rohner. 2006. Numbers in a Row: An Iowa Number Book. Sleeping Bear Press.
Rocha, R. and O. Roth. 1990. Blue & Beautiful: Planet Earth, Our Home. United Nations Publications.
Rylant, C. and L. Desimini. 2002. Tulip Sees America. Scholastic, Inc.
Wagner, J. and E. P. Dawson. 2003. H is for Hawkeye. Trails Books.

Grades 3-5
Allaby, M. 2008. National Geographic Visual Encyclopedia of Earth: Wonders of Our Living Planet. National Geographic Society.
Alexander, H. and M. Hamilton. 2010. A Child’s Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People – From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
Doherty, G., A. Claybourne, and S. Davidson. 2010. The Usborne Geography Encyclopedia with Complete World Atlas. EDC Publishing.
Dorros, A. and S. M. Dorros. 1997. Radio Man: Don Radio. San Val.
Edwards, M. 1994. Eve and Smithy: An Iowa Tale. HarperCollins Publishers.
Holling, C. 1980. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Hopkins, L. B. and S. Alcorn. 2000. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Kohl, M. and J. Potter. 1998. Global Art: Activities, Projects, and Inventions from Around the World. Gryphon House.
Ladoux, R. 2002. Iowa. Lerner Publishing Group.
Moore, J. E. and G. Shipman. 1993. Beginning Geography, Vol 2: Land Forms & Bodies of Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Moore, J. E. and G. Shipman. 1993. Beginning Geography, Vol 3: Continents And Oceans. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Petty, K. and J. Maizels. 2000. The Amazing Pop-Up Geography Book. Penguin Group (USA).
Wagner, J. and E. P. Dawson. 2003. H is for Hawkeye. Trails Books.

Grades 6-8
Allaby, M. 2008. National Geographic Visual Encyclopedia of Earth: Wonders of Our Living Planet. National Geographic Society.
Doherty, G., A. Claybourne, and S. Davidson. 2010. The Usborne Geography Encyclopedia with Complete World Atlas. EDC Publishing.
Editors of Kingfisher. 2005. Concise Geography Encyclopedia. Kingfisher.
Hopkins, L. B. and S. Alcorn. 2000. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Kohl, M. and J. Potter. 1998. Global Art: Activities, Projects, and Inventions from Around the World. Gryphon House.
Ladoux, R. 2002. Iowa. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 9-12
Editors of Kingfisher. 2005. Concise Geography Encyclopedia. Kingfisher.
Hopkins, L. B. and S. Alcorn. 2000. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Morrice, P. A. and J. Hart. 2007. Iowa. Cavendish, Marshall Corporation.

2010-08-26T11:40:00.002-05:00

A few of My Favorite Things

Here’s a fun way to break the ice the first week back in school – have a resource “show and tell”. Have each student bring in one of their favorite objects, such as a skateboard, book, toy or stuffed animal. Have the students share their object with the class and tell why it’s their favorite but also what it is made up of, such as metal, wood, cotton or plastic. Keep a class list of the materials in their favorite objects. Then follow Project Learning Tree’s “A Few of My Favorite Things” to discuss and trace the natural resources origin of all the materials.

Young Child Extension
Have young children bring one of their favorite objects too! Have them share their object with the class and then as a class try to guess what it is made of and where those materials came from (i.e. wood from trees, cotton from cotton plants). Discuss how we get materials to make things from plants and animals just like we get food from plants and animals.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Deedy, C.A. and L.L. Seeley. 1994. Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story. Peachtree Publishers.
Gifford, C. 2008. Materials. Roaring Brook Press.
Priceman, M. 2008. How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. Random House Childrens Books.

Grades 3-5
Deedy, C.A. and L.L. Seeley. 1994. Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story. Peachtree Publishers.
Gifford, C. 2008. Materials. Roaring Brook Press.
Priceman, M. 2008. How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. Random House Childrens Books.

Grades 6-8
Lindeen, C.K. 2007. Natural and Human-Made. Pebble Books.
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

Grades 9-12
Parks, P. 2004. Global Resources. Cengage Gale
Winters, A. 2006. Destruction of Earth’s Resources: The Need for Sustainable Development. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.

2010-06-30T14:04:00.002-05:00

Earth Manners

Children are naturally curious about nature and their environment. Take a child outdoors and chances are they will start exploring under rocks and leaves, picking up sticks and searching for bugs.. The desire to explore and learn should be nurtured while also teaching children about respect for all living things and their environment. Use Project Learning Tree's “Earth Manners” to help children develop their own guidelines for exploring and enjoying nature. Then try out your new set of outside “rules” and go outside to play and explore!

Young Child Extension
Take young children on a walk through your backyard, neighborhood, or local park. Talk about what the animals and plants there need to live. Talk about what they themselves need to live (food, water, shelter) and how they are the same things that animals need. Ask them what they think they can do when they are out walking to keep the area healthy for the plants and animals. Draw pictures and tell stories about where they live or where animals live. Read Why Should I Protect Nature? by Jen Green.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Places. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Barraclough, S. 2007. Respecting Our World. Black Rabbit Books.
Bruchac, J. 1991. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Bruchac, J. 1997. Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants through Native American Stories and Earth Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House Children’s Books.
Gile, J. and T. Heflin. 1989. The First Forest. JGC/United Publishing Corps.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Protect Nature? Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
Madden, D. 1986. 1993. The Wartville Wizard. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Tafuri, N. 1987. 1987. Do Not Disturb. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 3-5
Bruchac, J. 1991. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Bruchac, J. 1997. Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants through Native American Stories and Earth Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House Children’s Books.
Gile, J. and T. Heflin. 1989. The First Forest. JGC/United Publishing Corps.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Protect Nature? Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.
Madden, D. 1986. 1993. The Wartville Wizard. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Kalman, B. 1993. The Colors of Nature. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Montgomery, R.G., and C. Grant. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press.

Grades 6-8
Bruchac, J. 1991. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Bruchac, J. 1997. Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants through Native American Stories and Earth Activities for Children. Fulcrum Publishing.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House Children’s Books.
Gile, J. and T. Heflin. 1989. The First Forest. JGC/United Publishing Corps.
Montgomery, R.G., and C. Grant. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press.

Grades 9-12
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House Children’s Books.
Montgomery, R.G., and C. Grant. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press

2010-05-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

Sounds Around

Stop what you are doing for a minute – now close your eyes and listen. What do you hear? Our ears are constantly being bombarded with sound, most of which we “tune out”. Our modern way of life produces a large amount of sound or noise - so much so that it is often referred to as “noise pollution”. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Sounds Around” to explore sound. Learn to “tune in” to the sounds of your environment, whether you’re on a crowded city street or a quite woodland trail. Then apply what you have learned to help identify and lessen local noise pollution problems.

Young Child Extension
Take young children outside to the schoolyard, backyard or local park. Have them close their eyes and listen. What do they hear? Talk about what they hear. Talk about how we use our ears to hear. When you get back to classroom draw pictures of the different things that they heard, or tell each other stories about what they heard.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Baylor, B. and P. Parnall. 1997. The Other Way to Listen. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Becker, B. and B. Huang. 1995. The Quiet Way Home. Holt, Henry, and Company
Bentley, D., H. Cahoon, and M. Gerth. 2004. Buzz-Buzz, Busy Bees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Brown, M.W. and L. McCue. 2002. Bunny’s Noisy Book. Hyperion Books for Children.
Carle, E. and Jr. Martin, B. 1997. Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? Henry Holt and Co.
Graff, N.P. and G.B. Karas. 1998. In the Hush of the Evening. HarperCollins Publishers.
Martin, Jr., B. and J. Endicott. 1988. Listen to the Rain. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Pledger, M. 2007. Sounds of the Wild: Nightime. Silver Dolphin Books.
Seuss, Dr. 1954. Horton Hears a Who. Random House Children's Books.
Showers, P. and Aliki. 1993. The Listening Walk. HarperCollins Children's Books.

Grades 3-5
Baylor, B. and P. Parnall. 1997. The Other Way to Listen. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Becker, B. and B. Huang. 1995. The Quiet Way Home. Holt, Henry, and Company
Graff, N.P. and G.B. Karas. 1998. In the Hush of the Evening. HarperCollins Publishers.
Inseth, Z. 1998. Noise Pollution. Child’s World, Inc.
Martin, Jr., B. and J. Endicott. 1988. Listen to the Rain. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Showers, P. and Aliki. 1993. The Listening Walk. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Seuss, Dr. 1954. Horton Hears a Who. Random House Children's Books.

Grades 6-8
Baylor, B. and P. Parnall. 1997. The Other Way to Listen. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Finney, S. 1984. Noise Pollution. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Grey, J. 1975. Noise, Noise, Noise. Westminster John Knox Press.
Inseth, Z. 1998. Noise Pollution. Child’s World, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Bijsterveld, K. 2008. Mechanical Sound: Technology, Culture, and Public Problems of Noise in the Twentieth Century. MIT Press.
Hughes, HC. 1999. Sensory Exotica: A World Beyond Human Experience. MIT Press.
Keizer, G. 2010. The Unwanted Sound of Everything We Want: A Book About Noise. PublicAffairs.
Kosko, B. 2006. Noise. Penguin Group Inc (USA).
Prochnik, G. 2010. In Pursuit of Silence: Listening for Meaning in a World of Noise. Knopf Doubleday Publishing.

2010-04-19T14:00:00.002-05:00

The Global Climate

The Earth’s climate system is complex. It is affected by what happens in the atmosphere, the oceans, glaciers, and land. The interaction of these variables and the changes that result from both natural and human-made variables are difficult to predict. This Earth Day, April 22, marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day - in celebration of this milestone explore our Earth’s climate and learn ways that you can reduce your “carbon footprint”. Use Project Learning Tree’s “The Global Climate” to learn about the Earth’s climate system and the amount of CO2 you generate. Find out what can you do to reduce CO2 emissions at home and at school!

Young Child Extension
Ask children about what they think people need to live? What do other animals need to live? What about plants and other living things? Where do all living things get what they need to live? Show them, through going outside, playing with a globe, or looking at pictures, how the Earth provides us, and all living things, with everything that we need to live. Discuss ways you, as a class, can use less so that there is more to share for all living things. Start a classroom recycle bin, turn off lights that aren’t being used, start a scrap paper bin for art projects or have the kids come up with their own ideas!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Albert, T. 2000. I Heard the Willow Weep. Trickle Creek Books.
Asch, F. 1994. The Earth and I. Gulliver Green.
Baker, J. 2004. Home. Greenwillow.
Beard, D.B. and H. Maione. 2009. Annie Glover Is Not a Tree Lover. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Berenstain, S. 1991. Berenstain Bears Don't Pollute (Anymore). Random House Children's Books.
Brown, P. 2009. The Curious Garden. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Douglas, L.G. 2003. Let's Get Ready for Earth Day. Children's Press.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House, Incorporated.
Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Fife, D. 1996. Empty Lot. Sagebrush Education Resources.
Gibbons, G. 1996. Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Glaser, L. 1996. Compost!: Growing Gardens from Your Garbage. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Glaser, L. and E. Kleven. 2000. Our Big Home: An Earth Poem. Lerner Publishing Group
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Protect Nature? Barron’s Educational Series.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Recycle? Barron’s Educational Series.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Save Energy? Barron’s Educational Series.
Green, J. and M. Gordon. 2005. Why Should I Save Water? Barron’s Educational Series.
Harlow, R. 2001. The Environment. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Inches, A. and V. Garofoli. 2008. I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Little Simon.
Jennings, S. 2001. Franklin Plants a Tree. Scholastic.
Lowery, L. 2003. Earth Day. Carolrhoda Books.
Martin, B. Jr. 2006. I Love Our Earth. Charlesbridge Publishing.
Marx, D.F. 2000. Earth Day. Scholastic Library Publishing.
McDonnell, J. 1994. Celebrating Earth Day. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Paolilli, P. and D. Brewer. 2001. Silver Seeds: A Book of Nature Poems. Viking.
Roca, N. 2007. Three R's: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Salvo-Ryan, D.D. 1994. City Green. HarperCollins Publishers.
Schimmel, S. 2002. Children of the Earth…Remember. T&N Children's Publishing.
Schimmel, S. 1994. Dear Children of the Earth: A Letter from Home. T&N Children's Publishing.
Taback, S. 2000. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. Penguin Group.

Grades 3-5
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.
Bang, M. 1997. Common Ground: The Water, Earth and Air We Share. Scholastic, Inc.
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.
Blackbirch Graphics.1997. Alternate Energy Sources. Twenty-first Century Books.
Brenner, B. 2000. Earth Is Painted Green: A Garden of Poems about Our Planet. Scholastic, Inc.
Collard, S.B. 2000. Acting for Nature: What Young People around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
David, L. and C. Gordon. 2007. The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming. Scholastic, Inc.
Dr. Seuss. 1971. The Lorax. Random House, Incorporated.
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.
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.
Howell, L. 2004. Introduction to Weather and Climate Change. Usborne Publishing Limited.
Landau, E. 2002. Earth Day: Keeping Our Planet Clean. Enslow Elementary.
Morgan, S. 2007. Changing Climate. Sea to Sea Publications.
Morris, N. and R. Bowden. 2007. Global Warming. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Oxlade, C. 2002. Global Warming. Coughlan Publishing.
Petersen, C. 2004. Alternative Energy. Children’s Press (CT).
Raum, E. 2008. Fossil Fuels and Biofuels. Heinemann Library
Romanek, T. 2005. Switched on, Flushed Down, Tossed out: Investigating the Hidden Workings of Your Home. Annick Press, Limited.
Ross, K. 1995. Every Day Is Earth Day. Millbrook Press.
Rowland-Entwistle, T. 1991. Weather and Climate. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Schimmel, S. 2002. Children of the Earth…Remember. T&N Children's Publishing.
Schimmel, S. 1994. Dear Children of the Earth: A Letter from Home. T&N Children's Publishing.
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Silverstein, S. 2004. The Giving Tree. HarpersCollins Children’s Books Group.
Taylor, B. 2001. How to Save the Planet. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Thornhill, J. 2007. This Is My Planet: The Kid's Guide to Global Warming. Maple Tree Press.
Van Allsburg, C. 1990. Just a Dream. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Varilla, M. 2004. Scholastic Atlas of Weather. Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 6-8
Archer, J. 1998. To Save the Earth. Penguin Group (USA).
Bang, M. 2001. Common Ground: The Water, Earth and Air We Share. Spoken Arts.
Blashfield, J.F. and W.B. Black. 1991. Global Warming. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Bowden, R. 2002. Waste, Recycling and Reuse: Our Impact on the Planet. Raintree Publishers.
Brown, P. 1998. Energy and Resources. Scholastic.
Calhoun, Y. 2007. Environment in the News. Chelsea House Publishers.
Cherry, L. 2008. How we know what we know about our Changing Climate: Scientists and kids Explore Global Warming. Dawn Publications.
Clare, P. 2009. Living Green: Saving Our Earth. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Elwin, R. & Paulse, M. 1992. The Moonlight Hide and Seek Club in the Pollution Solution. Canadian Scholars Press.
The Earthworks Group. 1990. 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Fleischman, P. 1999. Seedfolks. HarperCollins Publishers.
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.
Giono, J. 2003. Man Who Planted Trees. Random House UK Distribution.
Graham, K. 1996. Contemporary Environmentalists. Facts on File, Inc.
Graham, K. and G. Chandler. 1996. Environmental Hereos: Success Stories of People at Work for the Earth. Pruett Publishing Company.
Grant, P & Haswell, A. 2000. Air and Energy. Thameside Press.
Halpin, M. 2004. It's Your World - If You Don't Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Jakobson, C. 1992. Think About: The Environment. Walker & Company.
Lambert, D. 1986. Pollution and Conservation. Bookwright Press.
Lourie, P. 2007. Arctic Thaw: The People of the Whale in a Changing Climate. Boyds Mills Press.
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, C. 1986. Wastes. Franklin Watts.
Miller, C.G. and L.A. Berry. 1996. Air Alert: Rescuing the Earth's Atmosphere. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Nardo, D. 2005. Ozone. Thomson Gale.
Newton, D. 1990. Taking A Stand Against Environmental Pollution (Taking a Stand Series). Franklin Watts.
Orme, H. 2008. Living Green. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Parks, P.J. 2003. Global Warming. Thomson Gale.
Passero, B. 2006. Energy Alternatives. Cengage Gale.
Peckham, A. 1991. Global Warming. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Pringle, L.P. 2001. Global Warming: The Threat of Earth's Changing Climate. Seastar Books.
Rock, M. 1992. The Automobile and the Environment. Chelsea House
Schwartz, L. and B. Armstrong. 1990. Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Scoones, S. 2002. Climate Change: Our Impact on the Planet. Raintree Publishers.
Silverstein, A. 2003. Global Warming. Lerner Publishing Group.
Smith, T. 2004. Earth's Changing Climate. Smart Apple Media.
Sonneborn, L. 2007. The Environmental Movement: Protecting Our Natural Resources. Facts on File.
Stein, P. 2001. Forecasting the Climate of the Future. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Tanaka, S. 2007. Climate Change. Groundwood Books.
Vogel, C.G. 2003. Human Impact. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Watson, S. 2003. Protecting Global Environments. Smart Apple Media.
Wheeler, J. 1991. Earth Moves: Get There With Energy to Spare. ABDO.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Wines, J. and S. Horne. 2008. You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference. Scholastic, Inc
World Almanac. 2002. Climate and the Environment. Gareth Stevens Audio.

Grades 9-12
Archer, J. 1998. To Save the Earth. Penguin Group (USA).
Bilger, B. 1992. Global Warming. Chelsea House Publishers.
Collard III, S. 2000. Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Are Doing to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Doherty, B. 2002. Ideas and Actions in the Green Movement. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Evans, K. 2007. Weird Weather: Everything You Didn't Want to Know about Climate Change but Probably Should Find Out. Groundwood Books.
Fitzpatrick, T. 1992. Signals from the Heartland. Walker & Company.
Gay, K. 1994. Pollution and the Powerless: The Movement for Environmental Justice. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Graham, K. and G. Chandler. 1996. Environmental Hereos: Success Stories of People at Work for the Earth. Pruett Publishing Company.
Halpin, M. 2004. It's Your World - If You Don't Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Hayes, D. 2000. Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair. Island Press.
Imhoff, D. and R. Carra. 2005. Paper or Plastic?: Searching for Solutions to an Overpackaged World. Sierra Club Books.
Leggett, J. 2001. The Carbon War: Global Warming and the End of the Oil Era. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Middleton, J. 1989. Atlas of Environmental Issues. Facts on File, 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.
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.
Stevens, W.K. 2001. Change in the Weather: People, Weather, and the Science of Climate. Dell Publishing.
Stille, D.R. 2005. Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth’s Supplies. Capstone Press, Inc.
Tesar, J. 2002. Global Warming. Replica Books.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.

2010-03-23T12:08:00.001-05:00

Water Wonders

Water is essential for all life on Earth. It covers 71% of our planet and makes up 50-70% of the weight of all plants and animals. There is a fixed amount of water on Earth that is constantly being cycled through our environment to living things and back to our environment. This process is known as the water cycle. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Water Wonders” to explore the wonder of our Earth’s water!

Young Child Extension
Take advantage of the spring rain and take children outdoors to splash in water puddles! Discuss how the puddles were formed--the rain fell from the clouds to the Earth and pooled to make puddles. The water from the puddles will make its way into streams and rivers which will eventually flow into the ocean. The water will evaporate back into the clouds and then fall as rain once more. When you get back to the classroom draw pictures of rain, puddles or other water, then read books about water, try “A Drop Around the World” by Barbara Shaw McKinney.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Branley, F.M. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Brimner, L.D. 1999. Raindrops. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Curry, D.L. 1999. The Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
DK Publishing. 2007. Water Everywhere. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
Fraiser, D. 2004. The Incredible Water Show. Harcourt.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Water Cycle. Raintree Publishers.
Greenfield, E. and J.S. Gilchrist. 1999. Water, Water. HarperCollins Publishers.
Hooper, M. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Viking Press.
Jango-Cohen, J. 2005. Why Does It Rain? Lerner Publishing Group.
Jarnow, J. and E. Hathon. 2000. Splish! Splash! Penguin Group, Inc. (USA).
Kalman, B. 2006. Water Cycle. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Locker, T. 2002. Water Dance. Harcourt Children's Books.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Morrison, G. 2006. A Drop of Water. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pluckrose, H. 2001. Water. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Rauzon, M.J. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Relf, P. 1996. The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Rosinsky, N.M. 2002. Water: Up, Down, and All Around. Capstone Press.
Salas, L.P., and S. De Giorgi. 2010. There Goes the Water: A Song About the Water Cycle. Picture Window Books.
Schmid, E. 1994. The Water's Journey. North-South.
Seuling, B. 2000. Drip! Drop!: How Water Gets to Your Tap. Holiday House, Inc.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Waldman, N. 2003. Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story. Millbrook Press.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Weininger, B. and A. Moller. 2003. Precious Water. North-South Books.

Grades 3-5
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1998. Water. June 1998.
Cobb, V. 1986. Trip of a Drip. Little, Brown & Company.
Ditchfield, C. 2001. Water. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Water. Capstone Press.
Goodrich, R.S. 2004. Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle. Geoquest Pubns.
Hughes, M. 2004. Water Cycle. Heinemann Library.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Moor, J.E. 1998. Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Olien, R. 2006. Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
Royston, A. 2006. The Life And Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Raintree.
Wick, W. 1997. Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder. Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 6-8
Bailey, G. and S. Way. 2009. Water. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Day, T. 2007. Water. DK Publishing, Inc.
Harman. 2005. The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion. Heinemann-Raintree.
Markert, J. 1992. Water. The Creative Company.
Morgan, S. 2009. The Water Cycle. Rosen Publishing Group.
Rice, W.B., and M. Sullivan. 2010. Inside the Water Cycle. Compass Point Books.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.

Grades 9-12
Harman. 2005. The Water Cycle: Evaporation, Condensation & Erosion. Heinemann-Raintree.
Rice, W.B., and M. Sullivan. 2010. Inside the Water Cycle. Compass Point Books.
Royston, A. 2005. The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Heinemann-Raintree.

2010-03-16T13:03:00.006-05:00

National Wildlife Week

March 15-19 is National Wildlife Week! Get wild this week by going on a nature hike to look for signs of wildlife. Watch for animal tracks and keep your eyes open for birds, squirrels, deer and other wildlife. Then study the decline and recovery of animal species with Project WILD’s “Back from the Brink”. Follow Project WILD’s fact sheets about the North American Alligator, the Black-Footed Ferret and the Gray Wolf. Then extend the activity and study the decline and recovery of several Iowa species:
Trumpeter Swan Restoration
Peregrine Falcon Restoration
Osprey Restoration
Deer in Iowa: A Historic Perspective
River Otters
Wild Turkeys

Get out, get wild and have fun!

Young Child Extension
Go on a nature walk in your schoolyard, neighborhood or local park, bring along Jim Arnosky’s “Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs” and look for wildlife or signs of wildlife. What do you see? Record your observations, draw pictures of the animals or animal tracks, nests or burrows, and the places where you found them. When you get back to the classroom read books about wildlife found in Iowa, try ”Swans” by Lynn Stone, “Deer” by JoAnn Macken or “Saving the Peregrine Falcon” by Caroline Arnold.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Arnold, C. 1985. Saving the Peregrine Falcon. Lerner Classroom.
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 1994. Crinkleroot’s Twenty-Five Mammals Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cooper, J. 1997. Trumpeter Swan (Giants Among Us). Rourke Publishing.
Dingwall, L. 1994. Deer (Getting to Know Nature's Children Series). Grolier Academic Reference.
Dorros, A. 1991. Animal Tracks. Scholastic, Inc
Galko, F. 2002. Forest Animals (Animals in Their Habitats). Heinemann Library.
Galvin, L.G., and C. Leeper. 2002. River Otter at Autumn Lane (Smithsonian’s Backyard). Soundprints.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Grassy, J. 1998. Mammals (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
James, S. 1996. Wild Woods. Tandem Library Books.
Macken, J. 2009. Deer (Animals That Live in the Foerst). Weekly Reader Learning Library.
Marston, H.I., and M.M. Brown. 2003. My Little Book of River Otters. Windward Publishing Company.
Mason, P., and C. Bateman. 1999. Return of the Osprey. Harbour Publishing Company, Limited.
Stone, L.M. 1997. Swans (Early Bird Nature Books). Lerner Publications.
Nail, J.D. and H. Skudder. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These? A Clue Book for Familiar Forest Animals. Rinehart Publishing.
Reece, P.J. 2001. Tilly: A River Otter. Perfection Learning Corporation.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart P.
Ruurs, M. 2007. In My Backyard. Tundra.
Ryder, J. 2000. Each Living Thing. Harcourt Children's Books.
Wechsler, D. 2001. Peregrine Falcons. PowerKids Press.

Grades 3-5
Amato, C.A. 2002. Backyard Pets: Activities for Exploring Wildlife Close to Home. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1999. Arnosky's Ark. National Geographic Society.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 1992. Long Spikes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Arnosky, J. 1999. Otters Under Water. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Deer Watching. Capstone Press.
Biel, T. L. 1996. The Deer Family (Zoobooks Series). Wildlife Education, Limited.
Bishop, N. 2002. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. Scholastic, Inc.
Cooper, J. 1997. Trumpeter Swan (Giants Among Us). Rourke Publishing.
Doolittle, B. and E. M. 2001. Reading the Wild. Greewich Workshop Press.
Galvin, L.G., and C. Leeper. 2002. River Otter at Autumn Lane (Smithsonian’s Backyard). Soundprints.
Grassy, J. 1998. Mammals (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mason, P., and C. Bateman. 1999. Return of the Osprey. Harbour Publishing Company, Limited.
Montgomery, R.G. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press.
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.
Pringle, L.P. 1990. Saving Our Wildlife. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Reece, P.J. 2001. Tilly: A River Otter. Perfection Learning Corporation.
Russo, M. 1998. Watching Nature: A Beginner's Field Guide. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Shedd, W. 2002. Kids' Wildlife Book. Williamson Kids Can Series.
Squire, A.O. 1996. 101 Questions and Answers about Backyard Wildlife. Walker & Company.
Sterry, P. 2005. Nature Explorer. Running Press Book Publishers.
Swinburne, S. 2003. The Woods Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Swinburne, S.R. and J. Brandenburg. 2001. Once a Wolf: How Biologists Brought Back the Gray Wolf. San Val.
Wechsler, D. 2001. Peregrine Falcons. PowerKids Press.

Grades 6-8
Crump, D.J. 1987. Wildlife: Making a Comeback. National Geographic Society.
Esbensen, B.J., and M.B. Brown. 1993. Playful Slider: The North American River Otter. Little Brown & Company.
Goodnough, D. 2001. Endangered Animals of North America. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Grassy, J. 1998. Mammals (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Love, D., and J.M. Turley. 2005. Awesome Osprey: Fishing Birds of the World. Mountain Press Publishing Company.
Osborn, E. 2002. Project UltraSwan. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Reading, R.P. 2000. Endangered Animals: A Reference Guide to Conflicting Issues. Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Savage, C. 1993. Peregrine Falcons. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Swinburne, S.R. and J. Brandenburg. 2001. Once a Wolf: How Biologists Brought Back the Gray Wolf. San Val.
Taylor, B.H. 2001. Daphne: A Trumpeter Swan. Perfection Learning Corporation.

Grades 9-12
Banko, W.E. 1980. Trumpeter Swan: It’s History, Habits, and Population in the United States. University of Nebraska Press.
Dennis, R.H.2008. A Life of Ospreys. Whittles.
Dinsmore, S. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Franz, B.S. 2006. The Wildlife Habitat Journal-Restoring and Exploring Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Backyard. Lulu.com.
Gaughen, S. 2005. Endangered Species. Gale Group.
Harrison, G. and K. Harrison. 1987. America's Favorite Backyard Wildlife. Fireside.
Hoyt, E. 1991. Extinction A-Z. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Kruk, H. 2006. Otters: Ecology, Behavior and Conservation. Oxford University Press, USA.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
McClung, R.M. 1993. Lost Wild America: The Story of Our Extinct and Vanishing Wildlife. Shoe String Press, Incorporated.
Roberts, R. 1998. Endangered Species. Gale Group.
Savage, C. 1993. Peregrine Falcons. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Swinburne, S.R. and J. Brandenburg. 2001. Once a Wolf: How Biologists Brought Back the Gray Wolf. San Val.

2010-02-10T11:48:00.003-06:00

Animal Poetry

Friday marks the start of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count! It’s time once again to get out your binoculars and bird books and observe the birds that you see in your own backyard (or schoolyard!). This year, as you are recording the birds that you see, take a moment to feel the inspirational power of birds and bird flight. Watch the fantastic flight of a hawk overhead; observe the wonderful colors of the cardinal; note the perfect form of a chickadee’s beak; listen to the “wha-wha-wha” of a nuthatch as it crawls down a tree. When you return from your walk write a poem about your experience. Let Project WILD’s “Animal Poetry” guide you as you create your own nature poetry. Nature and wildlife have inspired countless artists and poets – let them inspire you!

Young Child Extension
Even the littlest of kids can help watch and count birds! Take little kids for a short walk in your backyard or schoolyard and help them count and record the birds that they see. Ask them to share what they see, feel and hear. When you return to the classroom have them draw pictures about their walk or write (or dictate to a teacher) a poem about their experience. Finish by reading poems about birds and nature.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Garelick, M. 1995. What Makes a Bird a Bird? Mondo Publishing.
Harrison, M., and C. Stuart-Clark. 1992. The Oxford Book of Animal Poems. Oxford University Press.
Heard, G., and J.O. Dewey. 1997. Creatures of the Earth, Sea, and Sky: Poems. Boyds Mills Press.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Paladino, C. 1993. Land, Sea, and Sky: Poems to Celebrate the Earth. Little, Brown & Company.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ryder, J., and D. Nolan. 1990. Under Your Feet. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Sidman, J., and B. Prange. 2005. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Worth, V., and S. Jenkins. 2007. Animal Poems. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Nature's Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bradman, S., and S. Wintringham. 2002. Wild and Wonderful: Poems about the Natural World. Hodder Headline.
Burnie, D. 2005. Birdwatcher. DK Publishing, Inc.
Cortright, S. 1995. Birding Basics. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Dawe, N. 1988. Bird Book and the Bird Feeder. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Fitcher, G.S. 1982. Birds of North America. Random House, Incorporated.
Fleischman, P., and E. Beddows. 1992. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices. HarperCollins Publishers.
Hamerstrom, F. 1985. Walk When the Moon Is Full. Crossing Press, Inc
Harrison, M., and C. Stuart-Clark. 1992. The Oxford Book of Animal Poems. Oxford University Press.
Heard, G., and J.O. Dewey. 1997. Creatures of the Earth, Sea, and Sky: Poems. Boyds Mills Press.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Hoberman, M.A., L. Winston, and B. Fortin. 2009. The Tree That Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination. Sourcebooks, Incorporated.
Hume, R. 1993. Birdwatching. Random House, Incorporated.
Kalman, B., C. Curtis, and M. Jupp. 1982. Animals in Danger: Poems from No Man’s Valley. Random House Children’s Books.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Backyard Bird Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lerner, C. 1994. Backyard Birds of Winter. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Winter. Smart Apple Media.
Nicholls, J. 1998. Earthways, Earthwise: Poems on Conservation. Oxford University Press, USA.
Peterson, R.T. 1999. Backyard Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Rockwell, A.F. 1992. Our Yard Is Full of Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sidman, J., and B. Prange. 2005. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Vanderhorst, M.J. 2007. Pictures and Poems: Introducing young people to NATURE in a poetic way!. Authorhouse.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 6-8
Bradman, S., and S. Wintringham. 2002. Wild and Wonderful: Poems about the Natural World. Hodder Headline.
Burgess, T.W. 2003. Burgess Bird Book for Children. Dover Publications.
Burnie, D. 2004. Bird. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fleischman, P., and E. Beddows. 1992. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fletcher, R.J. 1997. Ordinary Things: Poems from a Walk in Early Spring. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Birds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Harrison, M., and C. Stuart-Clark. 1992. The Oxford Book of Animal Poems. Oxford University Press.
Hass, R. and P. Michael. 2008. River of Words: Young Poets and Artists on the Nature of Things. Milkweed Editions.
Hoberman, M.A., L. Winston, and B. Fortin. 2009. The Tree That Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination. Sourcebooks, Incorporated.
Kalman, B., C. Curtis, and M. Jupp. 1982. Animals in Danger: Poems from No Man’s Valley. Random House Children’s Books.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lee, F. 2005. Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide and Activities. Gibbs Smith.
Nicholls, J. 1998. Earthways, Earthwise: Poems on Conservation. Oxford University Press, USA.
Robbins, C.S. 2001. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Spaulding, D.T. 1997. Watching Our Feathered Friends. Lerner Publishing Group.
Ward, A. 2004. Pocket Factfiles: Birds. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. and J. Stemple. Color Me a Rhyme: Nature Poems for Young People. Boyds Mills Press.

Grades 9-12
Bosselaar, L., and E. Hiestand. 2000. Urban Nature: Poems About Wildlife in the City. Milkweed Editions.
Collins, B., and D. Sibley. 2009. Bright Wings: An Illustrated Anthology of Poems about Birds. Columbia University Press.
Dobson, C. 1981. Feeding Wild Birds in Winter. Firefly Books.
Felstiner, J. 2009. Can Poetry Save the Earth?: A Field Guide to Nature Poems. Yale University Press.
Furlow, E.S., et al. 1990. Joy of Songbirds. National Wildlife Federation.
Gardner, D. and N. Overcott. 2003. Birds at Your Feeder: A Guide to Winter Birds of the Great Plains. University of Iowa Press.
Harrison, M., and C. Stuart-Clark. 1992. The Oxford Book of Animal Poems. Oxford University Press.
Hollander, J. 1994. Animal Poems (Everyman’s Library). Knopf Doubleday Publishing.
Hyett, B.H. 1996. The Tracks We Leave: Poems on Endangered Wildlife of North America. University of Illinois Press.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Johnson, J. 2003. 1000 Facts on Birds. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Roth, S. 2000. Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible. Rodale Press, Incorporated.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.

2010-02-04T10:40:00.001-06:00

My Kingdom for a Shelter

One of the basic habitat needs of animals (humans included) is shelter. Animals use different materials in their habitat to create shelters. Wildlife shelters vary by species and while some are elaborate, the underground burrows of prairie dogs for instance, others are very simple, such as a songbird’s use of a bush to escape a storm. Use Project WILD’s “My Kingdom for a Shelter” to explore animal shelters. Pick an animal, explore where it lives and how it makes shelter and then try to recreate it!

Young Child Extension
Talk with little kids about how our homes keep us warm and safe; compare how animals need places to be warm and safe as well. Explore some animal shelters in books and pictures. Try reading “My Very First Book of Animal Homes” by Eric Carle. Then have kids draw pictures of their homes or an animal home that they choose.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Allen, J. and S. Mendez. 2009. Animal Homes. Kingfisher.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Carle, E. 2004. A House for Hermit Crab. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Carle, E. 2007. My Very First Book of Animal Homes. Penguin Group (USA).
Chessen, B. and P. Cahanko. 1997. Animal Homes. Scholastic, Inc.
Hoberman, M. A. and B. Fraser. 2007. A House is a House for Me. Penguin Group (USA).
Lock, D. 2007. Animals at Home. DK Publishing, Inc.
Magellan, M. 1990. Home At Last. Humanics Children's House.
Squire, A.O. 2002. Animal Homes. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Tatchell, J., A. Baker, and J. Rigby. 1999. Animal Homes. E.D.C. Publishing.
Wilkes, A., et al. 2003. Animal Homes (Kingfisher Young Knowledge Series). Kingfisher.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Hoberman, M. A. and B. Fraser. 2007. A House is a House for Me. Penguin Group (USA).
Magellan, M. 1990. Home At Last. Humanics Children's House.
National Geographic Society. 1987. Animal Architects. National Geographic Society.

Grades 6-8
Ballard, C. 2008. Watching Wildlife: Animal Habitats. Heinemann.
Ganeri, A. 2005. Animal Homes (Nature Files Series). Chelsea House Publishers.

Grades 9-12
Benvus, J.M., and G. Wolff. 1989. The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Hansel, M. 2007. Built by Animals: The Natural History of Animal Architecture. Oxford University Press, USA.
Franz, B.S. 2006. The Wildlife Habitat Journal-Restoring and Exploring Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Backyard. Lulu.com.

2009-12-28T09:45:00.001-06:00

Make a Coat!

Winter has officially begun! The winter solstice last week marked the official start of winter and the shortest day of the year. The cold season is upon us. The freezing winds are blowing and the sunshine is weak in the cold winter sky but many of us still venture out to explore and enjoy nature’s splendor. We pile on coats, snow pants, mittens, hats and scarves to get out the door and into nature. But where do we get our warm clothing? Where does the material for your coat come from? Explore the answer to these questions and learn how people throughout history have kept themselves warm with Project WILD’s “Make a Coat!”

Young Child Extension
Help young children make their own coat too and let them decorate the coats when you are done. Discuss how many of the materials we use to keep ourselves warm come from plants and animals. Look at books and pictures of animals in their winter “coats”. Then put on your coats (your real ones of course) and take a nature walk or just go out and play in the snow!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
DePaola, T. 1982. Charlie Needs a Cloak. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Langley, A. 2008. Wool. Crabtree Publishing Company.
L’Hommedieu, A.J. 1998. From Plant to Blue Jeans: A Photo Essay. Children’s Press (CT).
Mitgutsch, A., A. Fuchshuber, M. Reidel, and F. Hogner. 1983. From Cotton to Pants. Lerner Publishing Group.
Mitgutsch, A. 1981. From Cow to Shoe. Lerner Publishing Group.
Mitgutsch, A. 1983. From Sheep to Scarf. Lerner Publishing Group.
Nelson, R. 2003. From Cotton to T-Shirt. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Keeler, P.A. and F.X. McCall. 1995. Unraveling Fibers. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Langley, A. 2008. Wool. Crabtree Publishing Company.
L’Hommedieu, A.J. 1998. From Plant to Blue Jeans: A Photo Essay. Children’s Press (CT).
Mitgutsch, A., A. Fuchshuber, M. Reidel, and F. Hogner. 1983. From Cotton to Pants. Lerner Publishing Group.
Mitgutsch, A. 1981. From Cow to Shoe. Lerner Publishing Group.
Mitgutsch, A. 1983. From Sheep to Scarf. Lerner Publishing Group.
Nelson, R. 2003. From Cotton to T-Shirt. Lerner Publishing Group.
Parker, S. 2002. Textiles. Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Gleason, C. 2007. The Biography of Wool. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Keeler, P.A. and F.X. McCall. 1995. Unraveling Fibers. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Parker, S. 2002. Textiles. Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Grades 9-12
Albright, B. and A. Grablewski. 2007. The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak. Crown Publishing Group.
Anawalt, P.R. 2007. The Worldwide History of Dress. Thames & Hudson.
Casselman, K.L. 1993. Craft of the Dyer: Colour from Plants and Lichens. Dover Publications.

2009-12-16T11:25:00.005-06:00

Bird Song Survey

This week marks the beginning of the 110th Christmas Bird Count! It’s time once again to bundle up, grab your binoculars and head out to count birds for science! Every year tens of thousands of volunteers brave the cold to help biologists track and study bird populations. Use Project WILD’s “Bird Song Survey” to learn about inventorying wildlife populations, then apply what you have learned by participating in the Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count runs December 14 through January 5th.

Want to do more? Join Project FeederWatch! Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders in backyards. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Great Backyard Bird Count February 12th-15th.

Young Child Extension
Get out the snowsuits and take the little kids along to count birds too! Make them their own “binoculars” by taping or gluing to empty toilet paper rolls together (let them decorate their own binoculars with crayons or markers). Then bundle up and head out to watch and count birds. After your walk, read stories about birds, try Bird Watcher by Jim Arnosky, make bird pictures and make up fun bird songs!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Allen, K. 2006. Why Do Birds Fly South in the Winter?: A Book About Migration. Capstone Press.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guideto Knowing the Birds. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bailey, D. 1992. Birds: How to Watch and Understand the Fascinating World of Birds. DK Publishing, Inc.
Boring, M. and L. Garrow. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. National Book Network.
Bushnell, J. 1996. Sky Dancer. HarperCollins Publishers.
Collard, S.B. 2002. Beaks! Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
de. SairignGe, C. 1989. Animals in Winter. Young Discovery Library.
Frost, R. 2001. Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening. Dutton Juvenile.
Gans, R. 1996. How Do Birds Find their Way? (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2). Harper Trophy.
Garelick, M. 1995. What Makes a Bird a Bird? Mondo Publishing.
Herkert, B. 2001. Birds in Your Backyard. Dawn Publications.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
National Geographic Society. 1997. Animals in Winter. National Geographic Society.
Oppenheim, J.F. and B. Reid. 1987. Have You Seen Birds?. Scholastic, Inc.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Ray, M. 2004. Welcome Brown Bird. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds: A Guide for Children. Peachtree Publishers.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Zim, H.S. 1989. Birds. St. Martin's Press.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Nature's Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Boring, M. 1998. Bird, Nests, and Eggs. T&N Children's Publishing.
Bredeson, C. 2002. Animals That Migrate. Franklin Watts.
Burnie, D. 2005. Birdwatcher. DK Publishing, Inc.
Cherry, L. 1997. Flute's Journey: The Life of a Wood Thrush. Harcourt Brace.
Cortright, S. 1995. Birding Basics. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Davies, J. 2004. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dawe, N. 1988. Bird Book and the Bird Feeder. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Fitcher, G.S. 1982. Birds of North America. Random House, Incorporated.
Hume, R. 1993. Birdwatching. Random House, Incorporated.
Kirkland, J. 2002. Take a Backyard Bird Walk. Stillwater Publishing.
Knight, T. 2003. Marvelous Migrators. Heinemann.
Kress, S.W. 2001. Bird Life. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lerner, C. 1994. Backyard Birds of Winter. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lerner, C. 2001. On the Wing: American Birds in Migration. HarperCollins.
Lindsey, T. 1999. Birding. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Loates, G. and B. Kalman. 1988. Birds at My Feeder. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Maslowski, S. 2001. Birds in Winter. Smart Apple Media.
Peterson, R.T. 1999. Backyard Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 1998. Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library). Random House Children's Books.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Yolen, J. 1999. Bird Watch: A Book of Poetry. Putnam Juvenile.

Grades 6-8
Burgess, T.W. 2003. Burgess Bird Book for Children. Dover Publications.
Burnie, D. 2004. Bird. DK Publishing, Inc.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Birds. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gans, R, Mirocha, P. 1996. How Do Birds Find Their Way? HarperTrophy.
Latimer, J. et al. 1999. Backyard Birds (Peterson Field Guides for Young Naturalists). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Lee, F. 2005. Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide and Activities. Gibbs Smith.
Robbins, C.S. 2001. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press.
Rylant, C. 2006. The Journey: Stories of Migration. Blue Sky Press.
Spaulding, D.T. 1997. Watching Our Feathered Friends. Lerner Publishing Group.
Ward, A. 2004. Pocket Factfiles: Birds. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Weidensaul, S. and T. Taylor. 1998. Birds (Audubon Society First Field Guide Series). Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 9-12
Chu, Miyoko. 2007. Songbird Journeys: Four Seasons in the Lives of Migratory Birds. Walker & Company.
DeGraaf, R.M. 1995. Neotropical Migratory Birds: Natural History, Distribution, and Population Change. Cornell University Press.
Dobson, C. 1981. Feeding Wild Birds in Winter. Firefly Books.
Faaborg, J.R. 2002. Saving Migrant Birds: Developing Strategies for the Future. University of Texas Press.
Gardner, D. and N. Overcott. 2003. Birds at Your Feeder: A Guide to Winter Birds of the Great Plains. University of Iowa Press.
Johnson, A. 2005. Iowa Birds. Lone Pine Publishing.
Johnson, J. 2003. 1000 Facts on Birds. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kavanagh, J. 2001. Iowa Birds. Waterford Press Ltd.
Roth, S. 2000. Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible. Rodale Press, Incorporated.
Tekiela, S. 2001. Birds of Iowa: Field Guide. Adventure Publications.

2009-11-17T10:13:00.004-06:00

Dropping in on Deer

Iowa has a large deer population and each year wildlife biologists must make important decisions about how to best manage deer throughout our state. To do this they have to assess the size of the deer population and the ability of the local habitat to sustain it. But how do biologists gather the information that they need to make these decisions? One way in which biologists do this is by taking an inventory or census of the deer by counting them. Across the state biologists keep track of deer populations using aerial and ground surveys and by tracking deer numbers based on hunter reports.

Another way that biologists can track deer populations is through deer poop. Yes, that’s right, deer poop. Deer poop, called deer pellets, can be counted and studied to let biologists know how many deer are using the area. Pretend you’re a wildlife biologists too and use Project WILD’s “Dropping in on Deer” to do your own deer pellet survey!

Young Child Extension
Take young children on a nature hike to look for deer, deer tracks, deer pellets or other signs of deer. Talk about where deer live and what they eat. Read stories about deer - try All About Deer by Jim Arnosky.
Then make deer antler headbands:
1) Help children trace their hands on construction paper and cut them out (these are your antlers).
2) Make headbands with strips of construction paper.
3) Glue the antlers on the headbands. Viola! You have a herd of deer!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Biel, T. L. 1996. The Deer Family (Zoobooks Series). Wildlife Education, Limited.
Dorros, A. 1991. Animal Tracks. Scholastic, Inc
Galko, F. 2002. Forest Animals (Animals in Their Habitats). Heinemann Library.
Hodge, D. and P. Stephens. 1999. Deer, Moose, Elk, and Caribou (Kids Can Press Wildlife Series). Kids Can Press, Limited.
James, S. 1996. Wild Woods. Tandem Library Books.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart P.
Sams, C.R. and J. Stoick. 2004. Lost in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Sams, C.R. and J. Stoick. 2000. Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Townsend, E.R. 2007. Deer. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Deer. Scholastic, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Long Spikes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Arnosky, J. 1983. Secrets of a Wildlife Watcher. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks! A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling Publishing.
Bailey, J. 1988. Discovering Deer (Discovering Nature). Scholastic Library Publishing.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Deer Watching. Capstone Press.
Biel, T. L. 1996. The Deer Family (Zoobooks Series). Wildlife Education, Limited.
Dorros, A. 1991. Animal Tracks. Scholastic, Inc
Galko, F. 2002. Forest Animals (Animals in Their Habitats). Heinemann Library.
Hodge, D. and P. Stephens. 1999. Deer, Moose, Elk, and Caribou (Kids Can Press Wildlife Series). Kids Can Press, Limited.
James, S. 1996. Wild Woods. Tandem Library Books.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart P.
Sams, C.R. and J. Stoick. 2004. Lost in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Sams, C.R. and J. Stoick. 2000. Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy. Carl R. Sams II Photography.
Townsend, E.R. 2007. Deer. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1979. Crinkleroot's Book of Animal Tracks and Wildlife Signs. Penguin Group (USA).
Leach, M. 2003. Animal Neighbors: Deer. Hodder & Stoughton, Ltd.
Nelson, R. 2009. Life Cycles: Deer. Lerner Publishing Group.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart P.

Grades 9-12
Dinsmore, S. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Miller, K.V. and R.L. Marchinton. 2007. Quality Whitetails: The Why and How of Quality Deer Management. Stackpole Books.
Thomas, E.M. 2009. The Hidden Life of Deer: Lessons from the Natural World. HarperCollins Publishers.

2009-10-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

Spider Web Geometry

Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to celebrate all that is spooky, creepy, and crawly! Spiders are often at the top of the “creepy, crawly” list even though they are important contributors to ecological systems and are fascinating creatures. Celebrate Halloween this week by going on a spider “hunt”! Look around your classroom, schoolyard, backyard or home for evidence of spiders. Then use Project WILD’s “Spider Web Geometry” to investigate these wonderful creatures more closely!

Young Child Extension:
Take the little kids on a spider “hunt” too! Then read spider stories, try Miss Spider’s Tea Party, and talk about spiders. Finish by making spider pictures!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Berger, G., M. Berger and R. Osti. 2000. Do All Spiders Spin Webs? (Scholastic Q & A). Scholastic, Inc.
Bishop, N. 2007. Spiders. Scholastic, Inc.
Carle, E. 1989. The Very Busy Spider. Penguin Group (USA).
Cole, J., G. Cole and R. Broda. 1995. Spider's Lunch: All About Garden Spiders. Penguin Group (USA).
Cronin, D. and H. Bliss. 2005. Diary of a Spider. HarperCollins Publishers.
Gibbons, G. 1994. Spiders. Holiday House, Inc.
Graham, M. B. 1967. Be Nice to Spiders. HarperCollins Publishers.
Holmes, K.J. 2000. Spiders. Coughlan Publishing.
Kelman, B.D. 1995. Web Weavers and Other Spiders. Crabtree Publishing Company.
London, J. and R. Baviera. 1998. Dream Weaver. Silver Whistle.
McDermott, G. 1987. Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Merrians, D. and G. McKeown. 1977. I Can Read About Spiders. Troll Communications, LLC.
Monks, L. 2007. Aaaarrgghh! Spider! Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Parsons, A. and J. Young. 1990. Amazing Spiders (Eyewitness Junior).. Random House Children's Books.
Resnick, J.P. Spiders (Photo-Fact Collection Series). Kidsbooks, Inc.
Simon, S. 2007. Spiders. HarperCollins Publishers.
Spinelli, E. and J. Dyer. 2004. Sophie’s Masterpiece: A Spider’s Tale. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Trapani, I. 1998. Itsy Bitsy Spider. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Winer, Y. and K. Lloyd-Jones. 1998. Spiders Spin Webs. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.

Grades 3-5
Berger, G., M. Berger and R. Osti. 2000. Do All Spiders Spin Webs? (Scholastic Q & A). Scholastic, Inc.
Bishop, N. 2007. Spiders. Scholastic, Inc.
Cole, J., G. Cole and R. Broda. 1995. Spider's Lunch: All About Garden Spiders. Penguin Group (USA).
Gibbons, G. 1994. Spiders. Holiday House, Inc.
Holmes, K.J. 2000. Spiders. Coughlan Publishing.
Humphries, T. 2003. Are You a Spider? Kingfisher.
Kelman, B.D. 1995. Web Weavers and Other Spiders. Crabtree Publishing Company.
McDermott, G. 1987. Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Parsons, A. and J. Young. 1990. Amazing Spiders (Eyewitness Junior).. Random House Children's Books.
Platt, R. 2002. DK Readers: Spiders’ Secrets. DK Publishing.
Resnick, J.P. Spiders (Photo-Fact Collection Series). Kidsbooks, Inc.
Simon, S. 2007. Spiders. HarperCollins Publishers.
Spinelli, E. and J. Dyer. 2004. Sophie’s Masterpiece: A Spider’s Tale. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Winner, C. 2004. Everything Bug: What Kids Really Want to Know About Insects and Spiders. T&N Children’s Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Impey, R. 2009. Spiders. Oxford University Press.
Winner, C. 2004. Everything Bug: What Kids Really Want to Know About Insects and Spiders. T&N Children’s Publishing.

Grades 9-12
Evans, A.V. and C. Tufts. 2007. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Insects and Spiders & Related Species of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Milne, L.J., M. Milne, and S. Rayfield. 1980. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders. Knopf Doubleday Publishing.

2009-10-13T22:21:00.002-05:00

Looking at Leaves

Fall is in full swing! The leaves on the trees have slowly changed before our eyes and where once there was a sea of green, we are now greeted with red, orange, yellow and brown. It is a glorious time of year to head out the door for a nature walk around your backyard, neighborhood, schoolyard or local park. As you walk, notice the different colors, shapes and textures of the leaves. Scoop them up and watch the wind carry them away, rake a pile of leaves and then jump in it, smell the earthy scent of crushed leaves and listen to them crunch when you walk. Enjoy the leaves of fall! Then collect a handful to take back to the classroom and use Project Learning Tree’s “Looking at Leaves” to explore leaves and learn how they can be used to identify the trees and plants that they came from.

Young Child Extension:
Go on a leaf scavenger hunt in your backyard! Find yellow leaves, red leaves, fuzzy leaves and leaves that have “teeth”. Then collect a handful of leaves to bring inside to explore with your five senses. When you’re done, use paper and crayons to make leaf rubbings or use different leaves to create animal shapes!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell (Sharing Nature with Children Book Series). Dawn Publications.
Arnosky, J. 1999. Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1977. I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees. Penguin Group (USA).
Bishop, N. 2004. Forest Explorer: A Life-Sized Field Guide. Scholastic, Inc.
Behn, H. and J. Endicott. 1994. Trees. Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Burns, D. and L. Garrow. 1998. Leaves, Trees and Bark (Take-Along Guide). NorthWord Books for Young Readers.
Buscagalia, L. 1982. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages. SLACK, Inc.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
DePalma, M. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Evans, L. 1997. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Gerber, C. 2006. Leaf Jumpers. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Good, E.W. 1994. Fall Is Here! I Love It! Good Books.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Hall, Z. 2000. Fall Leaves Fall! Scholastic Press.
Johnson, R. 2000. A Walk in the Deciduous Forest. Lerner Publishing Group.
Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Locker, T. 2001. Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maestro, B. and L. Krupinski. 1996. Why Do Leaves Change Color?. HarperCollins Publishers.
Maass, R. 1992. When Autumn Comes. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Marzollo, J. 1999. I Am a Leaf. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Nidey, K. 2004. When Autumn Falls. Albert Whitman.
Robbins, K. 1998. Autumn Leaves. Scholastic, Inc.
Ryder, J. 1991. Hello Tree! Lodestar Publishers.
Rylant, C. 2000. In November. Harcourt.
Schweninger, A. 1991. Autumn Days: Let's Look at the Seasons. Viking Children's Books.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.
Spinelli, E. 2004. I Know It's Autumn. HarperCollins Publishers. (Kindergarten)

Grades 3-5
Albert, T. 1997. A Kid's Fall EcoJournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season. Trickle Creek Books.
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Burns, D. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. Northwoods Press.
Dowden, A. The Blossom on the Bough: A Book of Trees. Thomas Y. Crowell.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Sohi, M.E. 1995. Look What I Did With a Leaf. San Val.

Grades 6-8
Albert, T. 1997. A Kid's Fall EcoJournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season. Trickle Creek Books.
Arno, J. 2000. Trees: An Explore Your World Handbook. The Discovery Channel.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.

Grades 9-12
Arno, J. 2000. Trees: An Explore Your World Handbook. The Discovery Channel.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.

2009-09-16T19:44:00.003-05:00

What’s in the Water?

September 18th is World Water Monitoring Day! On this day all around the world people are coming together to monitor the quality of the water in their communities. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s “What’s in the Water?” to monitor the water of a hypothetical river and analyze the pollutants that you find. Then use what you have learned about water quality and pollutants to monitor a real waterway in your community. Organize your school, youth group or family for a day of water testing, litter removal and wildlife watching at your local pond or stream.

Young Child Extension:
Set up a water table and let young children freely explore water with cups, colanders, strainers, and a water wheel. Ask them to think about the different ways that we use water (bathing, drinking, playing), and ways that plants and animals use water. Discuss how all living things need and use water. Draw pictures of lakes, streams, or rain, or play some music and create your own water dance!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Bandes, H. 1993. Sleepy River. Philomel Books.
Base, G. 2001. The Water Hole. Harry N Abrams, Inc.
Brimner, L.D. 1999. Raindrops. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Cole, J. and B. Degen. 1988. The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks. Scholastic, Inc.
Curry, D.L. 1999. The Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
DK Publishing. 2007. Water Everywhere. DK Publishing, Inc.
Dolan, E.F. 1997. Our Poisoned Waters. Penguin Group Incorporated.
Donnelly, A. 1998. Water Pollution. Child's World, Incorporated.
Edom, H. 2007. Science with Water. EDC Publishing.
Falwell, C. 2001. Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
Fraiser, D. 2004. The Incredible Water Show. Harcourt.
Friedman, J.C. 1975. ABC of a Summer Pond. Johnny Reads, Incorporated.
Frost, H. 1999. Keeping Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Giesecke, E. and A. Royston. 2002. Pond Plants. Heinemann Library.
Greenfield, E. and J.S. Gilchrist. 1999. Water, Water. HarperCollins Publishers.
Hooper, M. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Viking Press.
Jango-Cohen, J. 2005. Why Does It Rain? Lerner Publishing Group.
Jarnow, J. and E. Hathon. 2000. Splish! Splash! Penguin Group, Inc. (USA).
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Locker, T. 2002. Water Dance. Harcourt Children's Books.
Morrison, G. 2006. Drop of Water. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Nelson, S.A., G. Saunders-Smith, and K.M. Krebs. 2006. Let's Save Water!. Capstone Press, Inc.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Rauzon, M.J. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Rosinsky, N.M. 2002. Water: Up, Down, and All Around. Capstone Press.
Schmid, E. 1994. The Water's Journey. North-South.
Seuling, B. 2000. Drip! Drop!: How Water Gets to Your Tap. Holiday House, Inc.
Seuss, Dr. 1947. McElligot's Pool. San Val.
Sidman, J. and B. Prange. 2005. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Wyler, R. 1990. Puddles and Ponds: An Outdoor Book. Silver Burdett Press.

Grades 3-5
Beatty, R. 2003. Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1998. Water. June 1998.
Cobb, V. 1986. Trip of a Drip. Little, Brown & Company.
Donovan, S. 2003. Animals of Rivers, Lakes and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
Goodrich, R.S. 2004. Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle. Geoquest Pubns.
Hughes, M. 2004. Water Cycle. Heinemann Library.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Kerley, B. 2006. A Cool Drink of Water. National Geographic Society.
Kubo, H. 1990. Insects in the Pond. Steck-Vaughn.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Olien, R. 2006. Making Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Royston, A. 2006. The Life And Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Raintree.
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 6-8
Bailey, G. and S. Way. 2009. Water. Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Baker, L.W. 2004. Encyclopedia of Water Science. Thomson Gale.
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2001. River, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Day, T. 2007. Water. DK Publishing, Inc.
Loewer, P. 1996. Pond Water Zoo: An Introduction to Microscopic Life. Atheneum.
McKinney, B.S. and M.S. Maydak. 1998. A Drop Around the World. Dawn Publications.

Grades 9-12
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Bartram, J. and R. Balance. 1996. Water Quality Monitoring: Practical Guide to the Design and Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Program. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Cossi, O. 1993. Water Wars. Silver Burdett Press.
DeBarry, P.A. 2004. Watersheds: Processes, Assessment and Management. Wiley.
Dobson, C. 1999. Watersheds: A Practical Handbook for Healthy Water. Firefly Books, Limited.
Gardner, R. 2004. Experimenting with Water. Dover Publications.
Lucas, E. 1991. Water: A Resource in Crisis. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Newton, Lisa H., C.K. Dillingham and J.H. Choly. 2005. Watersheds 4: Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics. Wadsworth Publishing.
Ryerson, M. 2003. Water Music. University of Michigan Press.

2009-08-14T12:13:00.002-05:00

Stormy Weather

Come take a simulated field trip through a storm! People and animals coexist and experience the same natural phenomena such as weather. During storms people and animals both seek shelter. Use Project WILD's "Stormy Weather" to visualize what kind of animal you will be and what you will do during the storm. Will you be a bear in the woods? A meadowlark on the prairie? Or a frog on a stream bank? Experience a storm through another animal’s eyes!

Family Fun:
Make a rain shaker and create a storm of your own! http://www.greenhour.org/content/activity/detail/8239#make

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Barrett, J. and R. Barrett. 1978. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Simon & Schuster.
Barrett, J. and R. Barrett. 1997. Pickles to Pittsburgh: A Sequel to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Simon & Schuster.
Branley, F.M. and J.G. Hale. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Publishers.
DePaola, T. 1985. The Cloud Book. Holiday House, Inc.
DeWitt, L. and C. Croll. 1993. What Will the Weather Be? HarperCollins Publishers.
DK Publishing, Inc. 2004. Weather (Eye Wonder Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
Frost, H. 2004. Weather: Fog. Coughlan Publishing.
Frost, H. 2004. Weather: Ice. Coughlan Publishing.
Frost, H. 2004. Weather: Snow. Pebble Books.
Frost, H. 2004. Weather: Wind. Coughlan Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1993. Weather Forecasting. Simon & Schuster.
Gibbons, G. 1992. Weather Words and What They Mean. Holiday House, Inc.
Locker, T. 2003. Cloud Dance. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Martin, J.B. and M. Azarian. 1998. Snowflake Bentley. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
National Geographic Society, R. Cremins, and T.B. Griswold. 2001. My First Pocket Guide: Weather. National Geographic Society.
Pinwheel, and J. Moon. 2008. What’s the Weather? Scholastic, Inc.
Polacco, P. 1997. Thunder Cake. Penguin Group (USA).
Rabe, T. and A. Ruiz. 2004. Oh, Say, Can You Say, What’s the Weather Today?: All About Weather. Random House.
Rockwell, A. and F. Lessac. 2008. Clouds (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series). HarperCollins Publishers.
Rylant, C. and L. Stringer. 2008. Snow. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Simon, S. 2006. Weather. HarperCollins Publishers.
Singer, M. and F. Lessac. 2002. On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World’s Weather. HarperCollins Publishers.
White, N., et al. Magic School Bus Kicks up a Storm: A Book About Weather. Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 3-5
Barrett, J. and R. Barrett. 1978. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Simon & Schuster.
Barrett, J. and R. Barrett. 1997. Pickles to Pittsburgh: A Sequel to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Simon & Schuster.
Berger, M., G. Berger, and R. Sullivan. 1999. Can it Rain Cats and Dogs?: Questions & Answers about Weather. Scholastic, Inc.
Branley, F.M. and J.G. Hale. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Publishers.
Breen, M., K. Friestad and M.P. Kline. 2000. The Kids’ Book of Weather Forecasting: Build a Weather Station, “Read” the Sky & Make Predictions! Ideals Publications.
Capeci, A., J. Stamper, and H. Gangloff. Electric Storm (Magic School Bus #14). Scholastic, Inc.
Chanko, P. and D. Moreton. 1997. Weather. Scholastic, Inc.
Cole, J., C. Bracken, and B. Degen. 2006. Lost in the Snow (Magic School Bus Series). Scholastic, Inc.
Cosgrove, B. 2007. Eyewitness Weather. DK Publishing, Inc.
DePaola, T. 1985. The Cloud Book. Holiday House, Inc.
DeWitt, L. and C. Croll. 1993. What Will the Weather Be? HarperCollins Publishers.
Dickstein, L. and Editors of Time For Kids. 2006. Time for Kids: Storms! HarperCollins Publishers.
DK Publishing, Inc. 2004. Weather (Eye Wonder Series). DK Publishing, Inc.
Gibbons, G. 1993. Weather Forecasting. Simon & Schuster.
Gibbons, G. 1992. Weather Words and What They Mean. Holiday House, Inc.
Locker, T. 2003. Cloud Dance. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Martin, J.B. and M. Azarian. 1998. Snowflake Bentley. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Nankin, F. and G.A. England. 1998. Wonders of Weather (Eyes on Nature Series). Kids Books, Inc.
National Geographic Society, R. Cremins, and T.B. Griswold. 2001. My First Pocket Guide: Weather. National Geographic Society.
Polacco, P. 1997. Thunder Cake. Penguin Group (USA).
Rupp, R., M. Sweet, and D. Nap. 2003. Weather. Storey Kids.
Rylant, C. and L. Stringer. 2008. Snow. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Simon, S. 2006. Lightning. HarperCollins Publishers.
Simon, S. 1992. Storms. HarperCollins Publishers.
Simon, S. 2006. Weather. HarperCollins Publishers.
Singer, M. and F. Lessac. 2002. On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World’s Weather. HarperCollins Publishers.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Weather. Chelsea House.
Wallace, K. 1999. DK Readers: Whatever the Weather (Level 1: Beginning to Read). DK Publishing, Inc.
White, N., et al. Magic School Bus Kicks up a Storm: A Book About Weather. Scholastic, Inc.

Grades 6-8
Breen, M., K. Friestad and M.P. Kline. 2000. The Kids’ Book of Weather Forecasting: Build a Weather Station, “Read” the Sky & Make Predictions! Ideals Publications.
Challoner, J. 2004. Hurricane and Tornado (Eyewitness Books Series). DK Publishing.
Cosgrove, B. 2007. Eyewitness Weather. DK Publishing, Inc.
Juettner, B. 2004. Weather. Cengage Gale.
Nankin, F. and G.A. England. 1998. Wonders of Weather (Eyes on Nature Series). Kids Books, Inc.
Parker, J. 2008. Weather. Weigl Publishers.
Rupp, R., M. Sweet, and D. Nap. 2003. Weather. Storey Kids.
Spilsbury, R. and L.A. Spilsbury. 2006. Weather. Chelsea House.

Grades 9-12
Ahrens, C.D. 2008. Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. Cengage Learning.
Bologna, J. and C.K. Passante. 2006. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Extreme Weather. Penguin Group (USA).
Challoner, J. 2004. Hurricane and Tornado (Eyewitness Books Series). DK Publishing.
Cosgrove, B. 2007. Eyewitness Weather. DK Publishing, Inc.
Juettner, B. 2004. Weather. Cengage Gale.
Ludlum, D.M. 1991. The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Weather. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Parker, J. 2008. Weather. Weigl Publishers.
Williams, J., et al. 2009. The AMS Weather Book: The Ultimate Guide to America’s Weather. University of Chicago Press.

2009-07-16T10:02:00.001-05:00

Democracy in Action

The festivities of the 4th of July are done for another year - the sparklers are all gone and the red, white and blue streamers are put away until next summer. As the celebration of our nation’s independence comes to a close, let’s investigate what makes our country run. The United States of America is a democracy. We all know that, but what does that really mean? A democracy is a form of government in which the right to govern is vested in the citizens of a country and exercised through a majority rule. All citizens have equal access to power and enjoy legitimized freedoms. This means that citizens like you and I have a voice in the shaping of our government, as well as having a voice in the shaping of our natural resource policies and management. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Democracy in Action” to explore democratic systems as they pertain to environmental policies and decision-making.

Family Fun:
Make your family a democracy! Vote on what kind of “green” changes to make in your home and set up policies for sorting and returning the recycling.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Beard, D. B. and H. Maione. 2009. Annie Glover is Not a Tree Lover. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Doppert, M. 2000. The Streets are Free. Annick Press, Limited.
Hamilton, J. 1993. Eco Groups: Joining Together to Protect the Environment. ABDO Publishing Company.
John, J. 2009. Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids’ Letters to President Obama. McSweeney’s Publishing.
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 1990. More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 3-5
Brooke, B. and R.L. Zeff. 2000. Environmental Action Groups. Facts on File, Inc.
Collard, S.B. and C.D. Buell. 1999. Acting for Nature: What Young People Around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Fitzpatrick, A. 2007. Democracy. Creative Co.
Hamilton, J. 1993. Eco Groups: Joining Together to Protect the Environment. ABDO Publishing Company.
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 1990. More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution. HarperCollins Publishers.
Swinburne, S.R. and J. Brandenburg. 2001. Once a Wolf: How Biologists Brought Back the Gray Wolf. San Val.
Travis, Cathy. 2006. Constitution Translated for Kids. Synergy Books.
Wadsworth, G. 1992. Rachel Carson: Voice for the Earth. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 6-8
Archer, J. 1998. To Save the Earth. Penguin Group (USA).
Byrnes, P. 1997. Environmental Pioneers. Oliver Press, Inc.
Fitzpatrick, A. 2007. Democracy. Creative Co.
Graham, K. 1996. Contemporary Environmentalists. Facts on File, Inc.
Graham, K. and G. Chandler. 1996. Environmental Heroes: Success Stories of People at Work for the Earth. Pruett Publishing Company.
Halpin, M. 2004. It’s Your World - If You Don’t Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Jakobson, C. 1992. Think About: The Environment. Walker & Company.
Pringle, L. 2000. Environmental Movement. HarperCollins Publishers.
Rooney, F. 2007. Exceptional Women Environmentalists. Orca Book Publishers.
Sonneborn, L. 2007. The Environmental Movement: Protecting Our Natural Resources. Facts on File, Inc.
Travis, Cathy. 2006. Constitution Translated for Kids. Synergy Books.
Wadsworth, G. 1992. Rachel Carson: Voice for the Earth. Lerner Publishing Group.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Wilson, M. 2006. Democracy. Cengage Gale.

Grades 9-12
Archer, J. 1998. To Save the Earth. Penguin Group (USA).
Byrnes, P. 1997. Environmental Pioneers. Oliver Press, Inc.
De Tocqueville, A., G. Bevan, and I. Kramnick. 2003. Democracy in America. Penguin Group (USA).
Doherty, B. 2002. Ideas and Actions in the Green Movement. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Gay, K. 1994. Pollution and the Powerless: The Movement for Environmental Justice. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Graham, K. 1996. Contemporary Environmentalists. Facts on File, Inc.
Graham, K. and G. Chandler. 1996. Environmental Heroes: Success Stories of People at Work for the Earth. Pruett Publishing Company.
Halpin, M. 2004. It’s Your World - If You Don’t Like It, Change It: Activism for Teens. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Rooney, F. 2007. Exceptional Women Environmentalists. Orca Book Publishers.
Sonneborn, L. 2007. The Environmental Movement: Protecting Our Natural Resources. Facts on File, Inc.
Wall, D. 1993. Green History: An Anthology of Environmental Literature, Philosophy and Politics. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Whitman, S. 1994. This Land is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement. Lerner Publishing Group.
Wilson, M. 2006. Democracy. Cengage Gale.

2009-07-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

Power of Print

Bang! Boom! Zing! There are fireworks, parades and picnics – it must be the 4th of July! Every year we celebrate our nation’s independence on the 4th of July, the day that we, as a nation, adopted the Declaration of Independence. We celebrate the freedom that we fought for and won. One aspect of that freedom is the freedom of the press. The freedom of the press protects our right to the published word. Today in the United States, this freedom is used and enjoyed by everyone. Explore this freedom with Project Learning Tree’s “Power of Print”. Read opposing viewpoints on environmental issues, write your own opinion and celebrate the freedom to express yourself!

Family Fun:
After the fireworks have ended and the sparklers all gone search your yard for fireflies, natures own sparklers! Put a few in a jar to observe for the evening and watch them light up the night. Before you go to bed, give them their freedom!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Anderson, L.H. and M. Faulkner. 2008. Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Herbert, J. 2002. The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. Chicago Review Press, Inc
Lakin, P., B. Dacey and D. Bandelin. 2006. Abigail Adams: First Lady of the American Revolution. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 2005. Liberty or Death: The American Revolution 1763-1783. HarperCollins Publishers.
Moore, K. and D. O’Leary. 1998. If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution. Scholastic, Inc.
Osborne, M.P. and S. Murdocca. 2000. Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Series #22). Random House Children’s Books.
Osborne, M.P., N.P. Boyce, and S. Murdocca. 2004. American Revolution: A Nonfiction Companion to Revolutionary War on Wednesday. Random House Children’s Books.

Grades 3-5
Anderson, L.H. and M. Faulkner. 2008. Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Davis, B. and E.W. Brooke. 1992. Black Heroes of the American Revolution. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Hakin, J. 2007. History of the US Volume 3: From Colonies to Country 1735-1791. Oxford University Press.
Herbert, J. 2002. The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. Chicago Review Press, Inc.
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 2005. Liberty or Death: The American Revolution 1763-1783. HarperCollins Publishers.
Micklos, J. 2008. African Americans and American Indians Fighting in the Revolutionary War. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Moore, K. and D. O’Leary. 1998. If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution. Scholastic, Inc.
Murray, S. 2005. American Revolution (Eyewitness Books Series). DK Publishing.
Osborne, M.P. and S. Murdocca. 2000. Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Series #22). Random House Children’s Books.
Osborne, M.P., N.P. Boyce, and S. Murdocca. 2004. American Revolution: A Nonfiction Companion to Revolutionary War on Wednesday. Random House Children’s Books.

Grades 6-8
Anderson, L.H. and M. Faulkner. 2008. Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Brown Reference Group. 2009. Revolutionary War. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Friedman, I.C. 2005. Freedom of Speech and the Press. Facts on File, Inc.
Davis, B. and E.W. Brooke. 1992. Black Heroes of the American Revolution. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Hakin, J. 2007. History of the US Volume 3: From Colonies to Country 1735-1791. Oxford University Press.
Herbert, J. 2002. The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. Chicago Review Press, Inc
Maestro, B. and G. Maestro. 2005. Liberty or Death: The American Revolution 1763-1783. HarperCollins Publishers.
Micklos, J. 2008. African Americans and American Indians Fighting in the Revolutionary War. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Murray, S. 2005. American Revolution (Eyewitness Books Series). DK Publishing.
Sheinkin, S. and T. Robinson. 2008. King George: What Was His Problem? Everything Your Textbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American Revolution. Roaring Brook Press.

Grades 9-12
Hebert, D.L. 2005. Freedom of the Press. Cengage Gale.
Schomp, V. 2003. The Revolutionary War. Marshall Cavendish, Inc.
Sheinkin, S. and T. Robinson. 2008. King George: What Was His Problem? Everything Your Textbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American Revolution. Roaring Brook Press.

2009-06-27T22:15:00.000-05:00

Sunlight and Shades of Green

Summertime is all about sunshine! We soak up the suns rays while we play at the beach or run through the sprinkler. Sunshine lifts our spirits, enables our bodies to produce Vitamin D, and it also grows the food that we eat. All plants need sunshine to grow; it enables them to produce their own food in a process called photosynthesis. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Sunlight and Shades of Green” to explore the process of photosynthesis. Choose a tree, bush or plant in your garden and watch what happens to a leaf when you cover it with cardboard.

Family Fun:
Harness the power of the sun to make sun prints! Gather construction paper, tape and objects to print (I recommend different kinds of leaves). Tape the objects to the construction paper and set in the direct sun for several hours. Remove the object and tape – viola! You now have a sun print!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Asch, F. 2008. The Sun Is My Favorite Star. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Branley, F.M. and E. Miller. 2002. Sun: Our Nearest Star. HarperCollins Publishers.
Chishilm, P. and M. Bang. 2009. Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life. Scholastic, Inc.
Gibbons, G. 1987. Sun Up, Sun Down. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Goldish, M. 1990. How Plants Get Food. Steck-Vaughn.
Harrison, D.L. 1986. Wake Up, Sun! (Step into Reading Books Series: A Step 2 Book). Random House Children’s Books.
Ring, S. and J. Moran. 2003. The Sun. Coughlan Publishing.
Simon, S. 1989. The Sun. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 3-5
Asimov, I. 1989. How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis? Walker & Company.
Bailey, J. and M. Lilly. 2004. Sun Up, Sun Down: The Story of Day and Night. Coughlan Publishing.
Branley, F.M. and E. Miller. 2002. Sun: Our Nearest Star. HarperCollins Publishers. Gibbons, G. 1987. Sun Up, Sun Down. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Goldish, M. 1990. How Plants Get Food. Steck-Vaughn.
Grivell, P. The Sunlight Print Kit: Materials, Techniques, and Projects for Homemade Photography. Chronicle Books.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. KidHaven Press.
Notkin, L. 1997. The Magic School Bus Gets Planted: A Book About Photosynthesis. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Ring, S. and J. Moran. 2003. The Sun. Coughlan Publishing.
Simon, S. 1989. The Sun. HarperCollins Publishers.

Grades 6-8
Grivell, P. The Sunlight Print Kit: Materials, Techniques, and Projects for Homemade Photography. Chronicle Books.
Jefferis, D. 2008. The Sun: Our Local Star. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Juettner, B. 2005. Photosynthesis. Thomson Gale.
Kalman, B. 2005. Photosynthesis: Changing Sunlight into Food (Nature’s Changes Series). Crabtree Publishing Company.
Prinja, R.K. 2007. The Sun. Heinemann-Raintree.
Silverstein, A. 1998. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.
Staub, F.J. 2004. Photosynthesis. Creative Company.

Grades 9-12
Goldstein, M.J. 2004. The Sun (Our Universe Series). Lerner Publishing Group.
Hill, S. and M.J. Carlowicz. 2006. Sun. Abrams N Harry, Inc.
Jefferis, D. 2008. The Sun: Our Local Star. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Morton, O. 2008. Eating the Sun: How Plants Power the Planet. HarperCollins Publishers.
Silverstein, A., V. Silverstein, and L. Silverstein Nunn. 2007. Photosynthesis. Lerner Publishing Group.

2009-06-16T22:36:00.001-05:00

Pass the Plants, Please

Don’t wash the dirt from last week off your hands yet! We’re going to keep digging in the dirt this week with Project Learning Tree’s “Pass the Plants, Please”. Many people garden during the summer and we all know that tomatoes, zucchini and potatoes come from plants. But what about tortillas? Fried rice? Or spaghetti? They all come from plants too, just like many of the other foods we enjoy. Explore what a big part plants play in your daily diet this week!

Family Fun:
Spend some time in your garden! Or if you don’t have a garden, grow some herbs in a pot in your kitchen, or a tomato plant on your patio. Observe how the plants grow. Reflect on all the uses humans and animals get from plants. Pull a few weeds and get your hands dirty!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Berger, M. 1994. All about Seeds: A Hands-on Science Book. Scholastic, Inc.
Brown, P. 2009. The Curious Garden. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Carlson, L. 1995. Green Thumbs: A Kid’s Activity Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Gardening. Chicago Review Press, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Christensen, B. 1994. Edible Alphabet. Dial Books for Young Readers.
Claybourne, A. 2002. Plants. Raintree Publishers.
Cole, H. 1997. Jack’s Garden. HarperCollins Publishers.
Cole, J. 1995. The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow. Scholastic, Inc.
Disalvo-ryan, D. 1994. City Green. HarperCollins Publishers.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Downden, A.O. 1984. From Flower to Fruit. Thomas Y. Crowell Co.
Ehlert, L. 1990. Growing Vegetable Soup. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Ehlert, L. 1992. Planting a Rainbow. Harcourt Children's Books.
Hewitt, S. 1999. Plants and Flowers. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hickman, P. 1996. A Seed Grows: My First Look at a Plant's Life Cycle. Kids Can Press, Ltd.
Levenson, G. and S. Thaler. 2004. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden. Ten Speed Press.
Lovejoy, S. 1999. Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children. Workman Publishing Company.
Mallett, D. and O. Eitan. 1997. Inch by Inch: The Garden Song. HarperCollins Publishers.
Morgan, S. 2004. Flowers, Fruits and Seeds. Thameside Press.
Morgan, S. 2004. Plants and People. Thameside Press.
Paulsen, G. and R. Paulsen. 1998. The Tortilla Factory. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Rubel, N. 2002. No More Vegetables. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Scrace, C. 2002. Growing Things. Franklin Watts.
Sekido, I. 1992. Fruits, Roots and Fungi: Plants We Eat. Lerner Publishing Group.
Wexler, J. 1988. Flowers, Fruits Seeds. Prentice Hall Books.
Wilson, K. and D. Andreasen. 2009. Mortimer’s First Garden. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Ball, J.A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Burnie, D. 2004. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Dow, L., S. Addario, and R. C. Carolin. Incredible Plants. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Fernald, M.L. 1996. Edible Wild Plants of Eastern North America. Dover Publications.
George, J.C. 1995. Acorn Pancakes, Dandelion Salad, and 38 Other Wild Recipes. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Plant Life. Raintree Publishers.
Hughes, M.S. 2000. Green Power: Leaf and Flower Vegetables. Lerner Publishing Group.
Julivert, M.A. 1993. Life of Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kirk, D.R. 1970. Wild Edible Plants of Western North America. Naturegraph Publishers, Incorporated.
Lovejoy, S. 1999. Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children. Workman Publishing Company.
McEvoy, P. 2003. Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Selsam, M.E. 1981. Plants We Eat. HarperCollins Publishers.
Spilsbury, L. 2002. Plant Parts. Heinemann Library.
Stewart, M. 2003. Plants. Capstone Press.
Wyatt, V. 2000. Wacky Plant Cycles. Mondo Publishing.

Grades 6-8
DK Publishing. 1992. Plants. DK CHILDREN.
George, J.C. 1982. Wild, Wild Cookbook: A Guide for Young Wild-Food Foragers. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Howell, L. 2002. World of Plants. E.D.C. Publishing.
Sweet, M. 2003. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Publishers, Incorporated.
Winckler, S. 2002. Planting the Seed: A Guide to Gardening. Lerner Publishing Group.
Young, D.D. 1983. Wild Plants You Can Eat. Silver Burdett Press.

Grades 9-12
Elias, T.S. 1990. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Farndon, J. 2002. 1000 Things You Should Know about Plants. Mason Crest Publishers.
Forey, P. and C. Fitzsimons. 1989. An Instant Guide to Edible Plants. Random House Value Publishing, Incorporated.
Furlong, M. and V.B. Pill. 1974. Wild Edible Fruits and Berries. Naturegraph Publishers, Incorporated.
McGee, R.M.N., et al. 2002. Bountiful Container: How to Create Container Gardens of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Edible Flowers. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Schrock, D. 2004. Complete Guide to Vegetables, Fruit and Herbs: Planning, Planting, Growing, Harvesting. Meredith Books.
Waters, A. 2008. Edible Schoolyard: A Universal Idea. Chronicle Books, LLC.

2009-06-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

June is Great Outdoors Month! That means it is time to put down the video game, turn off the television and head outside! This month we will be celebrating getting kids outside to explore, observe and get their hands in the dirt. Research shows that good old-fashioned dirt contains a variety of microbes, bacteria and viruses that are actually good for kids by helping boost their immune systems. Use Project Learning Tree’s “Soil Stories” to explore different kinds of dirt. Go get your hands dirty!

Family Fun:
Trying growing sunflower seeds in different kinds of soil, such as loam, clay soil, sandy soil, and silty soil, then observe which kind of soil the seeds grow best in.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Bourgeois, P. 1990. The Amazing Dirt Book. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Bryant-Mole, K. 1996. Soil. Steck-Vaughn.
Capogna, V.V. 1999. Did You Ever Wonder about Things You Find in Your Backyard? Marshall Cavendish Inc.
De Bourgoing, P. and G. Jeunesse. 1995. Under the Ground. Scholastic, Inc.
Drake, J. and A. Love. 1998. Kids Summer Games Book. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Good, E.W. 1996. It's Summertime! Good Books.
Kemp, J. and C. Walters. 2007. Outdoor Fun and Games for Kids: Over 100 Activities for 3 - 11 Year Olds. Hamlyn.
Oxlade, C. 2002. Soil. Heinemann Library.
Richardson, A.D. 2001. Soil. Capstone Press.
Rosinsky, N.M. and S. Williams. 2002. Dirt: The Scoop on Soil. Capstone Press, Inc.
Tomecek, S. 2002. Dirt: Jump into Science. National Geographic Society.
Weisner, C. 2003. Let's Get Going: The Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Outings with Children. Red Deer Press.

Grades 3-5
Boring, M. 1999. Fun with Nature. T&N Children's Publishing.
Bourgeois, P. 1990. The Amazing Dirt Book. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Bryant-Mole, K. 1996. Soil. Steck-Vaughn.
Carlson, L.M. and J. Dammel. 1995. Kids Camp!: Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness. Chicago Review Press, Incorporated.
Cherkerzian, D. 1993. Outdoor Fun: Great Things to Make and Do on Sunny Days. Boyds Mills Press.
De Bourgoing, P. and G. Jeunesse. 1995. Under the Ground. Scholastic, Inc.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Soil (Simply Science Series). Capstone Press, Inc.
Kemp, J. and C. Walters. 2007. Outdoor Fun and Games for Kids: Over 100 Activities for 3 - 11 Year Olds. Hamlyn.
Kranz, L. 2002. My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for Kids. T&N Children's Publishing.
Loy, J. 2003. Follow the Trail: A Young Persons Guide to the Great Outdoors. Holt, Henry Books for Young Readers.
Oxlade, C. 2002. Soil. Heinemann Library.
Rhatigan, J. 2003. The Kids' Guide to Nature Adventures: 80 Great Activities for Exploring the Outdoors. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Rhatigan, J. 2005. Run, Jump, Hide, Slide, Splash: The 200 Best Games Ever. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Richardson, A.D. 2001. Soil. Capstone Press.
Silverstein, A., V. Silverstein and C.E. Silverstein. 2000. Life in a Bucket of Soil. Dover Publications.
Tomecek, S. 2002. Dirt: Jump into Science. National Geographic Society.
Warshaw, H. and J. Brown. 2003. Get out!: Outdoor Activities Kids Can Enjoy Anywhere. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.

Grades 6-8
Carlson, L.M. and J. Dammel. 1995. Kids Camp!: Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness. Chicago Review Press, Incorporated.
Cherkerzian, D. 1993. Outdoor Fun: Great Things to Make and Do on Sunny Days. Boyds Mills Press.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Soil (Simply Science Series). Capstone Press, Inc.
Gurney, B. 2004. Sand and Soil. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Kranz, L. 2002. My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for Kids. T&N Children's Publishing.
Loy, J. 2003. Follow the Trail: A Young Persons Guide to the Great Outdoors. Holt, Henry Books for Young Readers.
Rhatigan, J. 2003. The Kids' Guide to Nature Adventures: 80 Great Activities for Exploring the Outdoors. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Rhatigan, J. 2005. Run, Jump, Hide, Slide, Splash: The 200 Best Games Ever. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Sharp, K. 2009. Soil. Cherry Lake Publishing.
Silverstein, A., V. Silverstein and C.E. Silverstein. 2000. Life in a Bucket of Soil. Dover Publications.
Snedden, R. 1998. Rocks and Soil. Raintree Publishers.

Grades 9-12
Janice, R. 2006. Land Abuse and Soil Erosion. Wiegel Publishers.
Lowenfels, J., W. Lewis, and E. Ingham. 2006. Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web. Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Nardi, J.B. 2005. World beneath Our Feet: A Guide to Life in the Soil. Oxford University Press.
Sharp, K. 2009. Soil. Cherry Lake Publishing.

2009-05-25T21:44:00.000-05:00

Water Plant Art

There are a wide variety of aquatic plants, from tiny lemna to large water lilies, and all are essential to the web of life in aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic plants are a food source for many animals, release dissolved oxygen into the water, absorb excess nutrients in the water and help control erosion along shorelines, among many other benefits. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s “Water Plant Art” to explore the world of aquatic plants. Create beautiful works of art using pressed aquatic plants and other art supplies. Have fun!

Family Fun:
Get the whole family involved! Gather together art supplies and head to your local wetland, pond or stream to draw pictures of what you see. Then take your creations home to hang on the fridge!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Arnosky, J. 2008. The Brook Book: Exploring the Smallest Streams. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Burnie, D. 2005. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Claybourne, A. 2002. Plants. Raintree Publishers.
Dewey, J.O. 1987. At the Edge of the Pond. Little, Brown & Company.
Dixon, M. 1998. Plants around Us. Smart Apple Media.
Fleming, D. 1993. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Co.
Fowler, A. 1996. Life in a Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Giesecke, E. and A. Royston. 2002. Pond Plants. Heinemann Library.
Hunter, A. 1999. What's in the Pond? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Lindeen, C.K. 2003. Life in a Pond. Capstone Press.
Long, L. 1998. Down at the Pond. Periwinkle Park Educational Productions.
Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Pratt-Serafini, K.J. 2001. Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal. Dawn Publications.
Rosen, M.J. 1994. All Eyes on the Pond. Hyperion Books for Children.
Schwartz, D.M. 1997. At the Pond. Creative Teaching Press, Incorporated.
Wong, H.H. and M.F. Vessel. 1970. Pond Life: Watching Animals Find Food. Addison-Wesley.

Grades 3-5
Ball, J.A. 2002. Plants. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Beatty, R. 2003. Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Burnie, D. 2004. Plant. DK Publishing, Inc.
Dewey, J. 1991. At the Edge of the Pond. Little Brown & Co.
Dow, L., S. Addario, and R. C. Carolin. Incredible Plants. Time-Life Custom Publishing.
Ellis, B.F. 2006. Web at Dragonfly Pond. Dawn Publications.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Ponds and Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Giesecke, E. and A. Royston. 2002. Pond Plants. Heinemann Library.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Plant Life. Raintree Publishers.
Jackson, K. 2006. Lakes. Capstone Press.
Jennings, T.J. 1989. Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Julivert, M.A. 1993. Life of Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Kallen, S.A. 2003. Life in a Pond. Thomson Gale.
Kalman, B. 2000. What Is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company.
McEvoy, P. 2003. Plants. Chelsea House Publishers.
Spilsbury, L. 2002. Plant Parts. Heinemann Library.
Spilsbury, L.A. 2002. Plant Habitats. Heinemann.

Grades 6-8
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2001. River, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Court, J. 1985. Ponds and Streams. Scholastic Library Publishing.
DK Publishing. 1992. Plants. DK CHILDREN.
Howell, L. 2002. World of Plants. E.D.C. Publishing.
Massa, R. 1997. Breathing Earth. Steck-Vaughn.
Milkins, C.S. 1990. Discovering Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Parker, S. 2005. Pond and River. DK Publishing, Inc.
Sayre, A.P. 1997. Lake and Pond. Lerner Publishing Group.

Grades 9-12
Farndon, J. 2002. 1000 Things You Should Know about Plants. Mason Crest Publishers.
Greenaway, T. 1999. Plant Kingdom: A Guide to Plant Classification and Biodiversity. Raintree Publishers.
Parker, R. 2003. Introduction to Plant Science: Revised Edition. Thomson Delmar Learning.

2009-05-14T23:38:00.001-05:00

Are You Me?

We all know that frogs start their lives as tadpoles, but did you know that dragonflies make their start as nymphs? Many aquatic wildlife species do not resemble the adults that they will eventually become. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s “Are You Me?” to explore and match aquatic animal young and adults.

Family fun:
Head to a local pond or stream and look for aquatic animals and their young. Take nets to find whirling beetles, mayfly nymphs and cranefly larva in the water. Watch the shoreline for baby ducks, otters or turtles. When you get home make drawings of and talk about the animals that you saw.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Arnosky, J. 1986. Deer at the Brook. HarperCollins Publishers.
Bandes, H. 1993. Sleepy River. Philomel Books.
Dewey, J.O. 1987. At the Edge of the Pond. Little, Brown & Company.
Dexter, R. 1996. Frogs (Troll Firs- Start Science). Troll Communications.
Falwell, C. 2001. Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fleming, D. 1993. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Co.
Fowler, A. 1996. Life in a Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Friedman, J.C. 1975. ABC of a Summer Pond. Johnny Reads, Incorporated.
Galko, F. 2002. Pond Animals. Heinemann.
George, L.B. 1996. Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? Greenwillow Books.
George, W.T. 1988. Beaver at Long Pond. Greenwillow Books.
George, W.T. 1989. Box Turtle at Long Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Halpern, S. 1993. My River. Scholastic.
Hooper, M. 2001. River Story. Walker Books Ltd.
Hunter, A. 1999. What's in the Pond? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Jackman, L. 1986. Life in Ponds and Streams. Silver, Burdett & Ginn, Incorporated.
Kirkpatrick, R.K. 1990. Pond Life. Steck-Vaughn.
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.
Korman, S. 2001. Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane. Soundprints.
Kosek, J.K. 2003. What's inside Lakes? Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Kurtz, J. 2000. River Friendly, River Wild. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Lasky, K. 1997. Pond Year. Candlewick Press.
Lindeen, C.K. 2003. Life in a Pond. Capstone Press.
Long, L. 1998. Down at the Pond. Periwinkle Park Educational Productions.
Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Moignot, D. 1998. Frogs: A First Discovery Book. Moonlight Publishing.
Morrison, G. 2002. Pond. Walter Lorraine Books.
Needham, K. and L. Lucas. 2002. Strange Beginings. Tradewind Books.
Overbeck, C. 1982. Dragonflies. Lerner Publishing Group.
Paul, T. 1997. By Lakes and Rivers. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Pratt-Serafini, K.J. 2001. Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal. Dawn Publications.
Rosen, M.J. 1994. All Eyes on the Pond. Hyperion Books for Children.
Sabin, F. 1982. Wonders of the Pond. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Sanders, S.R. 2002. Crawdad Creek. National Geographic Society.
Schuh, M.C. 2002. What Are Lakes? Capstone Press.
Schwartz, D.M. 1991. Hidden Life of the Pond. Crown Books for Young Readers.
Schwartz, D.M. 1997. At the Pond. Creative Teaching Press, Incorporated.
Stewart, D. 2002. Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Tordjman, N. 1991. Living Pond. Young Discovery Library.
Wells, D.K. 1990. Pond Life: The Fishing Trip. Child's World, Incorporated.
Wyler, R. 1990. Puddles and Ponds: An Outdoor Book. Silver Burdett Press.

Grades 3-5
Beatty, R. 2003. Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Cole, H. 2003. On the Way to the Beach. Greenwillow Books.
Dewey, J. 1991. At the Edge of the Pond. Little Brown & Co.
Donovan, S. 2003. Animals of Rivers, Lakes and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Ellis, B.F. 2006. Web at Dragonfly Pond. Dawn Publications.
Fleisher, P. 1999. Pond. Marshall Cavendish Inc.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Ponds and Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hester, N.S. 1990. Living Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hewitt, S. 1999. Rivers, Ponds and Seashore. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Hibbert, A. 1999. A Freshwater Pond. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hiscock, B. 1997. Big Rivers: The Missouri, the Mississippi, and the Ohio. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Jackson, K. 2006. Lakes. Capstone Press.
Jennings, T.J. 1989. Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Johnson, R.L. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kallen, S.A. 2003. Life in a Pond. Thomson Gale.
Kubo, H. 1990. Insects in the Pond. Steck-Vaughn.
Levete, S. 1999. Rivers and Lakes. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Littlefield, C. 2004. Awesome Ocean Science: Investigating the Secrets of the Underwater World. Williamson Books.
McClung, R.M. 1980. Green Darner: The Story of a Dragonfly. William Morrow & Co.
Morgan, S. 2000. Pond in the Meadow. Thameside Press.
Morris, N. 1998. Rivers and Lakes. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Oxlade, C. 2003. Rivers and Lakes. World Almanac Books.
Parker, S. 1999. It's a Frog's Life: My Story of Life in a Pond. Reader's Digest Children's Publishing, Incorporated.
Paulsen, G. 2001. Canoe Days. Random House Children’s Books.
Reene. 2000. Animals That Live in Water (Animals Up Close Series). Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Rockwell, J. 1984. All about Ponds. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Ross, M.E. 2000. Pond Watching with Ann Morgan. Lerner Publishing Group.
Santrey, L. 1985. Lakes and Ponds. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Silver, D.M. 1994. One Small Square: Pond. W.H. Freeman and Co.
Taylor, B. 1998. Pond Life. DK Publishing, Inc.
Waldbauer, G. 2006. A Walk around the Pond: Insects in and over the Water. Harvard University Press.

Grades 6-8
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2001. River, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2002. Scientists of Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Court, J. 1985. Ponds and Streams. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Frahm, R. 1997. Lakes. Creative Company.
Frahm, R. 2002. Rivers: Sculptors of the Land. Creative Company.
Greenaway, F and Taylor, B. 1992. Look Closer: Pond Life. Econo-Clad Books.
Hidetoma, O. 1986. Insect in the Pond (Nature up Close Series). Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers.
Holling, H.C. 1978. Minn of the Mississippi. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Loewer, P. 1996. Pond Water Zoo: An Introduction to Microscopic Life. Atheneum.
Milkins, C.S. 1990. Discovering Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Morris, N. 2004. Earth’s Changing Rivers. Raintree.
Parker, S. 2005. Pond and River. DK Publishing, Inc.
Sayre, A.P. 1997. Lake and Pond. Lerner Publishing Group.
Serafini, K. 2000. Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal. Dawn Publications.

Grades 9-12
Merritt, R. W. 2008. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Waldbauer, G. 2008. A Walk Around the Pond: Insects In and Over the Water. Harvard University Press.

2009-05-03T21:12:00.001-05:00

Water Wings

All the water on Earth is connected in some way. Clouds drop water on the land in the form of rain, rainwater filters through the ground to rivers, and rivers ultimately flow to the ocean. And just like all water on Earth is connected, all life on Earth is connected in the same basic need for water. Plants, animals and people all rely upon Earth’s water resources to survive. Without water, there would be no life. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s “Water Wings” to explore the interconnectedness of all the Earth’s waters, learn about the water cycle and discover why water is so important to life on Earth. Then stretch your creative muscles and write a poem about water!

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Branley, F.M. 1997. Down Comes the Rain. HarperCollins Children's Books.
Curry, D.L. 1999. The Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
Edom, H. 2007. Science with Water. EDC Publishing.
Fourment, T. 2004. My Water Comes from the Mountains. Roberts Rinehart Publishers.
Fraiser, D. 2004. The Incredible Water Show. Harcourt.
Frost, H. 1999. Keeping Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Greenaway, T. 2000. Water Cycle. Raintree Publishers.
Hooper, M. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Viking Press.
Jango-Cohen, J. 2005. Why Does It Rain? Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. 2006. Water Cycle. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Locker, T. 2002. Water Dance. Harcourt Children's Books.
Morrison, G. 2006. A Drop of Water. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Pluckrose, H. 2001. Water. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Rauzon, M.J. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Relf, P. 1996. The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle. Scholastic Paperbacks.
Rosinsky, N.M. 2002. Water: Up, Down, and All Around. Capstone Press.
Ross, M.E. 2003. Re-Cycles. Millbrook Press.
Schmid, E. 1994. The Water's Journey. North-South.
Seuling, B. 2000. Drip! Drop!: How Water Gets to Your Tap. Holiday House, Inc.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Waldman, N. 2003. Snowflake, The: A Water Cycle Story. Millbrook Press.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.

Grades 3-5
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
Canizares, S. and P. Chanko. 1998. Water. June 1998.
Cobb, V. 1986. Trip of a Drip. Little, Brown & Company.
Ditchfield, C. 2001. Water. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Water. Capstone Press.
Goodrich, R.S. 2004. Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle. Geoquest Pubns.
Hughes, M. 2004.Water Cycle. Heinemann Library.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Mckinney, B.S. 1998. A Drop around the World. Dawn Publications.
Moor, J.E. 1998. Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Olien, R. 2006. Making Water Clean. Capstone Press.
Olien, R. 2006. Water Cycle. Capstone Press.
Royston, A. 2006. The Life And Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle. Raintree.
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 6-8
Baker, L.W. 2004. Encyclopedia of Water Science. Thomson Gale.
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Markert, J. 1992. Water. The Creative Company.
Silverstein, A. 1998. A World in a Drop of Water: Exploring with a Microscope. Dover Publications.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.

Grades 9-12
Barss, K.J. 1992. Clean Water. Chelsea House Publishers.
Cossi, O. 1993. Water Wars. Silver Burdett Press.
Gardner, R. 2004. Experimenting with Water. Dover Publications.
Lucas, E. 1991. Water: A Resource in Crisis. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Ryerson, M. 2003. Water Music. University of Michigan Press.

2009-04-26T22:13:00.002-05:00

Plant a Tree

From leaf to root, seedling to towering oak, we’ve explored the many wonders and benefits of trees. Trees provide aesthetic beauty, habitat for animals, they replenish oxygen in our environment and they are the raw material for many products that we rely upon every day. Show your appreciation and understanding of trees and use Project Learning Tree’s “Plant a Tree” to plan and carry out your own tree-planting project. Everyone grab a shovel and throw a tree-planting party!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Aliki. 1963. The Story of Johnny Appleseed. Prentice Hall.
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell. Dawn Publications.
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club.
Bishop, N. 2004. Forest Explorer: A Life-Sized Field Guide. Scholastic, Inc.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
Cotten, C. 2002. At the Edge of the Woods: A Counting Book. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
DePalma, M.N. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Donahue, M. 1988. The Grandpa Tree. Roberts Rinehart, Inc.
Doval, M. W. 1992. The Heart of the Wood. Simon & Schuster.
Gackenbach, D. 1996. Mighty Tree. Harcourt Children's Books.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Gillespie, L. 2009. Trees. EDC Publishing.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Guiberson, B. 1993. Cactus Hotel. Holt.
Hankin, R. 1995. Up the Tall Tree. Steck-Vaughn.
Ikids. 2009. Green Start: One Tree. Innovative Kids.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B., K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Locker, T. 1995. Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art. Harper Collins.
Manson, C. 1993. The Tree in the Wood: An Old Nursery Song. North-South Books.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Reed-Jones, C. 1995. Tree in the Ancient Forest. Dawn Publications.
Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Aliki. 1963. The Story of Johnny Appleseed. Prentice Hall.
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell. Dawn Publications.
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. Morrow/Avon.
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree (Eyewitness Book Series). DK Publishing.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
Doval, M. W. 1992. The Heart of the Wood. Simon & Schuster.
Dowden, A. The Blossom on the Bough: A Book of Trees. Thomas Y. Crowell.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
George, K. 1998. Old Elm Speaks. Clarion Books.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Giono, J. 1985. The Man Who Planted Trees. Chelsea Green Publishing Co.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Guiberson, B. 1993. Cactus Hotel. Holt.
Hiscock, B. 1991. The Big Tree. Atheneum Books-MacMillan.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B., K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Locker, T. 1995. Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art. Harper Collins.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Lyons, D. 2002. The Tree. Illumination Arts Publishing.
Manson, C. 1993. The Tree in the Wood: An Old Nursery Song. North-South Books.
Mellett, P. 2000. Trees: Fantastic Facts. Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Morrison, G. 2005. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Staub, F.J. 1998. America's Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
Vieira, L. 1994. The Ever-Living Tree: The Life and Times of a Coast Redwood. Walker Publishing Company.
Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Cherry, L. 2000. The Great Kapok Tree. Sagebrush Education Resources.
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree (Eyewitness Book Series). DK Publishing.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Giono, J. 1985. The Man Who Planted Trees. Chelsea Green Publishing Co.
Marvis, B. and M. Ferron. 1995. Plants of the Forest. Facts on File, Inc
Mellett, P. 2000. Trees: Fantastic Facts. Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Vieira, L. 1994. The Ever-Living Tree: The Life and Times of a Coast Redwood. Walker Publishing Company.

Grades 9-12
Deakin, R. 2009. Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Gibson, C.C., et al. 2000. People and Forests: Communities, Institutions, and Governance. MIT Press.
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Petrides, G. A., et al. 1996. Trees. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2009-04-19T21:56:00.003-05:00

Tree Lifecycle

Baby, toddler, teenager, adult. These are all stages in the lifecycle of humans. Trees have stages in their lifecycle as well. An acorn grows into a sapling, a sapling grows to a giant oak tree, and giant oak trees die and fall to the forest floor. The giant oak tree that blows in the wind and is home to owls and squirrels today will one day be the fodder for worms. Trees are important parts of ecosystems at all stages of their lifecycle. Explore the lifecycle of trees and their essential role in ecosystems with Project Learning Tree’s “Tree Lifecycle”.

Enrichment activity:
Visit your local woodland and explore trees at different stages of their lifecycle, from seed to fallen log.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell. Dawn Publications.
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club.
Bishop, N. 2004. Forest Explorer: A Life-Sized Field Guide. Scholastic, Inc.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
Cotten, C. 2002. At the Edge of the Woods: A Counting Book. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
DePalma, M.N. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Donahue, M. 1988. The Grandpa Tree. Roberts Rinehart, Inc.
Doval, M. W. 1992. The Heart of the Wood. Simon & Schuster.
Gackenbach, D. 1996. Mighty Tree. Harcourt Children's Books.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Gillespie, L. 2009. Trees. EDC Publishing.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Guiberson, B. 1993. Cactus Hotel. Holt.
Hankin, R. 1995. Up the Tall Tree. Steck-Vaughn.
Ikids. 2009. Green Start: One Tree. Innovative Kids.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B., K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lavies, B. 1989. Tree Trunk Traffic. Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Reed-Jones, C. 1995. Tree in the Ancient Forest. Dawn Publications.
Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Anthony, J. and C. Arbo. 1999. In a Nutshell. Dawn Publications.
Bash, B. 2002. Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab. Sierra Club.
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. Morrow/Avon.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
Doval, M. W. 1992. The Heart of the Wood. Simon & Schuster.
Dowden, A. The Blossom on the Bough: A Book of Trees. Thomas Y. Crowell.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
George, K. 1998. Old Elm Speaks. Clarion Books.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Guiberson, B. 1993. Cactus Hotel. Holt.
Hiscock, B. 1991. The Big Tree. Atheneum Books-MacMillan.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B., K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Locker, T. 1995. Sky Tree. Harper Collins Publishers.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Lyons, D. 2002. The Tree. Illumination Arts Publishing.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Morrison, G. 2005. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Staub, F.J. 1998. America's Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
Vieira, L. 1994. The Ever-Living Tree: The Life and Times of a Coast Redwood. Walker Publishing Company.
Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Cherry, L. 2000. The Great Kapok Tree. Sagebrush Education Resources.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Marvis, B. and M. Ferron. 1995. Plants of the Forest. Facts on File, Inc
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Vieira, L. 1994. The Ever-Living Tree: The Life and Times of a Coast Redwood. Walker Publishing Company.

Grades 9-12
Deakin, R. 2009. Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Gibson, C.C., et al. 2000. People and Forests: Communities, Institutions, and Governance. MIT Press.
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Petrides, G. A., et al. 1996. Trees. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2009-04-12T23:07:00.002-05:00

Tree Factory

Roots, leaves and bark, oh my! Each part of a tree, from the tiniest root hair to the great trunk that supports it, plays a role in helping it to function. Leaves produce food through photosynthesis and bark protects the tree. Learn all about roots, shoots, xylem and phloem using Project Learning Tree’s “Tree Factory”. Students can explore the parts of a tree by acting them out!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Gillespie, L. 2009. Trees. EDC Publishing.
Kalman, B, K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mellett, P. 2000. Trees. Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Miller, D.S. and S. Schuett. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker & Company.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree. DK Publishing.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Dowden, A. The Blossom on the Bough: A Book of Trees. Thomas Y. Crowell.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Kalman, B, K. Smithyman, and B. Bedell. 2002. The Life Cycle of a Tree. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mellett, P. 2000. Trees. Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree. DK Publishing.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.

Grades 9-12
Burnie, D. 2005. Tree. DK Publishing.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Petrides, G. A., et al. 1996. Trees. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2009-04-04T21:54:00.002-05:00

Three Cheers for Trees!

Trees, trees, wonderful trees! Stop what you are doing right now and look out the window at the glorious trees that are in your yard or neighborhood! Trees surround us as we go about our daily lives: they line the sidewalks we walk on, the streets we drive on and fill the woods where we hike and play. Trees provide us with many benefits, many of which we take for granted. They have social, environmental, and economic benefits. Explore the wonderful things that trees do for you with Project Learning Trees “Three Cheers for Trees”!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Bishop, N. 2004. Forest Explorer: A Life-Sized Field Guide. Scholastic, Inc.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Bunting, E. 1994. The Night Tree. Voyager Books.
Canizares, S., D. Moreton and B. Chessen. 1997. Who Lives in a Tree? Scholastic, Inc.
Charman, A. 2003. I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves and Other Questions about Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
Cotten, C. 2002. At the Edge of the Woods: A Counting Book. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
DePalma, M.N. 2005. A Grand Old Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
DK Publishing. 2004. Forest. DK Publishing, Inc.
Gackenbach, D. 1996. Mighty Tree. Harcourt Children's Books.
Gaff, J. 2005. I Wonder Why Pine Trees Have Needles and Other Questions about Forests. Roaring Brook Press.
Gillespie, L. 2009. Trees. EDC Publishing.
Gove, D. and M. H. Mallory. My Mother Talks to Trees. Peachtree Publishers.
Hankin, R. 1995. Up the Tall Tree. Steck-Vaughn.
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.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Reed-Jones, C. 1995. Tree in the Ancient Forest. Dawn Publications.
Van Laan, N. 2000. A Tree for Me. Random House.
Worth, B. 2006. I Can Name 50 Trees Today!: All about Trees. Random House Publishing Group.

Grades 3-5
Bernard, R. 2001. A Tree for All Seasons. National Geographic Children’s Books.
Bourgoing, P. 1992. The Tree. Scholastic First Discovery Books.
Brenner, B. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. Morrow/Avon.
Burns, D.L. and L. Garrow. 1998. Trees, Leaves and Bark. T&N Children’s Publishing.
Canizares, S. 1997. Look at This Tree. Scholastic, Inc.
Denver, J. 1990. Alfie the Christmas Tree. National Wildlife Federation.
Ehlert, L. 2005. Leaf Man. Harcourt Trade Publishers.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
George, K. 1998. Old Elm Speaks. Clarion Books.
Gibbons, G. 1984. The Season of Arnold’s Apple Tree. Voyager Books.
Gibbons, G. 2002. Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids. Little, Brown Young Readers.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hiscock, B. 1991. The Big Tree. Atheneum Books-MacMillan.
Iverson, D. 1999. My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America. Dawn Publications.
Locker, T. 1995. Sky Tree. Harper Collins Publishers.
Lyon, G. 1996. ABCedar: an Alphabet of Trees. Scholastic Inc..
Lyons, D. 2002. The Tree. Illumination Arts Publishing.
Miller, D. 2003. Are Trees Alive? Walker Books for Young Readers.
Morrison, G. 2005. Oak Tree. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Oppenheim, J. 1967. Have You Seen Trees. Addison Wesley Longman Publishing Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Staub, F.J. 1998. America's Forests. Lerner Publishing Group.
Tresselt, A. 1992. The Gift of a Tree. Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books.
Wong, H & Vessel, M. 1969. Our Tree. Addison-Wesley.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 1992. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Cherry, L. 2000. The Great Kapok Tree. Sagebrush Education Resources.
Garelick, M. & Brenner, B. 1979. The Tremendous Tree Book. Four Winds Press.
Marvis, B. and M. Ferron. 1995. Plants of the Forest. Facts on File, Inc
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.

Grades 9-12
Gibson, C.C., et al. 2000. People and Forests: Communities, Institutions, and Governance. MIT Press.
Heinrich, B. 1998. The Trees in My Forest. HarperCollins Publishers.
Kershner, B., et al. 2008. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Petrides, G. A., et al. 1996. Trees. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Stone, L.M. 2004. Forests. Rourke Publishing, LLC.

2009-03-28T10:17:00.002-05:00

Graphananimal

Does wet spring weather have you trapped indoors? Then take a nature hike through your classroom! Use Project WILD's “Graphananimal” to explore animals that live in different environments. Gather up photos and pictures of animals and let them “live” in your classroom. Then go on a “hike” to discover everything you can about the animals that “live” there! Different kinds of animals live in different environments-what animals live in yours?

Enrichment activity:
Once the weather clears head outdoors for a real nature hike! Explore two different environments in your local area and graph the animals that live there.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 2008. The Brook Book. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Arnosky, J. 2002. Watching Water Birds. National Geographic Children's Books.
Base, G. 2004. The Water Hole. Penguin Group (USA).
Carle, E. 1999. Eric Carle’s Animals, Animals. Putnam Juvenile.
Carle, E. 2007. My Very First Book of Animal Homes. Penguin Group (USA).
Cronin, D. 2003. Diary of a Worm. Joanna Cotler.
DK Publishing. 2007. Backyard Bugs. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fleming, D. 1998. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR).
Florian, D. 2004. Mammalabilia. Voyager Books.
Fonte, I. and M. Ferraris. 2007. Animals of the Forest. Barnes & Noble.
Gibbons, G. 2000. Bats. Holiday House.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Hodge, D. and P. Stephens. 1999. Deer, Moose, Elk and Caribou. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Horenstein, H. 1999. A is For…? A Photographer’s Alphabet of Animals. Gulliver Books.
James, S. 1996. Wild Woods. Tandem Library Books.
Jordan, S. 2002. Frog Hunt. Roaring Brook Press.
Kelly, I. 2003. It's a Hummingbird's Life. Holiday House, Inc.
Kelly, I. 2007. It’s a Butterfly’s Life. Holiday House, Inc.
Minor, W. 1993. Red Fox Running. Houghton Mifflin Company
Phinney, M. Y. and T. Talas. 1995. Exploring Land Habitats. Mondo Publishing.
Posada, Mia. 2002. Ladybugs: Red, Fiery and Bright. Carolrhorda.
Richardson, A.D. 2002. Owls: Flat-Faced Flyers. Coughlan Publishing.
Rockwell, A. and M. Halsey. 2006. Backyard Bear. Walker & Company.
Seifert, P. and P. Dougherty. 1995. Exploring Tree Habitats. Mondo Publishing.
Snowball, D., C. A. Belcher and M. Katin. 1994. Exploring Freshwater Habitats. Mondo Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats (Crinkleroot Series). Aladin.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bernard, R. 2001. Insects. National Geographic Society.
Heinrichs, A.R. 2004. Fireflies. Coughlan Publishing.
Hodge, D. and P. Stephens. 1999. Deer, Moose, Elk and Caribou. Kids Can Press, Limited.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Moffett, M. W. 2008. Face to Face with Frogs. National Geographic Society.
Murawski, D. 2004. Spiders and Their Webs. National Geographic Society.
Nagle, J. M. 2009. Endangered Wildlife: Habitats in Peril. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
National Geographic Society. 1998. Book of Mammals. National Geographic Society.
Orme, H. 2008. Habitat Destruction. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Posada, Mia. 2002. Ladybugs: Red, Fiery and Bright. Carolhorda.
Priebe, M. 2000. Bald Eagle: Endangered No More. Mindfull Publishing.
Pringle, L.P. 1990. Saving Our Wildlife. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Rockwell, A. 2001. Bugs are Insects (Let’s Read and Find Out Science Series). Harper Collins Children’s Books.
Shedd, W. 2002. Kids' Wildlife Book. Williamson Kids Can Series.
Sill, C. and J. Sill. 2008. About Habitats: Wetlands. Peachtree Publishers.
Stetson, E. and J. S. Cole Stone. 2004. Create a Wildlife Habitat for Urban and Suburban Small Spaces. Ideals Publications.
Tagholm, S. 2003. The Barn Owl (Animal Lives series). Kingfisher.

Grades 6-8
Ballard, C. 2008. Watching Wildife: Animal Habitats. Heinemann.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bernard, R. 2001. Insects. National Geographic Society.
Froman, N. 2001. What’s That Bug. Madison Press Book.
Goodnough, D. 2001. Endangered Animals of North America. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Jenkins, P. 1996. Falcons Nest on Skyscrapers (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2). HarperTrophy.
Laubach, C & Laubach,R. 2002. Raptors: A Kid’s Guide to Birds of Prey. Storey Kids.
Moffett, M. W. 2008. Face to Face with Frogs. National Geographic Society.
Murawski, D. 2004. Spiders and Their Webs. National Geographic Society.
Nagle, J. M. 2009. Endangered Wildlife: Habitats in Peril. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
National Geographic Society. 1998. Book of Mammals. National Geographic Society.
Orme, H. 2008. Habitat Destruction. Bearport Publishing Company, Inc.
Patent, D. 2003. Slinky, Scaley, Slithering Snakes. Walker.
Pringle, L. 2004. Snakes! Strange and Wonderful. Boyds Mills Press.
Somerville, B. A. Animal Survivors of the Wetlands. Children’s Press (CT).
Tagholm, S. 2003. The Barn Owl (Animal Lives series). Kingfisher.

Grades 9-12
Brinkley, E. S., VIREO, and C. Tufts. 2007. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Burnie, D. and D. E. Wilson. 205. Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World’s Wildife. DK Publishing.
Crump, M. 2002. Amphibians, Reptiles, and Their Conservation. Linnet Books.
Dinsmore, S. J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Evans, A. V. and C. Tufts. 2007. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Insects and Spiders & Related Species of North America. Sterling Publishing.
Froman, N. 2001. What’s That Bug. Madison Press Book.
Harrison, G. and K. Harrison. 1987. America's Favorite Backyard Wildlife. Fireside.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 2000. Iowa: Portrait of the Land. Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Jackson, B. and Editors of Reader’s Digest. 1998. North American Wildlife :An Illustrated Guide to 2,000 Plants and Animals. Penguin Group (USA).
Jones, D. 2007. North American Wildlife. Whitecap Books, Limited.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Laubach, C & Laubach,R. 2002. Raptors: A Kid’s Guide to Birds of Prey. Storey Kids.
Mattison, C. 2006. Snake. DK Publishing
McClung, R.M. 1993. Lost Wild America: The Story of Our Extinct and Vanishing Wildlife. Shoe String Press, Incorporated.
Uhlenbroek, C. and Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. 2008. Animal Life: Secrets of the Animal World Revealed. DK Publishing, Inc.

2009-03-20T22:52:00.002-05:00

Tracks!

Spring is here! Birds are singing in the trees, buds are opening and the air is warming. It is a perfect time to get outside and explore your world! Take a walk through your yard, your neighborhood or your local park and look for signs of wildlife activity. Use Project WILD’s “Tracks!” to learn about different signs of wildlife activity such as tracks, scat (droppings), nests, burrows and food litter. We can learn a lot about animals by the evidence that they leave behind. We can learn what they eat, where they live, how they walk, run or slide and how many of them are in the area. So tie on a pair of boots and get exploring--there are animals to discover!

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. Harper Collins Publishers.

Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints. Sterling Publishing.

Bowen, B. 1998. Tracks in the Wild. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Nail, J. D. and H. Skudder. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These?: A Clue Book of Familiar Forest Animals. Rinehart Press.

Selsam, M. E. and M. H. Donnelly. 1999. Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints. Harper Collins Publishers.

SwinBurne, S. and S. C. Morse. 2003. The Woods Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Yee, W. H. 2007. Tracks in the Snow. Square Fish.

Grades 3-5
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. Harper Collins Publishers.

Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints. Sterling Publishing.

Bowen, B. 1998. Tracks in the Wild. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Nail, J. D. and H. Skudder. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These?: A Clue Book of Familiar Forest Animals. Rinehart Press.

Selsam, M. E. and M. H. Donnelly. 1999. Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints. Harper Collins Publishers.

Sheldon, I., T. Eder, and T. Hartson. 2000. Animal Tracks of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lone Pine Publishing USA.

SwinBurne, S. and S. C. Morse. 2003. The Woods Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Yee, W. H. 2007. Tracks in the Snow. Square Fish.

Grades 6-8
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. Harper Collins Publishers.

Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints. Sterling Publishing.

Bang, P., P. Dahlstrom, and R. Mears. 2006. Animal Tracks and Signs. Oxford University Press.

Bowen, B. 1998. Tracks in the Wild. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Dendy, L. A., and L. Garrow. 1998. Tracks, Scats and Signs. 1998.

Grossenheider, R. P., O. J. Murie, and R. T. Peterson. 1996. Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Nail, J. D. and H. Skudder. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These?: A Clue Book of Familiar Forest Animals. Rinehart Press.

Selsam, M. E. and M. H. Donnelly. 1999. Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints. Harper Collins Publishers.

Sheldon, I., T. Eder, and T. Hartson. 2000. Animal Tracks of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lone Pine Publishing USA.

SwinBurne, S. and S. C. Morse. 2003. The Woods Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Young, J. and T. Morgan. 2007. Animal Tracking Basics. Stackpole Books.

Grades 9-12
Bang, P., P. Dahlstrom, and R. Mears. 2006. Animal Tracks and Signs. Oxford University Press.

Brown, T., H. Bolyn, and B. Morgan. 1986. Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated.

Dendy, L. A., and L. Garrow. 1998. Tracks, Scats and Signs. 1998.

Grossenheider, R. P., O. J. Murie, and R. T. Peterson. 1996. Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Halfpenny, J. C. and T. Telander. 2006. Scats and Tracks of the Great Lakes: A Field Guide to the Signs of Seventy Wildlife Species. Falcon Press Publishing.

Halfpenny, J. C., and T. Telander. 2008. Scats & Tracks of North America. Globe Pequot Press.

Halfpenny, J. C., J. Bruchac, and T. Telander. 2006. Scats and Tracks of the Great Plains: A Field Guide to the Signs of Seventy Wildlife Species. Falcon Press Publishing.

Halfpenny, J. C., J. Bruchac, and T. Telander. 2006. Scats and Tracks of the Midwest: A Field Guide to the Signs of Seventy Wildlife Species. Falcon Press Publishing.

Johnson, J. and J. A. Burton. 2008. Animal Tracks and Signs: Over 400 Animals from Big Cats to Backyard Birds. National Geographic Society.

Leung, R. 2001. Animal Tracks. Waterford Press Ltd.

Peterson, R. T., M. Elbroch and O. J. Murie. 2005. Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Rezendes, P. 1999. Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign. Harper Collins Publishers.

Stokes, D. and L. Q. Stokes. 1987. Guide to Animal Tracking and Behavior, Vol.1 . Little, Brown & Company.

Young, J. and T. Morgan. 2007. Animal Tracking Basics. Stackpole Books.

2009-02-13T13:31:00.002-06:00

Exploring Iowa’s Rich History

Plants, animals, people … Who lived on the land before you? Understanding the history of our great land of Iowa is a great way to foster care for the future. What better way to get a feel for the land than to explore what is currently on the site and investigate clues for what may have lived there before.

Many cultures of people using the land before us settled around waterways. Use Project WILD Aquatic’s, “Watered Down History” to examine the history of local waterway and investigate what management practices can be put into practice in the future.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Arnosky, J. 1986. Deer at the Brook. HarperCollins Publishers.
Bandes, H. 1993. Sleepy River. Philomel Books.
Dewey, J.O. 1987. At the Edge of the Pond. Little, Brown & Company.
DK Publishing. 2007. Water Everywhere. DK Publishing, Inc.
Edom, H. 2007. Science with Water. EDC Publishing.
Falwell, C. 2001. Turtle Splash!: Countdown at the Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fleming, D. 1993. In the Small, Small Pond. Henry Holt and Co.
Fowler, A. 1996. Life in a Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Friedman, J.C. 1975. ABC of a Summer Pond. Johnny Reads, Incorporated.
Galko, F. 2002. Pond Animals. Heinemann.
George, L.B. 1996. Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? Greenwillow Books.
George, W.T. 1988. Beaver at Long Pond. Greenwillow Books.
George, W.T. 1989. Box Turtle at Long Pond. HarperCollins Publishers.
Giesecke, E. and A. Royston. 2002. Pond Plants. Heinemann Library.
Halpern, S. 1993. My River. Scholastic.
Hooper, M. 2001. River Story. Walker Books Ltd.
Hunter, A. 1999. What's in the Pond? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Jackman, L. 1986. Life in Ponds and Streams. Silver, Burdett & Ginn, Incorporated.
Kirkpatrick, R.K. 1990. Pond Life. Steck-Vaughn.
Korman, S. 2001. Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane. Soundprints.
Kosek, J.K. 2003. What's inside Lakes? Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Kurtz, J. 2000. River Friendly, River Wild. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Lasky, K. 1997. Pond Year. Candlewick Press.
Lindeen, C.K. 2003. Life in a Pond. Capstone Press.
Long, L. 1998. Down at the Pond. Periwinkle Park Educational Productions.
Luenn, N. 1994. Squish!: A Wetland Walk. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Morrison, G. 2002. Pond. Walter Lorraine Books.
Olien, R. 1999. Splish Splash Science, Grades 1-3: Learning about Water with Easy Fun-Filled Activities. Scholastic, Inc.
Paul, T. 1997. By Lakes and Rivers. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Pluckrose, H. 2001. Water. Gareth Stevens Audio.
Pratt-Serafini, K.J. 2001. Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal. Dawn Publications.
Rauzon, M.J. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Sierra Club Books for Children.
Rosen, M.J. 1994. All Eyes on the Pond. Hyperion Books for Children.
Sabin, F. 1982. Wonders of the Pond. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Sanders, S.R. 2002. Crawdad Creek. National Geographic Society.
Schuh, M.C. 2002. What Are Lakes? Capstone Press.
Schwartz, D.M. 1991. Hidden Life of the Pond. Crown Books for Young Readers.
Schwartz, D.M. 1997. At the Pond. Creative Teaching Press, Incorporated.
Stewart, D. 2002. Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.
Tordjman, N. 1991. Living Pond. Young Discovery Library.
Tresselt, A.R. 1990. Rain Drop Splash. HarperCollins Publishers.
Wells, D.K. 1990. Pond Life: The Fishing Trip. Child's World, Incorporated.
Wells, R.E. 2006. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? Albert Whitman & Company.
Wong, H.H. and M.F. Vessel. 1970. Pond Life: Watching Animals Find Food. Addison-Wesley.
Wyler, R. 1990. Puddles and Ponds: An Outdoor Book. Silver Burdett Press.
Grades 3-5
Beatty, R. 2003. Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Berger, M. 1995. Water, Water Everywhere. Ideals Publications.
Dewey, J. 1991. At the Edge of the Pond. Little Brown & Co.
Ditchfield, C. 2001. Water. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Donovan, S. 2003. Animals of Rivers, Lakes and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Dorros, A. 2000. Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. HarperCollins.
Ellis, B.F. 2006. Web at Dragonfly Pond. Dawn Publications.
Flanagan, A.K. 2000. Water. Capstone Press.
Fleisher, P. 1999. Pond. Marshall Cavendish Inc.
Ganeri, A. 1993. Ponds and Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hester, N.S. 1990. Living Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Hewitt, S. 1999. Rivers, Ponds and Seashore. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Hibbert, A. 1999. A Freshwater Pond. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hiscock, B. 1997. Big Rivers: The Missouri, the Mississippi, and the Ohio. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Jackson, K. 2006. Lakes. Capstone Press.
Jennings, T.J. 1989. Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Jervis, P. 1997. How Science Works: Water. Barnes & Noble Books.
Johnson, R.L. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kallen, S.A. 2003. Life in a Pond. Thomson Gale.
Kubo, H. 1990. Insects in the Pond. Steck-Vaughn.
Levete, S. 1999. Rivers and Lakes. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Moor, J.E. 1998. Water. Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
Morgan, S. 2000. Pond in the Meadow. Thameside Press.
Morris, N. 1998. Rivers and Lakes. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Oxlade, C. 2003. Rivers and Lakes. World Almanac Books.
Parker, S. 1999. It's a Frog's Life: My Story of Life in a Pond. Reader's Digest Children's Publishing, Incorporated.
Paulsen, G. 2001. Canoe Days. Random House Children’s Books.
Rockwell, J. 1984. All about Ponds. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Ross, M.E. 2000. Pond Watching with Ann Morgan. Lerner Publishing Group.
Santrey, L. 1985. Lakes and Ponds. Troll Communications L.L.C.
Silver, D.M. 1994. One Small Square: Pond. W.H. Freeman and Co.
Taylor, B. 1998. Pond Life. DK Publishing, Inc.
Waldbauer, G. 2006. A Walk around the Pond: Insects in and over the Water. Harvard University Press.

Grades 6-8
Baker, L.W. 2004. Encyclopedia of Water Science. Thomson Gale.
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2001. River, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Braun, E. and S. Donovan. 2002. Scientists of Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds. Raintree Publishers.
Court, J. 1985. Ponds and Streams. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Frahm, R. 1997. Lakes. Creative Company.
Frahm, R. 2002. Rivers: Sculptors of the Land. Creative Company.
Holling, H.C. 1978. Minn of the Mississippi. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Loewer, P. 1996. Pond Water Zoo: An Introduction to Microscopic Life. Atheneum.
Markert, J. 1992. Water. The Creative Company.
Milkins, C.S. 1990. Discovering Pond Life. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Morris, N. 2004. Earth’s Changing Rivers. Raintree.
Parker, S. 2005. Pond and River. DK Publishing, Inc.
Sayre, A.P. 1997. Lake and Pond. Lerner Publishing Group.
Serafini, K. 2000. Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal. Dawn Publications.
Silverstein, A. 1998. A World in a Drop of Water: Exploring with a Microscope. Dover Publications.
Swanson, D. 2005. Wonder in Water. Annick Press, Limited.

2009-01-23T13:27:00.002-06:00

Wildlife is Everywhere

Wildlife is never very far from us, but do we look close enough to notice them or the signs that show us animals are all around? Use the Project WILD activity, “Wildlife is Everywhere?” to conduct a search and discover what wildlife is living near you. Look for things like chewed materials, bits of seeds or other food, spider webs, cocoons, and feces (a sure sign something has been there!)

Animals may not leave very obvious signs (sometimes they leave only scent). Make sure students use senses besides sight – listen for wildlife, sniff the air, etc.

Book List
Grades PreK-2
Arnosky, J. 1999. All About Owls. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 1995. I See Animals Hiding. Scholastic.
Arnosky, J. 2002. Watching Water Birds. National Geographic Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 2008. Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature's Footprints. Sterling.
Baker, K. 2001. Little Green. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Carle, E. 1999. Eric Carle’s Animals, Animals. Putnam Juvenile.
Cronin, D. 2003. Diary of a Worm. Joanna Cotler.
DK Publishing. 2007. Backyard Bugs. DK Publishing, Inc.
Fisher, A. 1986. When it Comes to Bugs. HarperCollins.
Fisher, A. 2001. You Don’t Look Like Your Mother. Economics Pr.
Florian, D. 2004. Mammalabilia. Voyager Books.
George, W.T. 1996. Box Turtle at Long Pond. Harper Collins.
Giogas, V. 2007. In My Backyard. Sylvan Dell Publishing.
Haas, J. 1994. Mowing. Greenwillow Books.
Hausman, G. 1995. How Chipmunk Got Tiny Feet: Native American Animal Origin Series. HarperCollins Publishers.
Horenstein, H. 1999. A is For…? A Photographer’s Alphabet of Animals. Gulliver Books.
James, S. 1996. Wild Woods. Tandem Library Books.
Jenkins, S. 1996. Big and Little. Haughton Mifflin.
Jordan, S. 2002. Frog Hunt. Roaring Brook Press.
Kelly, I. 2003. It's a Hummingbird's Life. Holiday House, Inc.
Lionni, L. 1974. Fish is Fish. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Mazer, A. 1991. The Salamander Room. Dragonfly Books.
Minor, W. 1993. Red Fox Running. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Nail, Jim. 1994. Whose Tracks Are These? A Clue Book of Familiar Forest Animals. The Court Wayne Press.
Posada, Mia. 2002. Ladybugs: Red, Fiery and Bright. Carolrhorda.
Prelutsky, J. 1997. The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Prelutsky, J. 2002. Scranimals. Greenwillow.
Prelutsky, J. 2004. If Not for the Cat. Greenwillow.
Robertson, K. 1986. Signs along the River: Learning to Read the Natural Landscape. Rinehart P.
Rockwell, A. 1992. Our Yard is Full of Birds. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishers.
Ruurs, M. 2007. In My Backyard. Tundra.
Ryder, J. 1989. Catching the Wind . Mulberry Books.
Ryder, J. 2000. Each Living Thing. Harcourt Children's Books.
Schoenherr, J. 1968. The Barn. Little Brown and Company.
Selsam, M.E. and J. Hunt. 1991. Keep Looking! Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sill, C.P. 1997. About Birds. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2000. About Mammals. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C. P. 2008. About Habitats: Wetlands. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2004. About Amphibians. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2005. About Fish. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2003. About Reptiles. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2003. About Insects. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2006. About Arachnids. Peachtree Publishers.
Sill, C.P. 2008. About Rodents. Peachtree Publishers.
Taylor, H. 1996. Brother Wolf: A Seneca Tale. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Ward, L. 1993. A Walk in the Wild: Exploring a Wildlife Refuge. Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
Wiesmuller, D. 2003. In the Blink of an Eye. Walker & Company.
Wood, A. 2001. Birdsong. Harcourt Children’s Books.

Grades 3-5
Amato, C.A. 2002. Backyard Pets: Activities for Exploring Wildlife Close to Home. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Arnold, C. 2003. Birds: Magnificent Flying Machines. Charlesbridge Publishing.
Arnosky, J. 1983. Secrets of a Wildlife Watcher. HarperCollins Publishers.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats. Aladin.
Arnosky, J. 2002. Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking. HarperCollins.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Deer Watching. Capstone Press.
Bair, D. and P. Wright. 1999. Eagle Watching. Capstone Press.
Bateman, R. 2005. Bateman's Guide to Backyard Birds. Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated.
Bernard, R. 2001. Insects. National Geographic Society.
Bishop, N. 2002. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. Scholastic, Inc.
Carroll, C. 1998. How Artists See Animals: Mammal, Bird, Fish, Reptile. Abbeyville Press.
Doolittle, B. and E. M. 2001. Reading the Wild. Greewich Workshop Press.
Green, J. 2002. In a Backyard. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hausman, G. 1995. How Chipmunk Got Tiny Feet: Native American Animal Origin Series. HarperCollins Publishers.
Loates, G. and B. Kalman. 1988. Birds at My Feeder. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Miller, D. 2000. River of Life. Clarion Books.
Montgomery, R.G. 2001. The Living Wilderness. Caxton Press.
Morrison, G. 2004. Nature in the Neighborhood. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Murawski, D. 2004. Spiders and Their Webs. National Geographic Society.
National Geographic Society. 1987. Animal Architects. National Geographic Society.
National Geographic Society. 1998. Book of Mammals. National Geographic Society.
Norsgaard, E.J. 1990. Nature's Great Balancing Act: In Our Own Backyard. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Pine, J. 1993. Backyard Birds. Harper Collins.
Posada, Mia. 2002. Ladybugs: Red, Fiery and Bright. Carolhorda.
Prelutsky, J. 1997. The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Prelutsky, J. 2002. Scranimals. Greenwillow.
Priebe, M. 2000. Bald Eagle: Endangered No More. Mindfull Publishing.
Pringle, L.P. 1990. Saving Our Wildlife. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Pupeza, L.K. 2002. Wildlife Gardens. ABDO Publishing Company.
Rockwell, A. 2001. Bugs are Insects. Harper Collins Children’s Books.
Ross, M.E. 1997. Wildlife Watching with Charles Eastman. Lerner Publishing Group.
Russo, M. 1998. Watching Nature: A Beginner's Field Guide. Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Shattil, W. 2000. On the Trail of Colorado Critters: Wildlife Watching for Kids. Westcliffe Publishers, Incorporated.
Shedd, W. 2002. Kids' Wildlife Book. Williamson Kids Can Series.
Squire, A.O. 1996. 101 Questions and Answers about Backyard Wildlife. Walker & Company.
Sterry, P. 2005. Nature Explorer. Running Press Book Publishers.
Swinburne, S. 2003. The Woods Scientist. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Tagholm, S. 2003. The Barn Owl. Kingfisher.
Wilkinson, T. 1999. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: Wildlife Watcher's Guide. T&N Children's Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Crump, D.J. 1987. Wildlife: Making a Comeback. National Geographic Society.
Froman, N. 2001. What’s That Bug. Madison Press Book.
Jenkins, P. 1996. Falcons Nest on Skyscrapers. HarperTrophy.
Laubach, C & Laubach, R. 2002. Raptors: A Kid’s Guide to Birds of Prey. Storey Kids.
Patent, D. 2003. Slinky, Scaley, Slithering Snakes. Walker.
Prelutsky, J. 1997. The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Pringle, L. 2004. Snakes! Strange and Wonderful. Boyds Mills Press.
Tagholm, S. 2003. The Barn Owl. Kingfisher.

Grades 9-12
Bang. M. 1997. Common Ground: The Earth We Share. Blue Sky Press.
Bell, D. 1998. Political Ecology: Global and Local. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Carson, R. 2002. Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Collard, S. 2000. Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Are Doing to Protect the Environment. Heyday Books.
Conrad, R. 1997. Places of Quiet Beauty: Parks, Preserves, and Environmentalism. University of Iowa Press.
Crump, M. 2002. Amphibians, Reptiles, and Their Conservation. Linnet Books.
Dinsmore, S.J. 1995. Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. Falcon.
Froman, N. 2001. What’s That Bug. Madison Press Book.
Harrison, G. and K. Harrison. 1987. America's Favorite Backyard Wildlife. Fireside.
La Tourrette, J. 1997. Watching Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Observing Animals in the Wild. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated.
Laubach, C & Laubach,R. 2002. Raptors: A Kid’s Guide to Birds of Prey. Storey Kids.
Mattison, C. 2006. Snake. DK Publishing
McClung, R.M. 1993. Lost Wild America: The Story of Our Extinct and Vanishing Wildlife. Shoe String Press, Incorporated.

2009-01-10T13:06:00.004-06:00

Move Over Rover

Polar bears and the Artic. Monkeys and the jungle. Whales and the ocean. These are all characteristic animals found in different ecosystems. Animals are adapted to the conditions within the ecosystems that they live. Polar bears are supremely adapted to live in the Artic but would not do so well living in the desert. Likewise, an armadillo is at home in the arid regions of the Southwest but could not survive in the cold of the Northern plains. While many animals reside in their ecosystem during all seasons of the year, other animals may move between ecosystems to find the conditions that best suit them. Use Project WILD’s “Move Over Rover” to identify characteristic animals found in several ecosystems and to match those animals to the environment in which they live.

Enrichment Activity:
Have students explore a local ecosystem and the animals that live there.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cefrey, H. 2003. Grasslands. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
Fleming, D. and D. Powers. 1996. Where Once There Was a Wood. Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
Fowler, A. 1999. Our Living Forests. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Fowler, A. 1996. Life in a Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature’s Green Umbrella. Harpercollins Childrens Books.
Guiberson, R.Z. and M. Lloyd. Cactus Hotel. Henry Holt and Co.
Hansen, A.S. and W. Fraccaro. Wild Animals. Publications International, Limited.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of an Apple Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Grassy Field. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Stream. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pfeffer, W. and R. Brickman. 1997. A Log's Life. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Pledger, M. and N. Palin. 2007. All About…Wild Animals. Silver Dolphin Books.
Ring, S. 2003. Ocean. Coughlan Publishing.
Zicot, E. and C. Harvard. 2005. Untamed: Animals in the Wild. Harry N Abrams, Inc.

Grades 3-5
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Chinery, M. 2003. How Animals Work (Wild Animal Planet Series). Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Farndon, J. 2008. 1000 Things You Should Know About Wild Animals. Miles Kelly Publishing.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johansson, P. 2004. Temperate Forest: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into the Ocean. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a River. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Wetland. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into an Estuary. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Morris, N. 1998. Forests. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Mostue, T. 1999. Wild about Animals. Duetsch, Andre.
Nadeau, I. 2001. Food Chains in a Forest Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. Ecosystem of a Milkweed Patch. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Penny, M. 2003. Life in a Rotten Log. Raintree.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Tagliaferro, L. 2006. Explore the Deciduous Forest. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Daniel, C. 2002. Ecosystems. Steck-Vaughn Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johansson, P. 2004. Temperate Forest: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into the Ocean. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a River. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Wetland. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into an Estuary. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Lane, B. and L. Buller. 2005. Ecology. DK Publishing, Inc.
Morris, N. 1998. Forests. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Nadeau, I. 2001. Food Chains in a Forest Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. Ecosystem of a Milkweed Patch. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Penny, M. 2003. Life in a Rotten Log. Raintree.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Tagliaferro, L. 2006. Explore the Deciduous Forest. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 9-12
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.
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.

2009-01-02T18:32:00.002-06:00

Ecosystem Facelift

What is an ecosystem? Ecosystems are the complex interaction of all the living and non-living aspects of a particular area. The plants, animals, micro-organisms, water, nutrients, energy and air are all inter-dependent aspects of the ecosystem and form a balance that sustains itself. An ecosystem can be large, such as a mountain valley, or it can be as small as a tree. Ecosystems can become unbalanced when one of the aspects of the ecosystem is destroyed or disappears, such as when the water in a wetland is drained, or the animal predators disappear. Ecosystems need to be managed for the good of the entire ecosystem to ensure species biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem. Use Project WILD’s “Ecosystem Facelift” to explore the restoration of several ecosystems. Students will design their own restoration plan, deciding what organisms and non-living components they will reintroduce and how they will manage the ecosystem.

Enrichment Activity:
Have students contact a local conservation organization to ask about any current restoration projects in their area or to obtain information about any former local restoration projects.

Book List

Grades PreK-2
Amos, W.H. 1981. Life in Ponds and Streams. National Geographic Society.
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cefrey, H. 2003. Grasslands. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Costian, M. 2001. Life in a Tree: Focus, Habitat. Tandem Library.
Fleming, D. and D. Powers. 1996. Where Once There Was a Wood. Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
Fowler, A. 1999. Our Living Forests. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Fowler, A. 1996. Life in a Pond. Scholastic Library Publishing.
Gibbons, G. 1997. Nature’s Green Umbrella. Harpercollins Childrens Books.
Guiberson, R.Z. and M. Lloyd. Cactus Hotel. Henry Holt and Co.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Fallen Tree. Rosen Publishing Group.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of an Apple Tree. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Grassy Field. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. 2003. The Ecosystem of a Stream. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pfeffer, W. and R. Brickman. 1997. A Log's Life. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Ring, S. 2003. Ocean. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 3-5
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johansson, P. 2004. Temperate Forest: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into the Ocean. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a River. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Wetland. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into an Estuary. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Morris, N. 1998. Forests. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Nadeau, I. 2001. Food Chains in a Forest Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. Ecosystem of a Milkweed Patch. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Penny, M. 2003. Life in a Rotten Log. Raintree.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Tagliaferro, L. 2006. Explore the Deciduous Forest. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 6-8
Brenner, B. and T. Leonard. 2004. One Small Place in a Tree. HarperCollins Childrens Books.
Cherry, L. 2002. A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Harcourt Children’s Books.
Daniel, C. 2002. Ecosystems. Steck-Vaughn
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Johansson, P. 2004. Wide Open Grasslands: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johansson, P. 2004. Temperate Forest: A Web of Life. Enslow Publishers, Incorporated.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into the Ocean. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a River. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Wetland. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into an Estuary. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L. and P.V. Saroff. 2004. Journey into a Lake. Lerner Publishing Group.
Johnson, R.L., P.V. Saroff and G. Braasch. 2000. A Walk in the Prairie. Lerner Publishing Group.
Kalman, B. 1997. What Is a Biome? Boston: Crabtree Company.
Lane, B. and L. Buller. 2005. Ecology. DK Publishing, Inc.
Morris, N. 1998. Forests. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Nadeau, I. 2001. Food Chains in a Forest Habitat. Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated.
Pascoe, E. and D. Kuhn. Ecosystem of a Milkweed Patch. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Penny, M. 2003. Life in a Rotten Log. Raintree.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log’s Life. Simon & Schuster.
Simon. S. 1973. A Tree on Your Street. Holiday House Inc.
Tagliaferro, L. 2006. Explore the Deciduous Forest. Coughlan Publishing.

Grades 9-12
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.
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.

2008-12-23T19:07:00.002-06:00

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.