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CURRICULUM
DESIGN, BIBLIOGRAPHIES & RESOURCE LISTS
Are We Building
Environmental Literacy: A Report by the Independent Commission on Environmental
Education. Washington, D.C.: ICEE, April 1997. Biodiv. GE80 .152 1997. A report
put out by a commission on Environmental Education of the George C. Marshall
Institute on the basics of environmental education: a general description, current
status of the field, the goals of the commission, and the materials reviewed.
The report also covers the various subsets of environmental education including
acid rain, biodiversity, economics, energy and natural resources, forestry,
global warming, population, risk analysis and waste management. This report
is appropriate to form policy or design a curriculum for any age group but not
for designing daily lesson plans.
Bossert, Heather
and Joan Heckscher. Learning Through Environmental Action: The Community Action
Model of Environmental Service Learning: A Guide for Educators. Washington,
DC: Community Alliance for Youth Action, 1999. Biodiv GE80 .B67 1999. This resource
is appropriate for the non classroom based unit or educational organization.
The emphasis in this guide is experiential learning, which involves hands on,
community based environmental activities, reflection upon them, and application
of their new found knowledge in their daily lives. Includes a section with additional
resources and worksheet/activity ideas. Planning ideas span grades K-12.
Braus, Judy A.
and David Wood. Environmental Education in the Schools: Creating a Program that
Works! Peace Corps, Information Collection and Exchange. Published by North
American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), 1993. Biodiv. GE77.
B72 1994. This manual was a Peace Corps project and is a resource intended for
teachers developing or improving an existing environmental education program.
Though this resource is easy to read and navigate, it is quite long. Filled
with hypothetical examples, background information, handouts that can be photocopied,
and many games, stories, and field trip ideas, this resource serves teachers
of and curriculum developers for grades K-12.
California State
Board of Education. Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten
Through Grade Twelve. Sacramento: California Board of Education, 1990. Biodiv
Ref. LB1585.3 .C34 1990. This guide is designed by the California government
to guide curriculum designers and educators at all levels of education in producing
a science curriculum for students of school age. Complex and dense, this work
is aimed towards active learning. Different sections discuss what science is,
it’s major themes, it’s content (life, earth, physical science). The final two
chapters provide implementation guidelines and instructional materials criteria.
Chapters are at times broken out by grade levels. K-12, curriculum design.
Computer Aided
Environmental Education. Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental
Education (NAAEE) 1990. Biodiv GE70.C65 1990. This curriculum uses and electronically
based curriculum as a cost effective and time saving replacement for actual
contact with the natural world. Useful for curriculum designers looking to add
another dimension to their existing curriculum. Appropriate for teachers of
all ages.
Crisci, Jore Victor. Order
& Diversity in the Living World: Teaching Taxonomy and Systematics. Reston,
VA: Commission for Biological Education, International Union of Biological Sciences,
1993. Biodiv Ref. QH83 .C74 1993. This useful curriculum designer resource
is the work of biologists. In this book, they offer a unified vision of what
it means to be literate in systematics and establish a set of guidelines to
be used in designing a biology and ecology curriculum in the schools. There
are also a set of sample classroom activities divided by grade level: K-2, 3-5,
6-8, and 9-12.
Directory of
Environmental Educators. Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental
Education. Washington, DC, 1997. Biodiv. Ref. GE 70 .N67 1997. This directory
produced by NAAEE contains a nationwide listing of environmental educators who
belong to the association as well as their institutional members. Useful as
a networking or coalition building tool to find other schools that have or have
had environmental education programs. Grades K-12.
Environmental Education:
Compendium for Energy Resources. Sonoma, CA: (Sonoma State University). California
Dept. of Education, California Energy Extension Service. March 1992. Biodiv.
QH541.2.E58 1992. A bibliography of energy curriculum ideas for teachers, with
many of the same resources that are found on this list. It could be useful for
those building a library of ecology materials or for teachers searching for
something beyond what the Academy holds on the topic of energy. Resources provided
for grades K-12.
Environmental Education
Collection: A Review of Resources for Educators, Vol. 1. Troy, OH: North American
Association for Environmental Education, 1997. Biodiv GE 70.E573 1997 V.1 This
in depth review of environmental curriculum materials was put together by the
NAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education) to help teachers
find the appropriate resources for teaching about the environment. Resources
are arranged by title and reviewers discuss which subjects, grade levels, cost,
and more for each resource. Chart included for easy browsing. For curriculum
designers of all levels, K-12.
Environmental Education
on the Early Childhood Level. Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental
Education (NAAEE) 1994. Biodiv GE70.E57 1994. A series of essays compiled by
the NAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education) to highlight
the importance of environmental education at the early childhood level. Table
of contents and additional resources included. Useful for curriculum designers
or students of education.
Every Child
a Scientist: Achieving Scientific Literacy for All. Washington, DC: National
Academy Press, 1998. Pub. LB 1585.3 .C46 1998. This short book is a project
of the National Academy of Sciences and is a great resource for teachers and
administrators advocating for better science education in their school and for
taking the first steps to bring their curriculum into compliance with National
Science Education Standards. Grades K-12.
Guide to Ecoliteracy:
A New Content for School Restructuring. Berkeley, CA: the Elmwood Institute,
1993. Biodiv Ref. QH541.2 .G83 1993. This collection of short essays is designed
to help teachers incorporate a curriculum of ecological literacy into their
classrooms. It is illustrated with black and white photos and drawings and quite
easy to read. Appropriate for secondary level education study and for curriculum
designers of all ages. K-12.
Ham, Sam H. Environmental
Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets.
Golden, CO.: North American Press, 1992. Biodiv QH75 .H36 1992. This book is
focused on teaching educators not only what to communicate in the natural world
but how to do it forcefully. The approach is grounded in theory and backed up
by 20 years of experience as an environmental educator and includes activities
and presentation ideas. Appropriate for curriculum designers and educators for
all grades K-12+.
Hampton, Carolyn
H., Carol Hampton, David C. Kramer, et al. Classroom Creature Culture: Algae
to Anoles. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Assn., 1994. Pub. QH317
. C55 1994. This is a collection of the column Science and Children from the
NSTA publication. It is published for teachers concerned with the care, maintenance
and possibility of keeping live animals in the classroom. Easy to read articles
are each focused on a single creature or ecosystem that you can have in the
classroom. Education for teachers of all grade levels.
Hart, Roger. Children’s
Participation: the Theory and Practice of Involving Young Citizens in Community
Development and Environmental Care. London: Earthscan, 1997. Biodiv GE77 .H37
1997. This book was written by one of the foremost environmental educators in
the world and is designed for planners, educators and environmentalists who
are looking to strengthen child participation in the environmental movement.
Appropriate for teachers and curriculum designers for students grades K-12+.
Huckle, John, and
Stephen Sterling, eds. Education for Sustainability. London: Earthscan, 1996.
Biodiv GE70 .E38 1996. This is a valuable series of essays written for curriculum
designers and teachers looking to implement an ecology program that focuses
on sustainable lifestyles. A number of international contributors wrote the
essays which focus on both formal and informal educational arenas and the theoretical
and practical aspects of teaching about the environment. Curriculum design for
all ages PreK-university.
Krueger, Alice
and John Sutton. EDThoughts: What We Know About Science Teaching and Learning.
Aurora, CO: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, 2001. Pub LB
1585.3 E34 2001. This is a useful resource for beginning science teachers or
someone looking to create or improve an existing science program. Using a question
and answer format, it addresses many areas of teaching and learning science
such as teaching, assessment, curriculum, technology and learning. The focus
is on bringing science to every student in ways that suit different learning
styles and communities. Index and bibliography included. Grades K-12.
Literature for
Science and Mathematics: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. Sacramento: California
Department of Education, 1993. Biodiv Ref. Q163 .L57 1993 This resource is a
compilation that outlines different literature that can be used to teach science
that is approved by the California Department of Education. Literature is categorized
into different disciplines—life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, etc—and
further described by appropriate grade level, whether it has pictures, and what
kind of resource it is. Useful for curriculum designers, expanding a library
or locating an appropriate textbook. Grades K-12.
Marine Education:
A Bibliography of Education Materials Available from the Nation’s Sea Grant
College Programs. Ocean Springs, MS: J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and
Aquarium, 1991. Biodiv & Biodiv Ref. QH90.5 .M37 1991. This compilation
of textbooks, organizations, and marine educators is meant to serve as a resource
finder for marine educators: concentrating on both the North American oceans
and the Great Lakes. Materials are described fully and the resource contains
material appropriate for all grades and some materials in Spanish. Curriculum
designers for grades K-12.
Marine & Coastal
Educational Directory: San Francisco Bay & Monterey Bay. San Francisco:
California Coastal Commission, 1996. Biodiv QH105.C2 M27 1996. This is a useful
compilation of contact information for educators and education resources in
Northern California. Would be useful for generating field trip ideas or for
hiring a speaker. All ages.
Marzano, Robert
J., Debra Pickering, Jay McTighe. Assessing Student Outcomes: Performance
Assessment Using the Dimensions of Learning Model. Alexandria, VA: Association
for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1993. Biodiv. LB 3051 .M457 1993.
This guide for assessing students takes a new approach to gauging student knowledge
of a concept: rather having assessment test mastery of fact, it encourages teachers
to test understanding and a students’ desire to learn more—effectively gauging
a teachers’ ability to teach rather than a students’ ability to learn. Developed
by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development for all subjects,
not just science. Grades K-12.
Mayer, Juergen. Teaching Biodiversity: Results of a Delphi-Study in Germany. National Association for Research in Science Teaching, 1995. Biodiv. Ref. QH541.254.G3 M39 1995. This paper was presented at a NARST conference and discusses the importance of using live specimens when educating about biodiversity. Useful as a reference for grant writing or curriculum design in grades K-12.
The NAAEE Standards
Project: Papers on the Development of Environmental Education Standards. Dr.
Deborah Simmons, ed. Washington, DC: North American Association for Environmental
Education (NAAEE), 1995. Biodiv. QH541.2.555. 1995 The North American Association
for Environmental Education is in the process of implementing standards for
environmental education in the schools. Papers address different topics of implementing
standards such as why they are important, what it will take to implement them,
what standards will be for educators themselves and also how the standards will
apply to the materials that they use to teach. Useful for environmental education
curriculum designers for all grades K-12.
Pitman, Barb; Braus,
Judy and Lani Asato. The Biodiversity Collection: A Review of Biodiversity Resources
for Educations. Baltimore, MD: World Wildlife Fund, 1998. Biodiv QH541.15.B56
P57 1998. This resource highlights 47 different biodiversity oriented curriculum
materials. Specifies which grade each resource is specific to. Covers grades
K-12.
Regnier, Kathleen,
Michael Gross & Ron Zimmerman. The Interpreter’s Guidebook: Techniques for Programs and Presentations.
Stevens Point, WI: The Interpreters Handbook Series, 1992. Biodiv. SB 486. I
57 R44 1994. This handbook is full of ideas for outdoor educators who want to
improve their ability to engage audiences and better convey information about
the natural world. Employing numerous anecdotes and several pictures to a page,
the book is useful for field trip leaders going outdoors, outdoor educators,
and education students.
Resources for Teaching
Elementary School Science. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, Smithsonian
Institution, 1996. Biodiv LD1585.R47 1996. This guide annotates about 350 curriculum
packages, describing activities involved and what children will learn along
with how they comply with National Science Education Standards. Grouped by scientific
area—Life, Earth, Physical, Multidisciplinary and Applied Science. For curriculum
designers of K-6 grades.
Ruskey, Abby. Promoting
Environmental Education: An Action Handbook for
Science for Children:
Resources for Teachers. Washington, DC: National Sciences Resource Center, Smithsonian
Institution, 1988. Biodiv Ref. LB1585 .S34 1988. This children’s science resource
guide is divided into three sections: curriculum materials, supplementary resources
and sources of information/assistance. Resources are indexed by keyword and
also by grade level. K-12.
Sharing Resources
1996: Southwest Marine Educator’s Association Regional Conference. Berkeley:
Southwest Marine Educator’s Association, 1996. Biodiv GC31.35 .S5 1996. The
Southwest Marine Educators Association has compiled many handouts, lesson plans
and activities and bound them together in this black and white illustrated guide
about marine ecology. Activities appropriate only for certain age levels are
designated but the resource has material that can be used with all students,
K-12.
Sinclair, Patty
K. E for Environment. An Annotated Bibliography of Children’s Books with
Environmental Themes. New Providence, NJ: R. R. Bowker, 1992. Biodiv Ref. GE35
.S56 1992. This bibliography has 300 word annotations of various children’s
books which teach about the environment. Complete citations and age appropriate
designations. Indexed by author, subject and title and chapters are arranged
by broad topics. Grades K-12.
Slagle, Kay. Food
for Thought: Agricultural Resource Directory for Teachers. Novato, CA: University
of California Cooperative Extension, 1992. Biodiv. Ref. S530.52 .D6 S58 1992.
This directory was compiled specifically for Bay Area educators who are interested
in materials and organizations that promote understanding of agriculture for
students. Good for coming up with speaker and field trip possibilities, as well
as contact information for publications and teaching ideas. Includes a top-ten
list of curriculum guides and an index. Grades K-12.
Walthall, Barbara,
ed. IDEAAS. Sourcebook for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education.
Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1995. Biodiv
Ref. Q183.3.Al I34 1995. A nationwide directory of science activities, institutional
resources, field trip sites, programs, volunteer opportunities and more. Also
contains a section with community outreach and classroom activity ideas. Resources
are broken out by state and activities are divided into discipline. Well indexed.
K-12+.
Adkins, Jan. Moving
Heavy Things. Boston: HM Co., 1980. Pub Juv T55.3.L5 A34 1980. A short, black
and white illustrated guide illustrating concepts of physics and engineering
with a series of examples of how heavy things are moved using human bodies,
jacks, levers, wheels, etc. Trivia and demonstrations appropriate for all ages.
Ardley, Neil.
The Science Book of Motion. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992. Public
Juv QC133.5 .A73 1991. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Motion illustrates such engineering and physics concepts as rockets, catapults,
inertia, and friction. Parent/teacher assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd
grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Air. An Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
Public Juv QC161.2 .A74 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated
guides on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read
and understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Air illustrates physics concepts of displacement, pressure and bubbles.
Parent/teacher assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Color. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. Public Juv
QC495.5 .A73 1991. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides on
different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and understood
by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated by the
easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers. Safe, fun
experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating plant
growth, take place quickly.
Color illustrates physics concepts of prisms, color wheels, etc. Parent/teacher
assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Electricity. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. Public
Juv QC527.2 .A733 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Electricity has a wide range of experiments making batteries and circuits
and demonstrating instances of static electricity. Parent/teacher assistance
necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Energy. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.Public Juv
QC73.4 .A75 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides on different
scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and understood by
young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated by the easy
to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers. Safe, fun experiments
require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating plant growth,
take place quickly.
Energy illustrates biology and physics concepts including food energy,
batteries, flashlights and inertia Parent/teacher assistance necessary for
pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Hot & Cold. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.
Public Juv QC256 .A73 1992. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated
guides on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read
and understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Hot & Cold illustrates physics and biology concepts including heat
traps, friction, hot air balloons, evaporation and freezing. Parent/teacher
assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Light. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. Public Juv
QC365 .A72 1991. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides on
different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and understood
by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated by the
easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers. Safe, fun
experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating plant
growth, take place quickly.
Light has a combination of physics and biology experiments including
growth, refraction, magnification, shadows and periscopes. Parent/teacher assistance
necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Machines. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992. Public
Juv TJ147 .A73 1992. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Machines has a wide range of engineering experiments including demonstrations
of levers, simple elevators and engines, ball bearings and pulleys. Parent/teacher
assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Magnets. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. Public
Juv QC757.5 .A73 1991. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Magnets illustrates the physics concepts of attraction, magnetic fields,
polarizing, magnetizing metal, etc. Parent/teacher assistance necessary for
pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Sound. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. Public Juv
QC225.5 .A69 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides on
different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and understood
by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated by the
easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers. Safe, fun
experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating plant
growth, take place quickly.
Sound includes experiments on voice, vibrations, sound waves, telephones
and instrument making. Parent/teacher assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd
grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Electricity. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
Public Juv QC527.2 .A733 1991. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated
guides on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read
and understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Electricity demonstrates physics properties including static and batteries.
Parent/teacher assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Taylor, Barbara. More
Power to You!: The Science of Batteries and Magnets. New York: Random House,
1992. Public Juv QC601 .T44 1992 This is one in a series of brightly illustrated,
easy to read and understand science experiments for beginning scientists. Basic
concepts of electricity and magnetism, including building circuits and making
a compass, are explained through a series of simple experiments which use household
materials. Includes an index. Grades K-3.
Taylor, Barbara. Over
the Rainbow!: The Science of Color and Light. New York: Random House, 1992.
Public Juv QC495.5 .T4 1992. This is one in a series of brightly illustrated,
easy to read and understand science experiments for beginning scientists. Basic
concepts of color and light, including animal eyesight, prisms, color wheels
and more, are explained using a series of simple experiments which use household
materials. Includes an index. Grades K-3.
Taylor, Barbara. Up,
Up & Away!: The Science of Flight. New York: Random House, 1992. Public
Juv QC161.2 .T4 1992. This is one in a series of brightly illustrated, easy
to read and understand science experiments for beginning scientists. Basic concepts
of gravity and flight are explained using a series of experiments using household
materials. Includes an index. Grades K-3.
Alevizon, Bill. The
Coral Reef Teacher’s Guide. Key West, FL: Reef Relief, 1998. Biodiv. QH541.5.
C7 C665 1998. A guide for teachers written by a non-profit agency dedicated
to the preservation of coral reefs, ‘the rainforest of the sea.’ A binder full
of extensive educator background as well as easy to read daily lesson plans
which are divided up into grade categories: K-5, 6-8, 9-12 grades.
Allison, Linda. The
Wild Inside: Sierra Club’s Guide to the Great Indoors. San Francisco, CA:
Sierra Club Books; Boston, MA; Little, Brown, 1988. Public Q 163 .A44 1988.
Cartoon illustrated book describing how to find nature in your own home. Experiments
and guided exploration for finding and observing insects, mold, household products,
etc. Good for lesson planning and homework assignments. Parent/teachers can
guide kindergarten to 4th grade.
Antunez de Mayolo,
Kay. Seed to Seedling: A California Native Oak Curriculum for Kindergarten through
Sixth Grade Children. Sacramento: Sacramento Tree Foundation, 1991. Public
SD397. O12 S43 1991. Inclusive, year long curriculum designed by an organization
dedicated to citizen tree planting, stewardship of and education about oak trees.
Teachers are shown how to take students step by step through the process of
growing an oak tree from acorn to seedling. Connections are made with science,
social studies, language arts, math and arts. Handouts, worksheets and resources
provided. Focus on caring for the environment. K-6th grade.
Aquatic Outreach
Institute and Contra Costa Sanitary District. Kids in Gardens: Teacher Resource. Student Education Program.
Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1997. Biodiv. QH541.5. G37 K52 1997.
A binder which describes the step by step process of how to create a school
garden including securing funding, choosing a spot, garden activities and environmental
lessons. Handouts, articles, how-to’s, activities, projects, additional teacher
resources and bibliography provided in easy to photocopy form. K-12.
Aquatic Outreach
Institute. Kids in Marshes: An Interdisciplinary Wetlands Education and Exploration
Program. Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1997. Biodiv. QH541.5.
M3 K52 1997. This binder is meant to guide teachers through teaching a unit
on marshes or wetlands. Beginning with background information and progressing
through to marsh action projects, the plan is interdisciplinary and comprehensive.
Many pages can be photocopied to produce handouts to compliment the suggested
hands on fieldwork. Additional resources include a bibliography, field trip
ideas, doing the unit with computers, possible funding sources, and sources
for ordering books and materials. Curriculum can be modified to suit students
Grades K-12.
Aquatic Outreach
Institute. Watching Our Watersheds: Reducing Pollution in the Sausal Creek Watershed.
Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1998. Biodiv. TD 225. S25 W37 1998.
A binder for teachers on how to educate students on the reduction of hazardous
waste in waterways, specifically in the San Francisco Bay Area. Material and
information are appropriate for K-12 but handouts, project ideas, etc would
need to be tailored for grade levels higher than fifth. Covers reducing waste
at home and school, nature observation, recipes for natural pest control, field
trip ideas, history of watershed pollution and more. Handouts, projects, teacher
resources, bibliography and funding sources provided. K-12.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of the Senses. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992. Public
Juv QP434 .A73 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Senses has experiments illustrating concepts of human biology including
hearing, sensing temperature, potpourri and cookie making. Parent/teacher assistance
necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Things That Grow. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.
Public Juv QK731 .A37 1991 One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Things that Grow illustrates concepts about plant and fungal growth including
growing from cuttings, greenhouses, yeasts and molds. Parent/teacher assistance
necessary for pre-K to 2nd grade.
Burnie, David. How
Nature Works. Pleasantville, N.Y.: Reader’ Digest Association, 1991. Public
QH55 .B87 1991. Brightly illustrated hard-back reference book with descriptions
of and experiments to do on the natural world. It is divided up into sections:
Basics of matter, plants, fungi, aquatic life, insects/invertebrates, birds,
reptiles, and mammals. Designed for home laboratories, few of the necessary
materials will need to be bought. Index and glossary included. Assistance necessary
until 3rd grade, self-exploration from 3rd to 7th
grade. Concepts and demonstrations appropriate for all ages.
California Dept.
of Education. California Endangered Species Resource Guide. Sacramento, CA: California Dept. of Education, 1993. Biodiv QH76.5.C2 C344 1993. Easy to
read guide for curriculum development with an endangered species focus. Classrooms
will identify an endangered animal, find out more about it, and develop a plan
to protect. Curricula are divided into different grade focuses: K-3, 4-6, 6-9,
10-12.
Charles, Cheryl.
Aquatic Project Wild. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish & Game,
1987. Biodiv Ref. QH90.55 .A68 1987 This black and white illustrated text invites
teachers and educators to explore waterways of all kinds and the habitats that
they support. Activity ideas are meant to be supplemental to existing curriculum
and encourage an appreciation of the human place in nature and the environment.
Interdisciplinary. Appendices include resources for further study and materials.
Each chapter indicates an age appropriate range K-12.
Chase, Jayni. Blueprint
for a Green School. NY: Scholastic Leadership Policy Research, 1995. Biodiv
Ref. GE70 .C48 1995. Developed by a pioneering environmental educator, this
enormous, hardbound book contains many activities for teachers and students
to make the school into an environmentally friendly place. Chase believes that
the only way towards positive change in the environment is education of children
and teaching them their place in the environmental web. K-12, not broken out
by grade level.
Conservation &
Recycling: Educator’s Waste Management Resource & Activity Guide. California
Dept. of Conservation Division of Recycling. April 1992. Biodiv TD794.5 .E38
1992. This educator resource, though not illustrated, is an extremely useful
resource for teaching about recycling. Giving both background information and
classroom activities (each specifically targeted to certain grade levels) it
has lesson plans, fun trivia, additional resources (print and multimedia), community
contacts (for speakers), teacher background and useful environmental organizations.
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12.
Curriculum Earth: An Awareness to Action Program for K-12. Philadelphia, PA: Schuylkill Center
for Environmental Education, 1997. Biodiv QH546 .C87 1997. A comprehensive
environmental curriculum with units that build upon one another as a student
grows older. Good for a school looking to implement a continuous curriculum
for the entire school. Stresses environmental awareness, knowledge, values and
action. Divided into grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Dawson, Arthur.
Marine Mammal Activity and Curriculum Guide. Sausalito: the California Marine
Mammal Center, Department of Education, 1989. Biodiv Ref. QL713.2 .M352 1989.
This guide to California marine mammal life is produced by the Marine Mammal
Center and would be well complemented by a visit to the center. Craft and activities
pages can be photocopied to produce handouts. Highlight includes what mammals
you can see when and where to see them. Also includes a bibliography and glossary.
Grades K-6.
Donald, Kathryn
B. Planting Seeds, Growing Minds: A Horticultural K-6 Curriculum. Sacramento,
CA: California Association of Nurserymen. Biodiv Ref. QK52.55 .D66 1991. This
black and white illustrated activity book teaches the scientific process and
data analysis and synthesis using fun plant activities. Curriculum is centered
around Arbor Day but spans many weeks around that specific day. Has teacher
background, detailed plans, additional resources and growing projects. Grades
K-6.
Douglas, Susan
E. Life Through Time: The Evidence for Evolution. San Francisco: California
Academy of Sciences, 1989. Pub Juv QH362 .D68 1989. Fleshing out many of the
themes explored in the California Academy of Sciences’ ‘Life Through Time’ evolution
exhibit, this resource gives examples of many hands on classroom activities
that will help students better understand how life evolved on Earth. Grades
K-6.
Echols, Jean C.,
Kimi Hosoume and Jaine Kopp. Eggs Eggs Everywhere: Teachers Guide Preschool
to One. Berkeley, CA: Great Explorations in Math and Science, Lawrence Hall
of Science, 1997. Pub. QL 956.5 .E23 1997. Eggs serve as an introduction to
the beginning of life in this book of activities and ideas for young children.
Activities are both long (hatching eggs) and short (egg hunting) term and students
learn sorting, graphing, observation, elementary biology and ecology, as well
as egg and bird identification. PreK-1.
Education and
Recycling Educator’s Waste Management and Resource and Activity Guide. Sacramento,
CA: California Department of Education, 1994. Biodiv. Ref. TD 794.5 .E38 1994.
Bilingual. This guide to recycling in schools is produced by the California
Department of Conservation and has games, worksheets, letters to parents and
many other worksheets that can be photocopied for classroom activities and homework.
All materials in both Spanish and English. Lessons are divided into various
grade levels and clearly state objectives, materials needed and procedures.
Comprehensively listed in back are additional resources and organizations which
are comprehensive and California specific. Grades K-12.
Ellis, Brian. Learning from the Land: Teaching Ecology Through Stories and Activities.
Englewood, CL.: Teacher Ideas, 1997. Biodiv GE77 .E45 1997. This book of stories
is loosely based upon Native American legend and is designed to inspire students’
minds in the area of science. Topics range from recycling to metamorphosis and
a wide variety of activities are used including map making, writing, using the
scientific method and more. Includes notes to the teacher, worksheets that could
be photocopied, follow up ideas, additional resources and an index. Appropriate
for a resource for all ages, K-12.
Environmental Education
Council. Aquatic Project WILD: Aquatic Education Activity Guide. Boulder,
CO: Project WILD, c1987. Biodiv QH90.55 .A68 1987. This supplemental resource
is meant to enhance an existing science curriculum and inform students about
ecology issues in the world of water. Activities are both classroom and field
trip based and are designated for certain grade levels, activities appropriate
for K-12.
Environmental Resource
Packet: A Hands-On Approach for Primary/Middle School Teachers. Holy Hill,
SC: R&M Publishing Company, 1994. Pub.GE77 .I78 1994. This resource guide
was designed to integrate environmental concepts into other areas of the curriculum
and actively engage students in learning. It contains several different in class
activities and experiments focused on the environment (ecology) that vary in
duration from one class period to several months. Each project comes with ideas
on how to assess the students following it, how it utilizes other subject areas,
and how to extend outside the classroom by taking field trips, inviting speakers
to the classroom, etc. Grades K-8.
Essential Learnings
in Environmental Education. North American Association for Environmental Education.
1990. Biodiv. QH541.2.E84. 1990. This collection of facts, compiled by the NAEE
(North American Association for Environmental Education), is meant to serve
as a database of facts for educators to inspire them to connect concepts, facts
and definitions in ecology. The book is more of an inspiration guide than a
science resource book, nor is it especially easy to use. A useful chart helps
break out facts by grade level, concept and focus. Useful for teachers of grades
K-12.
Gersohn, David,
and Robert Gilman. Household Ecoteam Workbook: A Six-Month Program to Bring
Your Household into Environmental Balance. Woodstock, NY: Global Action Plan
for Earth, 1992. Biodiv TD171.7 .G47 1992. This workbook outlines an easy to
understand six month, six step plan for households to reduce garbage, improve
water, transportation and energy efficiency, become an educated consumer and
to empower others to improve their households. Ideas can be adapted for the
classroom for children to bring home to their parents but the resource is geared
toward improving the environment as a multi-generational community. Grades K-12.
Kaza, Stephanie. California’s
Vanishing Flora: A Curriculum Guide to Endangered Plants of California. Sacramento,
CA: California Department of Fish & Game, 1991. Biodiv Ref. QH76.5 .C2
K39 1991. A joint project between the California Department of Fish and Game
and the California Department of Education, this resource highlights the abundant
number of California native plants and the hazards that they face. Games and
lessons are appropriate for various ages and the book is not aimed at any particular
age group. Includes further resources and a bibliography. All ages.
Kopp, Kathy. Sea
Life: Coloring Book. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 1994. Biodiv Juv QH91.17 .K66
1996. This coloring book is an excellent source for handouts and fun activities
that can easily be photocopied in order to interest children in marine life.
Facts about marine life appear underneath each drawing. PreK-2.
Kramer, Kathy.
Kids and Creeks: An Interdisciplinary Creek Exploration Program. Richmond, CA:
Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, 1995. Biodiv Ref GC991.C2 K52 1995.
This comprehensive resource is extremely useful for getting the most of out
a field trip to a stream or creek by teaching about runoff and pollution. Extra
resources for teachers include funding opportunities, places to visit, and a
bibliography. Meets California mandates to teach children about runoff and pollution.
Each activity is targeted toward a certain grade level. K-12.
Let’s Reduce and
Recycle: Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness. Washington, DC: United States
Environmental Protection Agency, 1990. Biodiv Ref. TD794.5 .L47 1990. and
Teachers’ Guide. Biodiv Ref. TD 794.5 .S36 1991. A project of the Environmental
Protection Agency, this resource teaches about the value and necessity for recycling
and the vast amounts of waste that is produced in the United States. Lesson
plans have objectives and vocabulary and they are tailored to fit the needs
and interests of the community in which the school is located. Unit I: K-6.
National Gardening
Association. Growlab: Activities for Growing Mind. Joy Cohen, Eve Pranis, et
al., contributors. Burlington, VT: National Gardening Association, 1990. Pub.
QK52. 55. C63 1990. By examining plant cycles, encouraging group collaboration
and integrating science with other subject areas such as language arts and social
studies, this book seeks to stimulate the students’ interest in science while
teaching them to protect the Earth. Each lesson has teacher background, estimated
time frame, materials needed and advance preparation that needs to happen. Grades
K-8.
The No Waste Anthology:
A Teacher’s Guide to Environmental Activities K-12. Sacramento, CA: California
Department of Health Services, 1991. Biodiv Ref TD178 .N6 1991. This resource
contains activities that are action focused and often interdisciplinary as they
teach students about the environment. Each activity has teacher background,
a list of necessary materials and which grade level the activity is appropriate
for. Divided into three sections: Natural Resources, Solid Waste and Hazardous
Waste. Indexed by grade level and activity type. Grades K-12.
Oldham, Pat. Wildlife
Rehabilitation: A Coloring and Activity Book. Albuquerque, NM: 1995. Biodiv.
SF 996.45 .O45 1995. This pages of this resource are excellent for photocopying
for coloring and other projects that utilize large, black and white pictures
of animals. Each of the 25 animals pictured comes with a brief description or
game that teaches students about the plight of the animal in rehabilitation.
Grades K-3.
Russo, Monica. Insect
Almanac: A Year-Round Activity Guide. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 1992.
Pub Juv QL467.2 .R87 1992. Beautifully illustrated and well indexed, this activity
guide can be used both as a resource and as a guide for exploring the world
of insects year round. Most activities center around finding, identifying and
preserving insects. Glossary and index included. Independent readers in grades
3-12, teachers of all grades K-12.
Sense of Wonder:
Ecological Citizenship. Chicago, IL: The Chicago Academy of Sciences,
Sisson, Edith A.
Nature with Children of all Ages. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall,
1982. Biodiv. QH .S527 1982. This book of nature activities and adventures is
a good guide for introducing the natural world to children in either an academic
or non-academic setting. The book is divided into different ways to approach
the natural world, including studying mammals, ecology, plant and tree life,
and seasonal and geographical variation. Students are encouraged to observe
and record while capitalizing on a natural inclination to explore in nature.
Grades K-8.
Slattery, Britt
Eckhardt. WOW!: The Wonders of Wetlands. St. Michaels, MD: Environmental
Concern Inc. ; Bozeman, MT: The Watercourse, 1995. Biodiv QH87.3 .W69 1996.
This resource is a compilation of activities which are meant to take place in
wetlands or explain the ecology of them in the classroom. The curriculum can
be tailored to suit different areas and varying time frames. Most activities
in this resource are appropriate for students of all ages and age specific activities
are defined clearly. K-12.
Smith, Karlene
Ray and Anne Hudson Bush. Investigation Science Through Bears. Englewood, CO:
Teacher Ideas Press, 1994. PUBLIC QL 737.C27 S58 1994. Interspersing background
information on bears with hands on, interactive activities, this resource teaches
basic concepts of science while investigating the lives and ecology of bears.
Includes both games and evaluation materials that can be easily photocopied.
Grades K-6.
Spivak, Lynn, ed. Introduction
to Animals and Ethics. San Francisco: the San Francisco Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals, 1993. Biodiv Ref HV4712 .I57 1993. This resource for
teachers wanting to introduce the concepts of animal ethics into their classes
was developed by the San Francisco SPCA and includes sections on endangered
wildlife, animal research, pets and human and animal rights. Pages can be reproduced
for handouts. K-12.
Strauss, Martin
and Rosanne Werges. 4th R Recycling Curriculum. San Francisco: City
and County of San Francisco, 1989. Biodiv Ref TD794.5 .A15 1989. Issued also
in Spanish as: 4th R: un plan de estudio en reciclaje: para neveles
de kinder a 5o grado. This binder of projects and facts is assembled by teachers
to teach about recycling. Lesson plans are minutely detailed and handouts, permission
slips, glossary, bibliography and additional resources are easily photocopied.
Though the activities and lessons are still vital, check with the San Francisco
Recycling Program for updated facts and figures about current recycling opportunities
and field trips. K-5.
Strauss, Martin
and Rosanne Werges. 4th R: Un Plan de Estudio en Reciclaje. San
Francisco: City and County of San Francisco, 1989. Biodiv Ref TD794.5 .A1518
1989. Issued also in English as: 4th R Recycling Curriculum. This
binder of projects and facts is assembled by teachers to teach about recycling.
Lesson plans are minutely detailed and handouts, permission slips, glossary,
bibliography and additional resources are easily photocopied. Though the activities
and lessons are still vital, check with the San Francisco Recycling Program
for updated facts and figures about current recycling opportunities and field
trips. K-5.
Suzuki, David T. Looking
at Plants. New York: Wiley, 1992. Public Juv QK49 .S88 1992. These fun experiments
on plants can be done either at home or in the classroom to teach students about
botany (plant structure and systems), observation and ecology. Activities include
bottle gardens, leaf casting, making a plant obstacle course and flower identification.
PreK-12.
Taylor, Barbara. Green
Thumbs Up!: The Science of Growing Plants. New York: Random House, 1992. Public
Juv QK731 .T33 1992. This is one in a series of brightly illustrated, easy
to read and understand science experiments for beginning scientists. Basic concepts
of plant biology are explored in these simple experiments including germination,
composting and plant observation. Includes index. Grades K-3.
Teacher’s Guide,
Marine World-Africa USA: Habitats. Vallejo, CA: Education Dept., Marine World
Foundation, 1984. Biodiv QH541.2 .H33 1984. This book of animal flash cards
was intended to complement a visit to Marine World Africa USA but they could
be used on their own. Each set is tailored to different grade levels, K-12.
A Thousand Friends
of Frogs: Center for Global Environmental Education Educator
Tree Amigos Program:
Center for Environmental Study. Grand Rapids, MI: Center for Environmental
Study, 1991. Biodiv Ref QH53.174 1991. Focusing on the rain forests of Costa
Rica, this resource is a compilation of activities that will help students understand
sustainable development and become partners in the preservation of global resources.
Not highly structured but includes extensive activities on recycling and a comprehensive
teacher background. Grades 9-12.
Walton, Richard
K. and Gordon Morrison. Endangered Wildlife: Peterson Field Guide Coloring Book.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1991. Biodiv Juv. QL83 .W34 1991. This brief,
oversize book is a most useful source of materials to photocopy for units on
mammals and to give young children a closer look at various mammals. Some brief
descriptions accompany each picture. Color plates preface text. Grades K-3.
Wasserman, Pamela. Counting
on People: Elementary Population and Environmental Activities. Washington,
DC: Zero Population Growth, Inc., 1994. Biodiv GE 77.W257 1994. This resource
uses basic counting skills to help students define what a population is and
understand how it grows while encouraging them to find relationships between
themselves and the environment. Illustrated, interdisciplinary activities include
songs and activities on pages that can be easily photocopied. Grades K-6.
Westerman, Marty. Easy
Green. Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association, 1993. Biodiv Ref. TD170.6
.W47 1993. This manual is designed to bring the concept of ecological living
to youth camps. Focusing on teamwork and step by step elimination of wasteful
practices, educators will be guided through the process of instituting programs
for composting, recycling, water conservation and more. Students help by collecting
data and becoming active partners in conservation. All ages, not necessarily
school based.
The Worm Guide:
A Vermicomposting Guide for Teachers. Sacramento, CA: California Integrated
Waste Management Board, 2001. Biodiv. S661 .P33 2001 "Vermicomposting is
the process of using worms to process organic food waste into nutrient-rich
soil." This curriculum guide is comprehensive: it introduces the concept,
tells you how to set up your own worm bin, and provides lessons and objectives
for you to use in your classroom and includes several handouts that can be photocopied.
Designed for elementary teachers and students, the guide has a K-3 and a 4-6
module.
Ardley, Neil. The
Science Book of Weather. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992. Public
Juv QC981.3 .A73 1992. One in a series of short, brightly illustrated guides
on different scientific and mathematical concepts. The books can be read and
understood by young and advanced readers alike, though the concepts illustrated
by the easy to follow instructions can be useful for all kinds of teachers.
Safe, fun experiments require only simple materials and, excepting ones illustrating
plant growth, take place quickly.
Weather would be very useful to San Francisco area teachers in explaining
fog and clouds. Other concepts demonstrated include rain, heat, humidity, evaporation
and barometers. Parent/teacher assistance necessary for pre-K to 2nd
grade.
The California
State Environment Education Guide: A Curriculum Guide for Kindergarten Through
Sixth Grade. Hayward, CA: Alameda County Office of Education, 1988. Biodiv
Ref. LB1585.3 .C35 1988. This text is designed to provide teachers/educators
with classroom lessons and instructional techniques that foster a fundamental
understanding of the environment. Divided out into units (each of which is aimed
at a certain age range) that focus on a certain aspect of environmental education
and include a teacher background, timeline, discussion questions, evaluation
techniques, homework and tips for parent involvement. Additional resources (organizations
and literature), handouts and index included. K-6.
Center for Marine
Conservation. The Ocean Book: Aquarium and Seaside Activities and Ideas for
All Ages. New York: Wiley, 1989. Biodiv GC21.5 .O28 1989 Oceans are the
focus of the teacher resource that is formed mainly of games, puzzles, and activities
that can be photocopied for active learning. Not much accompanying text, good
as a supplementary source for classroom activities. Not broken out by grade,
good for K-6.
Fossil Treasure
Box: For Elementary School Teachers. San Francisco, CA: California Academy of
Sciences, 1990z. Pub QE714.7 .F67 1990z. This box, designed by the California
Academy of Sciences to complement the Life Through Time exhibit, contains an
oversize wall chart with different eras pictured in timeline form. The accompanying
teacher guide suggests ideas for using the chart in different disciplines along
with some teacher background. Actual fossil casts come in the box to make the
package even more hands on. Grades K-6.
Garrett, Mary E.
Orienteering and Map Games for Teachers. Forest Park, GA: United States
Orienteering Federation. 1996. Pub. GV 200.4 .G37 1996. This introduction to
using maps in the classroom is based on the premise that children are natural
mapmakers and enjoy understanding physical objects in relation to themselves.
Progressing from simple games at the preschool level into complex topographic
maps at the high school level, this book can be used by many different teachers.
Grades pre-K to 12.
Abruscato, Joe
and Jack Hassard. The Whole Cosmos Catalog of Science Activities. Glenview,
IL: Good Year Books, 1991. Public Q164. A26 1991. A giant sized collection
of over 275 activities and science ideas. Science activities, creative arts
activities, puzzlers and games, science biographies and full sized board games.
Activities are divided into categories based upon whether they are life sciences,
earth sciences, physical sciences, aerospace, and technology. Focus is on fun.
Index and table of contents provided. PreK-6.
Baron, Nancy and
Adrienne Mason. Our Oceans, Ourselves: Marine Biodiversity for Educators. Hull:
Quebec: Biodiversity Conservation Office, Environment Canada, 1995. Biodiv.
QH91.8.B6.B37 1995; Biodiv Ref. QH91.8.B6.B37 1995; Public QH91.8.B6.B37 1995.
A teachers guide to marine biodiversity complete with worksheets and dense and
extensive teacher background written by Canadian educators for educators worldwide.
Focus is on understanding and conserving marine biodiversity. Most suitable
for 4-8 grades but lesson plan ideas can be tailored to any grade level K-12.
Bossert, Heather
and Joan Heckscher. Learning Through Environmental Action: The Community Action
Model of Environmental Service Learning: A Guide for Educators. Washington,
DC: Community Alliance for Youth Action, 1999. Biodiv GE80 .B67 1999. This resource
is appropriate for the non classroom based unit or educational organization.
The emphasis in this guide is experiential learning, which involves hands on,
community based environmental activities, reflection upon them, and application
of their new found knowledge in their daily lives. Includes a section with additional
resources and worksheet/activity ideas. Planning ideas span grades K-12.
Bourgeois, Paulette. The
Amazing Paper Book. Reading, Mass: Addison-Wesley, 1989. Public Juv. TS1105.5.B68
1989. Environmentally oriented art projects involving paper, emphasis is on
recycling. Projects include making gift wrap, wood block printing, making paper.
Environmental and historical anecdotes accompany each project. Drawback: one
lesson begins with a patronizing anecdote about Pacific Islanders. Projects
appropriate for K-12.
Braus, Judy A.
and David Wood. Environmental Education in the Schools: Creating a Program that
Works! Peace Corps, Information Collection and Exchange. Published by North
American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), 1993. Biodiv. GE77.
B72 1994. This manual was a Peace Corps project and is a resource intended for
teachers developing or improving an existing environmental education program.
Though this resource is easy to read and navigate, it is quite long. Filled
with hypothetical examples, background information, handouts that can be photocopied,
and many games, stories, and field trip ideas, this resource serves teachers
of and curriculum developers for grades K-12.
Butzow, Carol M.
and John W. Butzow. Science through Children’s Literature: An Integrated Approach.
Englewood, CO: Teacher Ideas Press, 1989. Public LB1585 .B85 1989. Using children’s
literature as a spring board for understanding scientific concepts—such as energy
transfer and life cycles—this bibliography style resource suggests a classic
of children’s literature and suggests various activities and projects, as well
as the scientific concepts that might relate to it. Concept mapping tips (for
meeting objectives) and guidelines for selecting new titles are part of the
teachers guide. Selections are divided into sections by life, physical, and
Earth and space sciences. PreK-4.
Butzow, Carol M.
and John W. Butzow. Exploring the Environment through Children’s Literature: An Integrated
Approach. Englewood, CO: Teacher Ideas Press, 1989. Public GE 70 .B88
1999. This book of lesson plans is divided into three sections to cover three
broad concepts: Land, Water and Environmental Impact. Each activity is built
around a particular book, such as Jane Yolen’s Letting Swift River Go, and contains
a series of questions, diagrams (that can be photocopied) and further resources
on the same topic. Grades K-4 and adaptable to higher levels.)
Cecil, Nancy Lee.
Developing Environmental Awareness Through Children’s Literature: A Guide
For Teachers And Librarians, K-8. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, c1996. Biodiv.
GE105 .C43 1996 This bibliography is useful for educators who would like to
incorporate literature featuring environmentally aware characters into their
classroom activities or libraries. Each book listed has a description along
with two activity ideas and objectives accomplished using it. Resources are
divided into sections by subject and grade level: K-3, 4-8.
Hann, Judith. How
Science Works. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest Association, 1991. Public
Q164 .H26 1991 This brightly illustrated Readers Digest publication explains
a number of experiments which utilize easily found ingredients and are easily
done at home or school. They are divided out into several sections including
matter, energy, air and water, light and sound, electricity, and magnetism.
Appropriate for independent exploration by 4-6 graders but experiments can be
done by all students grades K-12.
Harlow, Rosie and
Gareth Morgan. 175 Amazing Nature Experiments. New York: Random House, 1991.
Public Juv. QH55 .H3 1992. Easy to read, color illustrated experiments on the
natural world are divided into four sections: How Things Grow, Minibeasts, Trees
and Leaves, and The Seasons. Useful for units on ecology, plant biology, and
natural world. Glossary and index included. Experiments are suitable to students
who have a great deal of time to watch them occur, not many take place within
a day. Independent reading grades 4-8, content appropriate K-12.
Herman, M. Passineau,
Jr. Schimpf, A., Treuer, P. Teaching Kids to Love the Earth, Pfeifer-Hamilton
Publishers, 1991. Biodiv QH54.5 .T43 1991. This guide contains 186 outdoor
activities for parents and teachers to do with children. Each activity is supplemented
by a story and ideas for reflections. Grades K-6.
Jorgensen, Eric. Hidden Villa Environmental Education: Manure to Meadow to Milkshake. Los Altos Hills, CA: Trust for Hidden Villa, 1991. Biodiv GE77 .J67 1991. A series of hands on activities that can be done in or out of school produced by an outdoor education center on the Peninsula. Amusing illustrations highlight innovative activities such as interviews, tactile experiments and songs. Appropriate for grades K-6.
Kasperson, J.,
Lachecki, M. More Teaching Kids to Love the Earth. Pfiefer-Hamilton Publishers,
1995. Biodiv QH54.5 .K38 1995 These 156 activities are the second of two books
designed to help teachers and parents instill a love of nature in children.
Natural world activities, such as developing listening skills and understanding
growth, take place in urban, rural and suburban settings and each begin with
a story and end with suggestions for follow up resources. Appropriate for K-6.
Lingelbach, Jenepher. Hands-on
Nature: Information and Activities for Exploring the Environment with Children.
Woodstock, VT: Vermont Institute of Natural Science, 1986. Biodiv QH51 .L56
1986. This resource is dedicated to making a teacher of nature activities successful
by keeping activities simple and arousing curiosity in children and actively
engaging them in discoveries. Pages can be photocopied and lesson plans are
detailed. Bibliography, glossary and index included. Activities appropriate
for K-12.
Lowell, Laura. Sifting Through Science: Teacher’s Guide. Berkeley, CA: Great Explorations in Math and Science, Lawrence Hall of Science, Univ. of California at Berkeley, 1997. Biodiv LB1585 .L68 1997 Using a number of hands on activities, this black and white illustrated resource gives detailed science lesson plans for early elementary students. All of the activities have been done by educators at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley and teach basic concepts in physics, chemistry and the scientific method. Can be adopted for pre-K. Grades K-2.
McGlathery, Glenn
and Norma J. Livo. Who’s Endangered on Noah’s Ark?: Literary and Scientific
Activities for Teachers and Parents. Biodiv Ref. QL82 .M38 1992. Using different
activities, newspaper clippings and folklore, this paperback children’s encyclopedia
teaches students about different endangered animals around the world. Some crafts
and games included but information is substantive enough to provide information
for reports or papers. Has additional resources, index and black and white illustrations.
K-12.
Muir Woods Environmental
Education Guide. [California: Muir Woods National Monument, 1988?]. Biodiv
Ref QK495.S5 M896 1988. This binder is a compilation of lesson plans and activity
ideas which are meant to introduce students to the cultural and natural history
of the redwoods, specific the stand at Muir Woods though activities can be adapted
for other areas. Includes tips for advance preparation, vocabulary, materials
needed and curriculum framework correlations. Lesson plans are targeted at specific
grade levels, K-6.
Newmann, Dana. Ready-to-Use
Activities and Materials on Coastal Indians: A Complete Sourcebook for Teachers
K-8. West Nyack, NY: The Center for Applied Research in Education Native Americans
Resource Library, 1996. Public E76.6.N48 1995 v.3 The activities and lesson
plans in these resource guides serve as an introduction for students and teachers
to the culture and history of the coastal Indians. Topics such as religion,
social order, dress and environment are addressed in the resource section and
are accompanied by black and white photos of Native Americans from coastal tribes.
Activities all are described on handouts that can be easily photocopied. Material
appropriate for grades K-8.
Newmann, Dana. Ready-to-Use
Activities and Materials on Plains Indians: A Complete Sourcebook for Teachers
K-8. West Nyack, NY: The Center for Applied Research in Education Native Americans
Resource Library, 1996. Public E76.6.N48 1995 v.2 The activities and lesson
plans in these resource guides serve as an introduction for students and teachers
to the culture and history of the coastal Indians. Topics such as religion,
social order, dress and environment are addressed in the resource section and
are accompanied by black and white photos of Native Americans from coastal tribes.
Activities all are described on handouts that can be easily photocopied. Material
appropriate for grades K-8.
Nickelsburg, Janet. Nature
Activities for Early Childhood. Menlo Park, CA: Addison Wesley Publishing Company,
Innovative Series, 1976. Pub. LB1585 .N52 1976. This classic guide for naturalists
is illustrated by black and white photographs and will guide educators through
several projects that introduce children to the natural world in an exciting,
hands-on way. The book is divided into group and individual projects and works
on developing observation and exploration skills both inside the classroom and
out. PreK-3.
Parrella, Deborah.
Shelburne Farms Project Seasons: Hands-on Activities for Discovering the Wonders
of the Natural World. Shelburne, VT: Shelburne Farms, 1995. Pub. LB 1585.3 .P37
1995. This book is filled with activities rooted in the belief that early contact
with agriculture and the natural world can have enormous impact in the child’s
perception and value of the environment. Many activities can be done in both
formal and informal educational settings. Activities are divided into sections
by season and cover aspects of ecology, natural world observation (such as plant
growth and the world of insects). Bibliography, Index and many worksheets to
be photocopied. Grades K-6.
Polacco, Patricia. Thunder
Cake. New York: Philomel Books, 1990. Public Juv PZ7 .P75186 Th 1990. Brightly
illustrated, this book is the autobiographical tale of how one woman overcame
her fear of thunder with the help of her grandmother’s recipe for cake. Useful
as a supplement for a unit on weather. Grades K-2.
Potter, Jean. Science
in Seconds at the Beach: With Activities for Ponds, Lakes, and Rivers. New
York: Wiley, 1998. Public Juv Q164.P76 1998 These experiments you can do next
to a body of water take place in less than ten seconds. Useful for units on
marine science. Manual is black and white illustrated, easy to read and uses
only household ingredients. Independent reading: grades 2-6, content appropriate
for demonstrations K-12.
Project WILD: Elementary
Activity Guide. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish and Game, 1986.
Biodiv Ref QH53 .P76 1986. Project Wild is an award winning education program
consisting of activities, experiments, curriculum materials and lesson plans
intended to help students become responsible environmental decision makers.
Teaching wildlife awareness and ecology along with the geographical and political
issues of environmental issues, this resource can be tailored toward local issues
or can have a global focus. Grades K-6.
Rights, Mollie. Beastly
Neighbors: All about Wild Things in the City, or Why Earwigs Make Good Mothers.
Boston: Little, Brown, 1981. Public QH53 .R53 1981. This easy to read,
black and white illustrated book is a guide to finding wilderness wherever one
lives, regardless of how urban that environment seems. Experiments include growing
vegetables, encouraging wildlife to settle in your backyard and composting.
Suitable for independent reading for students grades 5-9 or classroom activities
for any age K-12.
River of Words:
National Environmental Poetry and Poster Contest for Students: Teacher’s Guide.
Berkeley, CA: International Rivers Network, 1996. Biodiv GE77.R58 1996. This
curriculum guide explores watersheds by engaging students in a poetry and poster
contest. Includes teacher background on watershed ecology and teaching creative
arts. Lesson plans, extensive bibliographies and sample poetry from students
and other poets. Grades K-12.
Sheehan, Kathryn
and Mary Waidner, Ph.D. Earth Child 2000. San Francisco: Council Oak Books,
1998. Biodiv GE77 .S53 1998. This collection of activities and projects is
aimed at producing an early environmental awareness in children and fostering
a natural inclination to preserve and protect the earth. Activities include
storytelling, visualization, gardening and celebration. There is a lot of room
to experiment with these interdisciplinary lessons and students will gain greater
awareness of life and water cycles, geography, observation, plant structure,
simple chemistry, and more. K-6.
Anno, Mitsumasa
and Akihiro Nozaki. Anno’s Hat Tricks. New York: Philomel Books, 1985. Public
Juv QA63 .N4913 1985. Using bright illustrations and a story like format,
this beautiful hard cover books introduces mathematical concepts by counting
colored hats. Grades K-3.
Anno, Mitsumasa. Anno’s
Math Games. New York, NY: Philomel Books, 1987. Public Juv QA95 .A5613 1987.
Part I of III books with a visual approach to mathematical concepts by Hans
Christian Anderson award recipient. Elementary mathematical concepts such as
addition, visual comparison, and graphing are illustrated with brightly colored
elves. Exercises could be photocopied for worksheets. Explanatory notes follow
for teachers and older readers. K-5th grade.
Anno, Mitsumasa. Anno’s
Math Games II. New York, NY: Philomel Books, 1989. Public Juv QA95 .A5613
1989. Book II of III books with a visual approach to mathematical concepts by
Hans Christian Anderson award recipient. Elementary mathematical concepts such
as addition, visual comparison, and graphing are illustrated with brightly colored
elves. Exercises could be photocopied for worksheets. Explanatory notes follow
for teachers and older readers. K-5th grade.
Anno, Mitsumasa. Anno’s
Math Games III. New York, NY: Philomel Books, 1991. Public Juv QA95 .A5613
1991. Book III of III books with a visual approach to mathematical concepts
by Hans Christian Anderson award recipient. Elementary mathematical concepts
such as addition, visual comparison, and graphing are illustrated with brightly
colored elves. Exercises could be photocopied for worksheets. Explanatory notes
follow for teachers and older readers. K-5th grade.
Challoner, Jack. The
Science Book of Numbers. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.
Public Juv QA141 .C49 1992. This book follows the same format as the books
by Neil Ardley, and contains bright illustration, minimal, easy to read text
and about ten different experiments which illustrate numerical and geometric
concepts. Good for students weak in math skills. Parent/teacher assistance necessary
for pre-K to 2nd grade, experiments can be conducted alone from 3rd
grade onwards.
VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Janice VanCleave’s Play and Find Out About Math: Easy Activities for Young Children. New York: Wiley, 1998. Public Juv QA135.5 .V36 1998. This book of conceptual math activities is designed for young children. All of them take place with an adult helper and have brightly colored pages with illustrated step by step instructions on patterning, counting, experimenting, measuring and more. All activities involve household materials. PreK-2.