California Academy of Sciences Library
Subjects
Curriculum Design & Resource Lists |
Physical Sciences | Life Sciences
| Earth Sciences
Investigation & Exploration | Math
Return to the Seventh Grade page
Return to the main Curriculum page
CURRICULUM
DESIGN, BIBLIOGRAPHIES & RESOURCE LISTS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 scientific 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.
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.
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+.
Hollweg, Karen
S. Volunteers
Teaching Children. North American Association for Environmental Education
1995. Biodiv QH541.2 .H62 1995. This book is meant to give volunteer groups
a concrete guidebook for instituting and supporting an urban environmental education
program. Includes detailed plans for creating a fee structure, educating volunteer
teachers and implementing programs and activities with students of all ages.
All ages (not necessarily school based.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is designed to aide a Bay Area teacher interested in
finding speakers, field trips and contact information for local organizations
dedicated to agricultural education. Each of the organizations has a short descriptive
paragraph about its resources and mission. Also contains a top-ten literature
list and is indexed. Teachers grades K-12.
Unesco. Unesco Handbook for Science Teachers. New York: Unipub,
1980. Main
Q181 .U54. This guide could be useful to administrators at the upper primary
and lower secondary level who are interested in strengthening their science
curriculum with information gleaned from the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organizations. Though the section on equipment and facilities is
outdated, sections on reasons to teach science are useful for grant writing.
Grades 6-12.
Walker, Sharon,
et al., eds. Global
Environmental Education Resource Guide for Middle School Teachers.
Ocean Springs, MS: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's J.L. Scott Marine Education
Center and Aquarium, 1996. Biodiv GE80 .G56 1996. This aid for teachers was
created with a grant from the National Science Foundation to be used primarily
by middle school teachers but can be expanded to K-12. Topics covered include
Acid Rain, Biodiversity, Deforestation, Greeenhouse Effect, Water Pollution,
Ozone Depletion, and Sea Level Changes. Each topic contains several detailed
lesson plans that can be photocopied. Grades K-12 generally, 6-8 specifically.
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+.
Whitin, Phyllis
& David J. Inquiry at the Window: Pursuing the Wonders of Learners.
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Press, 1997. Biodiv LB 1585.3 .W55 1997. This book
tells the story of two teachers’ experience with tapping into sixth graders’
natural curiosity about the world around them and stimulating a love of science.
They accomplished this by encouraging students to look out the window at birds.
Appendices include sample parent and student surveys, evaluation rubric, and
assignments. Useful more from a curriculum design standpoint but appendices
serve at a practical level as well. Grades 5-8.
Berger, Melvin.
Atoms,
Molecules, and Quarks. New York: Putnam, 1986. Public Juv QC173.16.
B47 1986. An advanced exploration of the basic elements of matter, this black
and white illustrated book is about 80 pages long and is a theoretical and factual
description, there are no experiments. Appropriate for junior high school and
early high school. Grades 7-10.
Gardner, Robert.
Investigate
and Discover Forces and Machines. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Messner, 1991.
Public Juv QC73.4 G37 1991. Gardner’s experiments are simple and safe enough
for students to complete without the direct supervision of adults. This book
is one of many he wrote and focuses on gravity, friction, simple machines and
more. Black and white illustrations, index and bibliography included. Good for
elementary physics exploration in school and out. Grades 4-7.
Gardner, Robert.
Investigate
and Discover Light. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Messner, 1991. Public Juv
QC360. G37 1991. Gardner’s experiments are simple and safe enough for students
to complete without the direct supervision of adults. This book is one of many
he wrote and focuses on light, shadow, reflection, refraction and more. Black
and white illustrations, index and bibliography included. Good for elementary
physics exploration in school and out. Grades 4-7.
Gardner, Robert.
Science and
Sports. New York: F. Watts, 1988. Pub Juv GV706.8 1988. This black and
white illustrated book delves into the world of speed, momentum, collisions
and gravity. Textier than his other books of experiments, this book is clearly
written but less hands on, geared for older students. Good as an enrichment
physics text. Grades 6-10.
Spurgeon, Richard
& Flood, Mike. Energy
& Power. London, Eng.: Usborne Publishing Co., 1990. Public TJ163.23.
U87 1990. This brightly illustrated, paperback textbook is appropriate for guiding
an introductory unit on energy and power. Experiments, appropriate for science
fair ideas and classroom demonstrations, are accompanied by factual information
on energy and power, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of alternative
forms of energy. Grades 6-9.
Stwertka, Eve &
Albert. Tuning In: The Sounds of Radio. New York, NY: J. Messner,
1992. Public Juv TK6550.7 .S78 1992. The physics of sound and the mechanics
of the radio are explored in this short, black and white illustrated reference
source for children. Each page introduces a new aspect of the radio and encourages
the reader to explore how the device functions. Includes an index and a glossary.
Grades 4-8.
Wyler, Rose. Science
Fun With Toy Boats and Planes. New York: J. Messner, 1986. Public Juv
Q164 .W85 1986 A short, brightly illustrated source for ideas for making boats
and planes out of paper and using them to explain concepts of physics. Step
by step instructions take students through experiments that use household materials
to explain concepts of center of gravity, lift, jet propulsion and buoyancy.
Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Messing
Around With Baking Chemistry. Boston: Little, Brown, 1981. Public Juv
TX771. Z76 1981. The science of heat, yeasts, and the chemical changes undergone
in baking are explained in a series of recipes and experiments that are easy
to follow using materials that are inexpensive and easy to find. Black and white
cartoons. Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Messing
Around With Water Pumps and Siphons. Boston: Little, Brown, 1981.
Public Juv TJ903 . Z8 1981. Using water pressure and chemistry, this book teaches
students basic experimenting skills using pumps and siphons. Text is easy to
read and illustrated with black and white cartoons. Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Mirrors:
Finding Out About the Properties of Light. New York: Morrow Junior
Book, 1992. Public Juv QC385.5 .Z83 1992. Encouraging students to understand
the science that exists around them, this book of experiments and activities
explores the physics of optics using mirrors. Text is easy to read and illustrated
in black and white cartoons. Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Raceways:
Having Fun With Ball and Tracks. New York: Morrow, 1985. Public Juv
QC73.4 .Z82 1985. Using a plastic molding and small balls, this book explores
the physics concepts of friction, inertia, gravity and more using scenarios
and hands on experiments. Text is easy to read and illustrated with black and
white cartoons. Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Tops:
Building and Experimenting With Spinning Toys. New York: Morrow Junior
Books, 1989. Public Juv TT174 .Z83 1989. Creating and spinning tops is the
focus of this book which explores rotation, torque, inertia, gravity and more.
Activities are easy to perform and materials are inexpensive and easy to find.
Grades 4-8.
Zubrowski, Bernie. Wheels
at Work: Building and Experimenting With Models of Machines. New York:
Morrow, 1986. Public TJ147 .Z89 1986. Beginning with pullies and wheels, this
book explores simple machines and explains their physics using a series of easy
to perform experiments. Text is easy to read and illustrated with black and
white cartoons. Materials to build machines are easily found around the house.
Grades 4-8.
Allison, Linda. Blood
and Guts: A Working Guide to Your Own Insides. Boston: Little, Brown,
1976. Public QP37 .A52 1976. Each part of the body—organs, bones, skin, the
senses, etc.—is given its own section of this black and white illustrated book.
Each description is accompanied by an investigation or experiment that can be
performed on that part of the body. Entertaining, easy to read with a funny
font. Some drawn pictures of unclothed people. Grades 5-8.
Animals in Schools: Animal Welfare Guidelines for Teachers.
New South Wales: NSW Department of School Education, 1991. Public HV4890.A5
.N4 1991. Guidelines produced on behalf of the Schools Animal Care and Ethics
Committee, a group advocating for the ethical treatment of animals used in education.
Activities are suggested for learning about various species of animals as well
as general information about various common mammals, birds, reptiles, insects,
fish, etc. Additional resources and table of contents provided. Grades 6-12.
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.’
Barrett, Katherine. Mapping
Animal Movements.
Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Hall of Sciences, University of California Press, 1992.
Biodiv. SF81 . B37 1992. Black and white photo illustrated workbook for teachers
on animal observation. 30-45 minute lesson plans develop scientific method skills
(observation, classification, experimentation, etc.) Focus is on humane treatment
of animals, habitats and methods of biological research. Easy to navigate and
understand. Grades 5-8. For a guide aimed at older students, see Mapping Fish Habitats.
Barrett, Katharine
and Cary I. Sneider. Mapping Fish Habitats. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Hall of Science, University of
California Press, 1987. Biodiv. QL618.5 .B37 1987. Black and white photo illustrated
workbook for teachers on animal observation. 30-45 minute lesson plans develop
scientific method skills (observation, classification, experimentation, etc.)
Focus is on humane treatment of animals, habitats and methods of biological
research. Easy to navigate and understand. Grades 6-10. For a guide aimed at
younger students, see Mapping
Animal Movements.
Binder, Deanna;
Stewart Guy and Briony Penn. Backyard
Biodiversity & Beyond: A Handbook for Students and Teachers. Co-published
by Canadian Ministry of Forests and Canadian Heritage. Biodiv. Ref QH541.15.B56
B56 1994. This binder is designed to guide a teacher through the process of
helping students study nature, not books. The information is divided into sections
on biodiversity, endangered species and environmental action. Black and white
illustrated pages can be photocopied to create handouts. Grades 5-8.
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 it. Curricula are divided into different grade focuses: K-3, 4-6,
6-9, 10-12.
Cobb, Vicki. Lots of Rot. New York: Lippincott, 1981. Public Juv QR57 .C6 1981. Student can discover the role of decomposition and mold in this short, colorful book of experiments on growing mold, hunting for mildew, etc. Good for a non-fiction, science related book report. Grades 4-8.
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.
Dunn, Gary A. Project
B.U.G.S. Level I. Lansing, MI: Young Entomologists Society, Inc., 1994.
Biodiv. QL 468.5 .D858 1994. This resource contains some useful lesson plans
for incorporating insect study into the curriculum. These lesson plan ideas
and background information on insects will help students improve observation
skills and biology understanding. Not terribly easy to read. Grades 6-8.
Dunphy, Madeleine.
Witness: Endangered Species of North America. San Francisco:
California Academy of Sciences, 1995. Biodiv Ref. QH77.N7 M5419 1995. A teacher
resource guide accompanies a beautifully photographed, oversized book of endangered
species produced with help from the California Academy of Sciences. This pair
was designed with the California Public School curriculum in mind and contains
articles, puzzles, and activities that can be photocopied as handouts. Also
includes many slides and a slide show script. Grades 6-8.
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.
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.
Holley, Dennis. Animals
Alive! Niwot, CO: Roberts Rinehart, 1994. Biodiv QL52.55 .H65 1994.
This guide is appropriate for educators who are interested in designing and
conducting live animal demonstrations that are noninvasive and observation oriented.
Lesson plans and detailed black and white illustrations included as well as
extensive lists of reference and organizational resources. Grades 4-12.
Jeffords, Michael
R. Biodiversity
in Illinois: Activities for Young People. Champaign, IL: Illinois Natural
History Survey, 1992. Biodiv Ref. QH105.13 .J435 1992. This text is designed
to be a supplementary resource for biology and ecology classes or clubs. Though
the environment studied is specific to Illinois, activities can be adapted for
other regions. Activities are group and exploration oriented. Includes glossary
and bibliography. Grades 5-10.
Jeffords, Michael
R. and Audrey S. Hodgins. Pests
Have Enemies Too: Teaching Young Scientists about Biological Control.
Champaign, IL: Illinois Natural History Survey, 1995. Biodiv Ref. SB975 .J44
1995 A series of activities and handouts are meant to introduce students to
the concept of biological control—the way that we handle pests in our environment.
Several pages of illustrated, easy to read teacher background and glossary are
included. Objectives, vocabulary, and handouts accompany each activity. It is
meant to be a supplemental text to existing ecology curriculum and the activities
are group oriented for grades 5-10.
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.
Krapfel, Paul. Autumn
Oaks. Redding, CA: Carter House Natural Science Museum, 1994. Biodiv
QH105 .C2 K722 1994. These activities are meant to introduce children to the
natural world by exploring Northern California oak woodlands. Includes a teacher
introduction and detailed lesson plans and activity pages that can be photocopied.
Grades 4-8.
Love, Anne and
Jaue Drake. Take Action: World Wildlife Fund. Toronto: Kids Can Press,
1992. Biodiv Juv. QH75.L68 1992 The basics of ecology and biodiversity are outlined
in this book produced by the World Wildlife Fund. Each problem is described
in engaging, conversational language and a practical suggestion given on how
the student can improve the situation. Appropriate for individual reading in
older students and the content is appropriate for teaching on environmental
issues. Grades 3-8.
McKisson, Micki
and Linda MacRae-Campbell. Endangered
Species: Their Struggle to Survive. Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press, 1990.
Biodiv GE70 .M27 1990 v.4. This is one of seven resources that educates students
in certain areas of environmental concern, teaching them how to take action
to protect and restore damaged areas and species. This particular volume addresses
depletion of certain animal species and concepts of biodiversity. Detailed lesson
plans teaches students about the geography, politics and science of endangered
species. Interspersed with many teacher notes, a bibliography and glossary.
Can be adapted for different age levels. Grades 5-8.
McKisson, Micki
and Linda MacRae-Campbell. The
Future of Our Tropical Rainforests. Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press, 1990.
Biodiv GE70 .M27 1990 v.2. This is one of seven resources that educates students
in certain areas of environmental concern, teaching them how to take action
to protect and restore damaged areas and species. This particular volume addresses
depletion and ecology of rainforests from around the world. Detailed lesson
plans teaches students about the geography, politics and science of rainforest
conservation and ecology. Interspersed with many teacher notes, a bibliography
and glossary. Can be adapted for different age levels. Grades 5-8.
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.
Project WILD: Secondary Activity Guide. Sacramento, CA: California
Department of Fish and Game, 1986. Biodiv & Biodiv Ref QH53 .P762 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 environental
issues, this resource can be tailored toward local issues or can have a global
focus. Grades 7-12.
Roa, Micheal L. Environmental
Science Activities Kit: Ready-to-Use Lessons, Labs & Worksheets for Grades
7-12. West Nyack, NY: The Center for Applied Research Education, 1993.
Biodiv Ref GE77 .R63 1993. This is a resource filled with detailed lesson plan
ideas that can be used in a variety of classes, even social studies and language
arts, but are mostly appropriate for life and physical sciences. Most projects
are group oriented and some are open ended discussion based activities. Every
page may be duplicated for handouts. Includes bibliography, list of government
resources and a form letter for requesting a speaker. Grades 7-12.
Robinson, Sandra
Chisholm. Mountain
Lion: Puma, Panther, Painter, Cougar. Denver: Denver Museum of Natural
History, 1991. Biodiv Juv. QL737.C23 R62 1991. Using many activities—both group
and solitary—this black and white illustrated guide explores the natural history
and ecology of the mountain lion through games, stories and challenges. Reading
is fairly advanced and activities are lower level, so it spans many grade levels.
Some pages photocopy well for handouts. Grades 2-8.
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.
Sakamoto, Evannah.
The Endangered Species Activity Book: A Teacher Resource. Toronto:
Courseware Solutions, Inc., 1991. Biodiv Ref. QH77.C2 S34 1991. This resource
has a number of activities and lessons that are meant to be used a supplementary
unit in a science course to teach students about the issues surrounding endangered
species. Though the book is written about Canada, it can be tailored to reflect
different areas. Interactive group work is primary rather than lecture style
learning, many activities are meant to take place outside of the classroom.
Grades 7-9.
Schiff, Paul and
Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters. Wild
School Sites: A Guide to Preparing Habitat Improvement Projects on School Grounds.
Houston, TX: Council for Environmental Education, 1993. Biodiv QH75 .W54 1993.
This book is a step by step guide for teachers wanting to establish a ‘wild
site’ at their school—a place where students and teachers can take a hands on
approach to learning about wildlife even in urban areas. Teacher checklist and
background help ensure good planning, and the resource encourages community
partnerships and group work among students. Grades 7-12.
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.
Spurgeon, Richard. Ecologia.
Buenos Aires, Republica Argentina: Lumen, 1990. Biodiv Juv. QH541.14 .S6818
1990. Spanish. This introduction to ecology is filled with experiments nad activities
that highlight the basics and importance of the environment. It is written entirely
in Spanish. Useful for creating handouts in Spanish about growing plants, composting
and describing life cycles. Grades 5-9.
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.
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.
Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. Washington,
DC: National Academy of Sciences, 1998. Pub. QH 362 .T435 1998. Filled with
essays written by scientific greats such as EO Wilson and Charles Darwin, this
book will be useful for those designing or defending an evolution curriculum
for all ages. Brightly illustrated and fairly easy to read, half the book is
dedicated to theory and the other half to lesson planning ideas and examples.
Curriculum designers and teachers for Grades 5-12.
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 5-10.
Turbak, Gary. Survivors
in the Shadows: Threatened and Endangered Mammals of the American West.
Flagstaff, AZ: Northland Publishing Co., 1993. Biodiv Ref. QL706.82.W3 T87 1993.
This beautifully color illustrated encyclopedia could be used a research resource
for secondary students or advanced readers as it is fairly easy to read. Introduction
gives a concise background on endangered species and why it is important to
preserve them. Grades 7-12.
WOW: A Biodiversity Primer. Washington, DC: World Wildlife
Fund, 1994. Biodiv QH313 .W68 1994 & Biodiv Ref. QH313 .W68 1994. This
brightly illustrated, easy to read magazine could be passed out to students
in order to teach them the basics of the diversity of life on Earth. It has
fiction and non-fiction articles in it. Includes Table of Contents and an educator’s
guide. Grades 6-8.
WOW!: Windows on the Wild: An Educator’s Guide. World Wild
Life Fund, 1994. Biodiv and Biodiv Ref QH313 .W682 1992. This guide to the
brightly illustrated magazine on beginning biodiversity is appropriate for educators
in school and nonschool settings. It contains worksheets that can be photocopied,
lesson plan ideas, some background information for lectures and puzzles. Grades
6-8.
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.
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.
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.
Bay Shore Studies Teacher’s Handbook. Tiburon, CA: Richardson
Bay Audubon Society, 1988. Biodiv Ref. QH105.C2 B39 1988. This guide for teachers
was designed by teachers from Tiburon, CA and focuses on the local shoreline.
It contains different units on bay shore ecology, ecology vocabulary, plants,
animals, algae, etc. Begins with a teacher worksheet, and contains follow up
activities, reference lists, suggested field trips, etc. Designed with the goal
of making students understand how they affect the San Francisco Bay and how
it affects them. Grades 4-8.
Beneath the Shell: A Teacher’s Guide to Nonpoint Source Pollution and its Potential Impact on New Jersey Shellfish. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 1991. Biodiv. Ref. QH545.W3 B46 1991. A course in waterway ecology written by the New Jersey Department of Education. Explores issues in water pollution by examining water movement, sources of pollution, effects on shellfish and group activities that prevent pollution. Most appropriate for grades 1-8 but lesson plans could be tailored to a more senior level.
Branley, Franklyn
M. It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: All Kinds of Weather and Why We Have It.
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1987. Public LB1585.3 .E353 1990. This
is an appropriate resource for non-fiction book reports. Though not well indexed,
it provides an accurate and interesting array of anecdotes and facts about meteorological
phenomena and is illustrated by black and white cartoons. Each section of the
book contains several easy to perform, practical experiments that illustrate
weather principals. Grades 4-8.
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.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities
for Children. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1994. Biodiv E98.F6
C1 1994. One in a highly acclaimed series of books which integrate Native American
stories and environmental activities for children, mainly outdoor. Interdisciplinary
approach is designed to engage a child’s whole self: emotions, senses, thoughts
and actions. This volume focuses on plants: botany, plant ecology, natural history
from algae to flowering plants, etc. Useful as a primary souce: Grades 1-6.
Adapted as a secondary source: Grades 7-12.
Caduto, Michael,
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers of Life: Teacher’s Guide. Golden,
CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1995. Biodiv E98.F6 C1172 1995. Gives extensive background
to each corresponding section in Caduto, Michael J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities
for Children. Good if the curriculum needs to be adapted for older students.
Useful as a primary source: Grades 1-6. Adapted as a secondary source: Grades
7-12.
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.
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.
Creek Watchers:
Exploring
the Worlds of Creeks and Streams.
Santa Barbara: University of California, Santa Barbara, 1995. Biodiv. QH97.S54
1995. This set of activities is designed to help students explore and understand
creek and stream habitats in their own communities. Includes activity backgrounds,
crafts, additional resources and quizzes that can be photocopied. Grades 5-10.
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.
E2: Environment
and Education/The Tides Center. Habitat and Biodiversity: A Student Audit of Resource Use. Teacher
Resource Guide. Orangeburg, NY: Dale Seymour Publications, 1998. Biodiv
QH75 H32 1998. This resource is a guide for teachers who want to cultivate environmental
awareness in their students, have them analyze their new knowledge, and guide
them towards taking action to improve that state of the Earth. It is full of
hand outs that can be reproduced and is based on cooperative, interactive learning.
Grades 4-8.
Eco Sense: An Economic Environmental Learning Kit. Minneapolis:
Minnesota Council on Economic Education, 1992. Biodiv TD793 .E36 1992. This
teacher guide aims to provide a look at recycling and garbage are linked to
economic decision making. Students will understand their role in the environment
as consumers through interdisciplinary activities, discussions and lessons.
Pages can be photocopied to create handouts, teacher background, glossary, and
additional resources included. Grades 7-12.
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.
Fresh Water Guardians: Defending Our Precious Supply. Santa
Barbara: University of California, Santa Barbara, 1995. Biodiv. TD419.S54 1995.
Also in Spanish. This workbook is meant for use both in the classroom and out
as a source of supplementary ecology activities. It explores the world of water
conservation and treatment using experiments and follow up activities to simulate
and explain water treatment and conservation. Appropriate for grades 4-9.
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.
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.
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+.
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.
Kramer, Kathy.
Teaching About the San Francisco Bay and Delta: An Activities and Resource
Guide. Richmond, CA: Aquatic Habitat Institute, Richmond Field Station,
1993. Biodiv Ref. F868.S156 K72 1993; Biodiv F868.S156 K72 1991. By the same
author of the brilliant Kids in Creeks resource, these activities are
also hands-on natural world explorations such as field studies and experiments
but focused on the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Interspersed are articles and
excerpts from other publications. Can be used as a supplementary text for an
ecology unit in high school or junior high biology course. Grades 7-12.
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, Unit II: 7-12.
MacRae-Campbell,
Linda, Micki Mekisson and Bruce Campbell. The
Ocean Crisis. Tucson AZ: Zephyr Press, 1990. Biodiv Ref. GE70.M27 1990
v.7 This is one of seven resources that educates students in certain areas of
environmental concern, teaching them how to take action to protect and restore
damaged areas and species. This particular volume addresses the environmental
crises experienced in the worlds’ oceans and covers geography, water chemistry
and political activity by using fact cards, student hand outs, mock summits
and group oriented hands on experiments. Interspersed with many teacher notes,
a bibliography and glossary. Can be adapted for different age levels. Grades
5-8.
MacRae-Campbell,
Linda and Micki McKisson. Our
Troubled Skies. Tuscon, AZ: Zephyr Press, 1990. Biodiv Ref. GE70 .M27
1990 v.1. This is one of seven resources that educates students in certain areas
of environmental concern, teaching them how to take action to protect and restore
damaged areas and species. This particular volume addresses the environmental
crises experienced in the atmosphere. Detailed lesson plans teaches students
about the geography, politics and science of air quality. Interspersed with
many teacher notes, a bibliography and glossary. Can be adapted for different
age levels. Grades 5-8.
Miles, Betty. Save
the Earth: An Action Handbook for Kids. New York: Knopf, 1991. Pub
Juv TD176 .M56 1991 This black and white illustrated book is an excellent source
for students to find out how their actions effect the environment. Topics are
discussed using real life examples of how other children recycle, interesting
environmental trivia and various short and long term project ideas. Suggestions
are also given using practical checklists of ways that students can help the
environment. Grades 3-8.
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.
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.
Perlmutter, Amy
and Roopay Mayor. On
the Road to Recycling!: A Guide to Setting Up and Expanding Recycling Programs
in San Francisco Schools. San Francisco: City and County of San Francisco
Recycling Program, 1992. Biodiv Ref. TD794.5 .O5 1992. A resource put together
by the San Francisco Recycling Program, this short, illustrated guide explains
step by step how to set up a recycling program in your school. Includes a list
of possible speakers and field trip locations. Grades 4-9.
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.
Radio Expeditions: Life on the Brink. National Public Radio,
1996. Biodiv QH541.15 .B56 L54 1996. This audiocassette and accompanying teacher
guide are the result of a joint collaboration between NPR and the National Geographic
Society. It is meant to raise student consciousness about the fragility of life
on Earth and ways in which they can explore and protect it. Lesson plans begin
with a short audio segment and continue with a hands-on, group oriented activity.
Grades 6-8.
Rescue Mission Planet Earth: A Children’s Edition of Agenda 21.
London: Kingfisher Books, 1994. Biodiv Juv GE195.7 R47 1994. This brightly
illustrated book is the children’s chapter of Agenda 21, the resulting publication
of the 1994 Earth Summit held by the United Nations in Rio. Using illustrations
and poetry created by young people from around the world, the book touches on
politics, geography and science as it explains the challenges that the environment
faces. Could be used as a text book. Grades 6-12.
Sense of Wonder: Ecological Citizenship. Chicago, IL: The Chicago
Academy of Sciences,
Shinkle, Jill.
Water Inspectors:
Examining H2O. Santa Barbara: University of California, Santa
Barbara, 1995. Biodiv. GB658.35.S54 1995. Students will be introduced to water
chemistry and biology in this series of experiments and projects. Many pages
can be reproduced for handouts and students will use the scientific method while
working in groups. Grades 5-10.
Shinkle, Jill.
Wetlands Protectors:
Guarding our Wild and Watery Lands. Santa Barbara: University of California,
Santa Barbara, 1995. Biodiv. QH87.3 S54 1995. This book of learning activities
will teach students the value and science of the ‘wetland’ ecosystem. Includes
a scavenger hunt, drawing a Pacific flyway map, activities for tracking wetland
creatures and more. Many pages can be photocopied to make handouts. Grades 5-10.
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 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.
Snively, Gloria.
Beach Explorations: A Curriculum for Grades 5-10. Corvallis, OR:
Oregon Sea Grant Program, 1998. Pub. Juv. QH 541.5 .S35 S64 1998. This resource
includes everything that a teacher or parent would need to know before taking
a trip to the tide pools or beach such as what to wear, what to expect to see
in various environments, field trip activities, and follow-up experiments and
projects that draw on what was seen. Focus is on marine ecology: life and tide
cycles, adaptation, pollution, food chain, and zonation. Each section contains
a teacher guide with a glossary and a list of related topics and there are many
suggestions for student evaluation and some pages to be photocopied. Grades
5-10.
Taking Action: An Educator’s Guide to Involving Students in Environmental Action Projects. Bethesda: Project Wild, 1995. Biodiv. GE77. S76 1995. This comprehensive teaching resource is a joint project of the WWF and various environmental education councils. By integrating things like interview skills, group work and gardening with traditional ecology and earth sciences, this resource gives a whole picture of environmental education. It also follows a frequently asked question pattern and addresses questions that teachers might have regarding additional resources and the possibilities of legal action and gives examples of different success stories that other schools have had following this program. Most activities are meant for students in grades 4-12 but many activities can be tailored to younger students.
Teaching Soil and Water Conservation: A Classroom and Field Guide.
Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, 1986. Biodiv S626
.T43 1986. This guidebook would be useful for teachers looking for lesson ideas
on all aspects of soil and water from chemistry to action based conservation
projects. Some pages can be photocopied but would mostly be a background resource
because text is fairly dense. Grades 6-12.
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.
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.
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, self guided inquiry for 10-14 years
of age.
Allison, Linda
and David Katz. Gee, Wiz!: How to Mix Art and Science or the Art of Thinking Scientifically.
Boston: Little, Brown, 1983. Public Juv Q164 .A4 1983. Black and white illustrated
cartoonish guide for both students and educators to read. Simple household equipment
needed to perform experiments on color, liquids, physics, and optics. Good for
classroom demonstrations and scientific art projects. Table of contents provided.
Grades 2-8.
Biesty, Stephen. Stephen
Biesty’s Incredible Everything. New York, N.Y.: DK, 1997. Public Juv
TS146 .B54 1997. An oversized, beautifully illustrated book describing the
engineering of how processes work. Step by step descriptions include donut making,
car and airplane manufacturing , mummy wrapping, etc. Good book report for 9
to 12 year olds, parent/teacher assistance necessary for younger readers.
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, ed. WOW!
Windows on the Wild.
Washington, DC: World Wildlife Fund. 1994. Biodiv. & Biodiv. Ref. QH313
.W682 1994. This colorful magazine has many articles geared for children on
the subject of conservation and the natural world and is accompanied by a teachers
guide giving ideas on utilizing the magazine in the classroom. The teacher’s
guide is illustrated in black and white and is easy to read. Additionally, it
offers puzzles and worksheets that can be copied as well as background information,
additional resources, a glossary and fun facts on various topics. Grades 4-7.
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.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities
for Children. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1991. Biodiv E98.F6
C11 1991. One in a highly acclaimed series of books which integrate Native American
stories and environmental activities for children, mainly outdoor. Interdisciplinary
approach is designed to engage a child’s whole self: emotions, senses, thoughts
and actions. This volume focuses on . Useful as a primary souce: Grades 1-6.
Adapted as a secondary source: Grades 7-12.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of the Earth: Native American Stories and Activities for Children.
Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1988. Biodiv E98.F6 C12 1988. One in a highly
acclaimed series of books which integrate Native American stories and environmental
activities for children, mainly outdoor. Interdisciplinary approach is designed
to engage a child’s whole self: emotions, senses, thoughts and actions. This
volume focuses on a general environmental message and general Earth cycles including
good stewardship, energy, seasonal change, human needs, etc. Useful as a primary
souce: Grades 1-6. Adapted as a secondary source: Grades 7-12.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children.
Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1994. Biodiv E98.F6 C13 1994. One in a highly
acclaimed series of books which integrate Native American stories and environmental
activities for children, mainly outdoor. Interdisciplinary approach is designed
to engage a child’s whole self: emotions, senses, thoughts and actions. This
volume focuses on the fascinating world of nocturnal animals and nighttime environments.
Activities include night walks, night observation and sensory awareness. Useful
as a primary souce: Grades 1-6. Adapted as a secondary source: Grades 7-12.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers of the Animals: Teacher’s Guide.
Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 1992. Biodiv E98.F6 C118 1992. Gives extensive
background to each corresponding section in Caduto, Michael J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of Animals: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities
for Children. Good if the curriculum needs to be adapted for older students.
Useful as a primary source: Grades 1-6. Adapted as a secondary source: Grades
7-12.
Caduto, Michael
J. and Joseph Bruchac. Teacher’s Guide to Keepers of the Earth.
Golden, CO: Fulcrum, 1998. Biodiv E9.F6 C122 1988. Gives extensive background
to each corresponding section in Caduto, Michael J. and Joseph Bruchac. Keepers
of Earth: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities
for Children. Good if the curriculum needs to be adapted for older students.
Useful as a primary source: Grades 1-6. Adapted as a secondary source: Grades
7-12.
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 books 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.
Chevron Education Award: Winning Lesson Plans: Recognizing Creative
Approaches to Teaching Math, Science and Technology: Best Classroom Practices.
San Francisco, CA: Chevron Corporation, 1998. Pub Q183.3 .A1 C44 1998. In conjunction
with the National Science Foundation, Chevron has produced a compilation of
the best lesson plans for teaching science and technology to students at the
upper primary and secondary level. Lesson plans vary in length but are generally
meant to last for several months, if not the whole year. Aimed at understanding
the environment, technology and mathematics. Six lessons for Grades 6-9; six
lessons for Grades 10-12.
Church, Jok. You
Can With Beakman: Science Stuff You Can Do. Kansas City:Andrews and
McMeel, 1992. Public Juv Q164 .C44 1992. This brightly illustrated book of
question and answers covers the kinds of science questions that interest children
of all ages such as ‘where do hiccups come from?’ ‘why does a soda straw look
bent in water?’ etc. Easy to read, engaging. Appropriate for science fair ideas,
a ‘science fact of the day’ or free reading book, the questions are not that
comprehensively indexed and so the book is not a great reference tool. Grades
3-9.
Cobb, Vicki. The
Secret Life of Cosmetics: A Science Experiments Book. New York: Lippincott,
1985. Public TP983 .C673 1985. Using simple materials found around the house
or easily available at any store, this book has a variety of experiments making
osmetics and demonstrating the chemistry behind them. Some instructions easier
to follow with an adult, experiments taken out of context appropriate for all
ages, free reading for grades 5-8.
Cobb, Vicki. Science
Experiments You Can Eat. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1972. Public
Juv Q164 .C52 1972. This book contains kitchen experiments which utilize a variety
of household ingredients and can be eaten. Experiments explain sugars, acids,
bases, proteins, carbohydrates. Though the text is written conversationally
for young students, it should only be attempted alone by advanced readers since
it is so wordy. Grades 4-8.
Cobb, Vicki. More
Science Experiments You Can Eat. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1979.
Public Juv Q164 3C5 1979 This book contains kitchen experiments which utilize
a variety of household ingredients and can be eaten. Experiments explain heating,
dehydrating, distilling and cooling. Though the text is written conversationally
for young students, it should only be attempted alone by advanced readers since
it is so wordy. Grades 4-8.
Cornell, Joseph
and Michael Deranja. Journey
to the Heart of Nature: A Guided Exploration. Nevada City, CA: Dawn
Publications, 1994. Biodiv QH54.5 .C67 1994. A series of outdoor trips designed
to facilitate student contemplation of his/her place in nature. Academic activities
include myths, journaling exercises and reflective discussion. Some pages would
make appropriate handouts if photocopied. Grades 6-9.
Doherty, Paul and Don Rathjeny. The Exploratorium Science Snackbook. San Francisco, CA: Exploratorium Teachers Institute, 1991. Public Q182.3 .E96 1991. The Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco, created this book of hands on activities for teachers and students. Experiments use easy to find materials and deal mostly with physics and optics. Each experiment is coded with a symbol so teachers can see quickly what concepts are taught with each experiment: mechanics, optics, fluids, reactions, etc. Grades 3-12 for classroom demonstrations, Grades 5-8 for individual exploration.
Gardner, Robert. Science
Around the House. New York: J. Messner, 1985. Public Juv Q164 .G34
1985. Gardner’s experiments and activities are simple and safe enough for students
to complete without the direct supervision of adults. The house turns into a
laboratory for learning about the center of gravity, evaporation, density, friction
and more. Good for elementary physics exploration in school and out. Grades
4-7.
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.
The Hazard House Workbook: A Workbook about Household Chemicals, Vols.
1 and 2. Sacramento: California Environmental Protection Agency, 1991.
Biodiv TX 150 .H39 1991. This manual is for the leader who is teaching students
about the effect that they can have on the environment in their homes. It is
divided into different sections which focus on products, recycling, health hazards
and alternatives. Lesson ideas include a number of games, brainstorming and
detective hunts. Pages can be photocopied to produce handouts. Grades 4-8.
Innovative Lives: Classroom Enrichment: Grades 5-9. Washington,
D.C.: Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation,
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, c1998. Pub T39
.I56 1998 This compilation prepared by the American Museum of Natural History
highlights inventions and their inventors and places emphasis on telling the
‘whole story’ of invention including underrepresented groups and traditional
barriers to invention. Inventors of many ethnicities. Mechanics, electricity,
and physics take top bill. Activities included, pages can be photocopied. Grades
7-12.
Levin, Mark. Taming
the Wild Outdoors: Building Cooperative Learning Through Outdoor Education.
Torrance, CA: Good Apple, 1998. Pub. LB 1585.3 .L48 1998. This resource is filled
with ideas for teaching ‘outdoor education’ some of which can take place on
the playground or even in the classroom. The majority of ideas are field based,
and work on sensory awareness, species identification, ecology and stewardship.
Worksheets and tips included, as well as stories and games to play. Black and
white photos and illustrations Grades 3-8.
Liebovitz Steinman,
Susan. The Art of Recycling: Art & Ecology for Teachers Why-To and
How-To. San Francisco City and County Recycling Program and Norcal Waste
Systems, 1993. Biodiv. Ref. TD794.5 .S75 1993. This guide is meant to transform
the way students look at what they throw away and to help teachers tap into
the free art resources available to them by using previously owned items. Projects
include doll and totem pole making, ornaments and dioramas. Guidelines for how
to begin and cautionary tips included. Grades 5-12.
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.
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.
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.
Smith, Norman F. How
to Do Successful Science Projects. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: J. Messner,
1990. Public Q163 .S57 1990. Useful for teachers who are planning to have
their students do science projects. Some pages could be photocopied as handouts
in order to educate students on selecting a topic, observing the results and
then presenting them. Index and bibliography included. Independent reading:
grades 7-8, content appropriate: grades 5-8.
VanCleave, Janice
Pratt. Janice VanCleave’s
200 Gooey, Slippery, Slimy, Weird, And Fun Experiments.
New York: Wiley, 1993. Public Juv Q164 .V37 1993 This black and white illustrated
guide is one of two written by a former elementary school teacher uses simple
problems, experiments, projects and activities to explain scientific principles
through hands-on experiences. Good as a reference book for all areas of science.
Grades 3-7.
VanCleave, Janice
Pratt. Janice
VanCleave’s 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments.
New York: Wiley, 1994. Public Juv Q164 .V367 1994. This black and white illustrated
guide is one of two written by a former elementary school teacher uses simple
problems, experiments, projects and activities to explain scientific principles
through hands-on experiences. Good as a reference book for all areas of science.
Grades 3-7.
VanCleave, Janice
Pratt. Janice
VanCleave’s Earthquakes: Mind-boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science
Fair Projects. New York: Wiley & Sons, 1994. Public Juv QE521.3
.V37 1993. A useful resource both for teachers wanting to bring science demonstrations
to the classroom and for the student wanting to produce a science fair project,
this resource contains twenty experiments that illuminate the science of earthquakes.
Step by step instructions. Experiments use inexpensive, easy to find ingredients
and most can be performed alone by the intermediate student (grades 6-8). Grades
3-8.
VanCleave, Janice
Pratt. Janice
VanCleave’s Help! My Science Project is Due Tomorrow. New York: Wiley,
1993. Public Juv Q182.3 V353 2001. This easy to understand book contains 50
projects which can be completed quickly for a science fair or class. Instructions
are brief and step by step and all can be done with materials found around the
house. Grades 4-12.
VanCleave, Janice.
Janice VanCleave's Teaching the Fun of Science. New York: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001. Pub Q181 .V295 2001. Based on the premise that
children love to explore scientific concepts, this book is a teachers guide
for bringing fun to experimenting in the classroom. Experiments are grouped
into different disciplines and are keyed out by National Science Education Standards.
Handouts can be photocopied. Grades 5-7.
VanCleave, Janice
Pratt. Janice
VanCleave’s Volcanoes: Mind-boggling Experiment.
Warren, Rebecca
Lowe. The
Scientist Within You: Experiments and Bibliographies of Distinguished Women
in Science. Eugene, OR: Aci Pub., 1994. Public Q164 .W37 1994. The
authors of this two book series searched internationally and throughout time
to come up with a distinguished and varied group of female scientists from across
disciplines. Each scientist listed begins a lesson that could include geography,
literature, art or science components. Grades 5-10.
Warren, Rebecca
Lowe. The
Scientist Within You: Women Scientists From Seven Continents: Biographies and
Activities: Volume 2. Eugene, OR: ACI Pub., 1995. Public Q164 .W372
1995 The authors of this two book series searched internationally and throughout
time to come up with a distinguished and varied group of female scientists from
across disciplines. Each scientist listed begins a lesson which could include
geography, literature, art or science components. Grades 5-10.
Wasserman, Pamela. People
and the Planet: Lessons for a Sustainable Future. Washington, DC: Zero
Publication Growth, c1996. Biodiv GE77 .P46 1996. This reference can be used
as an entire curriculum on human cultures and the environment or lessons can
be used individually to teach specific concepts about how humans relate to the
planet. Most are interdisciplinary between the Humanities and sciences. Includes
activities that can be photocopied and a useful chart with a quick overview
of activities Grades 6-8.
Wiese, Jim. Magic
Science: 50 Jaw-dropping, Mind-boggling, Head-scratching Activities for Kids.
New York: Wiley, 1998. Public Juv Q182.3 .W54 1998 Quick, easy to perform activities
and experiments will seem like magic to those who don’t understand the chemistry
behind them. Useful for teacher demonstrations or for easy to do science at
home, this book explains a wide variety of physics and chemistry concepts. Grades
4-12.
Burns, Marilyn. Math
for Smarty Pants. Boston: Little, Brown, 1982. Pub Juv QA40.5 .B88
1982. One book in a series designed by artists and educators and aimed at those
who hate math. Emphasis is away from arithmetic and uizzes on concepts. Black
and white cartoons illustrate all projects and experiments. The book is divided
into sections on Arithmetic, Shapes, Math Games for Two, Logic, Statistics,
Tricks, Big Numbers. Appropriate for 5th to 8th grade,
though certain lessons could be tailored for younger or older audiences.
Burns, Marilyn;
illustrated by Martha Hairston. The
Brown Paper School Presents: The I Hate Mathematics! Book. Boston,
MA: Little, Brown, 1975. Public Juv QA40.5 .B87 1975. One book in a series
designed by artists and educators and aimed at those who hate math. Emphasis
is away from arithmetic and quizzes on concepts. Black and white cartoons illustrate
all projects and experiments. Best for self guided inquiry and enrichment rather
than a lesson plan. Appropriate for 5th to 8th grade,
though certain lessons could be tailored for younger or older audiences.
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.
Chapman, Steven.
How Many? How Much?: A Funny Numbers Book. Chicago, IL:
Follett, 1972. Public Juv QA141.3 .C48 1972. Using a brightly illustrated,
joke like format and only word based, logic problems, this book will be useful
to entice reluctant math learners to work out arithmetic and also for young
avid mathematicians. Answers are given immediately following the question. Grades
2-8 (depending on math ability.)
Cushman, Jean. Do
You Wanna Bet?: Your Chance to Find Out About Probability. New York:
Clarion Books, 1991. Public Juv QA273.16 .C87 1991 Two boys guide students
on a journey to start predicting the world around them using the basic theories
of probability. Language is simple and the book is easy to read; it would be
useful as a textbook or as a resource for teachers to gain ideas from. Students
especially interested in math concepts could read it independently. Grades 4-7.
Riedel, Manfred
G. Winning With Numbers. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:Prentice-Hall,
1978. Public Juv HA29.R56 1978. This text book is meant to introduce students
to the world of statistics by using word problems and practical examples. Illustrated
with black and white cartoons and easy to read, the book could be used as the
basis for a supplementary unit in a math class. Grades 6-8.
Wyler, Rose and
Mary Elthing. Math
Fun with Money Puzzlers. New York, NY: J. Messner, 1992. Public Juv
QA445.5 .W95 1992. Beginning with pennies and progressing to complicated dollars
and cents money making scheme, this book encourages students to explore simple
arithmetic in a word-based, conceptual manner. Includes some social history
and chemistry. Grades 4-8.
Wyler, Rose and
Mary Elthing. Math
Fun With Tricky Lines and Shapes. New York, NY: J. Messner, 1992.
Public Juv QA141 .W95 1992. Readers will be learning geometry as they puzzle
through word problems, play games and take drawing challenges. Particularly
useful for a numbers averse student. Grades 4-9.
Wyler, Rose and
Mary Elting. Math
Fun with a Pocket Calculator. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Julian Messner,
1992. Public Juv QA95 .W948 1992. Using a magazine type format and many black
and white cartoons, this book encourages students to have fun with the calculator.
Using various simple math problems, seemingly magic numbers appear on screen
which students are asked to explain. Good as a supplementary math text. Grades
4-10.
Wyler, Rose and
Mary Elting. Math
Fun: Test Your Luck. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: J. Messner, 1992. Public
Juv QA273.16 .W95 1992. Using a format reminiscent of a magazine, black and
white cartoons and varied fonts, this supplementary math book explores probability.
All problems are more like games and experiments than math problems. They are
word based and give succinct answers immediately following the question asked.
Grades 4-9.