Monday, February 25, 2019

Nonfiction Monday

Lakes and Ponds!With 25 Science Projects for Kids by Johannah Haney with illustrations by Tom Casteel invites readers from 7-10 to discover the fascinating plants animals that are dependent on lakes and ponds for survival.


The introduction explains, in reader-friendly language, how the many types of lakes such as crater lakes, tectonic lakes, and extraterrestrial lakes are formed and provides examples of each. In addition, it details how good science practices will facilitate completing the ongoing science projects that appear throughout the book at the conclusion of each chapter.
The well-organized and engaging chapters that follow encourage youthful scientists to explore multiple topics:
Why Lakes And Ponds Are Important discusses the water cycle and the value of water for drinking, food, and as an energy source.
Humans, Lakes, and Ponds identifies how transportation, exploration, and industry such as aquaculture are water-dependent.
Animals in Lakes and Ponds explores a variety of creatures from the brine shrimp of the Great Salt Lake of Utah to the amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds that call aquatic habitats home.
Plants in Lakes and Ponds looks at the vast number of species that exist in salt water or fresh water.
Changing Lakes and Ponds offers readers a chance to see the many ways that seasonal changes alter aquatic environments in the short term and also looks at the broader influence of climate change.
Practicing Conservation pulls details from the previous chapters together to explain how to preserve and protect these valuable resources.
Cartoon-style illustrations are augmented here and there with photographs to create visual interest. Text boxes set out challenges labeled INVESTIGATE or CONSIDER AND DISCUSS. WORDS TO KNOW defines important vocabulary. DID YOU KNOW? highlights special facts. Each chapter concludes with a series of hands-on STEM projects to enable students to reinforce learning, enhance understanding, and develop critical thinking skills.
Recommended as useful STEM resource for home, school, and library collections.


Monday, February 11, 2019

Nonfiction Monday


Marshes and Swamps! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, by J.K. O’Sullivan with illustrations by Tom Casteel introduces readers from 7-10 to these unique wetland habitats.


The introductory chapter, What Are Marshes and Swamps? provides a thoughtful discussion of these two environments by comparing and contrasting elements such as location, plant life, and the animals that inhabit each. The following chapters delve more deeply into those topics along with examining the importance of these ecosystems in animal migration, the nutrient cycle for organisms, filtering water, and their influence on climate change. An easily understood discussion of the threats now facing these important natural systems is paired with strategies that individuals and communities can utilize to protect these valuable habitats.
Readers are encouraged to think like scientists as they observe the results of classroom experiments, make notes, analyze results, and draw conclusions. Experiments provide opportunities to explore important concepts such as the essential ways in which marshes and swamps protect against erosion and filter pollutants to protect access to clean water.
Cartoon-style illustrations are augmented here and there with photographs to create visual interest. Text boxes set out challenges labeled INVESTIGATE or CONSIDER AND DISCUSS. WORDS TO KNOW defines important vocabulary. DID YOU KNOW? highlights special facts. Each chapter concludes with a series of hands-on STEM projects to enable students to reinforce learning, enhance understanding, and develop critical thinking skills.
Recommended as a valuable STEM resource for home, school, and library collections.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Nonfiction Monday


Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids by Anita Yasuda with illustrations by Tom Casteel invites readers from 7-10 to explore the amazing world beneath the sea.

Six well-organized chapters introduce young oceanographers to the basic concepts of oceans and seas from ancient mythologies to the modern challenges of conservation in an aquatic frontier that is still largely unexplored. Multiple topics are examined: Extraordinary Exploration - Creatures of the Deep - Ocean Plants – and Oceans, Wind, and Climate to encourage students to think like scientists. Investigate hydrothermal vents 8,000 feet below the surface and the remarkable creatures that live in the shadow of undersea volcanoes. Discover the special adaptations of hatchet fish and vampire squids. Delve into the unique properties of kelp that makes that plant an important ocean resource.
Cartoon-style illustrations, augmented here and there with photographs, create visual interest. Text boxes set out challenges labeled INVESTIGATE or CONSIDER AND DISCUSS. WORDS TO KNOW defines important vocabulary. DID YOU KNOW? highlights special facts. Each chapter concludes with a series of hands-on STEM projects to enable students to reinforce learning, enhance understanding, and develop critical thinking skills.
Recommended as a useful STEM resource for home, school, and library collections.

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