Search results matching tags 'science' and 'habitats'

Off to the Zoo

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 03:32:00 GMT

To kick off a unit on Living Things my class went to the zoo.

What a fun day!

Here's a simple zoo song to review many animals we saw today

Fictional Bears vs. Real Bears

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 23:34:00 GMT

One of the strong impulses of the Common Core Standards is the use of non-fiction reading. When I work with the fairy tales like the Three Bears - I think it is a wonderful opportunity to compare real bears vs. the three bears. We research bears by reading non-fiction books from the school library. This integrates science into the curriculum in such a powerful way.

We make two habitats: Real bears and The Three Bear's home out of paper bags

These sweet paper bag houses are from www.charlottesfancy.com.

Each child will make a Three Bear's house. To make the paper bag houses:

Fill the lunch bags with newspaper.
Fold down the top.
Pick a scrapbook or construction paper for roof.
Fold over top and staple.
Cut out windows, doors and other details from various papers.
Use markers and crayons to add features.

How to make paper bag bear habitats:

Method One: Teacher Prepared
Method Two: Child made

We discuss the life cycle of the brown bear and important facts. Again, to translate what we discuss and create - I provide a graph to document the children's understandings of fictional and real bears:

Click on graph to download both papers.

Another way of looking at the differences between real and fictional bears is with a sentence graph:

Click to download graph.

I like to put this on the smart board and fill it out with the class. I use these graphs all year long. ( I eventually have the children writing sentences from them in the second semester. ) I read each sentence out loud after we are done filling it out. ""Bears can hunt. Bears can climb." etc.

Here is an example of one filled out:

I will fill the same graph out with the three bears to compare the differences.

Here is another little poster I made to help discuss the differences between real bears and their lives and the Three Bears fairy tale.

3-D Paper Habitats 101 - Part 1

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 21:35:00 GMT

There are three basic 3-dimensional techniques to have in your teaching toolbox. These three habitat basics can be used to have children demonstrate their understandings of current science studies or character settings. Over the next week, I am going to share how to make these habitats. On Friday I will cover how they can fulfill Common Core Standards. Stay tuned for a rocking week!

Today I am going to show you how to make a basic paper bag tree.

Begin with an open bag. I glue it down on a paper plate for kindergarten. Older grades will not need this support.

Have the children cut half way down the bag to make the branches. Tell the children to use their pinkies to measure how far apart to make the cuts.

Next, twist the bottom of the bag to form the trunk.

Twist each branch. Older children can stop just before the end and cut the end into two more branches.

Twist those two ends on each branch.

Older grades, twist the bottom corners for roots.

Glue to paper plate or other surface to begin creating habitat.

Go ahead and grab a brown bag and try to make one! If you have any questions - let me know because you will not want to miss tomorrow when I will show you how to make the four seasons with these trees!

Tuesday I will show you how to make animal habitats in these trees.

Oh, how the possibilities are endless!!!!!

Picture Book (Science): Pandas' Earthquake Escape (Phyllis J. Perry)

Anonymous — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:58:00 GMT

In honor of Endangered Species Day, I am highlighting Pandas' Earthquake Escape. This book is compliments of Sylvan Dell Publishing. They have numerous wonderful books on animals, many of which are endangered. Continue reading to find out how you can win a copy of this remarkable book.

Summary of Pandas' Earthquake Escape (by Phyllis J. Perry):

On May 12, 2008, a 7.9 earthquake rocked northern China. Following this natural disaster, a giant panda escaped from the safe reserve he lived on. Author Phyllis Perry uses that incident as inspiration for this fictional story about a mother panda (Liling) and her cub (Tengfei). The two giant pandas are sleeping in a tree when it begins to shake violently, causing Tengfei to fall out of it. Her frightened mother quickly checks on her. Finding she is well, the two-some begin running. They come to the wall that keeps them safely in the reserve. In the chaos and panic, they continue to run with Liling leading the way. When Tengfei gets separated from his mother, he begins to cry out. Fortunately, they are reunited. Deeper and deeper they flee into the forest where they eventually find a cave to take cover in. The two pandas huddle close until they feel safe enough to leave to forage for food and water. The workers from the reserve eventually find them and return them safely to their home.

Evaluation:

Pandas' EarthquakeEscape depicts how wild life is impacted by natural disasters. Even in the midst of the confusion, though, the mother is quick to protect her young. Animals have amazing survival instincts and resilient spirits. This book reminds us how the panda’s habitat and food supply are endangered. As a result, there are reserves (like the one shown in this book) that help protect them, so they may continue to thrive and multiply. The story, though fictional, is believable and appealing. Artist Susan Detwiller has created striking illustrations with texture and depth. The pandas’ features and emotions are captured brilliantly. Their habitat is vivid and realistic. I recommend this book for ages 4 and up.

Sylvan Dell is an educational partner with parents and teachers. They provide books on science and math concepts to accompany and promote learning at home and in school. In addition, there are always valuable resources on the book pages, including a free teaching resource guide with lots of extension activities.

To win a copy of Pandas' Earthquake Escape, comment on this post. Winner will be chosen on May 25, 2012.

This post is linked up with Read Aloud Thursday at Hope is the Word.

Picture Book (Science): Hornets, Incredible Insect Architects (Markle)

Anonymous — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:26:00 GMT

Two weeks ago, I highlighted Sandra Markle’s captivating book Luna Moths: Masters of Change. Hornets: Incredible Insect Architectsis another book in her amazing 8-part Insect World series.

Summary:

Before delving into the specifics on hornets, the book begins with a concise overview of what makes insects unique from other living things. Next, the difference between hornets and wasps is explained, making it clear that even though these terms are often used interchangeably, they are two very different species. Interestingly, there is only one type of hornet in America. Originating in Europe, they were first found in New York in 1840. They have since spread out through much of the country.

The parts of the body—inside and out—are covered extensively with diagrams and text boxes identifying each part and explaining its use. Then, the life cycle is described as it moves from egg, to larva, to pupa, and, eventually, to adult. One particularly interesting fact is that the larva “clamour” for food—often in unison! The focal point is the building and tending of the nest. The queen chooses the building site and starts the design. The most amazing part is how she combines wood fibers with her saliva and juices to make paper! In addition, she forms each small cell into a perfect hexagon, making it ready for a single egg. Hornets prey on honeybees for food. They bite off the head and abdomen to eat the protein-filled thorax. Further information is laid out about the functions and continued building within the nest, ending with the winter coming. The queen dutifully sets everything up for a next crop of queens for the following spring season. The book concludes with information about other insect architects, glossary of key scientific terms, book and website resources, and hornet activities.

Evaluation:
This series goes beyond most juvenile science books, but the information is not so dense that is becomes cumbersome. Markle's writing style is highly engaging. I found myself learning a lot and not wanting to put the book down! Stunning photographs accompany each section of information to provide an up-close look at the lives of these remarkable insects. I will continue to seek out additional books in the series as well as Markles other books. I recommend Hornets: Incredible Insect Architects for ages 7 and up. Independent reading level is about third-grade.

Picture Books (Science): Underground Animal Life

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:51:00 GMT

in progress....come back shortly :)

Picture Book (Science): Animalogy, Animal Analogies (by Marianne Berkes)

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:52:00 GMT

Animalogy is not your traditional book about animals. Instead, author Marianne Berkes compares and contrasts various creatures from insects to mammals using analogies. Behaviors, sounds, body parts, and classifications are just some of the comparisons made between creatures that on the surface appear to have no connection. Here is a sample:

Robin is to wing, as goldfish is to fin.

Beaver is to build, as spider is to spin.

Youngsters have the opportunity to discover the connections within the analogies and to practice creating their own using similar patterns. In addition, each pair (as exemplified above) of analogies ends in rhyme. Children can identify the rhyming words and brainstorm other related ones.

CathyMorrison, illustrator, depicts her subjects in minute detail—whether it is the fins on a goldfish or the hairs on a spider’s legs. Every living thing is beautifully portrayed in its natural habitat. Readers catch a glimpse of the African savannah, rocky mountain terrain, dense forests, and much more! Each page and comparison is a starting point for lively discussion and interaction between adult readers and child listeners.

I recommend Animalogy for ages 4-9. It is a excellent resource for teachers and parents. For additional resources to extend student learning, visit the Sylvan Dell website for a FREE full-color 48-page color teaching guide full of exciting and educational ideas.

NonFiction Monday: Built for Cold, Arctic Animals

Anonymous — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:54:00 GMT

Built for Cold: Arctic Animals is another amazing series by one of my favorite non-fiction publishers: Bearport. There are six books:

· Arctic Wolf: The High Arctic

· Caribou: And Reindeer Too

· Polar Bear: Shrinking Ice

· Sled Dog: Powerful Miracle

· Walrus: Tusk Tusk

· Wolverine: Super Strong

While reading about both exotic and familiar animals, student will also learn about the frigid Arctic temperatures and habitat. The sizeable, lively photographs are appealing while the text is highly appealing. The authors balance personal stories and experiences with general interesting facts. The independent reading level is third grade, but children of all ages will enjoy these remarkable book. I read two books in the series:

Sled Dogs: Powerful Miracles (by Stephen Person)

I was already familiar with sled dogs, but I learned so much more in this selection! By beginning with a person vignette about a sledding dog who went blind, I was immediately engrossed. Then, there is a shift to the history and physical attributes of these amazing creatures. The final sections are on contemporary racing preparations and experiences with several specific heroic and remarkable stories (miracles) sprinkled in.

Wolverine: Super Strong (by Joyce Markovics)

I learned a lot about the mysterious and fascinating wolverine. Since they are solitary animals, they are rarely spotted in remote frozen places they roam non-stop. These scavengers serve a vital role in the frozen tundra. There are some wonderful sections on their habitat, relatives, physical characteristics, communication, mating & young, and finally, their future.

Each book is finished off with some fast fact on the highlighted animal. More Arctic Animals are briefly highlighted to foster and expand interest in a variety of creatures. Finally, a glossary, bibliography, and reading suggestions round the books out. Visit the Bearport Publishing site by clicking on any of the title links. They each give a sneak peek into the books to further illuminate their excellent photographs, engaging text, and impeccable layout. This series is an excellent accompaniment to a unit or study of animals, geography, or the Arctic.

Celebrate Non-Fiction Monday by checking out other great selections at Apples with Many Seeds.

Online Field Journal Habitat Dioramas! #elemchat #spedchat All...

Anonymous — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:26:30 GMT

Online Field Journal Habitat Dioramas!

#elemchat #spedchat

All you need is the shoebox, their printables, your imagination and maybe a few little extras to create 3 terrific habitat dioramas.

Also check out their great collection of printable Field Journals for Kids and Compare where kids learn how t compare and describe what they observe.

Great site from American Natural History Museum.

I also love their Oology site. It is simply fantastic. You can read more about it here

Picture Books (Science) Bees

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:31:00 GMT

Writing Non-Fiction for Children is hosting Non-Fiction Monday this week. Click HERE to check out the other great posts. If you would like to win a new stunning non-fiction book for your personal library, check out the Sylvan Dell 2011 Spring New Release Giveaway.

Bees are fascinating creatures. It amazes me how they work together in their flourishing colony in perfect harmony—each bee with its own role, from caregiver to honey hunter. When I study a topic like bees, it affirms for me the existence of an intelligent and imaginative creator. It makes me more in awe of Him.

In school, science felt boring and seemed abstract. Picture books, though, foster an interest and provide concrete models foundational for later scientific study. Even if you have “older” children, check out some picture books to go along with a school or home study. You might just find a new level of enthusiasm!

The Honey Bee’s Hive: A Thriving City (ages 8 and up) by Joyce Markovics

I have enjoyed several books in the Spectacular Animal Towns series by Bearport publishing. Like the others, The Honey Bee’s Hive reveals the mysteries of the bees with amazing, vibrant photographs and captivating text. The essential role of the honey bee is set up with an anecdote and pictures of bees being brought in to pollinate almond trees in California to help ensure an abundant crop. Moving into the general information, readers learn about their habitat, home, and communication as well as the process of changing nectar into honey. One of the most intriguing sections is the life cycle of these insects. Photographs of the bees from egg to developing pupae accompany the well-written text. Rounding out the book, a brief look into the dangers that threaten bees. The Honey Bee’s Hive: A Thriving City is my top pick for resources on the topic.

Watch It Grow: Bee (ages 5 and up) Barrie Watts

With eye-catching original photographs and straightforward text, Watch It Grow Bee focuses primarily on the life-cycle of the insect. Readers watch as the bees grow from egg to adult. Several key areas of the adult bee’s life are shown, such as looking for food, pollinating flowers, storing the food, and sustaining the colony. The large font and straightforward text is perfect for early readers who are becoming comfortable reading multiple sentences on a page.

World of Insects: Honey Bees (ages 3-7) by Colleen Sexton

World of Insects: Honey Bees offers a basic look at the insect. The first section focuses on the parts of the bee while the second illustrates bees collecting nectar and pollinating flowers. The process of changing nectar to honey is mentioned but not described in detail. Each page has a large, dazzling photograph to accompany 1-2 sentences of text. This Blast Off! Reader can be used as an introduction for preschoolers and/or an early reader for older children.

Honorable Mention

Bees and Their Hives (ages 3-7) by Linda Tagliaferro

Each two-page spread has 1-2 simple sentences and one large photograph. A snapshot glimpse into building a hive and the workings of it is depicted. Like World of Insects: Honey Bees, Bees and Their Hives can be used as an introduction for preschoolers or as an early reader.