Science Curriculum & Activity Guides by Subject -- Twelfth Grade

SCIENCE CURRICULUM & ACTIVITY GUIDES
Twelfth Grade Subject Guide

California Academy of Sciences Library

Subjects
Curriculum Design & Resource Lists
| Physics | Chemistry | Biology & Life Sciences
Earth Sciences
| Literature & Fun Experiments with Science & Math

Return to the Twelfth Grade page

Return to the main Curriculum page


Teachers looking for materials not found on this list are encouraged to search by subject in other grade levels and adapt those materials to their needs.

 

CURRICULUM DESIGN, BIBLIOGRAPHIES & RESOURCE LISTS

Alternative Paradigms in Environmental Education Research. Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) 1993. Biodiv GE70.A58 1993. A series of journal articles prepared for a conference aimed at revising dominant thought trends in the field of environmental education. Appropriate for self-edification, environmental education policy decisions and curriculum design but not for everyday lesson plans. Grades 11-12.

 

Are We Building Environmental Literacy: A Report by the Independent Commission on Environmental Education.  Washington, D.C.: ICEE, April 1997.  Biodiv. GE80 .152 1997. A report put out by a commission on Environmental Education of the George C. Marshall Institute on the basics of environmental education: a general description, current status of the field, the goals of the commission, and the materials reviewed. The report also covers the various subsets of environmental education including acid rain, biodiversity, economics, energy and natural resources, forestry, global warming, population, risk analysis and waste management. This report is appropriate to form policy or design a curriculum for any age group but not for designing daily lesson plans.

 

California State Board of Education. Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. Sacramento: California Board of Education, 1990. Biodiv Ref. LB1585.3 .C34 1990. This guide is designed by the California government to guide curriculum designers and educators at all levels of education in producing a science curriculum for students of school age. Complex and dense, this work is aimed towards active learning. Different sections discuss what science is, it’s major themes, it’s content (life, earth, physical science). The final two chapters provide implementation guidelines and instructional materials criteria. Chapters are at times broken out by grade levels. K-12, curriculum design.

 

Computer Aided Environmental Education. Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) 1990. Biodiv GE70.C65 1990. This curriculum uses and electronically based curriculum as a cost effective and time saving replacement for actual contact with the natural world. Useful for curriculum designers looking to add another dimension to their existing curriculum. Appropriate for teachers of all ages.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Guide to Graduate Environmental Programs. The Student Conservation Association. Washington, DC: Island Press, 1997. Biodiv. Ref. GE 80 .G85 1997. The Student Conservation Association has compiled a list of all the graduate environmental science programs in the country and published it in this resource. Though more recent information is probably available on the Internet, the preface contains some relevant tips on and divisions of the field for students unfamiliar with it. Indexed by region and by area of study. Post-graduate.

 

A Guide to Planning and Conducting Environmental Issues Forums and Study Circles.  Washington, DC: North American Assn. For Environmental Education, Environmental Issues Forum.  1993.  Biodiv GE170 .G85 1993. This short pamphlet produced by the NAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education) will help teachers plan a forum on an environmental issue. It focuses on the logistics and step by step planning that go into organizing a group to convene on a large, formal scale. Appropriate for environmental clubs at the high school and university level and high school teachers interested in setting up a forum or discussion group. 9-12+.

 

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+.

 

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.

 

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 Strengthening EE in Your State and Community. [Stevens Point, WI?]: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Foundation Press, 1994.  Biodiv Ref  GE70 .R87 1994. This guide is meant to be a comprehensive resource for environmental educators and environmental education (EE) advocates. It contains an introduction to the ideal and existing environmental education in the US at the K-12 level and goes on to give ideas on how to achieve environmental education initiatives. In the following section, the components of a state wide environmental education program are explored and following that, components of a local environmental education program. This resource also contains case histories of exemplary EE programs, additional resources, and a selection of legislation, bylaws and budgets that an EE advocate might find useful. Curriculum designers K-12.

 

Science for Children: Resources for Teachers. Washington, DC: National Sciences Resource Center, Smithsonian Institution, 1988. Biodiv Ref. LB1585 .S34 1988. This children’s science resource guide is divided into three sections: curriculum materials, supplementary resources and sources of information/assistance. Resources are indexed by keyword and also by grade level. K-12.

 

Sharing Resources 1996: Southwest Marine Educator’s Association Regional Conference. Berkeley: Southwest Marine Educator’s Association, 1996. Biodiv GC31.35 .S5 1996. The Southwest Marine Educators Association has compiled many handouts, lesson plans and activities and bound them together in this black and white illustrated guide about marine ecology. Activities appropriate only for certain age levels are designated but the resource has material that can be used with all students, K-12. 

 

Sinclair, Patty K. E for Environment. An Annotated Bibliography of Children’s Books with Environmental Themes. New Providence, NJ: R. R. Bowker, 1992. Biodiv Ref. GE35 .S56 1992. This bibliography has 300 word annotations of various children’s books which teach about the environment. Complete citations and age appropriate designations. Indexed by author, subject and title and chapters are arranged by broad topics. Grades K-12.

 

Slagle, Kay. Food for Thought: Agricultural Resource Directory for Teachers. Novato, CA: University of California Cooperative Extension, 1992. Biodiv. Ref. S530.52 .D6 S58 1992. This directory 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.

 

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.  

 

Teacher’s Guide to World Resources 1994: Comprehensive Coursework On the Global Environment.  Washington, DC: World Resources Institute, 1994.  Biodiv Ref HC59 .W683 1992. This report on the state of world resources can be a sourcebook for learning about sustainable development, air and water pollution, biodiversity and citizen action. Interdisciplinary lesson plans are detailed and skills learned are clearly stated. Grades 9-12.

 

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.

 

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+.

[back to the top]

 

PHYSICS

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.

 

Fleisher, Paul. Secrets of the Universe: Discovering the Universal Laws of Science.  New York: Atheneum, 1987. Public QC25  .F572 1987. Building on the classical notion of scientist as philosopher, Fleisher applies scientific laws to everyday life in this clearly written, black and white illustrated book for secondary inquiry. Useful as an enrichment text in a physics course. Index and glossary included. Grades 9-12.

[back to the top]

 

CHEMISTRY

Tchudi, Stephen N. Soda Poppery: The History of Soft Drinks in America: With Recipes for Making & Using Soft Drink Plus Easy Science Experiments.  New York: Scribner, 1986.Public TP630  .T25  1986. This book explores both the urban legends and science behind the American soft drink. Using language that is easy to understand and images of advertising and the many forms and containers of soda pop, this book would be ideal for a book report or as a reference for a unit on chemistry. Includes scientific experiments including brewing your own soda and recipes using soft drinks. Grades 8-12.

[back to the top]

 

BIOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES

The Biodiversity Debate: Exploring the Issue.  Troy, OH: National Assn. For Environmental Educational Environmental Issues Forum, 1997.  Biodiv. QH541.15. B56 B582 1997. This easy to read book reinforces the theory that biodiversity is all around us, not just in exotic places. Includes ideas for lessons and an action and policy chart. Ideal for inspiring discussion in upper level courses or for curriculum designers. Grades 9-12+.

 

Blair, Robert B. and Heidi L. Ballard. Conservation Biology: A Curriculum for High School Students.  Stanford, CA: Stanford University; Center for Conservation Biology, 1993.  Biodiv & Biodiv Ref. QH75 .B6 1993. This high school biology resource is actually a textbook which could be useful for teachers looking for worksheet ideas for their students. Focusing on preservation and biodiversity, this workbook is divided into sections on biodiversity, island biogeography, and conservation. Field work is involved and formats for data taking are given. Grades 10-12.

 

Calabi, Prassede. Ecology, A Systems Approach, Module One: Evolution. A Natural Experiment – The Galapagos Finches.  Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1998.  Biodiv QH375 .C34 1998. Using a humorous approach to snag a difficult audience, this textbook focuses on developing observation skills and working in groups. The activities are designed to explain the underlying concepts of evolution. Grades: 9-12 and curriculum design.

 

California Dept. of Education. California Endangered Species Resource Guide.  Sacramento, CA: California Dept. of Education, 1993.  Biodiv QH76.5.C2 C344 1993.  Easy to read guide for curriculum development with an endangered species focus. Classrooms will identify an endangered animal, find out more about it, and develop a plan to protect. Curricula are divided into different grade focuses: K-3, 4-6, 6-9, 10-12.

 

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.

 

The Endangered Species Act: The Case of the Yellow-Backed Rat Skunk. San Francisco: Environmental Education Associates, 1994. Biodiv QL83.15.E52 1994. This manual for incorporating issues of conservation and environmental justice into the high school classroom uses a mock trial to educate students on the Endangered Species Act. Included readings can be photocopied to make a textbook. Grades 9-12.

 

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.

 

Headstrom, Richard. Adventures With a Microscope.  New York: Dover Publications, 1977.  Public Juv  QH278 .H4 1977. An amateur scientist or microscope enthusiast will find this book interesting and useful, as it provides an introduction on what to look at under microscopes and what to expect when you do. It is a bit dated, however, and is less accessible to today’s young reader since illustrations are overcome by text which is actually quite easy to read. Good for a precocious student of science or ideas for grades 8-12+.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Janice VanCleave’s A+ Projects In Biology: Winning Experiments for Science Fairs and Extra Credit.  New York: Wiley, 1993.  Public Juv QH316.5  .V35 1993. The experiments and projects in this resource are divided into Botany, Zoology and the Human Body. Students are encouraged to use the scientific method, follow a recipe and use the glossary to define terms as they explore asexual reproduction, ecosystems, respiration and other related topics. Grades 9-12.

 

Williams, Robert, et al. Rivers: Curriculum Guide.  White Plains, NY: Dale Seymour Publications, 1998.  Biodiv GB1202 .W54 1998. This curriculum guide can be used to enhance an existing biology program and make it more hands-on for students who will be collecting river samples and understanding how the biology of a river effects the riverine habitat. Includes extensive teacher background and additional resources as well as lesson planning tips and assessment guidelines. Many field trips included, as well as pages that can be photocopied. Grades 9-12.

[back to the top]

 

EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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.

 

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 ResourceStudent Education Program.  Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1997.  Biodiv. QH541.5. G37 K52 1997. A binder which describes the step by step process of how to create a school garden including securing funding, choosing a spot, garden activities and environmental lessons. Handouts, articles, how-to’s, activities, projects, additional teacher resources and bibliography provided in easy to photocopy form. K-12.

 

Aquatic Outreach Institute. Kids in Marshes: An Interdisciplinary Wetlands Education and Exploration Program.  Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1997.  Biodiv.  QH541.5. M3 K52 1997. This binder is meant to guide teachers through teaching a unit on marshes or wetlands. Beginning with background information and progressing through to marsh action projects, the plan is interdisciplinary and comprehensive. Many pages can be photocopied to produce handouts to compliment the suggested hands on fieldwork. Additional resources include a bibliography, field trip ideas, doing the unit with computers, possible funding sources, and sources for ordering books and materials. Curriculum can be modified to suit students Grades K-12.

 

Aquatic Outreach Institute.  Watching Our Watersheds: Reducing Pollution in the Sausal Creek Watershed.  Richmond, CA: Aquatic Outreach Institute, 1998.  Biodiv. TD 225. S25 W37 1998. A binder for teachers on how to educate students on the reduction of hazardous waste in waterways, specifically in the San Francisco Bay Area. Material and information are appropriate for K-12 but handouts, project ideas, etc would need to be tailored for grade levels higher than fifth. Covers reducing waste at home and school, nature observation, recipes for natural pest control, field trip ideas, history of watershed pollution and more. Handouts, projects, teacher resources, bibliography and funding sources provided. K-12.

 

Bain, Mark B. and Nathalie J. Stevenson, eds. Aquatic Habitat Assessment: Common Methods. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, c1999. Biodiv QH541.5.F7 A66 1999. This advanced resource on gauging water quality and ecosystem health would be useful for upper division high school and undergraduate study of the environment. Beginning with an introduction to habitat analysis and covering drainage, ways to work with different bodies of water, riparian vegetation and more. The resource is well indexed and has a glossary. Grades 10-12+.

 

Bardwell, Lisa V., et al., eds. Environmental Problem Solving: Theory, Practice, and Possibilities in Environmental Education.  Troy, OH: North American Association for Environmental Education, 1994.  Biodiv QH541.2 .E58 1994. This fairly brief, soft-back reference book is useful for educators who are both designing an environmental curriculum and those who are writing lesson plans. Focus is on identification of problems and methods to rectify them. Lesson plans are designed for junior high age but can be tailored for other age groups.

 

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.

 

Berkmüller, Klaus. Environmental Education About the Rain Forest. Rev. ed. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN—The World Conservation Union, 1992.  Biodiv Ref QH541.5.R27 B47 1992. This dense handbook is designed to stimulate conversation in biodiversity forums and study groups. It focuses on rain forest ecology. It could be useful for educators designing an environmental curriculum for high school students or for stimulating the conversation of advanced high school students around the issue of international rain forest conservation. Grades 11-12+.

 

Braus, Judy A. and David Wood. Environmental Education in the Schools: Creating a Program that Works!  Peace Corps, Information Collection and Exchange.  Published by North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), 1993.  Biodiv. GE77. B72 1994. This manual was a Peace Corps project and is a resource intended for teachers developing or improving an existing environmental education program. Though this resource is easy to read and navigate, it is quite long. Filled with hypothetical examples, background information, handouts that can be photocopied, and many games, stories, and field trip ideas, this resource serves teachers of and curriculum developers for grades K-12.

 

Charles, Cheryl. Aquatic Project Wild. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish & Game, 1987. Biodiv Ref. QH90.55 .A68 1987 This black and white illustrated text invites teachers and educators to explore waterways of all kinds and the habitats that they support. Activity ideas are meant to be supplemental to existing curriculum and encourage an appreciation of the human place in nature and the environment. Interdisciplinary. Appendices include resources for further study and materials. Each chapter indicates an age appropriate range K-12.

 

Chase, Jayni. Blueprint for a Green School. NY: Scholastic Leadership Policy Research, 1995. Biodiv Ref. GE70 .C48 1995. Developed by a pioneering environmental educator, this enormous, hardbound 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.

 

Clover, Darlene E. The Nature of Transformation: Environmental Adult and Popular Education. Toronto, Ont.: Transformation Learning Center, 1998.  Biodiv GE70 .C56 1998. This text is appropriate for adult learners in a non-classroom setting. It frames the biodiversity question with historical and theoretical approaches from all over the world, as well as hands-on, reflective activities. Additional resources (organizational and literary) are provided. 12+

 

Coastal Awareness: A Resource Guide for Teachers in Senior High School. US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1978. Biodiv. QH 541.5 .C65 R37 1978. Students will learn about the importance of understanding and preserving the coastline by using the background information and activities detailed in this book. Basics of oceanography are outlined including tides, plate tectonics, the web of coastal life, etc. Additional resources listed at the end of the chapter detailing additional films, games and books that might be of use. Grades 9-12.

 

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.

 

Creating Community Curriculum for the Future: Students, Stewardship, and Sustainability. The Golden Gate National Park Association, 1995. Biodiv & Biodiv Ref. QH76.5.C2 C73 1995. This activity based curriculum for high schoolers was developed specifically for San Francisco’s Presidio. Focussed on developing a feeling of stewardship for ones local surrounding, this resource has a variety of site based activities, as well as pre-visit and post-visit activities. Students will study the ecology of the area for an entire season. Grades 9-12.

 

Curriculum Earth: An Awareness to Action Program for K-12.  Philadelphia, PA: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 1997.  Biodiv QH546 .C87 1997. A comprehensive environmental curriculum with units that build upon one another as a student grows older. Good for a school looking to implement a continuous curriculum for the entire school. Stresses environmental awareness, knowledge, values and action. Divided into grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

 

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.

 

Education for the Earth: A Guide to Top Environmental Studies Programs. Published in cooperation with the Alliance for Environmental Education. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s Guides, 1993. Biodiv Ref. GE 80 .E33 1993. This book could be useful to a student (or to those who are encouraging students) who is interested in a career or continuing education in the arena of environmental science. Though information is probably more current on the Internet, this book contains interesting articles on the possibility and future of careers in environmental science. College bound students grades 10-12. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The Mediterranean Action Plan: Saving Our Common Heritage.  New York: United Nations.  Biodiv GC 1351.M43 1992. This simple reference book outlines what has been done that makes the Mediterranean such a fragile ecosystem and what is being done to address the environmental degradation there. Grades 9-12.

 

Metzger, Mary and Cinthya P. Whittaker. This Planet is Mine: Teaching Environmental Awareness and Appreciation to Children.  New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.  Biodiv TD171.7 .M48 1991. This collection of projects and background information on challenges facing the environment is meant for high school environmental study. Each section is devoted to a different aspect of the natural world: air, water, food, etc. and is prefaced by some basic scientific information about it and then details the concerns with it such as pollution, depletion, and drought. Gives many proactive solutions and projects to be done at home or in the classrooms. Tips given for altering explanations for different age groups. Useful as a supplementary text in an existing science curriculum. Grades 9-12.

 

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.

 

Potter, Jean. Science in Seconds at the Beach: With Activities for Ponds, Lakes, and Rivers.  New York: Wiley, 1998. Public Juv Q164.P76 1998 These experiments you can do next to a body of water take place in less than ten seconds. Useful for units on marine science. Manual is black and white illustrated, easy to read and uses only household ingredients. Independent reading: grades 2-6, content appropriate for demonstrations K-12.

 

Project WILD: 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 environmental issues, this resource can be tailored toward local issues or can have a global focus. Grades 7-12.

 

Rabbior, Gary. Environomics: Exploring the Links Between the Economy and the Environment: A Teaching Kit. Toronto: Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, 1996. Biodiv HD75.6 .R32 1996. This teaching kit provides much of what teachers will need to do a unit on sustainable development and the link between the environment and economics. All articles, games, worksheets, and background readings from this binder are meant to be photocopied. Clear objectives and skills outlined at the beginning of every chapter. Group work emphasized. Grades 9-12.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

A Thousand Friends of Frogs: Center for Global Environmental Education Educator Activity Guide: Student Activities for K-12 Classrooms.  2nd ed.  Saint Paul, MN: Hamline University, Graduate School of Education, 1998. Biodiv QL669.8 .T46 1998. Though these activities are based on the frog life in Minnesota, they can also be tailored to suit any environment. It teaches students how to understand organisms, their environments, populations, ecosystems and animal behavior. Activities are aimed toward different grade levels, K-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.

 

Young Action for the Future.  United Nations Environment Programme.  Biodiv GF77 .Y68 1988. This collection of articles was compiled by the United Nations in honor of the 1985 celebration of World Environment Day. Each two page long article describes environmentally based projects that were carried out by young people around the world. Ethnobotany, environmental action, and sociology covered, among other topics. Some information might be outdated but many articles are useful interdisciplinary for high school aged social studies and science classes. Grades 9-12.

[back to the top]

 

LITERATURE & FUN EXPERIMENTS WITH SCIENCE & MATH

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.

 

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 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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.  

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

[back to the top]