Website Review: Deforestation in the Amazon

DEFORESTATION IN THE AMAZON is an interactive project exploring the history and current status of the world’s largest rainforest.

Developed by the nonpartisan organization Council on Foreign Relations, this engaging experience takes users through seven topics including an introduction, climate, people, biodiversity, history, deforestation, and reversal. The interactive resource including text, photographs, audio, video, maps, and more. In some sections, users can click for more in-depth information. Teacher resources include discussion questions, learning exercises, and links to additional materials.

Librarians will find this website provides an outstanding introduction to the key issues associated with deforestation and recovery. Feature the website along with books on related environmental issues.

To visit the website, go to https://www.cfr.org/interactives/amazon-deforestation/#/en.

Tech Review: Reef Defender

REEF DEFENDER is an app from the Department of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii.

Before jumping into the game, app users are encouraged to explore the Hawaii Sharks website to learn more about sharks, Hawaiian mythology, shark safety, and shark incidents. An shark quiz is also available. Students will also enjoy following sharks with the Tiger Shark tracker.

After learning about the importance of the reefs to sharks, app players use their pet shark to boot bad items that can harm the reef out of the ocean. Bad items include bottles, cans, cigarettes, invasive species, motor oil, herbicides, and fertilizer.

Librarians will find this game to be a nice way to motivate youth to explore the informational website about sharks. Add this app to a learning center that includes books about reefs and reef creatures.

The app is available for both Apple and Android.

To download the Apple app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reef-defender/id657761952….

To explore the website, go to http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/.

Book Review: Aviary Wonders Inc.

AVIARY WONDERS INC.: SPRING CATALOG AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL by Kate Samworth is a cleverly conceived and beautifully illustrated picture book you may have missed when it came out earlier in the year. 

Set in a future where living birds no longer exist, readers of this fictional catalog can order parts and assemble their own birds. All of the birds in the book are actual species and many are identified as endangered or extinct.

It’s dark, but humorous approach isn’t intended for young children. Instead, it’s designed for sophisticated readers who appreciate the quirky premise and call for a different future.

Although readers will have fun thinking about how they might mix and match parts to build the perfect mechanical bird, it’s hoped that they’ll also reflect on the serious issue of bird and habitat conservation.

This 2014 Kirkus Prize winning picture book provides endless opportunities for library and classroom activities focusing on environmental conservation. It’s one of those rare picture books that people of all ages will enjoy. Use it to kickstart a middle grades environmental discussion or a high school biology project.

Work with the art teacher on a project that involves using the book to create mix and match birds. Display the result in the library!

To learn more about the author, go to http://katesamworth.com/.

Website Review: Whale Wars

WHALE WARS: BLOOD AND WATER is an award-winning interactive experience from Animal Planet that is sure to jumpstart a discussion about environmental issues, conservation, and the role of activism.

The website is divided into five video chapters. Each section provides concise text along with stunning illustrations and engaging video clips. The visuals include current and historical photographs, maps, infographics, diagrams, and timelines. Many of the images contain interactive elements for further exploration.

Involve students in examining the real-world organizations involved in this program. Ask them to explore the different perspectives and concerns of environmental groups, countries, and corporations.

To explore this resource, go to http://blood-and-water.animalplanet.com/.
Follow the TV show at https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWars.