Synergy: Exploring Life Science

LIFE SCIENCE studies living organisms and processes. It includes the areas of biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry and related areas.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

VERSATILE VERTEBRATES by Tom Velcovsky and Marie Kotasova and illustrated by Babora Idesova is an informational picture book examining nature’s largest animal groups. From amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds, readers learn about the characteristics of the vertebrate family. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

THEY ARE HERE! HOW INVASIVE SPECIES ARE SPOILING OUR ECOSYSTEM by Roland Smith is an informational book examining the negative impact of invasive species. From rats and birds to snakes and insects, each chapter explores a different type of invasive. Humorous anecdotes, scientific information, and useful tips contribute to the appeal of this fascinating middle grade book. ARC courtesy of Godwin Book, an imprint of Macmillan.

DISCOVERING LIFE’S STORY: BIOLOGY’S BEGINNINGS by Joy Hakim is the first book in a four-part series exploring the history of life science. Designed for young adults, this engaging work of nonfiction examines key people, places, and scientific discoveries from around the globe. Primary source materials and other visual elements contribute to the appeal. Back matter extends the experience. ARC courtesy of MITeen Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

NOT A MONSTER by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and illustrated by Laura Gonzalez is a nonfiction picture book exploring the life cycle of the axolotl. Of particular note is the book’s use of Spanish vocabulary woven throughout the narrative. This fascinating amphibian is well-known to children because of its appearance in Aztec mythology and Minecraft. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Invasive Species

INVASIVE SPECIES are living things that are not native to a particular location. They often thrive in their introduced area pushing out other flora and fauna. These out-of-place plants and animals cause harm to the environment and economy causing a wide range of problems.

Ask students to learn about an invasive species and debate possible solutions to the problem.

Read the recently published graphic nonfiction for youth, then learn more at the websites:

BEWARE THE BURMESE PYTHONS written by Etta Kaner with illustrations by Phil Nicholls uses a comic format to share information about invasive animal species. This attractive work of graphic nonfiction successfully introduces youth to the destruction of invasive animal species and the question of how to address the problem. Each two-page, newspaper-type spread introduces a different animal and its impact. The book concludes with a glossary, sources, and additional information. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? from the National Part Service provides a short video and information about native species, non-native species, and invasive species.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/what-are-invasive-species.htm.

The NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION CENTER at the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides information about invasive species and the US government response to these plants, animals, and other living organisms.

To visit the website, go to https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species.

INVASIVE SPECIES from National Geographic provides an introduction and examples of invasive species and their impact.

To read the article, go to https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/invasive-species.

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/.

Technology Review: Plum Landing

The PLUM LANDING website and apps are a companion to the popular PBS Kids program focusing on environmental science.

Designed for ages six through nine, the website contains a wide range of motivating science activities.

The Games section includes over a dozen games that encourage children to play, explore, create, and share what they learn about our amazing planet. Children learn concepts related to soil, seeds, invasive species, ecosystems, and other fascinating topics.

The Videos section plays short, animated videos focusing on ecosystems such as the desert, jungle, and mountain regions.

The Ship section highlights the television program’s featured characters.

The Pictures section features images submitted by users of the Nature Sketchpad website and Plum’s Photo Hunt app.

The Parents section contains fun family adventure ideas and tips for getting families outdoors.

The Educators area provides curriculum resources including activities and media resources organized thematically and aligned to science standards.

Two apps allow children to extend the experience. The Plum’s Creaturizer app provides tools to build crazy creatures and Plum’s Photo Hunt encourages children to photograph wonders in their own backyard.

Build the Plum character into a primary grades library center focusing on environment science topics. Incorporate a tablet or laptop along with science books and objects related to nature themes.

To visit the website, go to http://pbskids.org/plumlanding/.