Synergy: California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush (1848-1855) began when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill. The news of gold brought more than 300,000 people seeking their fortune. While some “forty-niners” found gold, others were more successful in selling supplies and goods to miners.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more at the website:

GOLD RUSH GIRL by Avi tells the story of a young girl’s adventures on the high seas and the gold fields of 1848 California. Set during the Gold Rush, this middle grade novel successfully weaves in elements of historical events in San Francisco during this period.

THE GOLD RUSH ERA, 1848-1865 from Calisphere: University of California contains six digital exhibitions related to the time period. Topics include murder and mayhem, disasters, everyday life and people, environmental impact, the growth of cities, and diversity in the changing state.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/2R0UeiF.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Biomimicry

Biomimicry applies models from nature to human problems in areas such as energy, agriculture, architecture, medicine, transportation and more.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more at the website:

BEASTLY BIONICS by Jennifer Swanson explores how nature inspires a wide range of inventions and technologies. From the night vision of cats and shape of a bird's beak to the skin of frogs, this fascinating work of nonfiction explores dozens of examples in the areas of solutions, helpers, energy, and healers. It concludes with a glossary and resources.

The BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE develops tools that apply nature-inspired strategies to design and innovation. Examples of biomimicry in a variety of fields are highlighted. The website also includes information about over 1800 applications of biomimicry and provides lessons and challenges for youth.

To learn more, go to https://biomimicry.org/

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: Trapezoid

A trapezoid is a shape with two parallel sides. The parallel sides are called bases, while the other two sides are the legs. The term trapezoidal is used when describing the shape of some creatures.

Read the recently published children's picture book, then learn more at the website:

A TRAPEZOID IS NOT A DINOSAUR written and illustrated by Suzanne Morris teaches children about shapes within the context of a play audition. The trapezoid must convince the other shapes that it deserves a place in the Shapes in Space show. This adorable story is a fun and effective way to kick off a lesson about trapezoids.

MONSTER MANSION SHAPE MATCH from ABCya is an educational game that provides practice in identifying 2D and 3D shapes including the triangle, sphere, trapezoid, cube, hexagon, crescent, cylinder, cone, heart, rhombus, half circle, circle, oval, octagon, star, pyramid, rectangle, parallelogram, square, and quarter circle.

To play the game, go to https://www.abcya.com/games/shape_match

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Animal Communication

Animal communication is the transformation of information from one animal to another. This connection between sender and receiver can be intentional or a natural reaction.

Read the recently published adult work of nonfiction with young adult cross-over interest. Then, learn more at the website.

OUR WILD CALLING: HOW CONNECTING WITH ANIMALS CAN TRANSFORM OUR LIVES - AND SAVE THEIRS by Richard Louv immerses readers in a text that connects humans with the natural world. Louv is effective in helping readers rethink their connection with animals and the natural world. Told through interviews providing a wide range of perspectives, Louv demonstrates the need for compassionate conservation practices that consider the needs of both humans and animals.

THE ANIMAL COMMUNICATION PROJECT is an online version of an interactive text. The project focuses on the science of animal communication and is divided into sections on cephalopods, insects and spiders, fish and frogs, and birds and mammals. Some sections incorporate visuals, audio and video elements.

To explore the website, go to https://acp.eugraph.com/.

ARC courtesy of Algonquin Books.