Synergy: Estivation

Estivation is the prolonged dormancy of an animal during a hot or dry period. Breathing rate, heart rate, and metabolic rate are slowed to conserve energy. Examples include the North American desert tortoise and the California tiger salamander. These animals seek out a cool, shaded places to wait out the heat. Some animals even burrow in mud or seal themselves in a shell with mucus.

Read the informational picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS by Melissa Stewart is a picture book examining animals that estivate. While children are likely familiar with hibernation, they may not know about estivation. This beautifully illustrated informational book explores a wide range of creatures from around the world who estivate to avoid hot, dry weather. The author uses a short, main line of text along with blocks of detail about each creature’s approach to estivation. Each two-page layout includes a watercolor along with a sketch of the creature. The book concludes with additional information about animals that estivate.

ASK THE NATURALIST from the Discovery Place compares hibernation, brumation, and estivation. To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3sWQEr5.

ESTIVATION: HOW MUCUS SAVED MY LIFE from YouTube’s SciShow describes how animals survive in the hottest and driest environments. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/39KgZ3X.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: National Ocean Month

National Ocean Month is celebrated throughout the month of June. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shares information on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They encourage the use of the hashtag #30DaysofOcean.

Read the informational book for youth, then learn more at the website:

BENEATH THE WAVES by Stephanie Warren Drimmer celebrates the ocean through pictures, poems, and stories. The book is divided into eleven themes such as reef life, ocean forests, and life on the icy edge. Readers explore these themes through short narratives, poems, fact boxes, and stunning photography. Select passages from the book as part of your National Ocean Month celebration.

The NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE website provides a curated list of ocean topics including information about the annual National Ocean Month activities.
To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/39PuT4X

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration commemorating the histories and cultures of Native American peoples. In the United States, it is celebrated the second Monday in October.

Read the informational picture book for children, then learn more at the website:

WE ARE STILL HERE! NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTHS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac uses the context of classroom presentations for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to share key concepts related to the history of indigenous people in the United States. Topics such as assimilation, allotment, termination, activism, self-determination, and sovereign resurgence are shared in easy-to-understand text and colorful illustrations. The book concludes with additional information, a timeline, glossary, sources, and an author’s note.

The Smithsonian’s NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN website provides access to online resources and the Native Knowledge 360° project. To explore the resources, go to https://americanindian.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Spiders

Spiders are six-legged, air-breathing arthropods. The largest order of arachnids, most have fangs that inject venom and spinnerets that spin silk. Other than Antarctica, spiders are found throughout the world.

Read the science poetry book for children, then learn more at the websites:

SPI-KU: A CLUTTER OF SHORT VERSE ON EIGHT LEGS written by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Robert Meganck combines poetry and science for an engaging exploration of spiders. This richly illustrated work contained over a dozen, two-page explorations of these fascinating arthropods. Each spread focuses on a different topic and includes poem(s) along with useful information and realistic illustrations. Haiku, tanka, doditsu, and cinquain are just a few of the poetic forms used in the text. The book concludes with a glossary, notes about poetic form, activities, and additional information.

Use the following websites to jumpstart spider poetry writing ideas.

SPIDERS from Cornell University provide learning resources about spider biology. To learn more, go to https://blogs.cornell.edu/spiders/.

SPIDERS: SILK AND FANGS from San Diego Zoo Kids is an attractive infographic introducing students to spiders. To view the infographic, go to https://bit.ly/3cPuuBx. To read a more in-depth page, go to https://bit.ly/2OsqSMu.

ARC courtesy of Peachtree.

Synergy: Veterinarian

A veterinarian is a professional who treats the diseases, injuries, and disorders of non-human animals. Many veterinary physicians work with a specific group of animals such as livestock, pets, zoo animals, or wild animals. There are many specializations within veterinary medicine such as animal welfare, surgery, and dentistry.

Read the nonfiction book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

WILD VET ADVENTURES: SAVING ANIMALS AROUND THE WORLD with Dr. Gabby Wild follows a wildlife veterinarian as she cares for animals around the world. As readers explore each continent, they learn about the wildlife and the people who co-exist in each ecosystem. In each section, readers learn about veterinary patients including animal anatomy, habitats, and the dangers they face from predators and people. The book concludes with information about conservation and a glossary. The use of icons, fact boxes, bright colors, and photographs are likely to engage even the most reluctant reader.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION from the Wildlife Medical Clinic at the University of Illinois teaches teens about veterinary care, education, and conservation. To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/31LHnGx.

Author DR. GABBY WILD has a website and YouTube Channel. The web-based resources share her role as both a veterinarian and eco-fashionista. To learn more, go to https://gabbywild.org/. Visit her YouTube Channel at https://bit.ly/3a2lFmf.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.