Synergy: Dinosaurs

DINOSAURS are reptiles that lived primarily during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Over 1,000 species of these enormous creatures have been identified. Dinosaur fossils have been found around the globe.

Read the recently published nonfiction reference atlases, then learn more at the website:

DINOSAUR ATLAS: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME TO THE PREHISTORIC WORLD written by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Maggie Li uses simple color illustrations and engaging short text blocks to explore dozens of well-known and lesser known dinosaurs. The atlas begins with background information and concludes with what happened after dinosaurs reigned. Excellent for reading or browsing. 

ARC courtesy of Quarto Publishing Group. 

DINOSAUR ATLAS from National Geographic Kids takes young paleontologists on an adventure through time to explore the Mesozoic world of dinosaurs. Large text, a variety of illustrations, and open-space on each page will attract rather than overwhelm young readers. After an introduction, the readers explore three time periods and dozens of spotlight locations around the globe. The atlas concludes with what happened after extinction, a dictionary, glossary and additional information. Of particular note is the newly interpreted dinosaur information and stunning, full-color illustrations including artwork, photographs, and maps. 

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

DINOSAURS from the American Museum of Natural History web page features articles, exhibits, collections, and educational materials related to dinosaurs. Of particular interest is the PaleontOlogy section designed for children.

To visit AMNH, go to https://www.amnh.org/dinosaurs.

Synergy: The Cenozoic Era

The Cenozoic Era is the most recent age beginning about 65.5 million year ago. Known as the Age of Mammals, this era reflects the emergence of small then large mammals after the extinction of the dinosaurs. The period is divided into the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary.

Read the recently published graphic science book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

MAMMAL TAKEOVER! by Abby Howard is the third book in the EARTH BEFORE US graphic science series. Readers are emerged in a journey through the Cenozoic era. Told through colorful comic panels, science teacher Miss Lernin and her student Ronnie explore wooly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and even early humans.

CENOZOIC ERA from MooMooMath and Science is a short video explaining where the Cenozoic era fits in the overall geologic time scale.

In FROM THE FALL OF DINOS TO THE RISE OF HUMANS from PBS Eons is a 13 minute video featuring Hank Green exploring the Cenozoic Era. The journey features the appearance of the mammals and birds we know today.

FROM THE FALL OF DINOS TO THE RISE OF HUMANS
https://youtu.be/yR8cR75iKGU

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams.

Synergy: Paleontology

Paleontology is the study of ancient life including dinosaurs and prehistoric plants and animals. Scientists use fossil evidence to learn about how these organisms have evolved over time.

1000 FACTS ABOUT DINOSAURS, FOSSILS and PREHISTORIC LIFE by Patricia Daniels is filled with fascinating information for budding paleontologists. Each two-page spread focuses on a specific theme and provides facts, photographs or illustrations to bring the information to life for young readers.

The American Museum of Natural History Paleontology for Kids website contains games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos for youth interested in science and specifically paleontology.

American Museum of Natural History Paleontology for Kids
https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/paleontology

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Website Review: Ology

The OLOGY website has been providing engaging science activities for youth for over 15 years.

Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the web-based learning environment explores fourteen different topics including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, brain, climate change, earth, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, paleontology, physics, water, and zoology.

Users can complete dozens of activities including games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos. By registering at the website, students can collect Ology cards hidden throughout the project.

The Ology for Educators section provides free, research based curriculum materials connected with Earth, life, and physical science content for K-12 students.

Librarians will find this amazing website to be an excellent opportunity to immerse youth in science. Use the website in a learning center focusing on one of the ology topics. Include books and materials in the station to support the hands-on activities. Change topics every couple weeks for a year-long science experience in your library.

To visit the website, go to http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology.