Category Archives: environment

Resources of Virginia

Resources of Virginia This blog contains information about useful books, online activities, and relevant materials for teaching about Virginia’s natural resources.  Although Virginia Science SOL 4.8 explicitly references this content, the material overlaps with many elementary grades and SOLS.  The … Continue reading

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Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in the Classroom

The following resources are appropriate to begin teaching first graders to become conscientious environmental advocates (Virginia Science SOL 1.8).  These resources, including pertinent literature and websites for both students and educators, help highlight the potential consequences of poor environmental stewardship … Continue reading

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Teaching Earth Science with Children’s Literature: Earthquakes

“The earth beneath our feet usually feels solid and firm. Yet a million times each year-an average of once every thirty seconds-somewhere around the world the ground shakes and sways. We call this an earthquake.” Earthquakes written by Seymour Simon is … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Animals in the Wild

  Animals in the Wild written by Joanne Ryder and illustrated by Lisa Bonforte is a story about the animals living in the wild, and how they survive the four seasons. The story starts by explaining where all the animals are … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: S is for Save the Planet

S is for Save the Planet, written by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss, is a How-to-be Green Alphabet that sparks students’ enthusiasm for saving our environment. Published in 2009, S is for Save the Planet includes up-to-date information on the … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Who Lives in An Alligator Hole?

"What do you know about alligators?"  After reading the nonfiction picture book, Who Lives in an Alligator Hole? written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, readers will have learned facts about alligators, their history, wetland habitat, and their … Continue reading

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: A River Ran Wild

  Introduction and Summary A River Ran Wild, written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry, tells the story of the Nashua river in New England.  Children opening the book will see a map of New England in the 1500’s on one … Continue reading

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Teaching Process Skills with Children’s Literature: Saguaro Moon

        “Planet Scouts is a club for kids who like to study nature. We always keep a nature journal. I started this new journal to record all the desert life I discover. I bring it with me whenever I go … Continue reading

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Teaching Process Skills with Children’s Literature: The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds

The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen tells the story of Ms. Frizzle’s class planting their own garden. All the students are working together to make their garden as beautiful as they can, … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree, written by Shel Silverstein, is about a little boy who would visit the same apple tree every day. On his visits he would play games, eat the apples and swing from the tree. As the boy grew … Continue reading

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