Eco-Fun: Great Projects, Experiments, and Games for a Greener Earth (David Suzuki Institute) - Softcover

Suzuki, David T.; Vanderlinden, Kathy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550548239 ISBN 13: 9781550548235

Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre, 2001

Synopsis

The earth they walk on, the air they breathe, the water they drink, the sun that gives them energy--not to mention animals and their very own selves: everything about our world excites children. And, with these 50 fun-filled, science-based environmental experiments, kids will discover more about how our planet works and how to make it better. Divided into five themes (earth, air, energy, water, and biodiversity), these activities show how each element operates alone and in connection with the others--and what effect it has on us and the environment. Here are real-life ecology projects to do at school or at home, and for the community. Helped by an abundance of lively illustrations, youngsters will become "supermarket sleuths," finding out where food comes from. They can build a solar panel, make recycled paper, construct a worm composter, and create a forest ecosystem in a jar. And when they're done with each section, they'll take an entertaining quiz or complete a puzzle. There's no better way to develop a child's intimate connection with nature.

About this title

About the Author

Suzuki: Vancouver,BC Vanderlinden: Toronto, ON

Reviews

Gr 4-6-These 48 activities are designed to stimulate understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of our ecosystem. They are organized into five chapters: "A Breath of Fresh Air," "Waterworks," "Earthborn," "All Fired Up," and "Our Fine Feathered (and Leafy) Friends." A two-page explanatory overview precedes each section. Activities include making a solar water heater, paper, a composter can, and natural cleansers. Each project has a list of supplies needed, step-by-step instructions, an explanation of what's going on, and "More ideas-" that offers additional things to do. Safety tips are included and the more dangerous procedures recommend adult assistance. Illustrations enhance the lively text, which can be used in the classroom or at home.

Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-8. In this volume, geneticist Suzuki and writer Vanderlinden combine a wide-ranging selection of eco-related activities with a holistic view. In engaging language that makes the sophisticated easily understood, Suzuki's projects explain basic scientific concepts (evaporation, transpiration, erosion) and examine pollutants. The book also includes eco-friendly activities, such as building a worm bin and creating green cleaners, which offer kids age-appropriate ideas about how to make a difference. A few entries seem a little out of context--for example, a page of animal-inspired yoga postures--and the layout is cramped and slightly lackluster despite the appealing black-and-white drawings that appear on nearly every page. But this is packed with excellent ideas for both kids and educators, who will be inspired by Suzuki's direct, passionate introduction with its charge that "the best way to learn about the world around us is to experience it." Safety tips and a glossary are included. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1550548239
• ISBN 13: 9781550548235
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128