More Nature in Your Backyard: Simple Activities for Children

Provides instructions for simple science experiments and nature activities to be performed in the backyard

Grade 2-5?Twenty activities about observing insects and spiders, birds, snow, soil, plants, and fungi are presented in an open, attractive format. Each one includes a list of supplies, clear directions, an explanation of what should happen, and a discussion of the reasons why. Pen-and-ink illustrations are enhanced with bright watercolor washes. Projects such as starting a bug collection, preserving a spider web, watching the life cycle of mealworms, collecting pollen, and observing snowflakes can be done independently by elementary school children. Preschool and primary teachers will also find these activities easily adaptable for classroom presentations.?Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 2^-4. Budding naturalists and scientists looking for simple science experiments and nature activities for backyard fun will find this selection, written by Lang with the staff of Cayuga Nature Center, an interesting idea source. Like Nature in Your Backyard (1995), this relies on easily gathered materials and minimal planning to encourage children to sharpen their observation and reasoning skills. Methods for observing and collecting insects, spiders, birds, plants, leaves, seeds, and spores are concisely explained, with an emphasis on respect for nature. Questions will aid readers in honing their skills, and a discussion of what happens and why will help them confirm their hypotheses. Easy-to-do activities will delight not only youngsters but also parents and teachers. Suggested readings are included. Mary Romano Marks