Resources for Earth Day: What Kids Can Do
-- School Library Journal, 4/7/2009
 |
 |
 |
Contents
The Environment in Print: Selected SLJ Reviews
The Environment Archive: Green Articles from SLJ
The Environment on the Web
Earth Day 2009 will be observed on April 22 and all around the globe people are planning events to celebrate our planet’s natural resources and heighten awareness about the threats facing the environment. While it’s clear that governments worldwide must make a commitment to protecting the environment, individuals, too, must participate if we are going to effect significant change.
The books and articles below will help you address these important issues in your K-12 classroom. Lessons and suggestions on conservation and reducing waste range from the simple—turning lights off and recycling—to the more labor intensive—composting and conducting a school energy audit. Start a green library in your classroom and get your students thinking about ways they can make an impact every day.
The Environment in Print: Selected SLJ Reviews
Books
ALTER, Anna. What Can You Do with an Old Red Shoe? illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Apr. 2009. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-8290-6. LC 2008018341.
K-Gr 4–Alter suggests 12 projects that clearly show how items can be reused. For example, a single flip-flop can be turned into an art stamp. Each spread is devoted to an activity and begins with a poem that describes the demise of the item being recycled–“The waves came in creeping,/stealing, and sweeping–/they snatched Sarah’s flip-flop,/and took it away!” The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, and the author does an excellent job of writing at the level of the intended audience. The instructions recommend adult help for cutting and sewing. The illustrations are of animals carrying out the instructions (raccoon, bunny, cat, etc.) and they are attractive and appealing. While some of the projects aren’t particularly original, such as turning a well-worn T-shirt into a pillow, children might not have seen them before, and they might even be motivated to create their own projects. Tips for recycling and reuse are included. This is a great choice for environmental units and a valuable resource for parents interested in teaching their children about reuse at home.–Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL
BARRACLOUGH, Sue. Recycling Materials. ISBN 978-1-59771-108-1. LC 2006053197.
––––. Reducing Garbage. ISBN 978-1-59771-110-4. LC 2006060721.
––––. Respecting Our World. ISBN 978-1-59771-111-1. LC 2006053176.
––––. Reusing Things. ISBN 978-1-59771-109-8. LC 2006051277.
ea vol: 32p. (Making a Difference Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Sea-to-Sea. 2008. PLB $27.10.
Gr 1-3–Looking to educate young readers about the plight of our environment, Barraclough focuses respectively on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials instead of throwing them away. She also takes a look at teaching children to respect the world that they live in by offering them simple and useful tips that they can incorporate into their daily lives. For example, children are encouraged to “leave only footprints” when visiting a park or having a picnic and to take their garbage with them. Other topics include saving energy, water, and the benefits of using natural materials whenever possible. While there is some slight overlap among the books, it isn’t enough to warrant choosing one over another. All four feature clear, concise information that is simple to read and understand, alternating between giving simple facts and dispersing helpful hints and suggestions. The full-color photographs are crisp and attractive. Varying sized texts, symbols, and use of color guide readers through the texts. They will be useful not only for entry-level school reports, but also for those readers interested in saving the planet.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
BOWDEN, Rob. Food and Farming. ISBN 0-7377-1899-4. LC number unavailable.
––––. Waste. ISBN 0-7377-1902-8. LC 2003052951.
ea vol: 48p. (Sustainable World Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Gale/KidHaven. 2004. PLB $18.96.
Gr 5-9–These titles clearly and objectively depict the environmental disasters that lie ahead if dramatic steps are not taken to ensure a sound future. Although the books are British based, they are international in scope and use both information and illustrations from around the world. In a few instances, the terminology is strictly British, but mostly can be understood in context. Although both titles present frightening scenarios and statistics, solutions are also offered. In Food, methods of organic farming and ways in which to reduce food miles (the long-distance transportation of foods from production site to consumer) are well presented. Waste discusses innovations in reuse and recycling, ingenious ways to use what would be discarded, and changes in taxation policy. The many full-color photographs are informative and helpful in understanding both texts. These titles will be highly useful for both reports and in classroom discussions on environmental policy and responsibility.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
CHERRY, Lynne & Gary Braasch. How We Know What We Know about Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming. 66p. charts. photos. index. Web sites. CIP. Dawn. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-103-7. LC 2007037255.
Gr 4-8–Cherry and Braasch introduce readers to scientists around the world whose research contributes to an understanding of the causes and consequences of global warming. They also describe the work of citizen scientists, including children, whose observations contribute to knowledge about important changes that are occurring. Studies range from documenting bloom dates of trees and flowers to extracting mud cores from the ocean floor. Small color photographs show the fieldwork and experiments of scientists and students. Even though many findings indicate a grim outlook for plant and animal life, including humans, if the current trends continue, the authors consistently note ways in which students can have a positive impact by making personal choices and influencing public policy. A concluding spread identifies the more than 40 scientists mentioned in the text. The book’s wide-ranging exploration of scientific studies and the encouragement to people of every age to become citizen scientists and active participants for change make this a valuable purchase.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
DAVID, Sarah B. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Home chart. diag. illus. ISBN 978-1-4042-1772-0. LC 2008002118.
FURGANG, Kathy & Adam Furgang. On the Move: Green Transportation ISBN 978-1-4042-1773-7. LC 2008000677.
HALL, Linley Erin. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen ISBN 978-1-4042-1776-8. LC 2008005614.
NAGLE, Jeanne. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at School map. ISBN 978-1-4042-1774-4. LC 2008000678.
NAGLE, Jeanne. Smart Shopping: Shopping Green ISBN 978-1-4042-1775-1. LC 2008010297.
ROZA, Greg. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint on Vacation ISBN 978-1-4042-1777-5. LC 2008003479.
ea vol: 48p. (Your Carbon Footprint Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central 2008. PLB $26.50.
Gr 4-8–After explaining the impact of carbon dioxide on global warming, each book presents ways readers can reduce their carbon footprint in various aspects of their lives. Suggestions range from simple steps such as using cloth bags at stores to complex projects such as conducting a school energy audit. From cooking tips to directions for setting up a school recycling program, the volumes offer practical guidance while acknowledging the complexity of some issues, such as the debate over purchasing local versus other organic food. The attractive layout uses photos, text boxes, and white space effectively. The books’ conversational style will encourage readers to get involved by following suggestions about contacting people in government, industry, and environmental organizations working to solve the problem of global warming. The authors not only suggest books and Web sites, but also thoroughly document their own sources.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
DRISCOLL, Michael & Dennis Driscoll. A Child's Introduction to the Environment: The Air, Earth, and Sea Around Us–Plus Experiments, Projects, and Activities You Can Do to Help Our Planet! illus. by Meredith Hamilton. 96p. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Black Dog & Leventhal. 2008. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-57912-429-8. LC 2007043422.
Gr 3-6–This wide-ranging book stresses the interconnections of all living things and the impact of humans on the environment. Suggestions for simple experiments to “discover for yourself” accompany discussions of topics such as the water cycle, urban ecology, and wind energy. The authors also provide ideas for ways that readers can take steps to conserve energy and reduce waste. The conversational writing style, plentiful watercolor illustrations, and varied page layouts add reader appeal. No single subject receives in-depth treatment, but the Driscolls touch briefly on weather, biomes, global warming, food chains, landfills, and desertification. The book has an extensive glossary and a list of related books and Web sites, but no index. A reusable lunch sack, stickers, and a poster with suggested conservation activities in English and Spanish come with the book. More useful for browsers than report writers, this eclectic volume offers a starting point for those wanting to tie environmental awareness to concrete action.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
FARQUHAR, Jackie, ed. Try This at Home: Planet-Friendly Projects for Kids. 96p. illus. photos. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Owl Kids. 2009. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-2-89579-192-8. LC C2007-907460-X.
Gr 5-8–Many of these projects are unique or innovative, featuring ideas like growing your own pizza ingredients and making a foosball game out of recycled corks, clothespins, and plastic fruit baskets. One of the best projects provides tips on making sure a bike is road ready, offering advice on checking the cables, gears, and oiling the chain. The book also includes sections designed to increase environmental awareness, including information on carbon footprint and “eco all-stars.” Interactive elements, like a game board, should appeal to children. Illustrations are hip collages of full-color photographs and cartoons.–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY
GUTMAN, Dan, ed. Recycle This Book: 100 Top Children's Book Authors Tell You How to Go Green. 267p. Web sites. CIP. Random/Yearling. 2009. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73721-0. LC 2008010800.
Gr 5-9–This lively collection of brief essays (and a poem) by 100 outstanding children’s and young adult authors teaches through example. Each selection highlights a small step (or steps) taken by the writer toward a greener Earth. From the very serious “When the Rain Refuses to Fall” by Mem Fox to Robert Lypsyte’s silly “Captain Mean-Green’s Ten Rules to Save the Planet,” readers are encouraged to reduce their consumption (and waste) of energy and goods. The essays are grouped by location: “Your Home,” “Your School.” “Your Community,” etc., and most end with a practical, doable suggestion, from the humble–use a clothesline–to the more complex–set up a worm compost. The essays also provide insight into the lives and thoughts of many familiar and beloved authors such as Laurie Halse Anderson, Ralph Fletcher, Gary Schmidt, Lois Lowry, Susan Patron, and Rick Riordan. Several pages of Web sites offer a starting point for action and information. Highly useful for classroom and family discussions and science-project ideas.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
HEWITT, Sally. Reduce and Reuse ISBN 978-0-7787-4095-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-4102-2. LC 208023287.
Using Energy ISBN 978-0-7787-4096-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-4103-9. LC 2008023288.
Using Water ISBN 978-0-7787-4097-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-4107-7. LC 2008023289.
Waste and Recycling ISBN 978-0-7787-4098-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4105-3. LC 2008023290.
Your Food maps. ISBN 978-0-7787-4099-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4106-0. LC 2008023291.
Your Local Environment ISBN 978-0-7787-4100-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4107-7. LC 208023292.
ea vol: 32p. (Green Team Series). diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2008. PLB $19.95; pap. $8.95.
Gr 3-6–Hewitt introduces readers to ways they can improve the environment individually and collectively. Besides standard suggestions for conserving energy, recycling, and reducing waste, the author notes how local actions such as buying fair-trade products can have a global impact. Although some vocabulary and photos reveal the books’ UK origins, case studies and photos highlight environmental projects around the world, including the work of international organizations such as Water Aid and UNICEF. Small photos and headings over brief paragraphs lend a busy quality to spreads that consider multiple aspects of a topic. Action suggestions appear throughout each volume along with a larger project, such as setting up a family recycling program, outlined in a couple of pages at the end. Some overlap exists between Reduce and Waste as well as between Environment and Energy, Waste, Reduce, and Water.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
KNIGHT, M. J. Why Should I Care About Nature? diag. map. ISBN 978-1-59920-266-2. LC 2008011372.
Why Should I Recycle Garbage? ISBN 978-1-59920-267-9. LC 2008011374.
Why Should I Switch Off the Light? diags. ISBN 978-1-59920-263-1. LC 2008011375.
Why Should I Turn Off the Tap? ISBN 978-1-59920-264-8. LC 2008011377.
Why Should I Walk More Often? chart. diag. ISBN 978-1-59920-268-6. LC 2008011378.
Why Shouldn’t I Drop Litter? chart. ISBN 978-1-59920-265-5. LC2008011379.
ea vol: 32p. (One Small Step Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Smart Apple Media 2008. PLB $27.10.
Gr 2-5–Knight tackles a wide range of issues, combining treatments of topics such as food webs (Nature) and the water cycle (Tap) with actions readers can take to make positive changes. Illustrations and diagrams share the pages with numerous photos from around the world. Almost every spread includes a text box with suggestions for ways “I Can Make a Difference.” Good use of white space reduces visual distraction. Nature and Light cover broad subject areas and thus provide cursory overviews of many potential energy sources from geothermal to nuclear to biomass. Walk and Litter have more focus, but the best of this bunch are Tap and Recycle, which offer simple and clear explanations and practical suggestions to implement at home and at school.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
LORBIECKI, Marybeth. Planet Patrol: A Kids' Action Guide to Earth Care. illus. by Nancy Meyers. 48p. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Two-Can. Dec. 2005. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-58728-514-2; pap. $8.95. ISBN 1-58728-518-5. LC 2005012476.
Gr 4-7–Giving kids the idea that they have power to effect change is the basic premise of this work. Many of the Earth’s environmental problems–climate change; deforestation; shrinking habitat; species extinction; water, air, noise, and light pollution–as well as global conflict and overpopulation are addressed. For each challenge, a success story is shared and an action tip is put forth to help readers do their small share to address the problem. Positive and upbeat with bright photos and illustrations and a direct tone, the message delivered is that if properly informed and motivated, individuals can help the challenges, however monumental, to be met. Many pertinent and informative Web sites are listed, and, while the book states that “Libraries carry books and movies on all the great topics in this book,” no titles for further reading are offered.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
LOVE, Ann & Jane Drake. Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage. illus. by Mark Thurman. 76p. photos. glossary. CIP. Tundra. 2006. pap. $14.95. ISBN 0-88776-721-4. LC C2005-902893-9.
Gr 3-6–The authors encourage youngsters to take action to reduce their “ecological footprint.” Short chapters on topics such as the amount of waste generated in a typical North American household or types of plastic that can be recycled are interspersed with folktales, historical vignettes, and contemporary examples of community and individual actions that impact the environment (e.g., Toronto’s composting initiative). The broad coverage ranges from litter left on Mount Everest to waste incinerators to the orbiting junkyard people have created in space. The conversational writing style is reinforced by cartoon illustrations that feature three characters–made from pre-used materials–who offer running commentary on the various subjects. The book ends with a questionnaire that readers can use to determine how their various purchases will affect the environment. The breezy style will attract browsers and may encourage them to try some of the trash-reduction strategies suggested. Titles such as Rob Bowden’s Waste (Gale, 2004) or Anita Ganeri’s Something Old, Something New (Heinemann Library, 2005) offer more straightforward and focused accounts of different aspects of reducing waste. Trash Action will complement, but not replace, other nonfiction choices.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
MAGNER, Tim. An Environmental Guide from A to Z. illus. by Aubri Vincent-Barwood. unpaged. CIP. Green Sugar. 2009. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-9820417-6-5. LC 2008908378.
Gr 3-6–This eco-alphabet covers a wide variety of topics related to natural history and conservation. Each entry ranges from two to five paragraphs and includes a question related to the topic to encourage critical thinking or further discussion and a “Did You Know?” feature that spotlights interesting facts. The topics covered are quite diverse, ranging from entries about the Amazon rainforest, Jacques Cousteau, and Paolo Lugari to greenhouse gases, plankton, and earthworms. The content doesn’t require a lot of background knowledge, and the language is appropriate for elementary audiences. The simple watercolor illustrations are bright and colorful, filling each page. This book could be used to introduce a unit on ecology or the environment. For example, to celebrate Earth Day a teacher could read one letter of the alphabet each day during the month of April or students might be asked to pick a letter and use the corresponding entry as a basis for further research. Overall, an appealing and diverse look at environmental issues.–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY
MYSPACE COMMUNITY, with Jeca Taudte. MySpace/OurPlanet: Change Is Possible. illus. by Dan Santat. 166p. glossary. Web sites. HarperCollins/Bowen Press. 2008. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-156204-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–Geared toward teens, this collection of MySpace postings focuses on what readers can do in their daily activities, social lives, and communities to help the environment. Each chapter breaks down the setting into its individual components. For example, the chapter “Your Home, Your Planet” gives environmental hints for making one’s room, bathroom, kitchen, and yard more eco-friendly. The modern layout, with green foliage on each page and purple and green font, as well as the slang, will be engaging for young adults. Highlighted boxes, located in most chapters, give facts about topics such as recycling, carbon dioxide, alternative fuels, alternative spring break, and television. The recycling box starts with, “Lose virginity: recycle” and contains facts about virgin materials saved by recycling newspapers, aluminum cans, glass containers, and plastic soda bottles. Myths and facts about the environment are explored. This book gives excellent suggestions for helping to help the environment, and is sure to encourage teen activism.–Teresa Moffett, Fulton High School, Knoxville, TN
SILVERMAN, Buffy. Composting: Decomposition. ISBN 978-1-4329-1089-1. LC 2008008449.
––––. Recycling: Reducing Waste. ISBN 978-1-4329-1090-7. LC 2008008452.
––––. Saving Energy: Earth's Resources. ISBN 978-1-4329-1091-4. LC 2008008672.
––––. Saving Water: The Water Cycle. charts. ISBN 978-1-4329-1092-1. LC 2008008671.
ea vol: 48p. (Do It Yourself Series). diags. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2008. PLB $31.43.
Gr 4-6–This series demonstrates that even young readers can embrace a green lifestyle. Integral to each topic are the hands-on activities that encourage children to explore the concepts being introduced. Each title defines the topic and then presents our current dilemma. Composting presents food chains and webs, focusing on the decomposers. The bulk of the book is a how-to for vermicomposting, with detailed instructions on setting up a worm bin to compost kitchen scraps. Recycling details the problems caused by the massive amounts of waste produced daily and the landfills that result. Energy describes our nonrenewable sources and presents some of the alternatives. Water makes the case for water conservation in spite of its seeming abundance. Each title gives practical examples for reducing, reusing, and recycling specific to its topic. The pages include blocks of text, captioned photographs, and call-out boxes. However, there are not enough graphs, and the activities lack sufficient introductory material and, in some cases, adequate detail in the supplies lists. A concluding discussion for each activity helps readers to make real-world connections. Spot illustrations demonstrate the numbered instructions, but some procedures, such as building a compost bin in Recycling, require more detail. Young conservationists looking for hands-on activities will find these timely titles attractive.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI
SIRETT, Dawn. Love Your World: How to Take Care of the Plants, the Animals, and the Planet. illus. by Rachael Parfitt. unpaged. photos. DK. 2009. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-4590-8. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–This picture book provides practical, kid-friendly tips such as turning off the faucet while brushing one’s teeth, as well as more general guidelines like “love the animals.” Bright, colorful photographs and illustrations are organized in a simple scrapbook style. Most photographs portray an ethnic mix of young children demonstrating the suggestions. The main text on each page rhymes. The information is accurate and written at a developmentally appropriate level. The book itself is environmentally friendly; the paper was sourced from responsibly managed forests and printed with vegetable inks. Overall, this is a vivid, cheerful introduction to going green.–Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY
SIVERTSEN, Linda & Tosh Sivertsen. Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life. 248p. further reading. Web sites. S & S/Pulse. Aug. 2008. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6122-2. LC 2008922275.
Gr 9 Up–A thorough yet accessible manual to green living. Sivertsen and her teenage son draw on scientific findings, personal experience, and interviews with celebrities and teens to provide readers with environmentally responsible lifestyle alternatives, from organic cosmetics to natural kitchen cleaners to green career opportunities. The “Five Rs”–Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, Refuse–provide a framework for embracing an alternative to rampant consumerism. The book’s incisive voice, using teen idioms, is accessible to those who have little or no background in environmental issues, yet the standards within will likewise engage readers already committed to being green. Though there is no index and the many pop-culture references may hinder the work’s longevity, it will appeal to the target audience. Chapters are broken into frequent, user-friendly subheadings, and special interviews–many with energetic, activist teens–are clearly designated; decorative illustrations complement the text. Listings of green Web sites, charities, and organizations are included. In addition to being a handy, information-rich companion to Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth (Viking, 2007) and Laurie David and Cambria Gordon’s The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming (Scholastic, 2007), Generation Green is also unique, for its central focus is not to explain the science behind current environmental challenges, but rather to reveal how young people can work to solve those problems in their everyday lives.–Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA
WALLACE, Nancy Elizabeth. Recycle Every Day! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2003. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-7614-5149-8. LC 2001026050.
K-Gr 2–With her familiar cut-paper illustrations, Wallace has placed her friendly rabbit family in a new situation. Minna is taking part in a contest at school in which the students are asked to make posters, and the best ones will be chosen for the Community Recycling Calendar. As the week progresses, Minna notes the many ways that her family recycles on a daily basis, from composting to sharing used books. She finally comes up with her idea and sets to work. On the day of the big announcement, Minna waits in suspense as each month is assigned a poster, and her name is not called. However, her disappointment is short-lived when her poster is selected as the cover art–“Re-re-remember. Re-re-recycle every day!” Using found materials to create the lovely illustrations, the author/illustrator practices what she preaches and invites readers to search for the recycled materials. An activity and a game are appended. While the book’s message is obvious, there is enough of a story to keep youngsters interested. However, the real value of the book is as a complete recycling lesson.–Carolyn Janssen, Children’s Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
WALSH, Melanie. 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World. illus. by author. unpaged. Candlewick. 2008. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4144-3. LC 2007051888.
PreS-Gr 1–A thoroughly successful presentation on how even small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference. On each spread, a large and colorful acrylic painting is accompanied by a sturdy die-cut flap and eco-friendly tips. Each suggestion opens with “I,” followed by a verb, such as “remember,” “try,” and “always.” The sentence is completed under the flap, along with a reason why the tip is conservation friendly. The recommendations are those that children can easily relate to, such as turning off the water while brushing your teeth, using both sides of the paper, recycling, etc. Visually appealing and effective in its presentation, this title will serve as an introduction to environmental studies. Its attractive visuals and large size make it perfect for group sharing. Slightly older students or report writers might find Gail Gibbons’s Recycle! A Handbook for Kids (Little, Brown, 1992) or Paul Showers’s Where Does the Garbage Go? (HarperTrophy, 1994) useful.–Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA
Multimedia
Respect Our Earth. CD-ROM. Systems: Win 98 & later, Mac OS X. Prod. by Vendor Nation. Dist. by AV Café. 2008. $19.95
K-Gr 3–This easy-to-install program features eight interactive games to teach and reinforce environmental issues. Users can answer ecology questions, put puzzles together, play hangman, click and drag to create a compost pile, select items to recycle or throw in the garbage, choose clean energy options, or play environmental concentration. Along the way, youngsters learn important ecology facts. Users can also select the Internet button to visit the company's Web site and sign up for their enewsletter. Parents and teachers can examine and use curriculum and activity pages, visit the Web site, and print out a certificate for the student. Navigation between program elements is easy. Some of the information, however, is not applicable for all locations. This is especially true of varied recycling programs–Seattle, for example, does recycle pizza boxes and food scraps. Still, this is a minor quibble for a program that is well-intentioned, informative, and clear in its purpose.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA
Gr 1-5–Soil is the first title in a projected 15-part series presenting hands-on horticulture information for young students. Nick Hardcastle, an Australian actor and pop artist, hosts each segment with humor and verve. The first chapter presents basic information about the characteristics of sandy and clay soil. Soil’s role in the growing of plants is described; air and hydroponic plants are also explained. Since the series’ focus is on gardening, composing, and amending garden soil is demonstrated. The second segment offers a fun, hands-on project that children will love. Two young students help Hardcastle create a worm farm using readily available materials—a styrofoam box, wet newspapers, kitchen scraps (go light on the citrus and onion, which worms don’t enjoy), a piece of old carpet, and water-based paint. Conservation and environmental concerns are highlighted in both sections of the film. You may well wonder how all of the above can be encompassed in just six minutes. The answer is very quickly with rapid-fire narration and accelerated camera action. The film features excellent production values and sound quality. Hardcastle speaks with an Aussie accent, which adds to the fun, and instructions for the worm farm are straightforward and easy to follow. Obviously, Soil lacks depth, and those seeking a more thorough or academic treatment of the subject should look elsewhere. However, teachers who frequently enrich their science curriculum with gardening and nature projects will find inspiration here.–Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
Water Detectives. DVD. 11:32 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's guide. National Film Board of Canada. 2007. $95.
Gr 4-7–A severe water shortage in Matamoros, Mexico, prompted the city to begin a unique and very successful program: thousands of children were enlisted to become “Water Detectives.” The youngsters were trained to find ways to conserve water and to change the attitudes of adults in the community. They were issued badges and authorized to “ticket” transgressors. The city supported the program by repairing municipal leaks, and by launching a campaign featuring cartoon characters, contests, and activities. Told by three outstanding Water Detectives, the film begins by introducing viewers to the geography of the area, showing how the Rio Bravo brings water through the western United States to this industrialized city, where it is pumped into reservoirs. The children are seen inspecting leaky faucets, conversing with adults who are not aware of the severity of the problem, and teaching other students to be Water Detectives. Through their conversations and explanations, viewers are made aware of the global importance of water conservation and of the impact that young people can have on their community. After one year, the Water Detectives helped Matamoros lower water consumption by nearly 20 percent. The teacher’s guide offers background information, lesson plans, discussion questions, suggested classroom activities, and more. Narration is available in English, Spanish, or French. This short film demonstrates that students can have a positive impact on the environment with far-reaching results.–MaryAnn Karre, Librarian, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY
WORLD WITHOUT OIL. worldwithoutoil.org/ ITVS Interactive and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. (Accessed 3/26/09)
Gr 9 Up–When gas prices climb, people panic. So what would happen if there truly was a world wide oil crisis? This community-based Web site ponders that question by asking viewers to participate in the alternate-reality, collaborative simulation game through realistic, as-it-unfolds commentary. Blogs, videos, images, and audio clips from participants add authenticity while lesson plans will guide students to the conclusion that change is necessary. Jeanne Larkins, School Library Journal
The Environment Archive: Green Articles from SLJ
Going Green: Eco-Friendly Schools
You Can't Ignore the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Schools
by Debra Lau Whelan—School Library Journal, 9/1/2007
Maybe it’s the waterless urinals or the geothermal heating and cooling system buried 515 feet underground. Or perhaps it’s the motion-activated faucets or the paints and furnishings made from low-volatile organic compounds. But one thing’s for sure: Great Seneca Creek Elementary is unlike most schools.
Since opening its doors in the fall of 2006, this school in Germantown, MD, has hosted more than two dozen tours for administrators, architects, parents, and the media—just about anyone who’s interested in studying its environmentally-friendly ways. “It’s a place where people feel they can do their work more effectively, because it’s an environment they want to be in,” says Principal Greg Edmundson about his school, the only one in the state to receive certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The folks at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, CO, know exactly what he’s talking about. Their 296,000-square-foot building—which runs on wind and solar power and boasts an irrigation pond—recently earned a silver rating from USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, a rigorous set of national standards for environmentally sustainable construction. “This is a dream building,” says Fossil Ridge’s media specialist, Lana Fain. “My students have told me that the space and lighting makes it easier for them to focus. They just love being here.” more »»»
A Few Books to Nurture Young Naturalists
by Joy B. Fleischhacker—School Library Journal, 4/1/2008
Spring is the ideal season for taking outdoor rambles and initiating environmental investigations. But explorations of the natural world can begin in the classroom with lushly illustrated books filled with a cornucopia of facts. Blossoming with color, detail, and innovative images, these vibrant selections present topics from plants to ponds and butterflies to birds in unique, creative, and often interactive ways. They will grab students’ attention, stimulate a sense of wonder, and cultivate an interest in nature.
Hone the Eye of the Beholder
Mary McCarthy’s terse text and bold, bursting-with-color collages persuade readers to take A Closer Look (HarperCollins, 2007) by presenting a magnified image and then gradually expanding the perspective to reveal a wider view. Children will revel in the exhilaration of seeing a large black circle on a red background become a ladybug on a leaf and delight as a pattern of gray lines over a patch of red reveals the bright-hued throat of a hummingbird. (K-2) more »»»
