Product Description

A gold mine of ideas for exploring nature with children, and a must for those teaching natural science in any setting. -- Science and Children

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #194104 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781584650782
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Clearly written, and plentifully illustrated with line drawings and photographs, this is an interesting, accessible introduction to nature that belongs on the family bookshelf, as well as in schools and public libraries." --Vermont Sunday Magazine

From the Publisher
8 1/2 x11 trim. 196 drawings. 23 photos. Chart. LC 00-104923

From the Inside Flap
"In my fifteen years of experience in the field, Hands-On Nature is the first book I reach for when planning a program. The book has been and continues to be a treasured resource at our nature center. From the puppet shows to the games to the observational investigations, the activities are fun and engaging for many different age levels. It is a must-have for every nature educator's book shelf!" -- Melinda Henning, Manager of Interpretive Services, Mill Creek MetroParks, Canfield, Ohio

From the reviews of the First Edition --

"The activities in Hands-On Nature give educators super ideas for teaching all about animals, plants, seasons, and other natural history subjects . . . for example, kids can run in a spider web relay, participate in a pine cone puppet show, or investigate honeybee haunts." -- NatureScope News, National Wildlife Federation

"This book has everything a teacher or environmental education group leader needs: sound and timely science, exciting, highly interesting activities; and ways to relate scientific ideas to other subjects such as language arts and fine arts. All of the activities are fun, but each of them also delivers an important message from biology and ecology. Ideas can be found here that can be used in any geographical area of our nation and with age groups from pre-schoolers to senior citizens." -- Alan J. McCormack, University of Wyoming

Customer Reviews

If you like Project Wild you will love this book
Any Environmental Educator or Scout Leader who has ever gone to a program like Geosphere, Project Wild, NatureQuest or Project Learning Tree will LOVE this book.

Everything is organized by lessons and activities that are coded to match certain skills like Predation, Plant Succession, etc.

I have used this book for years at Boy Scout Summer Camps and I know the American Camping Association recommends this book for anyone involved in teaching Environmental Skills & Nature at a camp setting.

Perhaps the only draw back is the plain colorless sketches of the book. A teacher would appreciate the book's content but I would not get this book for a kid. Having said that, this book is a great pick for any leader, summer camp, or school where teaching an understanding & appreciation of nature is a priority.

Interacting With Nature
This Revised and Expanded Edition of Hands-On Nature is an engaging how-to activity book--for children and for anyone looking to bring them before nature, whether at home, school, camp, playground, hiking, a workshop, or other pursuit. Here is a practical guide for the environmental enthusiast. Page after page it exhibits a wide range of detailed illustrations in black and white, many that appear as works of art. The text is well-written and easy to follow and understand with keywords that are highlighted in bold type, easily directing the attention of the reader to an order of valuable terms and particulars on nature. The book is divided into chapters, namely: Adaptations, Habitats, Cycles, Designs of Nature, and Earth and Sky, with related subjects like birds, insects, plants, flowers, streams, earth, deer, logs, and clouds. The chapters are organized into two sections, starting with an informational essay to introduce each chapter, followed by an activity and experiment segment that may include a brief script for a puppet show or play, and a suggested reading list. This book was made possible with the help of a large group of teachers, professionals, students, and volunteers. It should be included in every family's collection of books to read and share.

Truly an excellent resource for teachers and parents
Our whole school district has successfully used this book for the past 6 years as the foundation for our monthly parent volunteer-led natural science learning experiences in our thirty-five K-4 classrooms. The information is first rate, engaging, and there are multiple learning and teaching entry points for a wide variety of learners and presenters. We have especially appreciated the "do-able" quality of the activities. Materials needed are pretty straight forward and easily acquired. The best part for our parent presenters has been the tongue-in-cheek quality of the humor in many of the puppet shows. A hint: NEVER skip the puppet shows! They are the best starting points for the big ideas of the lessons. Also, make sure to read the 3 introductory essays for great supportive information to build confidence as a presenter or just as an informed parent working with one or two kids.

Yes, the drawings are truly excellent. Susan Sawyer is an artist worth investigating. Both she and the editor of the revised edition, Lisa Purcell, obviously love what they do and communicate that on every page. The margins of my well-loved copy are filled with ideas shared from children through the years. You'll do the same. Enjoy!