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  • The New Greenhouse

    Book Chapter |

    This story is based upon using solar energy and a variety of materials to modify and channel this energy to capture and hold heat. Almost everybody has experienced the differences in temperature due to sunshine passing…

  • Where Did the Puddles Go?

    Book Chapter |

    Some students may not believe that it is possible for a puddle that appears larger to evaporate more quickly than one that seems smaller. The story in this chapter has to do with evaporation. The authors explore the…

  • Where Are The Acorns?

    Book Chapter |

    The main purpose of the “Cheeks” story is to get the children to learn something about the behavior of shadows cast by objects in sunlight. Although the story takes liberties with the “thoughts and projections” of…

  • The Coldest Time of the Day

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this story used in this chapter is to help students learn about the source of heat energy that warms their planet. Of course that is the Sun, and it only has an effect on the temperature of the Earth when…

  • Frosty Morning

    Book Chapter |

    The theme of the story can be summed up in one word: microclimates. Have you noticed that there are variations among the temperatures broadcasted on your radio or TV and your own thermometer? Have you noticed that there…

  • Master Gardener

    Book Chapter |

    This story is designed to spur an inquiry activity about the process of weathering and soil formation. Evidence lies all around us if we look closely enough and ask the right questions. Eddie is helping us by asking…

  • A Day on Bare Mountain

    Book Chapter |

    Students may have the idea that all mountains are volcanoes and were formed by eruptions. The story in this chapter brings up questions about the geology of mountains and the weathering and erosion that takes place as…

  • What Are The Chances?

    Book Chapter |

    Your students will probably not be aware of the amount of water that covers the Earth’s surface. The story in this chapter will help introduce students not only to a clearer idea of the characteristics of our planet,…

  • Here’s The Crusher

    Book Chapter |

    Many of your younger students do not believe that air around us has mass or weight, let alone exerts pressure on us and on everything around us. So, the idea that the atmosphere in which we walk actually has mass and…

  • Rotten Apples

    Book Chapter |

    In 1991 and 1992, John Leach, Bonnie Shapiro, and the author did a study in which they interviewed approximately 400 students from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States about their beliefs surrounding the…

  • Is the Earth Getting Heavier?

    Book Chapter |

    The author’s research and that of others show that children have a difficult time understanding the recycling of organic matter in an ecosystem. The story in this chapter aims to have students speculate about what…

  • Trees From Helicopters

    Book Chapter |

    This story is aimed at promoting not only inquiry into the germination of tree seeds but seeing trees as typical flowering plants, also known as angiosperms. There is also ample opportunity to take an excursion into…

  • Trees From Helicopters, Continued

    Book Chapter |

    Maples are very interesting trees with lots of variation in form. They provide a view of diversity in plants as well as a chance to look at natural phenomena that is very common to anyone who has had a maple tree near…

  • Flowers: More Than Just Pretty

    Book Chapter |

    Children love to look at flowers but few are inclined to become familiar with the structure and function of the flower. This story is aimed at providing some motivation for children to learn about one of the most…

  • Seed Bargains

    Book Chapter |

    Children as well as adults are usually intrigued by the ideas of bargains. More seeds for less money is often enough to convince them to buy a larger, cheaper package. In this case, the children are savvy enough to…

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