How the Earth Works: 60 Fun Activities for Exploring Volcanoes, Fossils, Earthquakes, and More
Introduction for Parents and Teachers How the Earth Works is all about our ever changing Earth It explores Earth’s structure fossils rocks minerals crystals and more Children will learn about Earth's four layers plate movements and the continents They will observe and identify fossils Using special scientific tests they will try to identify the mineral rock and crystal specimens they find as well as explore the power of volcanoes and earth quakes Each fun activity is designed to promote learning by engaging children in a process of self dis covery using the scientific method Children become scientists as they predict outcomes gather materials make scientific observations and respond to their findings Learning about the wonders of our dynamic planet through these hands on activities introduces children to the process of discovery that they will use in their scientific inquiries for the rest of their lives The format used in the How the Earth Works activi ties is purposeful It reflects the progression used in any scientific exploration The basic concepts have been preserved as children are transitioned into the process of discovery using language that is familiar to them The phrase Did you know corresponds to research and new information You will need intro duces children to the materials needed to conduct
99 their experiments With the phrase What do you think activities allow the child an opportunity to make an outcome prediction or hypothesis Now you are ready to explains the procedure one would follow in testing the hypothesis The Brain exercise gives children an opportunity to draw conclusions from their scientific observations Activity goals Earth notes keys to success and hints are also included Each chapter begins with a poem that can be sung to a familiar tune Potentially new words from the chapter are defined on the Wonderful Words page The topic being explored is discussed on the page called Dynamic Earth An Earth Journal sheet is provided on page 3 to help children record and reflect as they connect language artwork and learning Make as many copies as you need The Learn More About It section at the end of the book references lively fact filled books and Inter net Web sites to help you delve even further into the topics covered by the activities The Product and Service Information section provides information on how to find recommended products and profession als who do workshops or assemblies related to the subject matter covered in the text All activities have been field tested successfully in homes and classrooms Most require simple materi als that can be adjusted to accommodate your chil dren In cases where specimens may need to be
purchased alternative ways to do the activity have been suggested For example if fossil specimens can't be purchased fossil information cards can be used in their place Initially all of the activities will require adult supervision After completing the activities together many teachers and parents choose to set up learning centers using some of the activity materials on the topic being explored This is a great way to extend and expand learning How the Earth Works is an exploration of the won ders of our amazing planet Children are naturally fascinated by all aspects of Earth from the movement of the continents to the awesome power of a volcano Their thirst for quick facts will be quenched through fun fact or fiction cards and trivia cards They will make their own volcanoes mold mountains and take a core sample from a cupcake This book offers science activities for many differ ent kinds of learners Activities reach across the cur riculum integrating language arts music art mathematics geography history and more into the child's exploration of Earth science The Chapter by Chapter Content and Skills Guide on page 179 pro vides a quick key to the many science topics and skills touched on in each chapter Learning about Earth is to step back in time through the stories its fossils minerals rocks and crystals tell Take this adventure with your
