Science/Nature & Geography Topics
Homeschool 2004-2005

Our Goals and Resources/Materials

I wrote this page, as a rookie homeschooler to my fifth grader & Kindergartener, to share some of our academic objectives for the year along with some resources I have selected. I hope other home educating parents might pick up some valuable resources, and that they, along with our family and friends, can offer me ideas and suggestions! Please sign the guestbook, and share your tips on resources and activities.

We are committed library fanatics. I located many recommended resources, and discovered some new ones, by looking through the local libraries' on-line catalog. I included a mix of books for younger and older children, as - in most cases - I will be reading to both children together (and will often include a 2-year-old & 3-year-old as well!). Some books may be above grade level, for read-alouds or for my daughter, who reads above her grade level. I chose non-fiction books which I believed would be interesting "living books," fiction books, and picture books (both fiction and non-fiction). There is a wonderful range of interesting books, both fiction and non-fiction, reflecting true facts about the lives of animals, plants, and other living things, as well as revealing information about geography and history. In some cases, I also selected stories with anthropomorphic animals. I think all these kids of books have their place.

The specific library listings might help other families who live in the Augusta County, VA area. Unless otherwise indicated, these materials should be found in the children's section of the specified local library. Please note that I have listed only one location for each book. I looked for books in the Staunton Library first; if they were not available there I looked at the Augusta County Library, then Waynesboro, then Churchville. Some of these books may be available in more than one location. Please see the libraries' online catalogue for more information. Books that are not in your library's collection may be available through interlibrary loan (ILL). Please note that some libraries (including ours) to charge a small fee for this service.

Picture books, easy readers, and fiction (such as chapter books) are alphabetized by author. For non-fiction, I included call numbers. Of course, these numbers can also be used to help locate sources in other libraries.

I have not yet seen most of these resources. Therefore, in most cases, they are not really recommendations, just ideas. Of course, each family should preview these and any other materials to select those which fit with their individual educational goals and values. Some books on this list may contain ideas, such as Evolutionary Theory, which are incompatible with some families' beliefs. In have tried to include brief annotations which make it clear when this content is included.

As the year goes on, I will prune this list, add new resources, and include annotations or reviews to many titles. I hope this page will become progressively more helpful to other families. Please share any suggestions!

Books and Other Resources Listed on this Page:

Geography & Social Studies for my Kindergartener	Scientific Thinking	Life Science	Basic Knowledge About Trees & Other Plants
Basic Knowledge About Animals	The Human Body	General Understanding of Ecology	Exploring Magnets
Exploring Shadows	Basic Understanding of Atoms	The 3 States of Matter	Exploring Electricity
Seasons & Weather	The Solar System & the Universe	Basic Knowledge About Earth Science	Ancient History
The Five Kingdoms of Life	The Animal Kingdom	Arthropods	Molluscs
Fish	Reptiles	Amphibians	Birds
Mammals	Biomes	Classifying Plants

Science and Social Studies Objectives: James (almost 6; Kindergarten)

Geography & Social Studies
1. Introduce the concepts of geography and social studies through studying our home, family, neighborhood, etc.
  - How to Raise a Child Who Loves Geography (Staunton Library- Parent/Teacher section)
  - Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney (Staunton Library(Juv)- 912 S)
  - Making Maps With Children
2. Introduce the continents through the study of animal life and animal habitats. (He does not need to learn them yet).
  - I'm making a large world map color-coded by biome (from Usborne's The Natural World); I will probably make it into a game.
  - World map with animals jigsaw puzzle which I bought from Timberdoodle.
  - World Atlas which I bought at the Green Valley Book Fair
  - See plan for study of animals by classification & habitat (below).
  - Our wildlife cards
  - The Children's Atlas of People and Places: Travel the World and Visit People in Far-Off Lands by Jenny Wood (Aug. Co. Lib.-J NF-J 912 Woo)
  - True Books series - Continents
    - Africa (Staunton Library(Juv)- 960 P)
    - Australia (Staunton Library(Juv) - 919.4 P)
    - Antarctica (Staunton Library(Juv) - 919.8 P)
    - Asia (Staunton Library(Juv) - 950 P)
    - Europe (Staunton Library(Juv) - 940 P)
    - North America (Staunton Library(Juv) - 917 P)
    - South America (Staunton Library(Juv) - 918 P)
3. Understand that the earth is round; learn cardinal directions.
  - How We Learned the Earth is Round by Patricia Lauber (Staunton Library(Juv) - 525 L)
  - North, South, East, West (ILL?)
4. Listen to stories from ancient history with Sarah and participate in some related activities.
5. Listen to stories presenting folklore from different cultures and paparticipate in some related activities.
6. Learn the Pledge of Allegiance and understand the significance of the flag.
Scientific Thinking
1. Participate in simple experiments, practicing skills like questioning and predicting.
2. Be able to sort objects into groups according to physical characteristics (light/heavy, sink/float, hot/cold, etc.)
Life Science
1. Understand the life cycle of plants, what they need to grow, their basic parts, and the process of photosynthesis.
  - Roots are Food Finders by Franklin Branley (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Library?)
  - How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF-E 582 Jor)
  - Seeds by Wind and Water by Helene J. Jordan (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Waynesboro Library-Easy Books-j 581 Jor)
  - Super Duper Seed Surprise
  - Glenna's Seeds
  - Hungry Plants
  - How a Plant Grows by Bobbie Kalman )(Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-581.3 K)
  - What is a Plant? (Waynesboro Library j580)
  - Flytraps! Plants That Bite Back by Martin Jenkins (Aug. Co. Lib. E 583)
2. Know the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees, the yearly cycle of deciduous trees, and why leaves change color.
  - Down Come the Leaves by Henrietta Bancroft (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-581.497 B)
  - Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-581.497 M)
3. Be introduced to the idea that animals are classified by characteristics and/or by habitat; study different habitats.
  See Sarah's list.
4. Understand the life cycle of animals, adaptations, food chains/webs, camouflage/mimicry, etc. (including how they adapt to seasonal changes).
  - What Is a Life Cycle? by Bobbie Kalman & Jacqueline Langille (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-577 K)
  - Animal Babies by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-599 K)
  - Animal Homes by Tammy Everts & Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-591.564E)
  - Animal Worlds by Bobbie Kalman & Susan Hughes(Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-591 K)
  - How Animals Communicate by Bobbie Kalman (Waynesboro Lib.-j591.51)
  - How Do Animals Adapt? by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-591.51 K)
  - Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-581.497 B)
  - Chipmunk Song by Joanne Ryder (Staunton Library Puppet/Book or NF(Juv)- 599.3232 R)
  - Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (cute fictional picture book about bears preparing for winter, and how humans prepare for winter in parallel ways). (Staunton Library Puppet/Book; also teacher guide in Parent/Teacher Resource section 372.6 R)
  - What Color is Camouflage? by Carolyn Otto (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-591.47)
  - What are Camouflage & Mimicry? by Bobbie Kalman & John Crossingham (Waynesboro Library-j591.572)
  - Who Eats What: Food Chains and Food Webs by Patricia Lauber (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-574.53 L)
  - What Are Food Chains & Webs? by Bobbie Kalman & Jacqueline Langille (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-574.53 K)
  - Energy Makes Things Happen by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (explains how energy transfers from the sun) (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Augusta Co. Lib.-Easy NF E 617.601)
5. Study the basics of human anatomy, including the five senses.
  - New Atlas of Human Anatomy
  - Everybody Has a Body: Science from Head to Toe: Activities for Teachers of Children Ages 3-6 (Aug. Co. Lib. Adult Books 372.37 Roc)
  - Incredible Journey Through the Human Body by Nicholas Harris (Waynesboro Library Juv NF j 612 Har)
  - Introduction to Genes & DNA (Usborne-Internet Linked)
  - I'm Growing by Aliki (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Augusta Co. Lib.-Easy NF E 612.65 Ali)
  - Why I Cough, Sneeze, Shiver, Hiccup, & Yawn by Melvin Berger (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Waynesboro Library-Easy Books-j 612.74 Ber)
  - My Hands by Aliki (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Waynesboro Lib.-Easy-j612.97 Ali)
  - My Feet by Aliki (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Augusta Co. Lib.-Easy NF E 612 Ali)
  - How You Talk by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Churchville Library-NF(Juv)-612.7 Sho)
    
    The Five Senses:
    - My Five Senses by Aliki (Let's-read-and-find-out book)(Staunton-Picture Books)
    - How Do Your Senses Work?
    - Fun With My Five Senses by Sara A Williamson (Presents a variety of activities which build learning readiness for exploring and understanding the five senses.) (Staunton Library Parent/Teacher Resource section 372.21 W)
    - Look at Your Eyes by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Waynesboro Library-Easy Books-j612.84 Sho)
    - Eye Popping Optical Illusions by Michael A. DiSpezio (Staunton Library NF (Juv) 152.148 D)
    - Optical Illusions Magic
    - Ears are for Hearing by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF-E 612.85 Sho)
    - I Can Tell By Touching by Carolyn Otto (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF-E 612.8 Ott)
    Blood/Circulatory System:
    - A Drop of Blood by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF-E 612.11 Sho)
    - Hear Your Heart by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF-E 612 Sho)
    - Your Heart by Terri DeGezelle (Bridgestone Science Series)(Staunton Library-New Book (Juv)-J 612.17 D)
    Respiratory System:
    - Your Lungs by Anne Ylvisaker (Bridgestone Science Series)(Staunton Library-New Book (Juv)-J 612.2 Y)
    - Why Can't I Breathe Underwater?: and Other Questions About the respiratory System by Sharon Cromwell (Staunton Library Juv 612.2 C)
    Digestive System:
    - Why Does My Tummy Rumble When I'm Hungry?: and Other Questions About the Digestive System by Sharon Cromwell (Staunton Library NF(Juv)612.3 C)
    - Your Stomach by Anne Ylvisaker (Bridgestone Science Series)(Staunton Library-New Book (Juv)-J 612.3 Y)
    - What Happens to Your Food?
    - What Happens to a Hamburger? by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-Juv NF-612.3 S)
    Muscles & Bones:
    - Your Muscles by Anne Ylvisaker(Bridgestone Science Series)(Staunton Library-New Book (Juv)-J 612.74 Y)
    - Watch Me Grow: Fun Ways to Learn About Cells, Bones, Muscles, and Joints: Activities for Children 5-9 by Michelle O'Brien-Palmer (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 612.76 O)
    - Understanding Your Muscles & Bones
    - You Can't Make a Move Without Your Muscles by Paul Showers(Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-Juv NF-612.74 S)
    - The Skeleton Inside You by Philip Balestrino (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-Juv NF-611.71 S)
    Skin, Teeth & Hair:
    - Your Skin & Mine by Paul Showers(Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-Juv NF-646.726 S)
    - How Many Teeth? by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-617.601 S)
    - Skin, Teeth & Hair by Anna Sandeman (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 612.79 S)
    - True Books series (circulatory, nervous system, etc.)
6. Learn about germs.
  - Germs Make Me Sick! by Melvin Berger (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library J CASS/BK Berger; NF(Juv)-616.01 B)
  - What Makes You Ill?
  - Mother, Mother, I Feel Sick
7. Develop a basic awareness of environmental issues.
- Where Does the Garbage Go? by Paul Showers (Let's-read-and-find-out science book)(Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF(Juv)-363.72 Sho)
- Oil Spill! by Melvin Berger (Let's-read-and-find-out book) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-363.73 B)
- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Physical Science

Science and Social Studies Objectives: Sarah (age 10; Grade 5)

Help James learn and explore the areas listed above, and:

Geography & Social Studies
Life Science
1. Learn the five kingdoms of life (and explore other taxonomical divisions).
  
  Animal Kingdom
  Has more than one cell
  Digests food in its gut
  
  Plant Kingdom
  Produces its own food by photosynthesis
  
  Fungi (mushrooms, toadstools, yeast)
  Does not produce its own food
  Multicellular
  The cell walls do not contain cellulose
  - Mushrooms and Molds by Robert Froman (Aug. Co. Lib.-Easy NF- E 579.6 Fro)
  - The Mushroom Hunt by Simon Frazier (Staunton Library Picture Books)
  Protoctist (amoeba)
  Simple - usually only one cell
  
  Monera (bacteria - not viruses)
2. Study animals by their phyla, classes and orders (I am not concerned about memorization, just understanding the logical organization and understanding, on a basic level, what these divisions mean).
  - The Usborne Illustrated Encyclopedia: The Natural World (already have)
  - Animals: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (already have)
  - Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock (Rainbow Resource; $20.00)
  - Animals in Order series (see Animals below)
  - our wildlife cards
  The Animal Kingdom: There are actually 33 phyla in the animal kingdom. That's much more than we need to know (for now, anyway). In fact, I have read that 25 animal phyla -- mostly comprised of small worms -- are so unfamiliar that they are virtually unknown to non-scientists. Our list includes 8 phyla.
  
  Porifera (Sponges)
  - Sponges are Skeletons by Barbara Juster Esbensen (Aug. Co. Lib.-E-593.4)
  Flatworms
  
  Annelids (worms with round segmented bodies; earthworms)
  - Squirmy Wormy Composters by Bobbie Kalman & Janine Schaub (Staunton Library 595.1)
  - Creepy Crawlies & the Scientific Method ("experiments" with earthworms)
  Echinoderms (spiny skinned critters with sucker feet and 5 body parts; starfish)
  Arthropods (creatures with jointed legs, segmented bodies, and exoskeletons)
  - The Animal Kingdom: Arthropods by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J595 H)
  - What is an Arthropod? by Kathryn Smithyman & Bobbie Kalman (Waynesboro Library J 595)
  - Creepy Crawlies: Insects & Other Tiny Animals by Cathy Kilpatrick (Waynesboro Library J 595.7)
  Classes:
  - arachnids (8 legs & no antennae, like spiders & scorpions)
    - Spiders of North America by Ann O. Squire (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - The Life Cycle of a Spider by Bobbie Kalman & Kathryn Smithyman (Waynesboro Library J 595.4)
    - Web Weavers & Other Spiders by Bobbie Kalman & Tammy Everts (Staunton Library J 595.44)
    - Spider Watching by Vivian French (Staunton Library Picture Books)
    - My Daddy Longlegs by Judy Hawes(Staunton Library 595.43 H)
  - crustaceans (like woodlice & crabs)
  - centipedes (many pairs of legs, antennae)
  - insects (3 body parts, 6 legs, wings)
    - Bugs & Other Insects by Bobbie Kalman & Tammy Everts (Staunton Library J 595.7)
    - What's That Bug? by Nan Froman (gr. 3-9) (Aug. Co. Lib. J 595.7 Fro)
    - Creepy Crawly Baby Bugs by Sandra Markle (K-3)(Aug. Co. Lib. E 595.7 Mar)
    - True Bugs: When Is a Bug Really a Bug by Sara Miller (Animals in Order series)(ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Grasshoppers and Crickets of North America by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series)(ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Cicadas and Aphids: What They Have in Common by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series)(ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Flies: From Flower Flies to Mosquitoes by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Beetles: The Most Common Insects by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Scorpions: The Sneaky Stingers by Allison Lassieur, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Fireflies in the Night by Judy Hawes (Aug. Co. Lib. E 595.7)
    - Caterpillar, Caterpillar by Vivian French (Staunton Library Picture Books)
      Ants:
    - Ants, Bees & Wasps of North America by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (Waynesboro Library j595.75)
    - Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros (K-4)(Aug. Co. Lib. E 595.79 Dor)
    - Ant & Grasshopper
    - Ants by Elaine Pascoe (Describes the physical characteristics, habitats, and life cycle of ants. Includes related activities.)(Staunton Library NF(Juv) 595.796 P)
    - Hey Little Ant by Phillip & Hannah Hoose (Staunton Library Picture Book; avail. at Waynesboro Library as a puppet/book)
    - Little Red Ants & Great Big Crumb
    - Thinking About Ants by Barbara Brenner (Staunton Library Picture Book)
    - Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg (Staunton Library Picture Book)
      Butterflies & Moths:
    - Monarch Magic: Butterfly Activities & Nature Discoveries by Lynn M. Rosenblatt (PK-8) (Simple text and photographs depict the life cycle and metamorphosis of a monarch butterfly, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to emerging butterfly. Includes crafts and related activities.)(Staunton Library NF(Juv) 595.789 R)
    - Butterflies & Moths by Bobbie Kalman & Tammy Everts (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 595.78 K)
    - The Life Cycle of a Butterfly by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 595.789 K)
    - Butterflies & Moths by Rosamund Kidman Cox $ Barbara Cork (Usborne)(Staunton Library NF(Juv)595.78 K)
    - Butterflies & Moths Video Bugsbee-Berkzee Productions ; producer, David Yarnell ; director, Martin Morris ; written by Paula Deats. (Describes the appearance and behavior of a variety of butterflies and moths. Takes an in-depth look at the colorful insects, showing how to distinguish them from moths, showing their life cycle, and showing their anatomy.) (Aug. Co. Lib. J Videos NF)
    - Butterfly Count by Sneed M. Collard (Aug. Co. Lib. Easy Fiction E Collard) (Amy and her mother look for a very special butterfly while attending the annual Fourth of July Butterfly Count at a prairie restoration site. Includes factual information about butterflies and how to attract and watch them.)
    - Journey of a Butterfly
    - Monarch Butterfly by Gail Gibbons (Staunton Library NF(Juv)595.789 G)
    - Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way
    - Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert (Staunton Library Picture Book)
  Molluscs (soft bodies, usually have shells; snails, octopuses)
  - Octopuses, Squids & Cuttlefish by Trudi Strain Trueit (Animals in Order Series) (Aug. Co. Library-J-594.5)
  - An Octopus is Amazing by Patricia Lauber
    Snails:
  - Snail by Karen Hartley (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 594.3 H)
  - Are You a Snail? by Judy Allen & Tudor Humphries (Introduces the life cycle of a snail, showing how it changes from an egg to an adult snail.)(Aug. Co. Lib. E 594.3 All)
  - The Life Cycle of a Snail by Jennifer Coldrey (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 594.3 C)
  - Snail City by Jane O'Connor (Staunton Library Easy Reader JE O'Connor)
  - Snailology by Michael Elsohn Ross (Provides instructions for finding, collecting, and keeping snails and suggests how to delve into the secret lives of these shell dwellers.)(Aug. Co. Library-J-594.3 Ros)
  - Snails & Slugs by Elaine Pascoe (Describes the physical characteristics, reproduction processes, habitats, and metamorphoses of snails and slugs and provides instructions for related hands-on science projects.)(Waynesboro Library j 594.3 Pas)
  - Mr. Carey's Garden by Jane Cutler (All of his neighbors have suggestions for how to get rid of the snails in his garden, but Mr. Carey isn't interested.)(Staunton Library Picture Book)
  Cnidarians (water creatures with tentacles & 1 body opening; jellyfish)
  - A Jellyfish is Not a Fish by John F. Waters (Staunton Library-593.7 W)
  - Sea Jellies: From Corals to Jellyfish by Sharon Sharth (Animals in Order Series) (Waynesboro Library-J-592.5)
  - Corals by Lili Ronai (Let's Read & Find Out Science Book)
  - Corals by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Library-J-593.6)
  Chordates (spinal cords)
  Classes:
  - Fish (This group is actually 3 classes, but to heck with that for now)
    - The Animal Kingdom: Fish by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J597 H)
    - Seahorses, Pipefish & their Kin by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order Series) (Staunton Library-J-597.67)
    - Fishes by Alwyne Wheeler (Waynesboro Library-E-j597)
      Sharks:
    - Sharks & Other Scary Sea Creatures ((Gr 4-6)) (ILL?)
    - Do Sharks Ever? What You Really Want to Know About Sharks by Nathalie Ward ((Gr 4-6)) (ILL?)
    - Sharks by Niki Walker and Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library 597.31 W)
    - A Sea Full of Sharks by Betsy Maestro (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-597.31 M)
    - Sharks by Gail Gibbons (Staunton Library-NF (Juv)-597.31 G)
    - The Best Book of Sharks by Claire Llewellyn (ILL?)
    - Hungry Sharks by John F. Waters (Waynesboro Library-E-j597.31)
    - The Eels' Strange Journey by Judi Friedman (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-597.51 M)
  - Reptiles
    - The Animal Kingdom: Reptiles by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J597.9 H)
    - What is a Reptile? by Bobbie Kalman (Waynesboro Library j597.9)
    Types of Reptiles
    
    a. Turtles & Tortoises
    - Turtles: Life in a Shell by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library 597.96 K)
    - Green Turtle Mysteries by John F. Waters (Staunton Library 597.92 W)
    - Look Out for Turtles! by Melvin Berger (Aug. Co. Lib. E 597.92)
    b. Lizards
  - Sarah has two anoles: Victoria and King Henry VIII.
  - Classroom Critters and the Scientific Method ("experiments" with anoles)
    c. Snakes
    - Snakes and Lizards: What They Have in Common by Sara Swan Miller, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Extremely Weird Snakes by Sarah Lovett (Staunton Library NF 597.96 L)
    - Snakes Are Hunters by Patricia Lauber (Aug. Co. Lib. NF E 597.6 Lau)
    - Verdi by Janell Cannon (Staunton Library Picture Book)
    - The Snake Scientist by Sy Montgomery (Discusses the work of Bob Mason and his efforts to study and protect snakes, particularly red-sided garter snakes) (Staunton Library NF (Juv) J 597.96 M)
    d. Amphisbaenians
    e. Tuatara
    f. Crocodiles & Alligators
  - Amphibians
    - The Animal Kingdom: Amphibians by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J597.8 H)
    - What is an Amphibian? by Bobbie Kalman & Jacqueline Langille (Waynesboro Library j 597.6)
    Types of Amphibians
    a. Caecilians
    b. Salamanders & Newts
    - birds
      
      The Animal Kingdom: Birds by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J598 H)
      What is a Bird? by Bobbie Kalman (Waynesboro Library j 598)
      Birds are Flying by John Kaufmann (Staunton Library J 598.2 K)
      Birds Eat & Eat & Eat by Ed Emberley (Waynesboro Easy Books j 598.2)
      Birds at My Feeder by Bobbie kalman & Glen Loates (Staunton Library J 598.29K)
    - The Life Cycle of a Bird by Bobbie Kalman & Kathryn Smithyman (Staunton Library J 598 K)
    - When Birds Change their Feathers by Roma Gans (Aug. Co. Lib. 598.2)
    - Everything You Never Learned About Birds: Lore & Legends, Science & Nature, Hands-On Projects by Rebecca Rupp (written by a well known homeschool author) (grades 4+) (Craigsville Lib. J 598 Rup)
    - The Science of Birds by Janice Parker (Living Science series)(RL = 4.1) (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 598 P)
    - Birds by Lynn M. Stone (Describes how birds living in the desert adapt to the harsh environment.) (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 598 S)
    - Beaks! by Sneed B. Collard III (Pre-K - 3)(Simple text describes various bird beaks and how birds use them to eat, hunt, and gather food. Includes a quiz.)(Aug. Co. Lib. J 598 Col)
    - The Birds by Roger Tory Peterson/Time-Life Books (An illustrated survey of bird life, describing evolution, physiology, migration and flight patterns, wing and body communication, nesting, feeding, and family life.) (Staunton Library J 598.2 P)
    - Birds by Rosamund Kidman Cox & Barbara Cork (Usborne) (Staunton Library 598.2)
    - Prehistoric Birds:
    - Little Dinosaurs & Early Birds by John Kaufman (Staunton Library 568.2 K)
    - Flying Giants of Long Ago by John Kaufman (Aug. Co. Lib. E 560)
    - Perching Birds of North America by Sara Swan Miller (Passerines) (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
    - Rainforest Birds by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library J 598 K)
      
      Types of Birds (Yikes! No, we're not going to try to study ALL these; not even close!)
      a. Ratites & Tinamous
      b. Albatrosses & Petrels
      c. Penguins
      
      Penguins: From Emperors to Macaronis by Erin Pembrey Swan, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      Antarctica
      Mr. Popper's Penguins
      Nanu, Penguin Chick
      Penguin - A Funny Bird
      7 Weeks on an Iceberg
      Penguins by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library J 598.441 K)
      
      d. Divers & Grebes
      e. Pelicans & their allies
      
      Pelicans, Cormorants, and Their Kin by Erin Pembrey Swan (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      
      f. Herons & their allies
      g. Raptors
      
      Birds of Prey: From Falcons to Vultures by Sara Swan Miller, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      Raptors by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library J 598.9 K)
      
      h. Waterfowl & Screamers
      
      Waterfowls: From Swans to Screamers by Sara Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      
      i. Gamebirds
      
      Chickens and Peafowl: What They Have in Common by Mark J. Rauzon, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      
      j. Cranes & their allies
      k. Waders & Shorebirds
      
      Shorebirds: From Stilts to Sanderlings by Sara Swan Miller, et al (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource) Wading Birds: From Herons to Hammerkops by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      
      l. Pigeons & Sandgrouse
      m. Parrots
      
      Parrots Around the World by Mark J. Rauzon (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      Town Parrot by Penelope Bennett (Staunton Library Picture Book)
      
      n. Turacos & Cuckoos
      o. Owls, Frogmouths & Nightjars
      
      Owls: The Silent Hunters by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      Owls by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library J 598.97 K)
      
      p. Swifts & Hummingbirds
      q. Mousebirds & Trogons
      r. Kingfishers & their Allies
      s. Woodpeckers & Barbets
      Woodpeckers, Toucans, and Their Kin by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (Waynesboro Lib. j 598.72)
      
      t. Broadbills & Pittas
      u. Ovenbirds & their allies
      v. Tyrant Flycatchers & their allies
      w. Lyrebirds & Scrubbirds
      x. Larks & Wagtails
      y. Swallows
      z. Cuckooshrikes
      aa.Bulbuls & Leafbirds
      bb.Shrikes & Vangas
      cc.Waxwings & their allies
      dd.Mockingbirds & Accentors
      ee.Dippers & Thrushes
      ff.Babblers & Wrens
      gg.Warblers & Flycatchers
      hh.Fairy Wrens & their allies
      ii.Logrunners & their allies
      jj.Monarchs & their allies
      kk.Tits
      ll.Nuthatches & Treecreepers
      mm.Honeyeaters & their allies
      nn.Vireos
      oo.Buntings & Tanagers
      pp.Wood Warblers & Icterids
      qq.Finches
      rr.Starlings & their Allies
      ss.New Zealand Wattlebirds
      tt.Magpie-larks & their allies
      uu.Bowerbirds & Birds of Paradise
      vv.Crows & Jays
    - Mammals
      
      What is a Mammal? by Bobbie Kalman (Waynesboro Library-j570)
      The Animal Kingdom: Mammals by Bev Harvey (Staunton Library - new books J599 H)
      Forest Mammals by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library-J-599)
      
      Types of Mammals
      
      a. Monotremes
      b. Marsupials
      - Kangaroos and Koalas: What They Have in Common by Erin Pembrey Swan (Animals in Order Series)(Staunton Library 599.2S)
      - A Koala is Not a Bear by Hannelore Sotzek & Bobbie Kalman)(Staunton Library 599.2S)
      - The Life Cycle of a Koala by Bobbie Kalman & Heather Levigne (Aug. Lib. J 599.25)
      c. Edentates (toothless mammals)
    - Anteaters, Sloths & Armadillos (Animals in Order series) (ILL or buy from Rainbow Resource)
      d. Insectivores
    - Moles and Hedgehogs: What They Have in Common by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (Aug. Co. Lib. J 599.33)
      e. Tree Shrews
      f. Flying Lemurs
      g. Chiroptera (Bats)
      - Bats: Mammals That Fly by Marlene Sway (Animals in Order series) (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 599.4S)
      - What Is a Bat? by Bobbie Kalman & Heather Levigne (Waynesboro Lib. j599.4)
      - Cave by Roma Gans (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 551.447)
      - Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats by Ann Earle (Let's Read and Find Out Science Series)(K-4) (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 599.4 E)
      - Bats by Gail Gibbons (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 599.4 G)
      - Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies (Bat wakes up, flies into the night, uses the echoes of her voice to navigate, hunts for her supper, and returns to her roost to feed her baby) (Aug. Co. Lib. Easy Fiction E Davies)
      - Stellaluna by Janell Cannon (Staunton Library Picture Books)
      - Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel (When a newborn bat named Shade but sometimes called "Runt" becomes separated from his colony during migration, he grows in ways that prepare him for even greater journeys.) (Staunton Library J Fiction or soundrecording on CD)
        h. Primates
      - Primates: From Howler Monkeys to Humans by Erin Pembrey Swan (Animals in Order series) (Buy from Rainbow Resource or ILL)
      - I Like Monkeys Because by Peter Hansard (Aug. Co. Lib. E 599.8)
      - Gorillas: Gentle Giants of the Forest by Joyce Milton (Aug. Co. Lib. E 599.88)
      i. Carnivores
      - Land Predators of North America by Erin Pembrey Swan (Animals in Order series) (Buy from Rainbow Resource or ILL)
      Dog Family:
      - What is a Dog? by Bobbie Kalman & Hannelore Sotzek (Staunton Lib.-J-636.7)
      - Everything Dog: Kids' FAQs by Marty Crisp (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-636.7)
      - The Life Cycle of a Wolf by Bobbie Kalman & Amanda Bishop (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-599.773)
      Cat Family:
      - Big Cats by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library-puppet book)
      - Little Cats by Bobbie Kalman & Tammy Everts (Staunton Library-puppet book)
      - The Life Cycle of a Lion by Bobbie Kalman & Amanda Bishop (Waynesboro Library-J-599.757)
      Bears:
      - Bears by Bobbie Kalman & Tammy Everts (Staunton Library-J-599.79446)
      - What is a Bear? by Bobbie Kalman & John Crossingham (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-599.78)
      Pandas & Racoons:
      - Bamboo Valley: A Story of Chinese Bamboo Forest (The Nature Conservancy) by Ann Whitehead Nagda (ILL?)
      - Little Panda: World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo by Joanne Ryder (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-599.7444 R)
      - Pi-Shu the Little Panda by John Butler (Staunton Library-Picture Book)
      Seals:
      - Andre by Lew Dietz (Staunton has book on cassette & video)
      - Boy Who Lived With the Seals by Rafe Martin (traditional Chinook story) (Staunton Library-Picture Book)
      - Islands of Ice: Story of a Harp Seal by Kathleen M. Hollenbeck (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection)Not yet released.
        Preschool-Grade 2--"An icy wind howls off the eastern coast of Canada. It races over dark, frigid water in the Gulf of St. Lawrence-." So begins this lovely, simple story about Seal Pup, a young harp seal born on an ice floe off the coast of Canada. By using straightforward text, author Kathleen M. Hollenbeck manages to impart a lot of information about the life of a harp seal. The simple, unsentimental text and the beautiful accompanying illustrations will help children empathize with the young seal who manages to successfully fend for herself after she is left on her own at the age of two weeks.
        Excerpt from annotation on Amazon.com by Susan Price, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada; Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
      - Seal Pup Grows Up: the Story of a Harbor Seal by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (Staunton Library-Picture Book; also available with cassette)
      j. Whales & Dolphins
      - Whales & Dolphins: What They Have in Common by Elizabeth Tayntor Gowell (Animals in Order Series) (Buy from Rainbow resource for $5.50 or ILL)
      - Dolphins by Tammy Everts & Bobby Kalman (Staunton Library-599.53 E)
      - What is a Whale? by Bobby Kalman & Heather Levigne (Staunton Library-599.5 K)
      - The Blue Whale by Kazua Mizamura (Staunton Library-599.5 M)
      - Do Whales Ever...? by Nathalie Ward (ILL?)
      - Animals of the Oceans Series
      - Beluga Passage by Linda Lingemann (Staunton Library-Picture Book)
      - Big Blue Whale by Nicola Davies (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-599.51 D)
      - Humphrey the Lost Whale: a True Story by Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall (Staunton Library-Picture Book or Puppet Book)
      - Orcas Around Me: My Alaskan Summer by Deborah Page
      - Whales: Visual Introduction to Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises by Bernard Stonehouse, Martin Camm (ILL?)
      k. Sea Cows
      l. Elephants
      m. Odd-Toed Ungulates (like horses, rhinoceroses, tapirs, asses, and zebras)
      - Horses and Rhinos: What They Have in Common (Animals in Order series) by Sara Swan Miller (buy from Rainbow Resource or ILL)
      - What is a Horse? by Bobbie Kalman & Heather Levigne (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-636.1)
      n. Hyraxes
      o. Aardvark
      p. Even-Toed Ungulates (like ibex, yak, hippopotamus, deer, camels, and pigs)
      - Camels & Pigs: What They Have in Common (Animals in Order series) by Erin Pembrey Swan, Jose Gonzales, Steve Savage (buy from Rainbow Resource or ILL)
      - Giraffes by Bobbie Kalman & Greg Nickles (Staunton Library-J-599.7359 K)
      q. Pangolins
      r. Rodents
      - Rodents: From Mice to Muskrats by Sara Swan Miller (Animals in Order series) (Aug. Co. Lib. 599.35 Mil)
      - What is a Rodent? by Bobbie Kalman & Jacqueline Langills (Waynesboro Lib.-J-599.523)
      - Think of a Beaver by Karen Wallace (Staunton Library-Picture Book)
      - I Love Guinea Pigs by Dick King-Smith (Staunton Library-Picture Book)
      - Mousekin's Birth by Edna Miller(ILL? ASIN: 0136041329)
      s. Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares & pikas)
      - Animal Lives: The Rabbit by Sally Tagholm (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 599.322 T)
        t. Elephant Shrews
      Background by
      Graphics by Irene
    - Study the different types of biomes.
      
      What is a Biome? by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Lib.-NF (Juv)-363.7 K)
      Biomes Atlases (sold by Rainbow Resources, but would be too expensive for a set; can probably get on ILL)
      Biomes Atlases: Taiga / Temperate Forests / Temperate Grasslands / Tropical Forests / Tropical Grasslands / Wetlands - Heinemann Educational Books - Library Division; ISBN: 1844211614
      Mountains and Highlands - by Tim Harris
      Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Ponds - by Richard Beatty
      Oceans and Beaches by Trevor Day
      Arctic Tundra and Polar Deserts by Chris Woodford
      Deserts & Semi Deserts by Michael Allaby et. al.
      Shrublands by David Burnie
      
      Forests:
      
      Forests by Julie Nelson (Staunton Library J 577.3)
      The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford(novel set in Northern woods)
      Woodlands by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Library-E-577.3)
      Little House on the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (novel)
      
      Deserts:
      
      Deserts by Christy Steele (Aug. Co. Library-J-577.54)
      Birds by Lynn M. Stone (Describes how birds living in the desert adapt to the harsh environment.) (Staunton Library NF(Juv) 598 S)
      Blue Willow by Doris Gates (novel set in the U.S.; takes place in a desert region) (Staunton-J-F)
      Cactus Hotel by Brenda Z. Guiberson (Staunton Library-Picture Books)
      Cactus in the Desert by Phyllis S. Busch (ILL?)
      Desert Discoveries (Waynesboro Lib.-J591.909)
      
      Rainforests:
      
      Here is the Tropical Rainforest by Madeline Dunphy (ILL?) (looks like a beautiful picture book; more geared toward preschoolers & toddlers)
      This cumulative tale starts in the rain forest, adds creatures great and small, and ends with the rain that fills the rivers. Rothman's lovely illustrations, done in the lush greens of the wet tropics, accompany the sing-song verses that mimic "The House that Jack Built." As a picture book, this title serves to illustrate some of the rain forest's creatures and to acquaint children with this important part of the world, but it does not provide much factual information.(K-1). (Excerpt from annotation from Amazon.com; Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.)
      
      Nature's Green Umbrella by Gail Gibbons ((Gr 1-4)) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-574.5264 G)
      Tropical Rain Forest by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Lib.-E-577.3)
      Rain Forests: Lush Tropical Paradise by Jenny Wood (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-574.5264 W)
      The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry (Staunton Library-Picture Books; teacher guide in Parent/Teacher Resource section 372.45)
      Rainforest Birds by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton-Juv(NF)-598)
      Rainforest Wildlife by Antonia Cunningham (Waynesboro Library-J-574.909 Cun)
      Rainforests by Adele D. Richardson (The Bridgestone Science Library) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)- 574.5264 R)
      
      Grasslands, Savannas & Praries:
      
      Here is the African Savanna by Madeline Dunphy ((Ages 4-8)) (ILL?) (looks like a beautiful picture book; more geared toward preschoolers & toddlers)
      
      Grasslands by Duncan Schaff (Churchville Library-J-577.4 Sch)
      The Prarie by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-577.4)
      Little House on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (novel)
      
      Wetlands:
      
      Wetlands by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Library-E-577.6)
      The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George (nature novel set in the Florida Everglades) (Staunton Library-F(Juv)-J George; sound recording also available)
      Wetlands by Adele D. Richardson ((RL 4.1)) (The Bridgestone Science Library) (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)- 574.526325 R)
      
      Arctic Regions:
      
      Here is an Arctic Winter by Madeline Dunphy (ILL? ISBN: 1562823361) (looks like a beautiful picture book; more geared toward preschoolers & toddlers)
      This unusual cumulative book begins with a stark, black-edged painting of the vast, moonlit, arctic landscape: "Here is the sky / that is dark day and night, / where the sun does not rise / in this cold world of white: / Here is the Arctic winter." Each turn of the page highlights another arctic creature, generally named in the order it appears on the food chain--the wolves "who howl at the sky," the caribou "that flee from the wolves," and so on (ages 3-8). (Excerpt from annotation from Amazon.com; Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.)
      
      Arctic Animals by Bobbie Kalman & Susan Hughes (Staunton Library-J-591.526 K)
      An Arctic Community by Bobbie Kalman & William Belsey (Staunton Library-J-919.8 K)
      The Arctic Land by Bobbie Kalman (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-998)
      The Antarctic by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-577.7)
      Antarctica (Kids Discover series) (Waynesboro Library-Juv NF-j 919.89 Ant)
      The Arctic by Lynn M. Stone (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-577.09)
      Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (novel) (Staunton Library; also available in CD or large type book; teacher's guide also available in the Parent/Teacher resource area 372.6 P)
      Danger: Icebergs by Roma Gans (Aug. Co. Lib.-E-551.3)
      Glaciers by Wendell V. Tangborn (Churchville Lib. 551.3)
      
      Tundras:
      
      Tundra by Julie Nelson (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-577.586)
      Tundra Discoveries (Waynesboro Lib.-J-591.7586)
      
      Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds:
      
      Rivers, Lakes & Ponds by Eric Braun & Sandra Donovan (Aug. Co. Lib.-J-578.76)
      The Islands (nature novel about freshwater lakes) by Gary Paulsen (Staunton-J-F)
      River Animals (ILL?)
      River Discoveries (ILL?)
      Follow the River From Brook to Ocean by Arthur Dorros (Staunton Library-J-551.4D)
      
      Oceans:
      
      The Ocean Biome by Kathryn Smithyman & Bobbie Kalman(Staunton Library-J551.465)
      Life in the Coral Reef by Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker(Waynesboro Library-J-574.5)
      What Do You See Under the Sea? by Bobbie Kalman (Staunton Library-J-574.92K)
      Voyage of the Frog by Gary Paulsen (novel) (Staunton Library-J-Fiction)
      The Hostage by Theodore Taylor (novel about whales/marine fishing) (Staunton Library-J-Fiction)
      The Cay by Theodore Taylor (novel about the sea/coral reefs) (Staunton Library-J-Fiction)
      The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell (novel about tropical lagoons)(Staunton Library-YA-Fiction)
      Animals of the Oceans Series
      Oceans by Seymour Simon (Staunton Library-NF(Juv)-551.46 S)
    - Study plant life: types, vascular non/vascular plants, photosynthesis, reproduction (organic vs. sexual), flower anatomy, and seed/fruit production.
      
      Bryophytes (moss)
      
      Simple stems and leaves
      Undeveloped roots
      
      Ferns
      
      No seeds.
      
      Conifers (like pine trees)
      
      Cone-bearing
      
      Angiosperms (flowering plants that produce seeds)
      
      Dicots (broad leaves)
      Monocots (narrow leaves: like grass)
    Sources of Some of My Information/Ideas:
    
    Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School by Rebecca Rupp (2000) New York, New Rivers Press.
    
    The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer & Jessie Wise
    
    Science Through Children's Literature: An Integrated Approach by Carol & John Butzow (1989) Englewood, CO, Teacher Ideas Press.
    
    The Usborne Illustrated Encyclopedia: The Natural World by Lisa Watts.
    
    The Encyclopedia of Animals (1993) San Francisco, Fog City Press.
    
    Natural Perspective
    
    Amazon.com

Science/Nature & Geography Topics Homeschool 2004-2005

Our Goals and Resources/Materials

Science and Social Studies Objectives: James (almost 6; Kindergarten)

Science and Social Studies Objectives: Sarah (age 10; Grade 5)

Science/Nature & Geography Topics
Homeschool 2004-2005