quietly, children may become fascinat- ed with ants, spiders or leaves, while also developing their ability to be still for longer periods of time. Besides instructions, each activity includes reflections for mentors and alterna- tives and extensions. Drawing on the work of many important authors and educators in the field, Coyote’s Guide also offers strategies and activities for creating deep connections with nature in yourself and the people you mentor. – (PM/TG)


OWLink Media, 2010, ISBN 978-1 57994- 025-6 (pb), 548 pp., US$34.95 plus $5 s&h from OWLink Media, 210 SE Cedar Hill Lane, Shelton, WA 98584, .


Ethnobotany


Explorers Ethnobotany Explorers com- bines a fascinat- ing 3 to 4-week curriculum with a documentary- like DVD designed for


high school students that explores the interactions of humans and plants around the world. The curriculum highlights important topics such as plant-based cures for disease, preserving traditional knowledge and protecting rainforest species. In one of eight engaging lessons, a research simulation helps students understand the roles of indigenous cultures and scientists in plant research and conservation.


Another provides the materials for stu- dents to carry out a local ethnobotanical research project. In addition, there are directions for creating a classroom her- barium. All lessons are very complete, and make good use of the documentary segments on the DVD, well written student readings and extensive support documents. This curriculum could be used for formal or informal learning environments including after-school clues, camps, youth groups and nature centers. – (TT)


Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Glencoe, 2008, ISBN 978-0-07-891486-7 (pb), 267 pp., US$26.64 from McGraw Hill, .


Deer World Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat can be very beautiful, as demonstrated by Dave Taylor in Deer World, his book of photographs of a year in the life of Northern American deer. For each day in a calendar year, he includes a colour photograph of a member of the deer family or of another animal that shares the same habitat. Deer World is more than a stunning keepsake collection


of seasonal photographs. Through informative captions found throughout the book, we learn a great deal about deer and their wide-ranging habitats in Ontario, Florida, Alberta and Texas.


Particularly helpful when teaching about habitats, food chains and animal adaptations, Deer World would appeal to those from 8 to 18 years of age. – (KF)


Boston Mills Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1- 55046-501-3, 399 pp., C/US$39.95 from Firefly Books, (800) 387-6192, .


Suzuki


Speaks While David Suzuki is known for his TV show The Nature of Things, his many books and his Foundation, television is truly


the medium where he shines. In this documentary, Suzuki explores concepts of interconnectedness, the origin of the universe and the need for human responsibility to care for the natural world. The strength of the documen- tary lies in clever visual interpretations that help make complex concepts accessible and interesting for all ages. Creative special effects place him in visually compelling settings— within a TV screen embedded unexpectedly on top of a cityscape, next to a shot of wild “Black Friday” shoppers and even in the hands of someone about to toss the TV tube in the garbage. The film makes an effective plea for people to rediscover their links to the natural world by illustrating just how connected


Books for Young Readers A Worm's Eye View:


The History of the World According to Wilbursaurus Junior, the informed narrator of Caren Trafford’s book — and a worm himself, worms have been eating their way through animal dung and other organic waste since the age of the dinosaur. In so doing, they convert waste into a mixture of benevolent bacteria


that in pellet form fertilizes the soil and enables plants to grow. As Wilbursaurus relates the history of worms on Earth, readers learn about their life cycle, how both Cleo- patra and Darwin recognized the importance of worms and the impact of the chemical agriculture on worm popu- lations and the fertility of soil. Humorously-illustrated and


Page 44 GREEN TEACHER 89


educational, A Worm’s Eye View: The History of the World is certain to appeal to many 6-12 year old readers and should be in the library of every school. It concludes with directions for building a small-scale worm farm – (BM)


Etram Pty Ltd., 2001, ISBN 0-646-41588-3, 36pp., US$20.00 from the Water Environment Federation, (800) 666-0206, .


The Power Quest When the power goes out in Linda Laepple’s picture book The Power Quest, children wonder aloud where it comes from. Determined to answer their ques- tion, the older children go on an adventure to learn about different types of electrical power genera-


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52