Radioactivity


Teaching about radioactivity is a challenge for even the most seasoned high school science teachers. This new publication, Radioactivity: STEM Road Map for High School by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) offers an informative, engaging series of lessons to help break down and teach this complex topic. Geared to- wards Grade 11 students, this book


details a five- week unit. Each week is broken down into lessons that include detailed


background information, clear learn- ing goals,


interesting inquiry questions, engaging activities, and differentiated assessment strategies. The content aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards that will be familiar to American educators; however, this does not rule out its use- fulness to high school Physics teachers in other countries. Student handouts are included as well as numerous links to additional material and videos. Stu- dents will be engaged by the thoughtful STEM challenges and the guide’s inter- disciplinary approach, and teachers will be grateful to have age-appropriate, ready-to-use classroom materials on hand. If you have ever struggled with explaining radioactive half-life or won- dered how to model nuclear fission, this book is a great reference to have on your classroom bookshelf. — (KZ)


NSTApress, 2019; ISBN: 978-1-68140-474-5 (pb); 185pp.; US $29.95 from nsta.org/store.


The School Garden Curriculum


Gardening with young learners is a powerful learning experience, and this in-depth book offers practical, hands- on learning activities and ideas to support the process. By connecting gar- dening experiences to science, math, literacy, and art, this resource serves not only as a comprehensive guide to growing gardens, but also as a guide to growing student knowledge. Suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 8 classes, the book offers weekly lesson plans that are connected to each season. You'll find activities such as building garden food webs, observing pollinators, and


exploring the make-up of soil. Each section also provides additional resource lists and ideas for assessment, making this an essential resource for educators


who want to connect learning to a school garden. — (RS)


New Society Publishers, 2019; ISBN 978-0- 86571-905-7 (pb); 320pp.; US/CDN $34.99 from newsociety.com.


Placemaking with Children and Youth


Children as well as adults would all be able to learn something new from this book, subtitled Participatory practices for planning sustainable communities. It provides numerous examples of real-life programs and projects from around the globe that were successful in engaging young people in communi- ty sustainability and design. Collective- ly, it covers everything we need to know — from the ethics of youth partic- ipation and supporting youth action for sustain- ability and resiliency to evaluating and reflecting


upon programs and events. Included are many photographs, charts, and graphs of youth completing action-ori- ented community projects. Readers will walk away from this book feeling confident to support local youth in making positive contributions to their local communities and organizations. — (JT)


New Village Press, 2018; ISBN 978-1- 61332-100-3 (pb); 365 pp.; US $40.00 newvillagepress.net.


A Concerned Citizen


We are living in an era where cor- porations hold more power than the people. The film A Concerned Citizen: Civics in Action is a call to uphold our democratic rights and bring the power back to the people. This 41-minute, American-based documentary follows


Green Teacher 121


the work of scientist-turned activist Riki Ott as she works on uncovering the scientific truths behind the Exxon Valez, the Deep Water Horizon blow out, and the Enbridge


Pipeline spill in Michigan. She uncovers the links be- tween chemi- cal dispersants and the health impacts they have on the


people who live and work near these spills. Ott raises concerns about both the environment and the health of people, while sharing her passion for making change through education. The film references the inspiring middle school curriculum that Ott designed to help students learn the real workings of policy and inspire them to stand up for their right to clean air and water. There are heavy references to American policy and government, which makes the film less ideal for non-US-based viewers; however, many will still find Ott to be a voice of change and reason in these unsettling times. Recommend- ed for Grade 7 and up. — (KZ)


Bullfrog Films, 2019; ISBN: 1-948745-19- 4(DVD); 41 min.; free preview from bullfrog- films.com.


Backyard Adventure


Want to en- gage young learners in outdoor exploration? Look no further than this book, subtitled 51 ideas for projects and activities that will inspire


curiosity and independent exploration. Instructions for creating natural paints and brushes will engage the senses and encourage creativity. Collaborative group games such as Kick the can will keep kids active, while Flashlight tag can extend time spent outdoors. This well-laid-out book also has great ideas for setting ground rules to encourage free play, while keeping children safe in the outdoors. — (RS)


Storey, 2019; ISBN: 978-1-61212-920-4 (pb); 157 pp.; US $16.95 from storey.com.


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