Ecosystems Series: Science and Technology for Children (STC). Grades: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENC#: ENC-030731 Publisher: National Academies Press (NAP) Date: 2004 Ordering Information

Subjects:

Science Earth. Earth science. Ecosystems. Educational issues. Life Science. Natural resources. Scientists, inventors, etc..

Resource Type:
Resource materials for math or science.

Abstract:
This book presents a comprehensive overview of ecosystems and discusses what threatens them and what measures can keep them healthy. The resource is part of the SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR CHILDREN series, which is designed to enhance literacy skills by engaging students in inquiry-based investigations.

The first part of this book studies the basics of an ecosystem. Various articles in this section provide students with the vocabulary necessary to understand ecosystems and to comprehend the relationships between a variety of organisms and what they eat. This portion also explores the history behind the disappearance of dinosaurs. The second part of the book contains articles about the balance and order that an ecosystem requires. Investigations in this section include the risk of global warming, the invasion of brown tree snakes in Guam and their effect on the ecosystem, the benefits of natural forest fires, and the effects of overfishing in the North Atlantic. Articles in third part of the book investigate what people are doing to help keep ecosystems in balance. Feature sections offer ideas for students to experiment with the lasting impact of smog and provide hints for having a healthy garden without using harmful chemicals. The book's final part contains articles that present the work of three people who have had an impact on public appreciate for ecosystems: Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Rachel Carson. In the summary at the end of each section, facts are reviewed, an assessment question is posed, and an opinion question is offered for reflection. Color and black-and-white photos, cartoons, and illustrations help to guide the reader through the resource. (Author/JAT)

Table of Contents:
[Text:]
Introduction
Part 1.What is an ecosystem?
     Eco worlds
     Generalists and specialists
     What eats what? Webs and pyramids tell the story
     Dead and done?
     Why did the dinosaurs disappear?
Part 2. Protecting ecosystems
     Hot enough for you?
     Snakes rule!
     Florida fire ecology
     Tale of the cod
Part 3. Keeping the balance
     Something's in the air
     Do-it-yourself smog
     Growing crops the natural way
     Wildlife-friendly yard
Part 4. Pioneers in ecology
     Listening to nature's rhythm: Henry David Thoreau
     Preserving the wilderness: John Muir
     Rachel Carson's Silent spring: a quiet book makes noise
Glossary

Vendor: National Academies Press (NAP) 500 Fifth Street NW Lockbox 285 Washington DC 20055 (202) 334-3313 (888) 624-8373 Fax: (202) 334-2451 http://www.nap.edu

Pricing Information:

Description: 1 text (paperback)

Cost: $9.95

Note: Volume pricing available. Contact vendor.

ISBN: 978-1-933008-05-9

Publisher:
National Academies Press (NAP)

Contributor(s):

Author: National Science Resources Center (NSRC).

Funding Agency:
Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Specifications:
1 text (64 pages : color illustrations ; 28 cm.)

Record Created: 09/29/2004 Last Modified: 08/12/2005