At Growing with Science Blog we are highlighting a fantastic book for upper elementary-aged children, Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and More by Lisa J. Amstutz.
If you’ve never experienced one of the Young Naturalists series books from Chicago Review Press, you are in for a real treat. These books are designed not only for children who are independent researchers interested in a topic — in this case amphibians — but also for educators who need information and age-appropriate activity ideas for science lessons.
Lisa Amstutz’s text covers everything readers will want to know:
- What an amphibian is
- What animals belong to the different families
- Amphibian anatomy
- What amphibians eat
- Their life cycles
- Some of the threats to amphibians
- And much more!
It is also filled with amazing facts. Did you know that the North American wood frog can survive being frozen solid? How about that some amphibians can absorb water from moist soil by sitting on it because they have specially absorptive skin on their bellies? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to drink that way?
The activities (30 of them!) will keep young scientists engaged for hours. They range from making fake frog eggs from water beads to making your yard more toad friendly. Plus, there’s oodles of back matter for further research.
Amazing Amphibians is an exceptionally well organized and well written introduction to a fascinating group of animals. It is perfect for young naturalists and for hands-on learners. It is also a must-have resource for educators. Investigate a copy today!
Hop on over to Growing with Science for the full review and many related activity suggestions.
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