Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself

Conducting a circumnavigation of the globe, this fascinating guide presents an excellent learning environment on Earth’s terrestrial and aquatic biomes. From wandering through forests and sizzling in deserts to shivering in the tundra and plunging beneath the seas to explore coral reefs, children can explore each unique climate zone as well as the native flora and fauna’s skills for survival. Gnarly krumholz trees, bioluminescent sea creatures, carnivorous plants, and blubbery marine critters are only a few of the intriguing elements to be encountered within this engaging handbook. In each biome, those who use science in their jobs are highlighted, whether at the site of a disastrous oil spill or an archaeological mastodon dig. Projects and activities include making lightning, building an erupting volcano, testing air quality, and creating a tornado in a bottle. Guaranteed to inspire an interest in all corners of the earth, this engrossing compendium also encourages an appreciation of how vital biomes are to the earth’s health.

Conducting a circumnavigation of the globe, this fascinating guide presents an excellent learning environment on Earth’s terrestrial and aquatic biomes. From wandering through forests and sizzling in deserts to shivering in the tundra and plunging beneath the seas to explore coral reefs, children can explore each unique climate zone as well as the native flora and fauna’s skills for survival. Gnarly krumholz trees, bioluminescent sea creatures, carnivorous plants, and blubbery marine critters are only a few of the intriguing elements to be encountered within this engaging handbook. In each biome, those who use science in their jobs are highlighted, whether at the site of a disastrous oil spill or an archaeological mastodon dig. Projects and activities include making lightning, building an erupting volcano, testing air quality, and creating a tornado in a bottle. Guaranteed to inspire an interest in all corners of the earth, this engrossing compendium also encourages an appreciation of how vital biomes are to the earth’s health.

Children's Literature

Part of the "Build it Yourself Series," Donna Latham offers do-at-home projects for students interested in several kinds of forests, deserts, savannas, mountains and oceans. Each of the chapters starts with a short explanation of the biome and its place in the world. In the chapter about tropical rainforests, Latham writes: "Tropical rainforests are located near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn... Tropical rainforests experience little fluctuation in temperature. Frost never develops in this moist hot biome, and plants never become dormant." Each chapter includes vocabulary words—pulled out as "Words to Know"—silly riddles, stand-alone facts called "Did You Know," and other short 50-100 word notes about a particular biome. The activities are tied to the biome. For the rainforest they include trying new foods and building hummingbird feeders. For the temperate grassland section, Latham suggests the reader build a tornado in a bottle. This book will appeal to the information mavens and teachers looking for projects to match an area of study. Backmatter includes a glossary, a list of resources, and an index. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen

Donna Latham is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Illinois Reading Council. She is the author of Ellen Ochoa: Reach for the Stars!, Fire Dogs, and Hurricane!: The 1900 Galveston Night of Terror. She lives in St. Charles, Illinois. Farah Rizvi is a graphic designer and illustrator. She lives in Bridgewater, Vermont.