Science in the Wild

Description

Dive deep into the natural world with this adventure-packed collection of investigations that invite kids to explore engaging science questions through hands-on discovery.

Why learn indoors when the wild beckons? While classrooms and online platforms are vital, nothing beats the interaction of nature and science. Science in the Wild isn’t just about learning; It’s a journey to immerse yourself in the natural world, satisfying your curiosity with thrilling investigations like these:
 

• Stardust Seekers: Embark on a hunt for micrometeorites, space fragments that regularly fall to Earth.
• Gooey Gathering: Use a century-old technique to discover nocturnal arthropod species and their unique behaviors in the dark.
• Sweet Sinkholes: Build a sinkhole model demonstrating the rapid changes in the Earth’s surface.
• Squirmy Decisions: Delve into earthworm behavior, observing their interactions in different environments.
• Minibeast Mansions: Build miniature habitats, understanding animal behavior in intricate ecosystems.
• Potato Pitfall: Observe creatures that have fallen into your trap of a decomposing potato.

Through these and other captivating investigations, you’ll master inquiry skills vital to scientists. From manipulating materials and data collection to deciphering the intricate patterns of the wild, you’ll navigate through real-world experiments just like ecologists, meteorologists, geologists, physicists, and other specialists!

Key features include:
 

• 52 Experiments: Engage in more than 50 immersive experiments, each designed with an essential question to ignite curiosity and deepen your understanding of the natural world.
• Instructional Photographs: Step-by-step instructional photographs guide you through each experiment, ensuring clarity and understanding at every stage.
• Science Breakdown: The investigations wrap up with a science overview, breaking down each activity’s concept and real-world context.
• Science for All: Explore the vast realm of science across Earth, Life, and Physical Science investigations, offering curious kids opportunities to explore multiple disciplines.
• Wild Connections: Each investigation or challenge relates to something truly wild, so check out the section labeled “Now, This Is Wild” to see each wild and relevant connection!

Science In The Wild isn’t your average science or nature book; it’s a gateway to the wilderness waiting to be explored as you engage with your world. Join this adventure, and prepare to unlock a universe of wonder, excitement, and learning—one that begins as you step out your front door into the WILD!Dr. Erica Colón is a distinguished educator and author known for her influential work in science curriculum and instruction. As a National Board Certified Teacher with extensive experience teaching various science disciplines across grades 6–12, she profoundly understands student engagement. Her commitment to enhancing science education led her to establish Nitty Gritty Science, LLC, in 2012, where she serves as the founder and CEO. Through this venture, Dr. Colón creates and publishes captivating science resources and curriculum materials that have gained widespread recognition and adoption in classrooms worldwide. Beyond her educational contributions, Dr. Colón is active on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where she shares insights, science demos, learning strategies, and engaging content under the handle @nittygrittyscience. Living in Texas with her family, she remains dedicated to providing valuable resources and expertise for all who love science. Explore her work and resources at nittygrittyscience.com.Introduction
 
PART 1
LIFE SCIENCE
Unit 1
Ecology
1. Minibeast Mansion
2. Nurse Log
3.  Mud P.I.s – Track Detectives
4. Pollywog Playground
 
Unit 2
Animal Diversity
5. Tweet Retreat
6. Poo's Clues
7. Squirmy Decisions
8. Potato Pitfall
 
Unit 3
Arthropods
13. Web Wonders
14. An Arthropod's Armory
15. Buggy Creations
16. Fascinating and Fluorescent
 
Unit 4
Plants
17. Mossy Masterpiece
18. Strategic Seeds
19. Scrappy Sprouts
20. Transpiring Tales 
 
Unit 5
Traits and Adaptations
17. Leave a Good Impression
18. Pollinating Predicament
19. Brilliant Beaks
20. Camouflage n' Seek
 
PART 2
EARTH SCIENCE
Unit 6
Rocks and Minerals
21. Rockhounds
22. Cool Crystals
23. Fossil Creations
24. Stardust Seekers
 
Unit 7
Earth's Changing Surface
25. Aqua Filter
26. A Nature Remodel
27. Sweet Sinkholes
28. Core Sampling
 
Unit 8
Natural Resources
29. Wind Detector
30. Air's Dirty Secrets
31. Mini Dams
32. Solar Etching
 
Unit 9
Weather and Climate
33. Rainy Day Tracker
34. Shadow Play
35. Feeling the Pressure
36. Weather Watcher
 
PART 3
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Unit 10
Energy
37. Sun Art
38. Whirling Wonders
39. Newton's Slingshot Challenge
40. Crafting a Catapult
 
Unit 11
Matter
41. Sink or Float
42. Secret Message
43. Ice Lanterns
44. Bug Hut
 
Unit 12
Force and Motion
45. Nature's Tower
46. Sand's Magnetic Charm
47. Zip Line Challenge
48. Roly Poly Olympics
 
Unit 13
Waves
49. Bullroarer
50. Worm Charmer
51. Iridescence Rocks!
52. Bubble Kaleidoscope
 
Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index
 

Additional information