25 projects for eco explorers

CHICAGO — Though the daily news is filled with reports of climate change, severe weather, environmental distress, and endangered species, children’s librarians and educators might be uncertain how to incorporate these topics into their current curriculum. Christine M. Kirker’s “25 Projects for Eco Explorers,” published by ALA Editions, offers an ideal solution, presenting more than two dozen ready-to-use projects on environmental topics that can be integrated into K-5 educational lesson plans and library programming for children aged 4-10. Starting with a representative picture book as a foundation, children are guided through each topic using a hands-on project that reinforces learning. Whether they’re in the classroom or library, kids will feel excited and engaged as they explore such topics as:

• honeybees, loggerhead turtles, mountain gorillas, polar bears, and other animals;
• environments like coral reefs, estuaries, and the Galápagos Islands;
• wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes;
• composting, gardens, seeds, and the farm to table movement; and
• garbage, recycling, renewable energy, water conservation, and Earth Day.

This title is also available as a PDF as part of the “75 Projects for Young Explorers” bundle.

Kirker is a library associate with the Carroll County (Maryland) Public Library. Since joining the library staff in 2005, she has developed and presented many programs for children of all ages, including monthly preschool science programs. As coauthor, her books include “Storytime Magic,” “Kindergarten Magic,” and “Multicultural Storytime Magic.” Previously, she spent ten years at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as a research analyst for the Office of Institutional Research. She presents trainings and programs introducing ways to enhance storytimes through her website Storytime Stuff.

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