Next Time You See a Maple Seed

 

maple seedHave you ever thrown a maple seed into the air and watched it helicopter to the ground? What would happen if you took the “wings” off of the seed — would it still fly? Isn’t it remarkable that a big, beautiful maple tree lives inside the tiny seed?

Emily Morgan, author of the Next Time You See book series, explores these and other questions in her beautiful book Next Time You See a Maple Seed. As a lover of maple trees, this book holds a special appeal to me.

But all of the other books in the series are just as enchanting — and informative. Each one focuses on a common element of the natural world, many of which we see every day — a sunset, seashell, pill bug, firefly, and the moon.

These nonfiction books have it all — easy hands-on experiences, fascinating information, beautiful photography, and heart-opening inspiration.

The back cover says the books are appropriate for grades K-6; but as an adult, I love reading them too!

I encourage you to visit Emily’s website where you can find lessons for each of the books, like this one Maple Seed Journal Activity. It includes guided observations, experiments, and even space for wondering. I think it’s the perfect follow-up activity to the dandelion “seed dispersal” lesson from my blog last week.

The following video will give you a sense of the beauty of this book.

(BTW: Emily and her co-author Karen Ansberry have created the Picture Perfect Science series of curriculum guides…they’re fantastic! Be sure to check them out, too!)

 

 

subscribe     Blog by Carol Malnor I love making connections: kids and nature, science and reading, fun and learning. I discovered the joy of connecting Dawn Publications' books with kids when I was a classroom teacher. Dawn's books were easy to incorporate into my lessons and the kids loved them. I used picture books with students of all ages, from primary school all the way up through 9th grade. Over the years, my relationship with Dawn changed and developed, and I authored Dawn’s Teacher’s Guides as well as writing books for children 4-14 years old. ARTICLE How to Use Creative Nonfiction Picture Books in Support of Common Core and Science ACTIVITIES Dawn Publications STANDARDS Common Core State Standards Next Generation Science Standards National Science Teachers Association Picture Perfect Science   OTHER FAVORITES Dawn Publications Children and Nature Network
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