Books published by publisher Be Naturally Curious

Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the real science behind the phases of the moon and is customizable to the Northern or Southern hemisphere. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners.For all those children who love to stare at phases of the moon, there is now a way to teach them without memorization. An illustrated story helps teach children that what we see on any given night is the result of our line of sight and the relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun. Children re-enact the orbit of the moon and see for themselves how the positions of these three objects create the shapes we see in the sky. Children then convert their understanding of the three-dimensional objects to two-dimensional shapes in an additional hands-on experiment. Included Field Journal pages and links to online resources then help children create their own Moon Phase journals, and guide them in making their own observations. Finally, in the movement-based Moon Phase Bingo game, kids practice matching a three-dimensional situation with a two-dimensional moon phase image. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: light-colored ball, black marker, flashlight, paper, eight Oreo sandwich cookies, butter knife, colored pens, chalk, concrete for drawing (driveway, sidewalk, or playground), scissors, bingo card markers (e.g., pennies, pebbles, or poker chips), hat or pouch.Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including Moon Phases, Cycle, Maria and Terrae, and Orbit.

What is DNA and how does it work? Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this richly illustrated interactive multi-activity mini-course uses nontraditional teaching techniques to introduce children to the fascinating and important topic of the DNA double helix and where it is found in their bodies. The mini-course includes an illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. In this mini-course, children learn how to build a DNA molecule with paper puzzle pieces (included in the mini-course). They then reinforce and expand this knowledge by creating a three-dimensional DNA model with easy-to-find materials. Children go on to gain a fundamental understanding of how bases pair together within a DNA helix through a movement-based game with other kids or stuffed animals. Finally, children learn to isolate DNA from fruit or vegetables through safe experiments they can conduct in their own kitchen. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: two thick pieces of licorice, toothpicks, four different types of fruit or soft candy, blender or sealable plastic baggie, one half cup of fruit or vegetable (fresh or frozen strawberries, peas, spinach, broccoli, or banana), measuring spoons, table salt, water, liquid dish detergent, clear plastic or glass cups, coffee filter or small strainer, ice-cold rubbing alcohol, Popsicle stick or plastic coffee stirrer, scissors, two pieces of yarn or string (each about 5 feet long), tape, and nine friends or stuffed animals. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including double helix, DNA unit, base pairing, and DNA extraction.

Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the reasons animals migrate and the fascinating strategies they use to do so. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. Children are introduced to the concept of animal migrations in The Migration Awards, a hands-on, illustrated story activity, where they can help figure out the reasons various animals migrate. Children can then create migration maps for an animal of their own choosing with the included Research Journal and map worksheets. Two of the most well-known migrating animals are further explored with the included board game, where children follow the life cycle of a Pacific Salmon, and the guide to becoming involved in the international Monarch butterfly Citizen Science project (Field Journal pages included.) Children are also given the opportunity to flap their own wings and experience what it’s like to be a member of a migrating flock of geese. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: Scissors, glue, game markers (coins, beans, or markers from a different game), one die (or spinner from a different game), crayons (or markers or colored pencils), yarn or string, bath towel (one for each child), timer, electric fan. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including migration, sightings, feeding grounds, breeding grounds, and spawning grounds.

What is carbon and why is it so important? Designed for K–5 children and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course gives young children a foundation for understanding Earth’s carbon cycle, a topic that will be increasingly important over their lifetime. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated, story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. After a fun introduction to carbon through a story about the travels of Carbon Cal, a craft project using a landscape collage helps children reinforce their understanding of where carbon is found on our planet. This understanding is further reinforced through a movement-based game in which children can act out the different forms of carbon. Children then play a carbon cycle board game (included in the mini-course) to learn how carbon is exchanged between plants, animals, the earth, and the atmosphere. Finally, children perform a safe and easy set of experiments to understand how living things release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: scissors, glue, small objects for board game (rocks, figurines, etc.), one coin, three to five packets of active dry yeast, narrow-mouthed plastic or glass bottle, balloon, measuring cup (for pouring), warm water, kitchen thermometer, sugar, and salt. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including carbon dioxide, photosynthesis, calcium carbonate, respiration, and bicarbonate.

How are dolphins and bats alike? They can both see with their ears! That is, they both use sound to navigate and find food. Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the amazing process of echolocation and how dolphins and bats manage to accomplish it. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. How can dolphins and bats accomplish such a cool feat? After reading the fun, illustrated story about Dolphin and Bat School, children reinforce the features that make echolocation possible through an echolocation elements board game (included in the course). They then get to experience echolocation through a movement-based Name That Sound game in which children must themselves try to echolocate. Finally, children can cement their knowledge of the anatomical features involved in echolocation through an art project in which they create their own bat ears or dolphin snout. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: blindfold (scarf or headband), blank paper, blanket, pen or pencil, coloring materials (crayons, markers or colored pencils), tape, and scissors. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including echolocation, larynx, noseleaf, phonic lips, melon, and blowhole.

Are all sharks scary? Not at all! This beautifully illustrated mini-course is designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups. An interactive, multi-activity mini-course, The Scoop on Sharks introduces children to the broad diversity of shark species. It includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. Children are introduced to the wide array of shark diversity in a story about Mrs. Puffer’s underwater school. They join Freddie Flounder, Devi the Dolphin, and several other marine friends to learn about the many, varied members of the shark family and what they eat. In a hands-on craft activity, children then become familiar with shark anatomy by constructing their own model sharks. Next, in Shark Lengths and Locations, children use several visual activities to reinforce their understanding both of how large different shark species are, and where in the world these different sharks are found. Next, what is more fun than becoming the expert? In "At the Museum: Mix and Match Jaws", children become museum curators and establish their own shark exhibits for instructing their peers or family members. Finally, children are encouraged to think about the way that human behavior affects sharks in a movement-based game of "Shark Rock-Paper-Scissors." Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: Stuffed animal, scissors, tape, sandpaper, black construction paper (plus a few other colors), string or yarn, small balloons, safety pins, measuring tape, colored pencils, markers, or crayons (black, gray, red, green, blue), play dough or similar clay, masking or painter’s tape, glue (optional). Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including Shark, Egg Case, Apullae of Lorenzini, and Shark Food.

Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the diversity of life in the desert and the strategies different plants and animals use to conserve water. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson, as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. After an introductory story where the host, Sandy Saguaro, introduces desert-dwelling plants and animals, children have fun designing their very own desert animals with the included illustrations of fur, scales, feathers, and claws. Concepts are reinforced through a beautifully illustrated board game (included in the course) in which children collect various animals, plants, and water droplets. In a separate movement-based game, children take on the form of different animals and reenact a day and night in the desert. Finally, children will perform an easy at-home experiment in which they calculate and graph evaporation rates of water in different environments. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link.). The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: tape, a few coins, one die (or numbered spinner), bowl, paper, crayons or markers, glue, pencil, two identical translucent cups, water, ruler, hole punch (or paper clip), scissors, string or yarn, timer.) Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)— – including evaporation, conserve, dormant, crepuscular, and adaptations.

Why are butterflies so brightly colored? And how do they use their colors to avoid predators? Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to how butterflies and moths are different from each other and how they survive in nature. This mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. Children are introduced to the concepts of nocturnal and diurnal as well as various strategies for staying safe from predators through a fun story about Morty the Moth and Bella Butterfly. Children can then test their ability to distinguish between moths and butterflies in the included card-matching game. Children are able to reinforce their knowledge of various survival strategies such as blending, flash, and warning coloration in a fun movement-based activity in which they act out moths, butterflies, and predators. Children can then design and create their own moths and butterflies in an art activity with the included templates. Finally, the mini-course assists children in exploring their own local environment by including an exercise with online resources, research journal pages, and field journal pages to allow identification of local butterflies and moths. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: string, tape, scissors, pencil, crayons, three opaque cups, lightweight cardboard, and T-shirts of different colors. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including diurnal, nocturnal, proboscis, blending coloration, and flash coloration.

Designed for ages grades K-5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the Fibonacci sequence and how math and art can intersect with science and nature. It takes one of the most fascinating mathematical topics, the Fibonacci sequence, and the related Golden Ratio, and shows children how math can be used to see patterns in all kinds of natural settings, such as leaf arrangement, snail shells, and hurricanes. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson, as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. An illustrated story about Fibonacci and his imaginary bean stalk introduces children to the mathematical concepts of sequences and sets, as well as an illustration of Fibonacci’s famous pattern. By creating their own Fibonacci Flower Books, children then begin to investigate some of the places the famous sequence is found in nature. Children are then encouraged to visualize the relationship between numbers and shapes as they learn how to create their own Golden Spirals from the Fibonacci sequence. What elements of nature can they see in their spirals? Next, in the Purely Numbers Game, children reinforce and expand their understanding of these mathematical concepts by making their own mathematical sets. Finally, children will have fun testing how well they know the Fibonacci sequence by playing the movement-based Walk for Fibonacci. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book. The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: Colored pencils, eraser, pencil, scissors, mathematical compass (optional), two dice, blank paper, tape or glue. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)— – including Sequence, Pattern, Phyllotaxis, Opposite Phyllotaxis, and Sum.

What causes earthquakes? How do mountains form? These are some of the most frequent questions curious children ask about the Earth. To understand plate tectonics, it can be helpful to have powerful visuals and fun activities, which is exactly what Plate Tectonics: The Changing Continents provides. Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to how the shifting pieces of Earth’s crust are constantly reshaping our planet. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that incorporate a broad range of teaching styles.Children are introduced to the topic of plate tectonics through a whimsical story, Continent Beehive. Not only do children learn about the various plates and their movement through history, they also learn such important concepts such as transform, divergent, and convergent boundaries between plates. They then solidify their familiarity with the plates in the Plates Puzzle activity, in which children reconstruct their own, beautiful map of fifteen of the largest plates. Once children can visualize the plates, it’s time for the Plate Boundaries Game, in which they learn the consequences of different types of plate boundaries. In Hot Spots!, kids will have fun with multiple movement-based activities that demonstrate how hot spots result in volcanoes and islands like Hawaii. Finally, the included Research Journal and Science Trip Planner, guide children to learn about plate boundaries in their own area (or other area of interest.)Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: Crayons or colored pencils, pen or pencil, scissors, clear tape, poster board or butcher paper, red magic marker, large piece of newsprint, blanket or sheet, red construction paper or piece of red clothing, masking tape (optional). Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including Plate Boundaries, Volcano, the Earth’s Structure, and Oceanic Trench.

Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the spectacular diversity of ocean life and the concept of a food web. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. After an introductory story about Freddie the Flounder and other ocean creatures, children can have fun building their own food chains in the included card game. Concepts are reinforced through a separate movement-based game in which children create their own food webs. Children will also learn about metamorphosis and life cycles through an art project in which they invent their own imaginary marine animals. Finally, children will perform an experiment in which they design their own plankton—the foundation of the ocean food web. Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: water, scissors, tape, blank paper, paper clips, string or yarn, coloring materials (crayons, paint, or markers), empty shoe box, eight stuffed animals (or friends), various small household items (floating bath toys, paper clips, corks, erasers, clay, toothpicks, etc.), small bowl or container, and a larger bucket (~5 gallon) or tank. Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including predator, phytoplankton, food chain, and metamorphosis.

What is an amphibian, and how is it different from a reptile? Designed for grades K–5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the amazing diversity of vertebrate animal life on our planet. The mini-course includes a beautifully illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners. Activities include a richly illustrated BONES Bingo game in which children learn to identify animal groups by their traits. Children reinforce their understanding of these traits by creating their own vertebrate mobiles (materials included in the mini-course). Children then have fun testing their knowledge of different animal groups in a movement-based vertebrate twister game. Finally, what could be more fun than acting out their favorite animal in Critter Charades?Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: scissors, string, hanger, hole punch, coloring materials (colored pencils, crayons, or markers), pennies, M&Ms, Cheerios, dry beans, buttons (or similar), glue, paper plate or cardboard, paper clip, five colors of chalk, and a timer.Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)—including backbone, amphibian, fish, mammal, bird, and reptile.