Pet parade

Let’s do a pet parade!

Show us your pet! Science has shown that having a pet is good for your health. Pets can help increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness. How does your pet help you feel happy and be healthy?

My Side of the Mountain

Author: Jean Craighead George


Think as you read:

If you could take an adventure like Sam, where would you go and what would you like to learn?

Sam came across a lot of animals during his time in the Catskill Mountains. Make a list of the animals you came across in the book and share them here.

Sam used what he found in nature to make everything he had. Think about how he used things like a tree trunk, tree slats, animal skin and stones. What types of animals, plants, rocks, and other resources are available where you live? What are some things that you could do with them? Draw a sketch, record a short video or describe it in writing.

In the mountains, Sam didn’t have new reports to let him know what the weather would be like. Instead, he learned to tell what was coming by the signs around him: the color of the sky, what the animals around him did and the activity of the wind. Take some time to observe what different weather patterns bring where you live. What things in nature give you clues as to what kind of weather to expect?


Would you like to share your thoughts about this book with other Smart Pegs? Choose a question above and add your answer to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

Nim’s Island

Author: Wendy Orr

Think as you read:

How is nature protected on and around Nim’s Island?

What do you think would happen if there were no marine sanctuaries?

How can you help protect nature where you live?

Tell about a time when you came in close contact with nature. Draw a sketch of it, record a short video about it, or describe it in writing. Tell what you saw and where you were. And tell what you thought at the time and think about it now.


Would you like to share your thoughts about this book with other Smart Pegs? Choose a question above and add your answer to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

amphi

Word Builders Jr.
amphi

What does it mean?

Practice Activities

Print a worksheet or try the activities below

Which words mean both of something?

Click or tap the correct words.


Which animal is an amphibian?


What is another amphibian that you know about? What makes it an amphibian? Tell us about it in the comments below!


Stellaluna

Author: Janell Cannon

Think as you read:

What type of bat is Stellaluna? How did you figure that out?

Pip, the bird, says “How can we be so different and feel so much alike?” What do you think he means?

The bat notes at the end of the story give the scientific name for bats, Chiroptera. What does that mean?

Can you figure out what the name Stellaluna means? (HINT: try the Word Builders Jr. activities for luna- and stella-)

Stellaluna has some special bat abilities. Can you name 2? Which one would you like to have?


Would you like to share your thoughts about this book with other Smart Pegs? Choose a question above and add your answer to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

John Muir: America’s First Environmentalist

Author: Kathryn Lasky

Think as you read:

Why do you think John Muir spent his life protecting wild lands?

How did John’s childhood help prepare him for his life and career as a naturalist and explorer?

Of all his adventures, which would you choose to have experienced with him and why?


Would you like to share your thoughts about this book with other Smart Pegs? Choose a question above and add your answer to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

The Camping Trip that Changed America

Author: Barb Rosenstock

Think as you read:

Did John’s and Teddy’s friendship cause any lasting changes to the American wild lands?

John and Teddy had many adventures, alone and together. If you could share one adventure, which one would it be and why?

Think about some of the wild lands that are close to your home. Draw a sketch of it, record a short video about it, or describe it in writing.


Would you like to share your thoughts about this book with other Smart Pegs? Choose a question above and add your answer to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

Same Species

Observe several different animals or plants of the same species.

 

(A species is a group of the same type of animal or plant.)

Explore how the individual animals or plants are similar and different. Pay attention to how their structure and location vary.

Write about or draw their similarities and differences in your journal.


Would you like to share your nature investigation with other Smart Pegs? Take a photo or a short video of your journal entry and add it to the comments section!

Like someone else’s ideas? You can reply to their comments, too!

 

eco

eco

Word Builders Jr.
eco

What does it mean?

Practice Activities

Print a worksheet or try the activities below

Which pictures will help you remember what eco- means?


Tell which animal lives in each ecosystem.


What animals live in the ecosystem where you live?
Tell us about it or show us a picture in the comments below!