Kitchen Paleontologist

Kitchen Paleontologist

When paleontologists discover fossil bones, they are usually scattered over an area. Sometimes the bones of more than one creature are mixed together. Perhaps the bones can be put together, but a piece is missing. This activity will give you an idea of what paleontologists do.
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Write a Fabulous Fish Book

Write a Fabulous Fish Book

From Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations

Fish have many different fabulous adaptations that help them survive in environments all around the Earth. Write about them!

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Build Your Own Bird

Build Your Own Bird

From Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations

Birds have beaks, wings, feathers, and interesting feet. Each of these features helps a bird to survive in its habitat.

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Amphibians Near You

Amphibians Near You

From Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations

Amphibians are found all around the world, except Antarctica. That means there are amphibians living near you! And every amphibian has many adaptations that help it survive. They must be able to find food, take shelter, and stay safe.

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Pipe-Cleaner Reptiles

Pipe-Cleaner Reptiles

From Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations

Reptiles include snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They live everywhere on Earth except in the coldest environments.

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Reviews

Alexander’s Library
Finally! A book about paleontology that begins with a geological time scale stretching from Earth’s beginning (about 4.6 billion years ago) to the present. Not only does the timeline map out eras, periods, and epochs, it also places the last five mass extinctions into context. Fortunately, the introductory chapter defines what an extinction is, detailing contemporary extinctions of species. Subsequent chapters examine causes of extinction, asteroid strikes, human evolution, and other examples of survival and adaptation. The author raises the possibility that we may currently be experiencing the sixth mass extinction, pushed by human impact on the environment.

This book is filled with hands-on activities, from making a fossil to examining how oceans are acidified (and the impact on shells). There’s even a list of items to take on a (water) bear hunt. Additional features include text boxes that highlight fin facts; sidebars that provide definitions; and a series of species spotlights. What I really like: the last chapter lists concrete steps we can take to reduce human impact on our planet and slow the rate of species extinction.”

Baristanet
“When it comes to keeping kids’ interest in a subject alive, combining hands-on activities with knowledge is key. That’s why the Build It Yourself books from Nomad Press are such great resources, not just for classrooms, but also for at-home application of new learning.” Read the complete review online.

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“This book uses the concept of extinction to teach a little chemistry, a little climatology, paleontology, biology (biodiversity), ecology, and a lot of geology. The science information is historical and current, drawing on three–dimensional learning, incorporating science practices to determine what factors affect extinction in general and specifically. The integration of concepts help bring the science alive and relevant.” Read the complete review online.


Project Templates

Reading Extinction now? Download your Canine Skeletal System template here.


Detailed Book Description

Have you seen a dodo bird recently? Do you have mastodons playing in your back yard? Not likely-these species are extinct. In Earth's 4.5-billion-year history, more than 5 billion species have gone extinct, some of them at the same time. In Extinction: What Happened to the Dinosaurs, Mastodons, and Dodo Birds? readers ages 9 to 12 learn about the scientific detective work scientists perform to find the culprit behind mass extinctions.

  • Introduces students to the process scientists use to develop theories about extinction events.
  • Examines whether or not we are in, or are entering, the sixth mass extinction, making this title a very relevant and timely subject for young readers.
Available In:
Hardcover, $11.45
9781619305571
Paperback, $8.45
9781619305618
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Life Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Geologic Time Scale

Introduction
What Is Extinction?

Chapter 1
The Causes of Extinction

Chapter 2
The Paleozoic Era

Chapter 3
The Mesozoic Era

Chapter 4
The Cenozoic Era

Chapter 5
Survival

Chapter 6
The Sixth Mass Extinction?

Chapter 7
Taking Action

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index