Science K - Earth Systems Books
What is an Environment?
"All the World" by Liz Garton Scanlon is a beautifully illustrated book that takes young readers on a journey through various environments, from seaside shores to bustling market scenes. The poetic text and Marla Frazee’s captivating illustrations weave together a narrative that highlights the interconnectedness of different places and the people who inhabit them. As the story unfolds, readers see how environments shape daily activities and interactions, offering a tangible sense of how weather, landscapes, and urban spaces influence our lives. This book is an excellent resource for introducing kindergarteners to the concept of environments and how diverse settings contribute to the richness of our world.
"If You Come to Earth" by Sophie Blackall is a beautifully illustrated book that serves as a guide to our planet for visitors from outer space. Through detailed illustrations and a narrative addressed directly to the extraterrestrial visitor, the book describes the diverse life forms, cultures, and environments found on Earth. It explores cities, landscapes, and oceans, highlighting the varied ways humans and animals live. By presenting the Earth’s environments in this way, the book helps children understand the concept of "environment" as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives and operates, emphasizing the interconnectedness and importance of every element of our planet.
"Places in My Community" by Bobbie Kalman is an informative book series designed to introduce young readers to various important places within their communities. Each book in the series focuses on a specific location, such as the library, fire station, or school, detailing what these places do and who works there. Through engaging text and colorful photographs, the series helps children understand how these community places contribute to their daily lives and the overall functioning of society. This educational series is perfect for early elementary students, enhancing their knowledge of the community and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuZOcHHxor0
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/placesinmycommun0000kalm
"A Walk in the Forest" by Maria Dek is a beautifully illustrated children's book that invites readers to explore the wonders of a forest. The narrative encourages curiosity and interaction with nature, as it details the various activities one can enjoy in the woods, like building forts, playing hide and seek, and observing wildlife. The lush, vibrant illustrations bring the forest environment to life, highlighting the biodiversity and the serene, mysterious ambiance of this natural setting. Through its poetic exploration, the book teaches children about the importance of forests and fosters a deep appreciation for these vital ecosystems, helping young readers understand the role of forests in supporting diverse forms of life.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQMDJUbJDas
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/walkinforest0000dekm
Natural and Human-made Environments
"Our Planet: There's No Place Like Earth" by Stacy McAnulty is a vibrant and informative picture book that takes young readers on a journey across the diverse ecosystems of Earth. The book is narrated by Earth itself, offering a unique perspective on how interconnected and precious our planet is. Through engaging illustrations and playful text, it highlights different environments—from the deep blue oceans to the vast deserts and lush rainforests—showing how each unique biome supports its own variety of life. This book helps children understand what an environment is by showcasing the variety of habitats on Earth and emphasizing the importance of each in maintaining the planet's overall health and sustainability.
"Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner is an engaging children's book that explores the ecosystem of a pond through the eyes of a child and his mother as they paddle across the water. The narrative, complemented by Christopher Silas Neal’s striking illustrations, delves into the life both above and beneath the pond's surface, highlighting the interdependence of plants and animals. As the pair discovers creatures like minnows darting, caddisfly larvae building, and an otter weaving through water, the book reveals how each organism depends on and contributes to the pond's environment. This book not only captivates young readers with its discovery-filled journey but also educates them on the complexities of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of environmental preservation.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=490uChIgbnk
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/overunderpond0000mess
"Wild" by Emily Hughes tells the story of a little girl who has grown up in the forest among the animals, learning the ways of the wild from the creatures themselves. When she is discovered and taken back to civilization, the girl struggles to adapt to human norms, showcasing her deep connection to the natural world. This book is an excellent resource for teaching about the Earth as it highlights the intrinsic bond between humans and nature, and the lessons we can learn from living harmoniously with our environment. "Wild" encourages children to appreciate and respect nature, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4IqBSMgdTc
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/wild0000hugh
Changes in Our Environments
Note: The Earth Systems unit in Science 1 is focused on the seasons. There are a fair amount of books, videos, and websites that can be integrated into this section of the Kindergarten curriculum from these resources in the Science 1 Earth Systems curriculum. Take this link to find the books about seasons in the Science 1 Earth Systems unit.
"The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown tells the story of Liam, a young boy who discovers a struggling garden in his dreary, industrial city and decides to care for it. As Liam nurtures the plants, the garden begins to spread across the rooftops, railings, and walls, transforming the gray city into a lush, green oasis. This transformation not only changes the city's appearance but also its environment, making it a healthier, more vibrant place for its residents. Through this story, children learn about the impact that even a small green space can have on an urban environment, emphasizing the role of individual initiative in fostering environmental change and ecological restoration.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SHmN-wXykU
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/curiousgarden00brow
"Good Night World" by Willa Perlman is a delightful picture book that takes children on a nighttime journey around the globe, bidding goodnight to various scenes and landmarks, from bustling cities to serene natural settings. The book's vibrant illustrations and simple, rhythmic text introduce young readers to the concept of a connected world that shares many experiences, despite geographical and cultural differences. This book is ideal for teaching about the Earth as it encourages children to explore and appreciate the vast diversity of environments and communities across the planet. "Good Night World" helps foster a sense of global citizenship and environmental awareness in young minds, emphasizing the importance of caring for our shared world.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bacfpydFw3c
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/goodnightworld0000perl
"Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet" by Jeanette Winter is a picture book that introduces young readers to climate activist Greta Thunberg and her mission to raise awareness about climate change. The story begins with Greta's realization of the severity of climate change and follows her as she decides to take action, inspiring millions around the world to join her in calling for greater environmental protection. Through bold illustrations and accessible text, the book explains the concept of global warming and highlights the urgent need to care for our planet. It connects to the understanding of what an environment is by showing the impacts of climate change on various aspects of Earth's ecosystems and encouraging young readers to think about how their actions can help protect the environment.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNzeUJachHQ
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/ourhouseisonfire0000wint
Connections and Respect for Our Environments
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss is a vivid tale of environmental caution that follows the greedy endeavors of the Once-ler, whose exploitation of the Truffula Trees leads to widespread environmental degradation. The Lorax, a creature who "speaks for the trees," confronts the Once-ler, advocating for the forest's protection, but his warnings go unheeded until the ecosystem collapses. This book is an excellent tool for teaching about the Earth because it illustrates the consequences of unsustainable resource use and the importance of environmental stewardship. Through its engaging narrative and memorable characters, "The Lorax" encourages young readers to reflect on their impact on the world and highlights the role of individuals in preserving the environment.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdWesdMfyd4
Animated Book on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkO29Z1hvhY
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/sixbyseuss0000drse/page/282/mode/2up
"My Friend Earth" by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Francesca Sanna, is a poetic and beautifully illustrated children’s book that personifies Earth as a caring friend who watches over the natural world. The narrative follows Earth through the seasons, observing and interacting with the diverse environments from the depths of the ocean to the expanses of the desert and the heights of the mountains. The vibrant illustrations and engaging text show Earth nurturing the plants, animals, and weather patterns that make up these ecosystems. This book not only introduces young readers to the concept of Earth as a dynamic and nurturing entity but also illustrates the interconnected environments that sustain life across the globe, fostering a sense of responsibility and awe for the natural world.
"A Place for Turtles" by Melissa Stewart is an educational children's book that explores how human activities impact turtles and their habitats across North America. Through engaging illustrations and clear, concise text, the book describes various threats that turtles face, such as pollution, traffic, and light pollution from cities. Each page offers examples of simple actions people can take to make their environments more turtle-friendly, such as keeping rivers clean, watching for turtles while driving, and protecting nesting areas. This book effectively teaches young readers about the interdependence of species and their environments, emphasizing the role of stewardship in preserving biodiversity.
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/placeforturtles0000stew
"What If Everybody Did That?" by Ellen Javernick is a thought-provoking picture book that explores the consequences of seemingly small actions through a series of scenarios. Each page presents a different behavior, such as littering or wasting water, and poses the question, "What if everybody did that?" The book vividly illustrates how individual actions can collectively impact the community and environment, showing overflowing trash bins, chaotic wildlife, and depleted resources. By connecting these actions to visible changes in the surroundings, the book helps children understand the importance of responsible behavior and how it contributes to maintaining a healthy, sustainable environment.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxKZHdJ4d24
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/whatifeverybodyd0000jave