Wonders of Nature: Natural Phenomena in Science and Myth – serie

This second book in a four-book series exploring the elements, Wonders of Nature: Natural Phenomena in Science and Myth, looks at the wonder of air from both a scientific and mythical perspective. Intended for teachers and librarians to use with students in intermediate and middle school grades, the book looks at natural phenomena that occurs in the air around us—such as rainbows, snow, tornadoes, lightning, and thunder—through ancient myth, and details the explanations of modern-day science. With this interdisciplinary approach, students will be encouraged to appreciate the magic in both myth and science, and to understand the commonality of human experience with nature over time. Each book contains eight myths, each from a different culture, and accompanying scientific explanation to use with students. Included are bibliographies; recommended Web sites; ideas for field trips, student projects, discussion, and activities; and illustrations and diagrams that will enhance student interest. Grades 4-8.

Renowned story teller, Kendall Haven brings his expertise as an oceanographer to the authorship of this third book in a four- book series intended for teachers to use with students in the upper elementary and middle school grades. It focuses on natural phenomena of the sea (tides, tsunamis, sea spouts, giant squid, killer whales) through the eyes of ancient myth and looks at the modern day science that explains each myth, using the interdisciplinary style of teaching. Haven, bringing his knowledge of the science of oceanography, integrates various scientific fields of oceanic study—Physical Oceanography, Geologic Oceanography, Biological and Chemical Oceanography, etc.—to further integrate science curricular areas with the study of myth. Students will not only be encouraged to appreciate the magic in myth and science, but to understand the commonality of all human experience with nature over all time. The book contains myths from several different cultures along with accompanying scientific explanations to use with students. Included are bibliographies, recommended Web sites, student projects, and discussion and activity ideas. Illustrations and diagrams enhance student interest. The book is to be used by teachers and librarians with students and by students in libraries and classrooms.Grades 4-8.

Renowned storyteller Kendall Haven brings his expertise to the authorship of this fourth book in the 4-book series, Wonders of Nature: Natural Phenomena in Science and Myth. Intended for teachers to use with students in the upper elementary and middle school grades, it focuses on natural phenomena of the earth (volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.) through the eyes of ancient myth, and then looks at the actual modern day science that explains each myth, using an interdisciplinary style of teaching. Using knowledge gained as a former research scientist, Haven integrates science curricular with the study of myth. Students are encouraged not only to appreciate the magic in myth and science, but to understand the commonality of all human experience with nature over all time. The book contains myths from several different cultures, and accompanying scientific explanations. Bibliographies, recommended Web sites, student projects, and discussion and activity ideas are also included, while illustrations and diagrams enhance student interest. The book is to be used by teachers and librarians with students, and by students in libraries and classrooms. Grades 4-8.

Examining natural phenomena through the lens of ancient mythology and from the perspective of modern day science, this unique book encourages students to appreciate the magic in both myth and science. This twofold approach helps to clarify the commonality of all human experience with nature, across cultures and throughout time. Eight myths, each from a different cultural background, are accompanied by scientific explanations. By comparing the different explanations for such occurrences as comets, meteors, and eclipses, students will learn to appreciate the similarities in experiences of these phenomena, as well as the contrast between ancient and current comprehensions of the world. Helpful diagrams and engaging illustrations enhance student interest and understanding. Ideas for activities, projects, and field trips, along with lists of recommended bibliographies and websites, serve as springboards for further study. An invaluable resource for studies of science and ancient history, Wonders of the Sky provides a refreshing approach for students in school library, public library, and classroom settings. Grades 4-8