The Nature Activity Book: 99 Ideas for Activities in the Natural World of Aotearoa New Zealand: 2020

Description

A must-have natural science activity book for young New Zealanders and their families. From experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness, this appealing, activity-packed book stimulates curious minds and encourages children to relate to the natural world around them. Written by an expert museum educator, its beautifully illustrated pages develop budding research skills, awareness of the environment, and understanding of the natural world. All sorts of learning styles are recognised here, with each activity being open to children who like to draw and those who like to write. The book's journal-like format and activities that range across the seasons make it a long-term and much treasured companion. Matauranga Maori concepts and the themes present in Te Papa's award-winning Te Taiao | Nature natural history galleries are an integral part of the content.

Rachel Haydon is a qualified primary school teacher and scientist with a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and a Master's in Marine Science. She has more than 15 years' experience of teaching science to children of all ages in schools, museums, zoos and aquariums in Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been lucky enough to work at the Natural History Museum (London), the Zoological Society of London, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Rachel is committed to motivating children of all ages to get outside and explore, and to enjoy and protect the natural world and all that lives within it.

'It's absolutely perfect for stretched parents, lockdowns and school holidays. It would be a fabulous resource for ECE and primary schools, and I think younger teens would also be fascinated by some of the activities and the scientific framework that drives even the simplest of ideas here' - The Spinoff; 'The journal style format is perfect for dipping in and out of over time. Packed with 99 ideas for experiments, crafts, observation and other activities, it promises to keep children busy for hours and seems bound to spark other imaginative investigations and inquiries' - Otago Daily Times; 'This book will awaken children's writing and drawing skills in their hunt to understand their environment' - Good magazine; 'The Nature Activity Book is exquisitely written, beautifully illustrated and lovingly crafted. It is a book that opens our understanding of and relations with the natural world. If you love discovering, testing out, exploring, making, collecting, drawing this is the book for you!' - NZ Poetry Box