Frank Lloyd Wright For Kids
His Life and Ideas
by Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen
Part of the For Kids series
An engaging, kid-friendly exploration of Americas leading architect and his work, this revised and updated edition of a longstanding classic, Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids, details the life, times, and work of the celebrated architect. Through simple, kid-friendly prose and anecdotes, author Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen describes the influences of Wrights Wisconsin childhood filled with nature, music, and close family ties; his struggles to find work as a young architect; the unique style that led him to the top of his profession; and masterpieces such as the Robie House, Hollyhock House, Fallingwater, the Guggenheim, and many others. Also discussed are Wrights sometimes-controversial private and public life and the people and times that influenced him and vice-versa, with new sidebars on topics such as the Chicago and Bauhaus schools of architecture, Friedrich Froebel and his toy blocks that enchanted Wright as a child, and the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Budding architects will delve into architectural and design concepts while having fun through 21 hands-on projects, such as creating an edible model of Fallingwater, making a miniature Japanese kite, reading an architectural plan, and much more. A time line, glossary, bibliography, and list of houses to visit are also included.
J.R.R. Tolkien for Kids
His Life and Writings, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
People never get tired of J. R. R. Tolkien. His stories have continued to fascinate generations in a way that few books ever could. Most of this is due to his exceptional ability to lead his readers into fantastic and captivating worlds that are believable and relatable. J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids takes young readers through the exciting life of the man who opened a window into new worlds and helps kids discover what made him see them. Readers will explore the personal experiences and subjects that inspired Tolkien's stories and learn how he influenced later writers. The activities reveal more about with his experiences: writing techniques, art projects, map-making, kite-building, and making marmalade. Readers will also become acquainted with the places and times in which Tolkien lived, including twentieth-century South Africa, England, and other European countries to discover who Tolkien was, not only as a writer, but also as a soldier, researcher, teacher, friend, husband, and father.
Zoology for Kids
Understanding and Working with Animals, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An interactive introduction to working with animals Zoology for Kids invites the next generation of zoologists to discover the animal kingdom through clear, entertaining information and anecdotes, lush color photos, hands-on activities, and peer-reviewed research. Young minds are introduced to zoology as a science by discussing animals forms, functions, and behaviors as well as the history behind zoos and aquariums. Related activities include baking edible animal cells, playing a dolphin-echolocation game, and practicing designing an exhibit. Young readers can peek into the world of zookeepers and aquarists, veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and conservationists as they train their friends, mold a tigers jawbone, and perform field research in their own backyard. This engaging resource provides readers with new knowledge, a healthy respect for the animal kingdom, and the idea that they can pursue animal-related careers and make a difference to preserve and protect the natural world.
Harry Houdini For Kids
His Life and Adventures with 21 Magic Tricks and Illusions
Part of the For Kids series
From his impoverished childhood to his feat of becoming one of the most successful entertainers of all time, this fascinating biography presents a memorable portrait of magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. Guidelines for 21 fun magic tricks are also provided, including how to stick a needle into a balloon without popping it, how to step through a note card, and how to make a coin vanish. Illustrating the science and logic behind many of Houdini's most notable acts, the magic-based activities also explain his famous Milk Can Escape through an accessible water displacement experiment and demonstrate simple mathematics with his Odd Number Trick. Touching on his time as an actor, an aviator, and possibly even a spy for the U.S. government, this thoroughly entertaining biography also features a time line, curriculum links for educators, and books and websites for further exploration.
Chicago History For Kids
Triumphs and Tragedies of the Windy City Includes 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
From the Native Americans who lived in the Chicago area for thousands of years, to the first European explorers Marquette and Jolliet, to the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series win, parents, teachers, and kids will love this comprehensive and exciting history of how Chicago became the third largest city in the U.S. Chicago's spectacular and impressive history comes alive through activities such as building a model of the original Ferris Wheel, taking architectural walking tours of the first skyscrapers and Chicago's oldest landmarks, and making a Chicago-style hotdog. Serving as a guide to kids, their parents, and an engaging tool for teachers, this book details the first Chicagoan Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the building of the world's first skyscraper, and the hosting of two Worlds Fairs. In addition to uncovering Windy City treasures such as the birth of the vibrant jazz era of Louis Armstrong and the work of Chicago poets, novelists, and songwriters, kids will also learn about Chicago's triumphant and tortured sports history.
Christopher Columbus And The Age Of Exploration For Kids
With 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Taking a comprehensive, nuanced, and inclusive approach to Christopher Columbus, this illuminating biography with activities for young readers places him in the context of the explorations that came before, during, and after his lifetime. It portrays the Admiral of the Ocean Seas neither as hero nor heel, but as a flawed and complex man whose significance is undeniably monumental. Providing kids, parents, and teachers with a fuller picture of the seafaring life and the dangers and thrills of exploration, author Ronald Reis details all four of Columbus's voyages to the New World, not just his first, and describes the year that Columbus spent stranded on the island of Jamaica without hope of rescue. A full chapter is devoted to painting a more complete and complex portrait of the indigenous peoples of the New World and another to the consequences of Columbus's voyages the exchange of diseases, ideas, crops, and populations between the New World and the Old. Engaging cross-curricular activities, such as taking nautical measurements, simulating a hurricane, making an ancient globe, and conducting silent trade, elucidate nautical concepts introduced and the times in which Columbus lived.
Texas History for Kids
Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
The larger-than-life story of the Lone Star State, encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA's Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the states culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranchs branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.
Friends Of The Earth
A History of American Environmentalism with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
The history of American environmentalism is the history of men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the nation's natural heritage. Almost singlehandedly, John James Audubon introduced the study of birds in North America. John Muir pushed a president and a nation into setting aside vast preserves, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Mt. Rainier, and the Grand Canyon. Marjory Stoneman Douglas did the same for the Florida Everglades, as did Mardy Murie with the Grand Tetons and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Cordelia Stanwood, and later Roger Peterson, revolutionized and popularized bird watching. Rachel Carson opened the world's eyes to the dangers of pesticides, and Julia Butterfly Hill saved a 1,000-year-old redwood while bringing to light the devastation of our old growth forests. Together, these environmentalists' inspiring life stories tell the story of American environmentalism, from its inception to the present day. In Friends of Our Earth, readers will also learn how to put their concerns into action. Author Pat McCarthy gives step-by-step instructions on how to build a birdfeeder, conduct a water quality survey, start a compost pile, study the Greenhouse Effect, make plaster casts of animals tracks, create their own recycled paper, test for acid rain, and more. It includes a time line of historic milestones, popular outdoor parks, and sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study.
California History For Kids
Missions, Miners, and Moviemakers in the Golden State, Includes 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
The rich story of the men and women who settled and built the Golden State is told in this engaging chronicle, from the first native inhabitants that arrived 9,000 years ago and the Spanish in the 1700s to the followers of the Gold Rush in 1848 and the Hollywood and Silicon Valley newcomers. They faced many struggles including earthquakes, economic hardships, and the forced internment of Japanese citizens yet they persevered. To get a better idea of the scope of California history and the lives of the state's residents, children will create a Chumash rock painting, play the Miwok game of Hoop and Pole, bake and eat hardtack like a gold miner, design a cattle brand, assemble an earthquake preparedness kit, and more. This valuable resource also includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study.
Benjamin Franklin, American Genius
His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Capturing the essence of this exceptional individual through his original writings and hands-on activities from his era, this resource tells the rich story of one of Americas most celebrated Founding Fathers. Beginning with his time as a young printer, this engaging narrative details how Benjamin Franklin became a celebrity with the publication of Poor Richard: An Almanac and how he founded the colonies first lending library, volunteer fire company, and postal service. Additionally, his life in science is also highlighted, from his 1751 book Experiments and Observations on Electricity to his proof a year later that lightning was an electrical discharge. Activities range from designing and printing an almanac cover and playing a simple glass armonica (a Franklin invention) to experimenting with static electricity and building a barometer. The text also features a time line, glossary, Web and travel resources, and reading list for further study.
Heading West
Life with the Pioneers, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Tracing the vivid saga of Native American and pioneer men, women, and children, this guide covers the colonial beginnings of the westward expansion to the last of the homesteaders in the late 20th century. Dozens of firsthand accounts from journals and autobiographies of the era form a rich and detailed story that shows how life in the backwoods and on the prairie mirrors modern life in many ways children attended school and had daily chores, parents worked hard to provide for their families, and communities gathered for church and social events. More than 20 activities are included in this engaging guide to life in the west, including learning to churn butter, making dip candles, tracking animals, playing Blind Man's Bluff, and creating a homestead diorama.
Thomas Jefferson For Kids
His Life and Times with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Drawing heavily from the original letters and papers of Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries, this resource chronicles the world of the Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence. From his early critiques of the colonial policies of Great Britain and King George III to his governmental roles as the first secretary of state, the minister to France, and the third president of the United States, Jefferson's groundbreaking achievements are described in historical context. The contradictions in Jefferson's character most notably the fact that he owned 600 slaves in his lifetime despite penning the immortal phrase "all men are created equal" are also explored, giving kids a full picture of this skilled politician. Creative activities that invite children to experience Jefferson's colonial America include designing a Palladian window, building a simple microscope, painting a buffalo robe, and dancing a reel.
Van Gogh And The Post-Impressionists For Kids
Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Vincent van Gogh's admiration for and departure from Impressionism and his relationships with the other enthusiastic, like-minded artists who ultimately formed the Post-Impressionist movement are explained and explored in this collection of art activities for kids. Debunking the persistent stereotype of the mad pauper who cut off his ear, van Gogh is revealed as the serious boy who loved nature and reading and spoke four languages; the young man who took great satisfaction in the study of art, his successful career as a gallery salesman, and the brotherhood of artists he helped to create; and the increasingly troubled and ill man who cared deeply for family and friends and tried in vain to recover. Through a series of fun and creative projects, such as a Starry Night Peep Box, a Pointillist Sailboat, and a Japanese Foldout Album, kids will be exposed to such art as van Gogh's vibrant landscapes, Paul Signac's Mediterranean Sea images in dazzling dots, and Paul Gauguin's tropical landscapes in unnatural colors. Aspiring young artists and history buffs will learn whether these famous painters always got along, how they helped each other in the process and what made Post-Impressionist art unlike anything ever painted.
Lighthouses For Kids
History, Science, and Lore with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Bringing to life an era when rivers, lakes, and oceans were the nation's highways and lighthouses served as traffic signals and maps, this comprehensive reference provides children with an in-depth history of lighthouses and firsthand stories of the challenges faced by lighthouse keepers. Filled with engaging activities such as learning how to tie a bowline knot and building a model lighthouse, this unique book also includes a field guide to U.S. lighthouses, places to visit, a time line, glossary, websites to explore, and a reading list for further study.
World War II For Kids
A History with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Now more than ever, kids want to know about our country's great struggles during World War II. This book is packed with information that kids will find fascinating, from Hitler's rise to power in 1933 to the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. Much more than an ordinary history book, it is filled with excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain, Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors all add a humanizing global perspective to the war. This collection of 21 activities shows kids how it felt to live through this monumental period in history. They will play a rationing game or try the butter extender recipe to understand the everyday sacrifices made by wartime families. They will try their hands at military strategy in coastal defense, break a code, and play a latitude and longitude tracking game. Whether growing a victory garden or staging an adventure radio program, kids will appreciate the hardships and joys experienced on the home front.
The Underground Railroad For Kids
From Slavery to Freedom with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
The heroic struggles of the thousands of slaves who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad are vividly portrayed in this powerful activity book, as are the abolitionists, free blacks, and former slaves who helped them along the way. The text includes 80 compelling firsthand narratives from escaped slaves and abolitionists and 30 biographies of "passengers," "conductors," and "stationmasters," such as Harriet Tubman, William Still, and Levi and Catherine Coffin. Interactive activities that teach readers how to navigate by the North Star, write and decode a secret message, and build a simple lantern bring the period to life. A time line, reading list, glossary, and listing of web sites for further exploration complete this activity book. The Underground Railroad for Kids is an inspiring story of brave people compelled to act in the face of injustice, risking their livelihoods, their families, and their lives in the name of freedom.
George Washington For Kids
His Life and Times with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
George Washington comes alive in a fascinating activity book that introduces the leader to whom citizens turned again and again to lead them through eight long years of war, to guide them as they wrote a new Constitution, and to act as the new nations first executive leader. Children will learn how, shortly after his death in 1799, people began transforming George Washington from a man into a myth. However, Washington was a complex individual who, like everyone, had hopes and fears, successes and failures. In his early 20s, for instance, Washington's actions helped plunge Great Britain and France into war. He later fought for liberty and independence, yet owned slaves himself (eventually freeing them in his will). This book weaves a rich tapestry of Washington's life, allowing kids to connect with his story in 21 hands-on projects based on his experiences and the times in which he lived. Children will learn how to tie a cravat, write with a quill pen, follow animal tracks, sew a lady's cap, plant a garden, roll a beeswax candle, play a game of Quoits, and make a replica of Washington's commander-in-chief flag. The text includes a time line, glossary, websites, travel resources, and a reading list for further study.
American Folk Art For Kids
With 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Drawing on the natural folk art tendencies of children, who love to collect buttons, bottle caps, shells, and Popsicle sticks to create beautiful, imperfect art, this activity guide teaches kids about the history of this organic art and offers inspiration for them to create their own masterpieces. The full breadth of American folk art is surveyed, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and textiles from the 17th century through today. Making bubblegum wrapper chains, rag dolls, bottle cap sculptures, decoupage boxes, and folk paintings are just a few of the activities designed to bring out the artist in every child. Along the way, kids learn about the lives of Americans throughout history and their casual relationships to everyday art as they cut stencils, sew needlepoint samplers, draw calligraphy birds, and design quilts. Important folk artists such as the last surviving Shakers, the legendary Grandma Moses, and the Reverend Howard Finster are also explored in sidebars throughout the book.
Frederick Douglass For Kids
His Life and Times, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Few Americans have had as much impact on this nation as Frederick Douglass. Born on a plantation, he later escaped slavery and helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. In time, he became a bestselling author, an outspoken newspaper editor, a brilliant orator, a tireless abolitionist, and a brave civil rights leader. He was famous on both sides of the Atlantic in the years leading up to the Civil War, and when war broke out, Abraham Lincoln invited him to the White House for counsel and advice. Frederick Douglass for Kids follows the footsteps of this American hero, from his birth into slavery to his becoming a friend and confidant of presidents and the leading African American of his day. In addition, to better appreciate Frederick Douglass and his times, readers will form a debating club, cook a meal similar to the one Douglass shared with John Brown, make a civil war haversack, participate in a micro lending program, and more. This valuable resource also includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study.
Salvador Dalí And The Surrealists
Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
The bizarre and often humorous creations of Ren Magritte, Joan Mir, Salvador Dali, and other surrealists are showcased in this activity guide for young artists. Foremost among the surrealists, Salvador Dali was a painter, filmmaker, designer, performance artist, and eccentric self-promoter. His famous icons, including the melting watches, double images, and everyday objects set in odd contexts, helped to define the way people view reality and encourage children to view the world in new ways. Dali controversial life is explored while children trace the roots of some familiar modern images. These wild and wonderful activities include making Man Ray inspired solar prints, filming a Dali-esque dreamscape video, writing surrealist poetry, making collages, and assembling art with found objects.
The White House For Kids
A History of a Home, Office, and National Symbol, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An intriguing, in-depth look at the most famous home in the United States, this kid-friendly activity book educates young readers on the White House. Blending facts from numerous primary sources with engaging anecdotes from learning that George Washington never actually slept in the White House and Abraham Lincoln never slept in the Lincoln Bedroom to how Gerald Ford's daughter Susan held her high school prom in the White House this book provides the complete story of the presidents home. Details on the many changes, updates, renovations, and redecorations that have occurred over the years are featured as well as a look at the daily lives of the White House's inhabitants, including past presidents and their families along with the enormous staff that makes the White House run smoothly. This rich history is packed with an assortment of cross-curricular activities that allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents they can play key passages of Hail to the Chief, practice signing a bill into law, make a White House punch, and re-create an aerobic game designed for President Hoover making it a perfect book for any young mind with an interest in the White House or American history.
Theodore Roosevelt For Kids
His Life and Times, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Hands-on activities and insightful historical information reveal the fascinating life of Theodore Roosevelt, Americas 26th president, who was also well known as a writer, a ranchman, a politician, a soldier, an explorer, and a family man. Combining a rich biography, including information about his childhood, with relevant and engaging projects, this book offers a glimpse at Roosevelt's work and time show a sickly, undersized boy grew into a physically fit, energetic, and courageous man; how his wealth did not shield him from human tragedy; how as a leader of a young, vigorous nation, he steered a middle course between big business and working-class needs; and how his love of nature led him to protect millions of acres for posterity. Readers will create a Native American toy, explore the effects of erosion, go on a modern big-game hunt with a camera, and make felted teddy bears. The text includes a time line, online resources, and a reading list for further study making this the ultimate reference on a great American president.
Galileo For Kids
His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Galileo, one of history's best-known scientists, is introduced in this illuminating activity book. Children will learn how Galileo's revolutionary discoveries and sometimes-controversial theories changed his world and laid the groundwork for modern astronomy and physics. This book will inspire kids to be stargazers and future astronauts or scientists as they discover Galileo's life and work. Activities allow children to try some of his theories on their own, with experiments that include playing with gravity and motion, making a pendulum, observing the moon, and painting with light and shadow. Along with the scientific aspects of Galileo's life, his passion for music and art are discussed and exemplified by period engravings, maps, and prints. A time line, glossary, and listings of major science museums, planetariums, and web sites for further exploration complement this activity book.
Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids
His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Featuring 21 hands-on projects that explore the scientific concepts Isaac Newton developed; this illuminating guide paints a rich portrait of the brilliant and complex man and provides young readers with a hands-on understanding of astronomy, physics, and mathematics. The activity-packed resource allows children to experiment with swinging pendulums, build a simple waterwheel, create a 17th-century plague mask, track the phases of the moon, bake an apple pie in a coffin, and test Newton's three laws of motion using coins, a skateboard, and a model boat they construct themselves. A time line, excerpts from Newton's own writings, online resources, and a reading list for further exploration ensure that kids will gravitate to this unique activity book.
The US Congress for Kids
Over 200 Years of Lawmaking, Deal-Breaking, and Compromising, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An interactive guidebook to the history and inner workings of the legislative branch of the U.S. Government. Providing a historical perspective on all that is going on today, US Congress for Kids examines the major milestones in congressional history, including the abolition of slavery, extending the vote to African Americans and to women, and investigating misconduct in both government and private institutions. Kids will be engaged by the focus on dramatic stories, personalities, and turning points while also benefitting from the clear discussions of Congressional purpose, structure, history, and ongoing issues. Educational, hands-on activities that illuminate the workings of the U.S. Congress include making a House ceremonial mace, creating congressional money, making a capitol dome, and designing a Congressional Medal of Honor.
World War I For Kids
A History with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An educational and interactive children's guide to the Great War In time for the 2014 centennial of the start of the Great War, this activity book provides an intriguing and comprehensive look at World War I, which involved all of the world's superpowers during a time of great technological and societal change. Emphasizing connections among events as well as the wars influence on later historical developments, it leads young readers to fully understand the most important aspects of the war, including how the war came about, how changing military technology caused the western front to bog down into a long stalemate, how the war fostered an era of rapid technological advances, and how the entry of the United States helped end the war. The book explores topics of particular interest to kids, such as turn-of-the-20th-century weaponry, air and naval warfare, and the important roles animals played in the war. Relevant cross curricular activities expand on concepts introduced and illuminate the era of the early 1900s, including making a periscope, teaching a dog to carry messages, making a parachute, learning a popular World War I song, and more.
Nikola Tesla for Kids
His Life, Ideas, and Inventions, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Nikola Tesla was a physicist, scientist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive; some considered him to be somewhat of a "mad" scientist. But in reality, he was a visionary. Many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality. He was the first to successfully use rotating magnetic fields to create an AC (alternating current) electrical power supply system and induction motor. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio ahead of Marconi. Among other things, he developed the Tesla coil, an oscillator, generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He helped design the world's first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. Nikola Tesla for Kids is the story of Nikola Tesla's life and ideas, complete with a time line, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments.
Henry Ford for Kids
His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An in-depth and realistic portrait of the man who 'put America on wheels'. Detailing Henry Ford's childhood as a precocious farm-boy mechanic, his revolutionary labor and production ideas, and the lasting legacy of his widespread philanthropy, author Ronald A. Reis also does not shy away from his eccentricities. The issues that stirred controversy are discussed, such as the industrialist's anti-Semitic views and his pacifist beliefs. Packed with historic photos and illuminating sidebars, Henry Ford for Kids brings the turn of the 20th century to life, touching on related topics such as the popularity of 'auto polo,' the Great War, and the life of industrial architect Albert Kahn. Twenty-one hands-on activities encourage budding innovators to apply engineering and production ideas and learn more about the era as kids will build a lemon-powered battery, make a moving assembly line, learn to dance the waltz, design an automobile dashboard, and much more.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt For Kids
His Life and Times with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's enduring legacy upon the history, culture, politics, and economics of the United States is introduced to children in this engaging activity book. Kids will learn how FDR, a member of one of the founding families of the New World, led the nation through the darkest days of the Great Depression and World War IIas32nd U.S. President. This book examines the Roosevelt family including famous cousin Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as well as FDRs early political career and subsequent 12 years in office during some of the most fascinating and turbulent times in American history. Interspersed throughout are first-hand accounts from the people who knew FDR and remember him well. Children will also learn how his personal struggles with polio and his physical disability strengthened FDR's compassion and resolve. In addition, kids will explore Roosevelt's entire era through such hands-on activities as staging a fireside chat, designing a WPA-style mural, sending a double encoded message, hosting a swing dance party, and participating in a political debate.
Beyond The Solar System
Exploring Galaxies, Black Holes, Alien Planets, and More; A History with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Tracing the evolution of humankind's pursuit of astronomical knowledge, this resource looks deep into the furthest reaches of space. Children will follow along as the realization that the Earth is not at the center of the universe leads all the way up to recent telescopic proof of planets orbiting stars outside the solar system. In addition to its engaging history, this book contains 21 hands-on projects to further explore the subjects discussed. Readers will build a three-dimensional representation of the constellation Orion, see how the universe expands using an inflating balloon, and construct a reflecting telescope out of a makeup mirror and a magnifying glass. It also includes small biographies of famous astronomers, a time line of major scientific discoveries, a glossary of technical terms, and dozens of full-color images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
Archaeology For Kids
Uncovering the Mysteries of Our Past, 25 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
This activity book features 25 projects such as making a surface survey of a site, building a screen for sifting dirt and debris at a dig, tracking soil age by color, and counting tree rings to date a find, teaches kids the techniques that unearthed Neanderthal caves, Tutankhamun's tomb, the city of Pompeii, and Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec empire. Kids will delight in fashioning a stone-age tool, playing a seriation game with old photographs of cars, reading objects excavated in their own backyards, and using patent numbers to date modern artifacts as they gain an overview of human history and the science that brings it back to life.
The Civil War For Kids
A History with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nations history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops and friendships between enemies. The resource section includes short biographies of important figures from both sides of the war, listings of Civil War sites across the country, pertinent websites, glossary, and an index.
Baseball History for Kids
America at Bat from 1900 to Today, with 19 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
A fascinating journey through the history of America's favorite pastime With this interactive book, kids will discover how the game of baseball has changed over the years by reading about topics such as the dead ball era, World War II, segregation and integration, free agency, and the designated hitter. Along the way, young readers will enjoy quotes, stories, and amusing anecdotes from more than 175 former major leaguers and get an intimate look at the game's greatest legends-including Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and Willie Mays. With the 21 included activities, children will learn how to calculate a player's batting average and ERA, throw a palmball, design a logo for their favorite team, cook a bowl of Cracker Jack, and more. A time line of the sport's history and lists of books, websites, and places to visit are also included.
Marine Science For Kids
Exploring and Protecting Our Watery World, Includes Cool Careers and 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
While including all the ocean animals kids love, Marine Science for Kids delves much deeper into the complete science of aquatic study, including geology, chemistry and biology in both salt- and freshwater environments-more accurately reflecting the real-world study and practice of aquatic science. Real-life marine scientists share what inspires them every day so kids can learn more about these exciting careers. Hands-on, cross-curricular activities in each chapter-including science experiments, arts and crafts, edible projects and group games-make learning fun.
Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids
Her Life and World, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
She has been called intelligent and scheming, ambitious and ruthless, sensual and indulgent. Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids captures the excitement of Cleopatra's story, including portions of her life that have been largely neglected, such as her interest in literature and science and her role as a mother, and leads readers to draw their own conclusions. Included throughout are many aspects of history and daily life in Ancient Egypt, helping readers to explore that fascinating and powerful civilization through Cleopatra's eyes. Photos, maps, charts, sidebars, and a time line enrich the book, while 21 hands-on, interdisciplinary activities allow kids to step back in time and try their hand at Egyptian art and poetry and to experience how Egyptians freshened their breath, transported heavy obelisks, and irrigated fields, how Cleopatra might have made a pearl disappear, and much more.
Marine Science for Kids
Exploring and Protecting Our Watery World, Includes Cool Careers and 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Do you ever dream of being a marine explorer or adventurer? Are you a fan of cool, cute, or creepy creatures? Then here's some good news: some of the coolest, cutest, and creepiest creatures live in Earth's oceans and other watery places. Marine Science for Kids is a colorful, fun, photo-filled guide to exploring our underwater world. In these pages, you'll delve deep into the science of aquatic study, including geology, chemistry, and biology in both salt- and freshwater environments, and gain insight into the real-world practice of aquatic science. You'll discover how and why oceans move, and learn the answers to questions such as "Why is the ocean blue?" You'll meet cool creatures, including sharks and rays, penguins and other seabirds, whales and dolphins, squids and octopuses, and many more. You'll uncover some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and find out how you can use your talents to make a difference. Real-life marine scientists share what inspires them every day and provide insights into their exciting careers. Hands-on activities in each chapter make learning fun. Kids can: make an edible coral reef; explore marine camouflage; construct a water-propelled squid; test methods of cleaning up an oil spill; experiment with ocean acidification; and much more.
Boston History for Kids
From Red Coats to Red Sox, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Boston is not only steeped in America's colonial history, from the Purtitans who founded the city to the patriotic heroes of the Revolutionary era, it is also a very modern metropolis. That mix of old and new makes Boston a fascinating place to learn about and explore. Boston History for Kids spans 400 years of history, covering some of the major events that have occurred, from witch hunts to an earthquake, from the Tea Party to the Great Fire, from the Civil War to the Boston Marathon attack. Author Richard Panchyk chronicles the lives of Bostonians both famous and infamous, and many colorful characters that readers may not yet know. In addition to its lively story, Boston History for Kids includes 21 hands-on activities to better appreciate this Massachusetts city. Children will bake a Boston Cream Pie, write a poem in the style of Ralph Waldo Emerson, walk the Freedom Trail (in person or virtually), and much more. The book also includes a time line and list of books, websites, and places to visit.
Gay & Lesbian History for Kids
The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Part of the popular For Kids series, this book puts the historic struggle for LGBT equality into perspective Given today's news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for LGBT equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. This timely resource helps put recent events into context for kids ages nine and up. After a brief history up to 1900, each chapter discusses an era in the struggle for LGBT civil rights from the 1920s to today. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement's key events like the 1950s "Lavender Scare," the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Readers will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, and 21 activities enliven the history. Kids can write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman, learn the Madison line dance, design an AIDS quilt panel, and write a song parody to learn about the spirited ways in which the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change.
Marie Curie for Kids
Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments
Part of the For Kids series
Marie Curie, renowned for her work on radioactivity, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win in two fields (chemistry and physics), and the first woman to hold a chair position at the Sorbonne. Marie Curie for Kids details Curie's remarkable life, from her childhood under a repressive czar in Poland to her tireless work supporting herself through college to meeting her ideal match in scientist Pierre Curie to her revolutionary research. Kids learn how Curie quietly flouted societal norms, working in full partnership with her husband while also teaching and raising two daughters. Scientific concepts are presented in a clear, accessible way, and a range of activities - from making Polish pierogies to exploring magnetism to using electrolysis to split water- allow for exploration of Curie's life, times, and work.
Michelangelo for Kids
His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Art historian Simonetta Carr draws on recent scholarship that challenges the traditional view of Michelangelo as a recluse. Readers will also learn about the complex and fluid era of the Italian Renaissance and how the times affected his life and work. Lavish photos, informative sidebars, a time line, glossary, and suggestions for further readings add value, while 21 hands-on activities help young readers identify with the artist and his work.
Rightfully Ours
How Women Won the Vote, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Though the Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal, married women and girls in the early days of the United States had few rights. For better or worse, their lives were controlled by their husbands and fathers. Married women could not own property, and few girls were educated beyond reading and simple math. Women could not work as doctors, lawyers, or in the ministry. Not one woman could vote, but that would change with the tireless efforts of Lucretia Mott, Lucy Stone, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Jeannette Rankin, Alice Paul, and thousands of women across the nation. Rightfully Ours tells of the century-long struggle for woman suffrage in the United States, a movement that began alongside the abolitionist cause and continued through the ratification of the 19th amendment. In addition to its lively narrative, this history includes a time line, online resources, and hands-on activities that will give readers a sense of everyday lives of the suffragists. Children will create a banner for suffrage, host a Victorian tea, feel what it was like to wear a corset, and more. In addition, through it all, readers will gain a richer appreciation for women who secured the right to participate fully in American democracy and why they must never take that right for granted.
The Industrial Revolution for Kids
The People and Technology That Changed the World, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
This blend of authoritative historic overview and human interest stories recounts one of the most important eras in American history This educational activity book introduces young readers to the Industrial Revolution through the people, places, and inventions of the time, from the incredibly wealthy Rockefellers and Carnegies and the dingy and dangerous factories of the day to the creation of new forms of transportation and communication. By recounting this fascinating period in American history through the eyes of everyday workers, kids, sports figures, and social activists whose names never appeared in history booksincluding Hannah Montague, who revolutionized the clothing industry with her highly popular detachable collars and cuffs and Clementine Lamadrid, who either helped save starving New Yorkers or scammed the public into contributing to her one-cent coffee standsthis book helps tell the human stories of the Industrial Revolution. Twenty-one engaging and fun crosscurricular activities bring the times and technologies to life and allow for readers to make an assembly line sandwich, analyze the interchangeable parts of a common household fixture, weave a placemat, tell a story through photographs, and much more. Additional resources featured include books to read, places to visit, and websites to explore.
Mark Twain For Kids
His Life & Times, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Nineteenth-century America and the world of Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, come to life as children journey back in time with this history- and literature-laden activity book. The comprehensive biographical information explores Mark Twain as a multi-talented man of his times, from his childhood in the rough-and-tumble West of Missouri to his many careers as a steamboat pilot, printer, miner, inventor, world traveler, businessman, lecturer, newspaper reporter, and most important, author and how these experiences influenced his writing. Twain-inspired activities include making printers type, building a model paddlewheel boat, unmasking a hoax, inventing new words, cooking cornpone, planning a newspaper, observing people, and writing maxims. An extensive resource section offers information on Twains classics, such as Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as well as a listing of recommended web sites to explore.
Thomas Edison For Kids
His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Thomas Edison, one of the world's greatest inventors, is introduced in this fascinating activity book. Children will learn how Edison ushered in an astounding age of invention with his unique way of looking at things and refusal to be satisfied with only one solution to a problem. This book helps inspire kids to be inventors and scientists, as well as persevere with their own ideas. Activities allow children to try Edison's experiments themselves, with activities such as making a puppet dance using static electricity, manufacturing a switch for electric current, constructing a telegraph machine, manipulating sound waves, building an electrical circuit to test for conductors and insulators, making a zoetrope, and testing a dandelion for latex. In addition to his inventions and experiments, the book explores Edison's life outside of science, including his relationship with inventor Nikola Tesla, his rivalry with George Westinghouse, and his friendship with Henry Ford. A time line, glossary, and lists of supply sources, places to visit, and websites for further exploration complement this activity book.
The Great Depression for Kids
Hardship and Hope in 1930s America, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
American history before and after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 Providing a balanced, realistic picture of a time rife with hardships, The Great Depression for Kids brings the era and key concepts to life. Kids learn about the harsh realities that most Americans could not escape, such as massive unemployment, natural disasters, and economic collapse. They also learn that the 1930s were a time when neighbors helped neighbors; sports figures behaved admirably; and an army of young men rebuilt the nation's forests, roads, and parks. Librarians delivered books on horseback, a curly-haired child star charmed moviegoers to "stand up and cheer" in the darkest of days, and a little African American girl became the first of her race to participate in the National Spelling Bee. Beginning with an in-depth look at the 1920s, the book builds readers' background knowledge to help set the stage for the decline of the economy over the next decade. Twenty-one cross curricular activities help kids learn how to research, buy, and sell stocks; use scientific methods to conduct a survey, re-create Depression glassware; and much more.
George Washington Carver for Kids
His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
George Washington Carver was born into the violent era of slavery, yet he had big ideas. The first was to get an education. That meant leaving his Missouri home at a young age, washing people's clothes to pay for school, moving from town to town, and fleeing a lynch mob. Carver's second big idea was to serve others. After becoming the first black graduate from Iowa Agricultural College, Carver took a teaching position at the Tuskegee Institute founded by Booker T. Washington. There he witnessed the miserable conditions of the poor Southern farmer. That's when his ideas began to flow. Carver taught farmers how to nourish the soil, conserve waste, and feed their families. He developed hundreds of new products from the sweet potato, peanut, and other crops, and his discoveries gained him a place in the national spotlight. Throughout the Jim Crow era, Carver toured America speaking about agriculture, but most people went away with a more important message: that every citizen has hidden potential that, like a seed, just needs nurturing to bloom. Many of Carver's ideas took a long time to develop, but today his concepts of conservation, zero waste, and plant-based products are on the cutting edge of science. George Washington Carver tells the inspiring story of this remarkable American scientist. It includes a time line, resources for further research, and 21 hands-on activities to better appreciate Carver's genius.
Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids
Mighty Muckrakers from the Golden Age to Today, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
An interactive activity book that details the muckraking era Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids brings to light the evolving world of American journalism, from the late 1800s to today. Focusing on the bold, audacious investigative reporter Nellie Bly, one of the most famous women in the world in her day, the book presents journalism in a fun, inventive, and exciting way. Budding reporters learn how Bly, who so desired to work in the male-dominated world of reporting, willingly feigned her own insanity to be committed to a mental asylum so she could go undercover and write about it. Providing a comprehensive look at early social reform writers and reporters who helped transform journalism, the book also introduces young readers to four famous American muckrakers-Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, Ida B. Wells, and Upton Sinclair-and concludes with a look at some of the modern era's most exciting and accomplished journalists. Twenty-one creative activities encourage a new generation to carry on the muckraking tradition as kids learn how to make and keep a reporter's notebook, write a letter to the editor, craft a "great ideas" box, and much more. Packed with compelling photos and interesting sidebars, Nelly Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids will get young readers excited about the world of journalism and especially about writing.
Gay & Lesbian History for Kids
The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities
Part of the For Kids series
Who transformed George Washington's demoralized troops at Valley Forge into a fighting force that defeated an empire? Who cracked Germany's Enigma code and shortened World War II? Who successfully lobbied the US Congress to outlaw child labor? And who organized the 1963 March on Washington? Ls, Gs, Bs, and Ts, that's who. Given today's news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement's key events, like the 1950s "Lavender Scare," the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Kids will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; Christine Jorgensen, the nation's first famous transgender; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, from General von Steuben and Alan Turing to Jane Addams and Bayard Rustin, among others. This up-to-date history includes the landmark Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land. Twenty-one activities enliven the history and demonstrate the spirited ways the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change. Kids can: write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman; learn "The Madison" line dance; remember a loved one with a quilt panel; perform a monologue from The Laramie Project; make up a song parody; and much more.