UBC Okanagan Library Curriculum Collection

A first conversation about the importance of Nibi--which means water in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)--and our role to thank, respect, love, and protect it. Babies and toddlers can follow Nibi as it rains and snows, splashes or rows, drips and sips. Written from an Anishinaabe water protector's perspective, the book is in dual language--English and Anishinaabemowin.

Climate is a hot topic. Turns out, it's been a major mover and shaker since time began. Climate has made it possible for new species to evolve, yet has wiped out others. We might not think about it this way, but it has a hand in determining where we live, what we do, and how well we survive. The fourth book in Annick's highly engaging 50 Questions series gives readers the answers to earth-shattering questions such as "How big was the wallop that KO'd T. rex?" (Huge! Scientists believe a Manhattan-sized asteroid killed off dinosaurs by creating thick dust that cooled the earth's climate.) Or "Would you call this a BIG help?" (Giant poop from sperm whales is helping to reduce greenhouse gases--go, whales, go!) You'll be surprised to read about the dangers of belching cows, or about the hailstorm that started a revolution. Discover the topsy-turvy world of climate in these electrifying pages, while enjoying the madcap illustrations along the way.

This lively collection of fascinating facts and fables, colorful cartoons, and dynamic illustrations explains how everything on Earth is connected. Since its original publication, concern for the environment has grown, and although environmental damage has increased, so too have "green" strategies. This new edition reflects these changes, with expanded discussion of environmental issues and new technologies, as well as many more activities. New sidebars offer extra facts, tips, and real-life examples of things other budding ecologists have done to make the world a better place.

Dirt. It's in the air, under your bed, on the street and between your toes. Most of the time, you're trying to get rid of it. Does showering make you feel squeaky clean? Sure you are -- for now. Read this book to find out why you just can't escape dirt -- and why it's important for more reasons than you think. Earth, mud, grime, soil -- whatever you call it, dirt is everywhere, even where you don't expect it. Did you know that without dirt there would be no rain? Or beautiful sunsets? The Dirt on Dirt covers not only what you think of as dirt, but also everything on and around the planet relating to dirt, from dirt homes big and small to secrets the dirt hides and much more. Youngsters will also find a bucketful of fun things to do with dirt, including how to build a bike racetrack, create fossil footprints and grow a garden playhouse.

For his birthday celebration, Nick has challenged his friends to spend the day without using any single-use plastic. This means they use their own cloth bags for shopping, they say no thanks to plastic straws and, instead of balloons, they decorate with kites and streamers made of natural materials. The children discover that not using plastic is not that hard. They also learn about what plastic is made of, how much of it surrounds us and how it's polluting our oceans and affecting the food chain. Most importantly, the five friends learn ways to use less - including just saying NO!

The author and artist Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate her gorgeous picture bookThe Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest (1990). One day, a man exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree. While he sleeps, the forest's residents, including a child from the Yanomamo tribe, whisper in his ear about the importance of trees and how "all living things depend on one another" . . . and it works. Cherry's lovingly rendered colored pencil and watercolor drawings of all the "wondrous and rare animals" evoke the lush rain forests, as well as stunning world maps bordered by tree porcupines, emerald tree boas, and dozens more fascinating creatures. Awards: IRA Teacher's Choice (1991), ABA's Pick of the Lists, Reading Rainbow Review Book, NSTA-CBC Outstanding Trade Book for Children

Former Vice President Al Gore's New York Times #1 bestselling book is a daring call to action, exposing the shocking reality of how humankind has aided in the destruction of our planet and the future we face if we do not take action to stop global warming. Now, Viking has adapted this book for the most important audience of all: today's youth, who have no choice but to confront this climate crisis head-on. Dramatic full-color photos, illustrations, and graphs combine with Gore's effective and clear writing to explain global warming in very real terms: what it is, what causes it, and what will happen if we continue to ignore it. An Inconvenient Truth will change the way young people understand global warming and hopefully inspire them to help change the course of history.

A fascinating look at a scientist who follows trash to help protect our environment. Aided by an army of beachcombers, oceanographer Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer tracks trash in the name of science.