Stem Stories is a program that encourages preschoolers to get outside and explore their world. This age group thrives on hand's on learning so this is a perfect opportunity to connect with your little one in their favorite place outside! This month's theme explores animal tracks, join us as we become track detectives.
Join Ellen as she makes a icy art piece and talks about the different animal tracks we can look for in winter.
In the Snow by
The woods are cold and desolate as Cammy and William hike through the snow, yet signs of animal life are everywhere. Help them find the clues -- a pellet of feathers and bones, a fish head by the brook, a patch of bark rubbed off the trunk of a birch tree, and more -- and join in guessing, "Who's been here?"
Footprints in the Snow by
Wolf is feeling offended and indignant: All the wolves he's ever read about are nasty, scary, and greedy! To set the record straight he decides to write a story about a nice wolf. But will his wolfish instincts get the better of him after all? Author/illustrator Mei Matsuoka's simple yet sophisticated art imbues Wolf's story of searching for a friend with wry humor and subtle wit.
Over and under the Snow by
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white, but under the snow is a secret world of squirrels and snowshoe hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many others who live outside in the woods during the winter.
Ol' Mama Squirrel by
Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein's lively tale is a fantastic read-aloud, and feisty Mama Squirrel will have fierce mamas everywhere applauding! Ol' Mama Squirrel has raised lots of babies, and she knows just how to protect them. Whenever trouble comes nosing around, she springs into action with a determined "Chook, chook, chook!" and scares trouble away. Her bravery is put to the test, however, when a really big threat wanders into town and onto her tree. But no matter what, Mama's not about to back down!
Moose Tracks! by
There are moose tracks on the back porch . . . in the kitchen . . . in the den . . . There are moose tracks EVERYWHERE! Who left all these moose tracks?
Wild Tracks! by
When children learn to recognize and read animal tracks they're actually mastering an ancient language of shapes and patterns--and gaining knowledge of the natural world. Acclaimed artist and naturalist Jim Arnosky has created a breathtaking and informative reference on the subject, filled with intricately drawn prints from creatures both wild and domestic, as well as large-scale paintings of the animals in their environment.
Animal Tracks and Traces by
Animals are all around us. While we may not often see them, we can see signs that they?ve been there. Some signs might be simple footprints in snow or mud (tracks) and other signs include chewed or scratched bark, homes or even poop and pee (traces). Children will become animal detectives after learning how to ?read? the animal signs left all around. Smart detectives can even figure out what the animals were doing!
Track that Scat! by
When Finn and her dog, Skeeter, set out on a hike to cure their restless feet, they literally take a step into nature. A big gooey step . . . right into scat (also known as poop). And just like the animal it comes from, scat comes in all shapes and sizes. Scat, along with foot or paw tracks, can tell a lot about the creature that produced it. As Finn's hike takes her further into the woods, she happens along scat and tracks from a variety of woodland creatures, from the hopping eastern cottonwood rabbit to the chickadees trilling up in the treetops. Pairing punchy rhyme with science writing, Lisa Morlock has created the perfect nature guide, providing detailed descriptions of the prints, diets, and behaviors of the animals whose scat Finn and Skeeter encounter on their hike. Watch your step!
Whose Footprint Is That? by
A nonfiction guessing game that explores the connections between an animal, its tracks, and its habitat. Written by a mammalogist at the Smithsonian, this clever preschool page-turner pairs seven tracks with information about the animals' locomotion, asking kids to guess which animal left which tracks behind.
Be a Tracker by
Do you want to be your own naturalist and watch animals out there where they belong? Sharpen your eyes, tread carefully, and see how to... ● find and follow animal tracks ● camouflage yourself ● hold a snail race ● escape from a bear ...and lots more. Devised and tested by an expert in outdoor activities, these exciting projects help you to discover wildlife in its natural environment--while you stay "invisible!"
