Ecosystems tells 4th and 5th graders about ecosystems—what they are, what threatens them, and what scientists and others are doing to keep them in balance. The first section of the book introduces students to basic concepts about ecosystems, from a brief ecological vocabulary lesson to information about the interrelationships of animals with the land and plants in their range. One story presents the theory that a global catastrophe led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Other stories discuss threats to Earth’s ecosystems and ways that people can minimize those threats. The final section of the book relates the stories of three environmental pioneers: Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Rachel Carson.

(ISBN 1-978-933008-05-9)

• Available for order at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/nsrc/index.html.
• Information about the Ecosystems STC unit
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