Zoology for Kids: Understanding and Working with Animals, with 21 Activities

Gr 4–6—Studded with fun activities and attractive animal photos, this comprehensive resource will excite those not already smitten with the animal world to enthusiastically join in the delightful exploration of what it means to study and care for animals in today's world. This book kicks off with a time line highlighting zoological milestones and a brief explanation of the subject, segueing into an in-depth view of animals, detailing their form, function, and habitats. Part 2 introduces professionals who have chosen a career in zoology and through their interviews and testimonies reveals how kids can start doing their own research and take steps to pursue a variety of interesting careers such as veterinarian, conservation scientist, or wildlife researcher. The author tackles many relevant questions: How are targets used to train a seal? Do elephants get toothaches? What are vital signs, and how are they used to determine an animal's health? The projects are entertaining and will foster observational skills or let kids conduct experiments; they include baking an animal cell out of cake mix, making a bird feeder out of a cardboard tube, interviewing a zoologist, and monitoring animal behavior in one's own backyard. This fascinating blend of history and science will provide children with a solid understanding of the topic and how it applies to other life sciences. Charming photos, hand-drawn graphics, highlighted words, and a correlative glossary enhance the clear-cut writing style.