Eco-Fun Package
The ECO-FUN Supplementary Resource Package is recommended for use in science and language programs from Grades 1 to 6.
Description
Greystone Books / David Suzuki Foundation
ISBN Individual
Grades : 1-6
Concepts : Ecology, activities, environment, nature, games
Subject : Science
Eco-Fun
David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden, 2001
128 pages, b/w soft-cover
ISBN13 9781550548235
Salmon Forest
David Suzuki & Sarah Ellis, Illustrated by Sheena Lott, 2006
32 pages, colour, soft-cover
ISBN13 9781553651635
There's a Barnyard in My Bedroom
David Suzuki, art by Eugenie Fernandes, 2008
64 pages, colour, hard-cover
ISBN13 9781553653295
CSC Evaluation
Curriculum Correlation
Various aspects of ecology are addressed from Grades 1 to 6, including Air, Earth, Water, Soil, Habitats, Energy, Plants, and Animals. Cross-curricular activities include Language, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, and the Arts.
Content
The package supports responsible stewardship of the earth and is published in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation. (Suzuki is also author/ co-author of the three books.) The storybooks and the ECO-FUN project book provide easy to comprehend, current information and activities. Subject-specific language is used accurately and ecological concepts are presented in a context that clearly relates to the level of the audience. The writing style is geared to readers up to Grade 6. Adult intervention is needed for challenged readers or readers up to Grade 4. The storybooks are based in Canada. Safety tips are prominently displayed throughout the text of ECO-FUN. Promoting care for the environment is a major theme throughout the package.
Methodology
The package provides many opportunities for children to acquire knowledge and understanding of important ecological concepts, especially those relating to stewardship and sustainability. The storybooks use a style which encourages children to make inferences and synthesize information. There are many opportunities in ECO-FUN to engage in scientific inquiry and problem-solving. The activities outlined are interesting, relevant, and varied. The materials required to complete the activities are readily accessible. Background information on suggested investigations is often provided, but sometimes the reader is challenged to problem-solve independently. Substantial research has been devoted to presenting activities that are simple for students who are challenged, but challenge higher-order thinking in those with greater capability. Students are often encouraged to communicate findings through diary writing or discussion with others.
Assessment
All three books provide suggestions for children to demonstrate their learning which could be used for evaluation and reporting; however, there are no other links to assessment tools.
Format
The ECO-FUN supplementary resource package is well organized and engaging. The project book is clearly laid out so that even challenged readers can follow most of the instructions using clues from the accompanying illustrations. The two storybooks contain beautiful artwork that strongly supports the text. The materials could be used at home or at school.The three books have been printed on Ancient-Forest-Free paper, hence durability could be an issue, but with careful handling the books should stand the test of time.
Bias
The illustrations of children in both the ECO-FUN project book and the two storybooks are inclusive. The nuclear family in Barnyard is of mixed heritage. There is a family of Aboriginal people that plays a large role in Salmon Fish.
Review Recommendation
The ECO-FUN Supplementary Resource Package is recommended for use in science and language programs from Grades 1 to 6.
Additional Notes:
Some of the instructions in ECO-FUN require adult support in order to ensure understanding. In rare cases there are unclear instructions, but adults should be able to adapt the project to meet the objectives. Instructions for the Survivor game need to be clarified.
Contact Information
Jennifer Gauthier
Sales Coordinator
Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group
201-2323 Quebec St.
Vancouver, BC V5T 4S7
604-254-7191
Toll Free: 1-800-667-6902
Fax: 604-254-9099
e-mail: sales@douglas-mcintyre.com
http://www.douglas-mcintyre.com
Read the publisher's description of this resource
Share:
Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.