|
|
|
Alameda Park Zoo |
|
The Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo was established in 1898 with a small collection of waterfowl and deer. The park served as a diversion for weary railway travelers to enjoy as the steam locomotives refueled. Today the well shaded, seven acre Zoo is home to 90 different species, nearly 300 animals. Visitors enjoy playful otters, colorful birds, endangered wolves, and are entertained by the antics of a variety of monkeys. The Zoo also offers travelers a shaded picnic area and playground on seven acres of city park.
|
|
|
|
Albuquerque Biological Park |
|
The Albuquerque Biological Park includes Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo and, in the near future, Tingley Aquatic Park. The BioPark has an estimated 6,000 animals, 11,000 plants, 300 staff and 350 volunteers.
|
|
|
|
Capulin Volcano National Monument |
|
Mammoths, giant bison, and short-faced bears were witness to the first tremblings of the earth and firework-like explosions of molten rock thousands of feet into the air. Approximately 60,000 years ago, the rain of cooling cinders and four lava flows formed Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, rising more than 1000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano is dramatic evidence of the volcanic processes that shaped northeastern New Mexico. Today the pine forested volcano provide habitat for mule deer, wild turkey, and black bear. A 2-mile road spiraling to the top of the volcano and paved trails into the crater and around its rim provide access to explore the volcano and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
|
|
|
|
Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|
Established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef, the park contains more than 100 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave—the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and third longest. Carlsbad Cavern, with one of the world's largest underground chambers and countless formations, is highly accessible, with a variety of tours offered year-round. |
|
|
|
El Malpais National Monument |
|
El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area near Grants, New Mexico, preserves 114,277 acres of which 109,260 acres are federal and 5,017 acres are private. El Malpais means "the badlands" but contrary to its name this unique area holds many surprises, many of which researchers are now unraveling. Volcanic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges and complex lava tube systems dominate the landscape. Sandstone bluffs and mesas border the eastern side, providing access to vast wilderness. For more than 10,000 years people have interacted with the El Malpais landscape. Historic and archeological sites provide reminders of past times. More than mere artifacts, these cultural resources are kept alive by the spiritual and physical presence of contemporary Indian groups, including the Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna,and Zuni, and the Ramah Navajo. These tribes continue their ancestral uses of El Malpais including gathering herbs and medicines, paying respect, and renewing ties. |
|
|
|
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park |
|
Dedicated to the interpretation of the Chihuahuan Desert, Living Desert State Park in Carlsbad is an indoor/outdoor living museum displaying more than 40 native animal species and hundreds of succulents from around the world. While on the 1.3 mile self-guided tour, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, visitors will discover sand dunes and mountainous areas, where pinon and juniper trees contrast with the desert floor below. |
|
|
|
White Sands National Monument |
|
At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain ringed valley called the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world's largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing. Slowly but relentlessly the sand, driven by strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. Within the extremely harsh environment of the dune field, even plants and animals adapted to desert conditions struggle to survive. Only a few species of plants grow rapidly enough to survive burial by moving dunes, but several types of small animals have evolved a white coloration that camouflages them in the gypsum sand. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment. |
|
|
|
|
Arbor Day National Poster Contest |
|
Join over 74,000 fifth grade classrooms and home schools across America in the Arbor Day National Poster Contest. The theme chosen will increase your students’ knowledge of how trees produce and conserve energy. The free Activity Guide includes activities to use with fifth grade students to teach the importance of trees in producing and conserving energy. These activities correlate with National Science and Social Study Standards. The Guide also includes all of the information you need for poster contest participation. |
|
|
|
Kids' Book Project |
|
Kids between the ages of 10 and 14 can submit essays reflecting on the splendor of nature. Winners receive cash prizes and will have their essays published in a book. |
|
|
|
|
|
Apologia publishes several science textbooks that are especially suited to the homeschool environment. They are filled with easy to understand lessons and experiments which can easily be performed at home. The curriculum is also backed by a question/answer support system. This set of textbooks is written under the "Exploring Creation" name. There are three elementary level texts:
Their middle school and high school texts include:
- Exploring Creation With General Science
- Exploring Creation With Physical Science
- Exploring Creation With Biology
- Exploring Creation With Chemistry
- Exploring Creation With Physics
- The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
- Exploring Creation With Marine Biology
- Advanced Chemistry in Creation
- Advanced Physics in Creation
- Plus other texts
|
|
|
|
|
|
Considering God's Creation is a creative in-depth encounter with natural science from a biblical perspective. It is adaptable for grades 2-7. This is a large 272-page book that comes with a Teacher's Manual with audio CD. |
|
|
|
|
Great Science Adventures is a series of books that offer a creative approach to learning science. Each one showcases the series' method of using creative, hands-on activities to enhance exploratory learning. Each book contains 24 lessons, with 2-3 lessons completed each week. The unique format contains activities and basic content appropriate for grades K through 8. Perfect for multilevel teaching or if you want to challenge your advanced students individually. Titles include:
- Discovering the Human Body and Senses
- The World of Tools and Technology
- Discovering Earth's Landforms and Surface Features
- The World of Space
- The World of Insects and Arachnids
- The World of Plants
- The World of Light and Sound
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratton House sells hands-on science kits with everything you need, including equipment and lessons. They are designed for children in grades 1-8, with the added bonus of allowing different ages to work together. In fact, each kit has enough equipment for two children to share, with extra supplies for additional children available. Subjects covered include astronomy, birds, magnetism, insects, optics, microscope use, and more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A History of Science is not a textbook, but is a guide to help parents and children study science through literature. It is intended for children in elementary grades. |
|
|
|
|
|
With Jim Arnosky as your guide, an ordinary hike becomes an eye-opening experience. He'll help you spot a hawk soaring far overhead and note the details of a dragonfly up close. Study the black-and-white drawings -- based on his own field research -- and you'll discover if those tracks in the brush were made by a deer or a fox. In his celebrated style, this author, artist, and naturalist enthusiastically shares a wealth of tips. Jim Arnosky wants you to enjoy watching wildlife. He carefully explains how field marks, shapes, and location give clues for identifying certain plants and animals wherever you are. He gives hints for sharpening observational skills. And he encourages you to draw and record birds, insects, shells, animal tracks, and other finds from a busy day's watch. |
|
|
|
|
Albuquerque Homeschool Science Club |
|
Albuquerque Homeschool Science Club is a cooperative group meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico to share, present and discover the world of science. Monthly subjects range from Geology to Papermaking, from Chemistry to Rockets, and from Biology to Engineering and more. Activities include hands-on experiments, guest speakers, and field trips. |
|
|
|
CM Nature Walk & Nature Study Group |
|
This group is set up as a resource for enhancing your own Nature Walks and Nature Study activities within your Charlotte Mason homeschool or co-op group. |
|
|
|
|
|
|