Fascinating facts about America’s most popular natural landmarks provide the backbone for this fun-filled collection of activities that replicate the organic processes that formed them. Interspersed with history, factoids, and sidebars, this engaging reference explores scientific concepts, such as the formation of coral reefs and the cause of volcanic eruptions. Each monument—from the Lava Beds to the Petrified Forest—is showcased in a graphic multipage spread and is followed by hands-on experiments, allowing children to make their own stalactites and discover how a river can erode rock into a canyon. Expressing true appreciation for the United States' natural wonders, this comprehensive guide clearly illustrates their formation, from glittering caves to giant trees.

Reviews

Booklist

With an inviting, browsable design and a chatty style, this large volume in the Discover Your World series covers 15 national monuments and parks in the U.S. that celebrate and protect natural phenomena—from volcanoes and caves to glaciers, trees, and sand dunes—and discusses their geology, botany, chemistry, zoology, and much more. Every chapter includes color photos, screens with detailed time lines, “Words to Know,” and “Try This” suggestions for projects and experiments. The informal talk does away with intimidating jargon (“Slug slime is one of the best natural glues”), and the science will excite readers, with detailed explanations of tectonic plates, radiometric dating, and dendrochronology (the science of dating using tree rings). Equally amazing are the facts of how the Grand Canyon came to be; the incredible variety of wildlife at Denali in Alaska; and how the rocks in Dinosaur National Monument span more than 11 billion years. Always, the conservation message is rooted in the truth of what is being lost and what to do about it. Grades 5-8. --Hazel Rochman

"A 15-chapter activity book for ages 8 and up. It covers a combination of 14 National Parks and Monuments . . . The pages are colorful and full of graphics in addition to the text . . . There are plenty of excellent descriptions of specific terminology related to volcanoes, caves, and fossils . . . .Reading the book and doing the activities would definitely enhance your experience."  —Schoolhouse Magazine

"The science and history is explained behind the monuments featured in this book. This includes 'words to know' and activities with supply lists for each chapter. This is a great resource for explaining science concepts in natural environments." —Clear Review, Xavier University Library