The answer to the clues may be found at the bottom of this column.
Teachers and Parents: Enter to win an entire set of Dawn’s nature books of one title for your home or classroom. It's fun and easy!
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Just read the clues below. They describe an aspect of nature—a plant, animal, mineral, habitat, or natural process. |
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When you're ready to make your guess about who or what I am, click ENTER NOW. |
Who Am I?
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Clue 1: I'm a member of the "dog family." |
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Clue 2: I live throughout North America in deserts, prairies, forests, and even in towns and cities. |
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Clue 3: You might hear me howling at night to communicate with my pack. |
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Clue 4: Don't let me trick you—I am NOT a wolf. |
Do you think you know who I am? ENTER NOW.
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Entries should be submitted no later than noon on Friday. |
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If you guessed correctly, you’re automatically entered into the monthly drawing for a set of nature books from Dawn Publications. |
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A contest winner will be announced at the end of September. |
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Throughout the school year, clues for a new Who Am I are posted no later than Sunday night, so you can use them with your class on Monday morning.Good luck! |
Have an APP-solutely Great Summer
This is the final blog of the school year. We’ll be back in the middle of August with more nature activities for your classroom and “Who Am I?” mystery contests. Until then I’ll leave you these ideas that are perfect to use over the summer!
The Wilderness Society identifies two cultural forces children face today: “a plethora of technology and a dirth (sic) of time in nature.”
Is it possible to use technology to help kids connect with nature? The answer is “yes!”
Malachi Bazan, through Simply Nature Media, has joined forces with Dawn Publications to use that technology. “Some folks will hide out on a hill and eschew technology, but there doesn’t have to be a fight between nature and technology,” Malachi says. “We’re coming into an age where the digital world can help us appreciate and protect the natural world.” He’s done just that by creating interactive nature apps based on Dawn’s award-winning children’s books.
So don’t be surprised if the next time your kids play a game on a phone or tablet, they just might be enticed to go outside.
From Inside to Outside: We’ve Got an App
Explore these apps to experience the connection between technology and nature:
Over in the Ocean App: Will your family be visiting the beach this summer? This app introduces children to ocean animals and their babies, from one octopus to ten seahorses. When they’re touched, the babies move on the screen. For example, the octopus squirts an ink cloud and the seahorses flutter—which is exactly what happens in real life. The app includes a counting game as well as scientific information. It also gives children the choice to “Read to me,” “Read to myself,” or “Sing to me.”
Out of thousands of apps, Over in the Ocean App was selected for the book iPad Apps for Kids.
Over in the Jungle App: This app, a sequel to Over in the Ocean, follows a similar format with butterflies that “flit,” monkeys that “swing,” and leaf cutter ants that “scurry” at the touch of a finger, making this app a delightful introduction to the rainforest habitat as well as a counting game.
Noisy Bugs App: A summer evening isn’t quiet for those who listen carefully. Based on the book A Noisy Bug Sing-a-long, this app is a wonderful bridge to a whole noisy, busy world of insects. Kids will discover who is making what sound and how they do it (hint: it’s not with their mouths!). Using the app, kids can watch the insects move while listening to their actual sounds. The book is on sale right now, and the app will be available June 6th.
More Fun with Apps
With an abundance of apps on the market, you may feel overwhelmed about which ones to choose. The following websites will help you:
- The Wilderness Society suggests nine free nature apps for kids.
- The familiar Ranger Rick magazine has created several nature apps.
- Explore the world’s habitats and learn about animals with National Geographic Apps.