The Nature Activity Book is for young people who like to ask questions about the world around them. From conservation to experiments, mindfulness and observation, this activity book is guaranteed to stimulate curious minds. Most importantly, it encourages children to relate to the natural world as they develop research skills.
It’s clear that author and museum educator, Rachel Haydon is committed to motivating young New Zealanders to get outside, explore and protect the natural world and all that lives within it. The Nature Activity Book contains hours of educational fun!
“Your sense of curiosity is one of the best things you can ever have, so make sure you never lose it,” she writes.
The Nature Activity Book is a companion volume to the successful Art Activity Book and its journal-like format invites the reader to interact. Mātauranga Māori concepts and the themes from Te Papa’s natural history galleries are an integral part of the content. Activities start with shapes and patterns, then environment and spaces, followed by experiments and enquiry. Sense and mindfulness form the third part of the book and conclude with action and kaitiakitanga.
Rachel expertly caters to all learning styles so kids can complete each activity by drawing or writing, depending on their preference. Most of the materials needed for the activities can be found around the house, including recycled items and from nature.
This book certainly won’t gather dust on a shelf after being read once, it will become a favourite that is revisited time and time again. Look inside The Nature Activity Book here.
Rachel Haydon is a qualified teacher and scientist with more than 15 years’ experience teaching science to children of all ages in schools, museums, zoos and aquariums in Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand. She has worked at the Natural History Museum (London), the Zoological Society of London, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The Nature Activity Book is illustrated by Wellington designer Pippa Keel.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy Te Papa Press, RRP $35.00