Sustainable Futures

The power of books for positive impact and change, 
brought to you by Reading Is Fundamental.

Tips & Tools
Research & Rationale

Books & Resources

This set of resources offers a range of titles and activities for children's books about natural resources. Click on any resource to launch.

Natural Resources in the USA
Natural Resources in the USA

There are natural resources within your state. Can you name them all? This book opens your eyes to see the natural bounty within your state.
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Natural Resources in the USA: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
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Natural Resources in the USA: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
14981
Time = Parts Graphic Organizer

Printable graphic organizer to help students break down a narrative nonfiction text into parts and identify the main idea of each part
The Adventures of Plop, The Little Waterdrop
The Adventures of Plop, The Little Waterdrop

A waterdrop named Plop dries on a rock and disappears, then reappears with other drops inside a lofty cloud.
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The Adventures of Plop: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
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The Adventure of Plop: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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KWL Chart

Printable KWL chart to use individually or as a class to activate students’ thinking as they begin reading a new book
Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life
Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life

Sunlight is essential for plants, animals, and humans. Learn about photosynthesis, the way plants use energy from the sun and water to produce glucose, which helps them grow and reproduce.
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Living Sunlight: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
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Living Sunlight: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
14981
Time = Parts Graphic Organizer

Printable graphic organizer to help students break down a narrative nonfiction text into parts and identify the main idea of each part 
Windmills
Windmills

Learn how a windmill is designed to turn a breeze into energy
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Windmills: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
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Windmills: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
14981
KWL Chart

Printable KWL chart to use individually or as a class to activate students’ thinking as they begin reading a new book
Rain Forests
Rainforests

Learn all about the majesty of the rain forest, from jungle predators to colorful treetop birds to plants that thrive in this lush landscape
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Rain Forests: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
15026
Rain Forests: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
14981
KWL Chart

Printable KWL chart for use individually or as a class to activate students’ thinking as they begin reading a new book
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
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Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

From a very young age, Nikola Tesla was enchanted by electricity
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Electrical Wizard: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during and after reading
14981
Electrical Wizard: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14982
Electrical Wizard: Guide for Families

Printable guide with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
Electrical Wizard: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension
Listen to the Language of the Trees: A story of how forests communicate underground
Listen to the Language of the Trees: A story of how forests communicate underground

Readers will discover that trees have their own social network to help each other survive and thrive
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Listen to the Language of the Trees: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
15026
Listen to the Language of the Trees: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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Listen to the Language of the Trees: Criss Cross

This printable and interactive criss cross puzzle aligns with Listen to the Language of the Trees
The Street Beneath My Feet
The Street Beneath My Feet

Have you ever wondered what’s going on deep in the ground under your feet?
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The Street Beneath My Feet: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
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The Street Beneath My Feet: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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The Street Beneath My Feet: Word Search

This printable and interactive Word Search puzzle to extend student learning
DKfindout! Energy
DKfindout! Energy

From light and heat to magnetism and electricity, explore energy with this children’s book
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DKfindout! Energy: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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DKfindout! Series Teacher's Guide

This is the DKfindout! series teacher's guide
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STEM Activity: Chemical and Physical Changes (3-5)

Fun experiments to investigate chemical changes!
Why Should I Save Energy?
Why Should I Save Energy?

Children take electricity and other energy sources for granted, until one day their community has a power blackout
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Why Should I Save Energy?: Discussion Guide

Use this Discussion Guide before, during, and after reading
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Why Should I Save Energy?: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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Why Should I Save Energy?: Word Search

This printable and interactive Word Search puzzle aligns with Why Should I Save Energy?
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Why Should I Save Energy?: Criss Cross

This printable and interactive criss cross puzzle aligns with Why Should I Save Energy?

 

 
Kate, Who Tamed The Wind
Kate, Who Tamed The Wind

A wild wind blows on the tippy-top of a steep hill, turning everything upside down for the man who lives there
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Kate, Who Tamed the Wind: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
15026
Kate, Who Tamed the Wind: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
Kate, Who Tamed the Wind: Vocabulary Guide

Printable vocabulary guide to identify key vocabulary words and student-friendly definitions
The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip
The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip

Ms. Frizzle's class learns how electric current travels through the town
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The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip: Vocabulary Guide

Printable vocabulary guide to identify key vocabulary words and student-friendly definitions
13116
The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip: Criss Cross

This printable and interactive criss cross puzzle aligns with The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip
The Shocking World of Electricity with Max Axiom Super Scientist
The Shocking World of Electricity with Max Axiom Super Scientist

Follow the adventures of Max Axiom as he explains the science behind electricity
14968
The Shocking World of Electricity with Max Axiom Super Scientist: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
15026
The Shocking World of Electricity with Max Axiom Super Scientist: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
The Shocking World of Electricity with Max Axiom Super Scientist: Vocabulary Guide

Printable vocabulary guide to identify key vocabulary words and student-friendly definitions
When Winter Comes
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When Winter Comes

As winter's first snow falls, find out what happens when winter comes
13193
When Winter Comes: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for use before, during, and after reading
15026
When Winter Comes: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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When Winter Comes: After Reading Activity

Printable activity provides suggestions for activating student thinking after reading
Letting Swift River Go
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Letting Swift River Go

The story of the drowning of Swift River towns to form the Quabbin Reservoir
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Letting Swift River Go: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for use before, during, and after reading
15026
Letting Swift River Go: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
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Letting Swift River Go: After Reading Activity

Printable activity with suggestions for activating student thinking after reading
Cece Loves Science and Adventure
Cece Loves Science and Adventure

Nature is full of science for Cece to explore!
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Cece Loves Science and Adventure: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for using before, during and after reading
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for PK-2

This activity guide supports STEM-related topics for grades PK-2
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Cece Loves Science and Adventure: Word Search

This printable and interactive Word Search puzzle aligns with Cece Loves Science and Adventure
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Cece Loves Science and Adventure: Memory Match

Use this Memory Matching puzzle to help students build familiarity with the book's vocabulary words
Our Earth
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Our Earth

From frozen polar ice caps to steamy tropical rain forests, the earth is home to all kinds of plants and animals
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Our Earth: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for use before, during, and after reading
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Our Earth: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for PK-2

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for PK-2
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STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 3-5

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 3-5
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STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 6-8

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 6-8
Raindrops Roll
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Raindrops Roll

A journey through the wet, wonderful world of rain using fun poetry and beautiful photographs
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Raindrops Roll: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14980
Raindrops Roll: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
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Raindrops Roll: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
14980
Raindrops Roll: Think-Tac-Toe Extension Activities

Printable Think-Tac-Toe for educators provides interdisciplinary-themed activities
Rocks & Minerals (Scholastic Discover More)
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Rocks & Minerals

A fun, informative book with colorful pictures and interesting facts about rocks and minerals
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Rocks & Minerals: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14980
Rocks & Minerals: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14978
Rocks & Minerals: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13193
Rocks & Minerals: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
The Secret Pool
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The Secret Pool

What secrets lie within the small pools of water that appear during the spring and evaporate at summer’s end?
13114
The Secret Pool: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14980
The Secret Pool: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14978
The Secret Pool: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13193
The Secret Pool: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
The Secret Pool: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension
Volcano Rising
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Volcano Rising

Tells the story of how volcanoes erupt and change the Earth in positive ways
13114
Volcano Rising: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14980
Volcano Rising: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14978
Volcano Rising: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13193
Volcano Rising: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
Volcano Rising: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension
Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share
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Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share

A shared village green and the growing needs of the townspeople present the challenge of handling our planet's natural resources
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Common Ground: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for use before, during, and after reading
15026
Common Ground: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for PK-2

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for PK-2
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 3-5

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 3-5
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 6-8

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 6-8
Ecology: The Study of Ecosystems
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Ecology

Help the budding earth scientist explore the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more
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Ecology: Discussion Guide

Discussion guide for use before, during, and after reading
15026
Ecology: Frayer Model

Printable graphic organizer to deepen vocabulary knowledge
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for PK-2

Activty guide that supports STEM-related topics for PK-2
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 3-5

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 3-5
13117
STEM Exploration Activity Guide for 6-8

Activity guide that supports STEM-related topics for grades 6-8
Cloudette
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Cloudette

When a big storm blows Cloudette into an unknown place, she finds that even though she is little she can make a difference
13115
Cloudette: How Cloudette Came to Be

Video about where Cloudette came from (see the behind-the-scenes creation of the book)
13115
Cloudette: Book Trailer

Book trailer video for Cloudette
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Cloudette: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14980
Cloudette: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14978
Cloudette: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13193
Cloudette: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
13112
Cloudette: Think-Tac-Toe Activities for Educators

Printable Think-Tac-Toe provides interdisciplinary-themed activities
Cloudette: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension
Bull Trout's Gift
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Bull Trout's Gift

The wisdom of the elders is passed on as the story of the home of the bull trout unfolds
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Bull Trout's Gift: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14981
Bull Trout's Gift: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
14982
Bull Trout's Gift: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13193
Bull Trout's Gift: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
Bull Trout's Gift: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension
All the Water in the World
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All the Water in the World

A poetic story guides children through the water cycle
13114
All the Water in the World: Guide for Educators

Printable guide for educators with suggestions for activating student thinking before, during, and after reading
14978
All the Water in the World: Guide for Families

Printable guide for families with hands-on activities and ideas for projects using materials found at home
13114
All the Water in the World: Teacher's Guide

From the publisher, Simon & Schuster, a guide for classroom, library, and reading group use
14981
All the Water in the World: Extension Activities for Educators

Printable extension activities for educators, with interdisciplinary-themed project-based lessons
13193
All the Water in the World: Guide for Community Coordinators

Printable community coordinator guide to be used with multiple age levels in an after school or community setting
All the Water in the World: Vocabulary Scaffold

Printable vocabulary guide to pique students’ interests, put words into context, and aid reading comprehension

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