Heroes of the Environment -- Harriet Rohmer

Rohmer, Harriet. Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2009. Print.

Summary
Heroes are more then people who wear capes and leap across tall buildings. The real heroes are the ones that really make a difference in the world. This book gives several examples of heroism, from the man who built a farm in the middle of the city, to a teenage girl who invented a system to test and clean our water. Each story is just as remarkable as the previous one. These are the real heroes of the environment and they tell their stories, not to brag, but to inspire the next generation to pick up where they left off and make this world an even better place to live!

Key Vocabulary

• Environment
• Recycle
• Compost
• Pollution
• Sustainable

Electronic Resources

KidsKonnect

• KidsKonnect is a internet gateway for kids that breaks down educational subjects for kids. This specific site encourages kids to learn about the environment. Facts and vocabulary are included to make it easier to understand, as well as tips and ideas for how they can get involved to improve the environment. From recycling to global warming, this site makes kids aware of the world they are living in and how important it is to keep it safe and protected.

Environmental Protection Agency for Kids

• Kids can learn and be a part of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) too! This government website breaks down the EPA for kids. This site has sections for elementary students, high school students, and even teachers! There are multiple activities that teachers can do with students, or that students can do on their own at home to explore the environment and how to live in a green world.

Teaching Suggestions

Before Reading:

• Key vocabulary should be pulled out and taught prior to reading the book. Since each chapter is a different story, the book can be read in different sessions. A KWL chart might be useful to see what students already know about the environment. Students can brainstorm what the word ENVIRONMENT means to them and what words they would connect to environment.

During Reading:

• Note-taking might be a helpful tool when reading the book. Students can group chapters (or individual stories) according to the content it covers. For example: some chapters center around recycling (or reusing) while other chapters center around new inventions. Concept maps may make the reading easier as well. Students can figure out what discovery was made and what led to that discovery.

After Reading:

• Students should return to the KWL charts the previously created and fill in what they learned about the environment. They should compare this to what they already knew and determine what changed and what stayed the same. The KWL chart, concept map, and notes the students took can help lead to a writing response.
• Students can write several different response to this book. They can write a letter to the public, or a government official about what they believe should be done to improve the environment. They can use the inspirational stories in the book as guidance. They can write about how they can help at home, or in school. They can even write a persuasive letter to their families or peers about why they should help save our environment. These are concrete issues that students can develop strong opinions on and create rich discussions about.

What are YOU going to do to help make our world a better place to live in now and for the future??