E-Book Overview
You're walking outside when a butterfly flits past and lands on a bush. Then you notice what else is on that bush. It's like you're looking at an alien planet filled with insects, spiders, and other small crawlies. Want a closer look? What you need is a magnifying glass and some basic know-how, like where and how to look. That's where Up Close! can help. It's packed with hands-on projects and activities that'll show you how to use your magnifying glass. You'll also find lots of fun facts, tips on exploring nature, plus journal pages for keeping a record of what you see. Every time you hike, walk in the park, or stroll around your own backyard, whole new worlds of wildlife in miniature are yours to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Read Up Close!, grab your magnify glass, and start exploring!
E-Book Content
READER’S DIGEST Explorer Guides
Exploring Nature with a Magnifying Glass
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PROJECTS TS
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UP CLOSE! Exploring Nature with a Magnifying Glass Written by Sarah Jane Brian Illustrated by Dick Twinney and John Barber
UP CLOSE! Exploring Nature with a Magnifying Glass Electronic book published by ipicturebooks.com 24 W. 25th St. New York, NY 10010 For more ebooks, visit us at: http://www.ipicturebooks.com All rights reserved. Copyright © 2001 Reader’s Digest Children’s Publishing, Inc. Originally published by Reader’s Digest Children’s Books in 2000 No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. e-ISBN 1-59019-634-1 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Brian, Sarah Jane. Up close! : exploring nature with a magnifying glass / written by Sarah Jane Brian ; illustrated by Dick Twinney and John Barber. p. cm. — (Reader’s Digest explorer guides) 1. Nature study—Juvenile literature. 2. Magnifying glasses—Juvenile literature. [1. Nature study. Magnifying glasses.] I. Twinney, Dick, ill. II. Barber, John, ill. III. Title. IV. Series. QH51 .B67 2001 508—dc21 00-042539
Contents Get Close to Nature!
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Are You Ready?
6
Tips for Explorers
8
Taking Notes
10
Into the Woods
12
Field Day
18
Still Waters
24
On the Beach
30
Your Own Backyard
36
Glossary
44
Index
46
To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour —William Blake
Get Close to Nature! Natural wonders are all around you. You’ll find them in parks, in the woods, on the beach—even in your own backyard. But how often do you look at them up close? Try looking at a dandelion or a mushroom, an ant or a slug, with your magnifying glass. You may be surprised at what you see. The trick is knowing how to look and what to look for. That’s where Up Close! can help. You’ll discover some amazing animals and plants, and learn the secrets of those you’ve seen many times before. You’ll find out what to look for in different places, or habitats, where animals and plants live. And you can even use your magnifying glass—to look for creatures hidden in different scenes. Then take a walk and see if you can find them outside.
Are You Ready? Before you head for the great outdoors, make sure you’re prepared. If you’re exploring anywhere but your backyard, don’t go alone. Take an adult and a friend along. Tell somone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Ask permission before you go on private property. Wear sturdy shoes or waterproof boots if it’s wet or muddy outside. If it’s chilly, wear layers. You can always take off