Microscopic Life In Your Garden
Micro world Series
What’s inside...
This series provides an in-depth exploration of the microscopic life that surrounds and inhabits our environment, from weevils in the carpet to moulds that rot our food. The books cover the variety of micro-organisms, their survival, reproduction, and the impact they have on their environments. Key topics include the micro-organisms in our homes and gardens, their role in hygiene and natural processes, and their practical uses in products like washing powder. The series aligns with the KS2 Science Curriculum, offering experiment suggestions for children aged 9-12 to further understand the microscopic world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to be a micro-organism in our garden?
Can you imagine why micro-organisms are important for the garden's health?
How do you feel about the idea that there are countless tiny lives around us that we can't see?
What is one thing you found surprising about microscopic life?
If you could ask a micro-organism a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to compare the micro-organisms in the garden to other living things they are familiar with.
Validate their thoughts and feelings about the microscopic life, helping them understand their significance in our ecosystem.
Use visual aids like magnifying glasses or microscopes to explore more about what they're reading, making the discussion tangible and interactive.
Relate the content back to the child’s own experiences in the garden, such as what happens when they water plants or dig the soil.
Inspire curiosity by suggesting they sketch or describe an imaginary micro-organism that might live in your garden.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: The book explores the diverse microorganisms and tiny creatures living in the garden, showing their roles in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and protect the biodiversity in their own surroundings, understanding how each organism contributes to the environment's health.
Example Lesson: Scientific observation
Explanation: The narrative encourages observing the minutiae in the garden, using tools like magnifying glasses to discover life unseen by the naked eye.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in scientific exploration and observation in their daily lives, fostering curiosity and attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Through vivid storytelling, the book instills a sense of respect for even the smallest forms of life in the garden.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more mindful and considerate of their interactions with natural settings, ensuring they maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.
Example Lesson: Ecosystem interdependence
Explanation: ‘Microscopic Life In Your Garden’ illustrates how various microscopic organisms interact and depend on each other, forming a complex ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of every part of an ecosystem, encouraging them to think about how their actions affect the interconnected web of life.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The book conveys that discovering and understanding microscopic life requires patience and careful observation.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience and persistence in their endeavors, valuable skills both in and outside of academic settings.