The Big Earth Book (The Fact Book)
#2 in Lonely Planet Kids Series
What’s inside...
Lonely Planet Kids' The Big Earth Book explores the creation of the world through the four elements: earth, fire, air, and water. Written by Mark Brake and consulted by Dr. Mike Goldsmith, this engaging book takes children on a journey through history, geography, and science, packed with amazing facts, photography, and illustrations. It highlights the formation of the Earth, the history of fire, the composition of air, and the origins of water. The book also includes discussions on plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, the evolution of flight, and much more. It's designed to excite and educate children, encouraging them to learn more about the planet and its diverse history.
Discussion points
What are some ways we can help protect our planet after learning about its history and challenges?
How do you think the changes in our environment affect animals and plants?
What is one new thing you learned about Earth from this book?
Can you think of a science experiment we could do to learn more about one of the topics in this book?
If you could solve one problem mentioned in the book, which one would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about Earth and its environment to gauge their prior knowledge.
Pause at interesting sections to discuss the illustrations and see if your child can explain what they depict.
Relate topics from the book to everyday life. For example, if discussing pollution, talk about recycling at home.
After reading, encourage your child to create a simple project, like a poster, to express what they've learned and present it to the family.
Revisit the book periodically to reinforce the information and discuss new insights or changes in understanding as your child grows.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The Big Earth Book explores how different societies live and interact with the natural world, highlighting the importance of taking care of our environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days to help protect and preserve their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: This book delves into various cultures and their historical context, providing children with a broader perspective on global diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet in school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: Mark Brake illustrates scientific concepts and phenomena in an engaging way, sparking curiosity about how the world works.
Real-World Application: Children can channel this curiosity into exploring science projects, participating in STEM activities at school, or visiting science museums to learn more.
Example Lesson: Historical Insights
Explanation: The book provides insights into significant historical events and their impact on the modern world, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore history books, documentaries, or even discuss historical events with elders in their families to gain more knowledge and perspective.
Example Lesson: Importance of Innovation
Explanation: The book discusses various inventions and innovations across history and their role in societal advancement.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to solve problems by thinking creatively and trying out their own innovative ideas, be it in their school projects or daily life challenges.