The earth they walk on, the air they breathe, the water they drink, the sun that gives them energy--not to mention animals and their very own selves: everything about our world excites children. And, with these 50 fun-filled, science-based environmental experiments, kids will discover more about how our planet works and how to make it better. Divided into five themes (earth, air, energy, water, and biodiversity), these activities show how each element operates alone and in connection with the others--and what effect it has on us and the environment. Here are real-life ecology projects to do at school or at home, and for the community. Helped by an abundance of lively illustrations, youngsters will become "supermarket sleuths," finding out where food comes from. They can build a solar panel, make recycled paper, construct a worm composter, and create a forest ecosystem in a jar. And when they're done with each section, they'll take an entertaining quiz or complete a puzzle. There's no better way to develop a child's intimate connection with nature.