plants

Plants and fungi can be weird. Did you know some plants can bleed? Or eat meat? In Weird Science: Plants and Fungi, readers will explore the science behind plants and fungi. This high-interest series is written at a low readability to aid struggling readers. Educational sidebars include a science activity, a spotlight biography, fast facts, and an unsolved mystery! A table of contents, glossary of keywords, index, and author biography are included.

Each year around 2,000 new plant species are discovered. It's no surprise then that there are some that have astounding abilities! Curious readers will learn about the specific features that make the abilities of a wide range of plant species possible with this lively read. It features compelling fact boxes and explanatory text that reveal how certain plant parts have evolved to meet the challenges of specific habitats. Each dynamic spread features an eclectic mix of vivid photographs and entertaining illustrations that offer some compelling humor. This one-of-a-kind title is sure to leave budding biologists with a lasting interest in the remarkable abilities of our important plant kingdom.

"This . . . book describes all things plants. With terms like species, photosynthesis, life cycle, and habitat, young readers will gain an understanding of how plants have survived on Earth for millions of years, and how we can't survive without them"--Provided by publisher.

Profiles fifteen plants and fungi with life-changing effects, revealing their stories and providing step-by-step instructions for growing and caring for each one.

"Triggering a Venus flytrap to snap its trap takes just two light touches from an insect's wing or a spider's legs. Unlike many plants, the Venus flytrap doesn't just get nutrition from photosynthesis and soil. Readers learn all about how the Venus flytrap draws in bugs to eat, as well as how the plant digests"--Provided by publisher.

"Jack was able to grow a giant beanstalk using magic seeds, but anyone can grow a regular beanstalk at home. Includes step-by-step instructions, . . . facts, and a 'In the Real World' special feature"--Provided by publisher.

Kids love activities of all kinds, and projects about plants are the perfect way to engage them in learning crucial curricular concepts such as adaptations, plant parts, photosynthesis, and germination. This beautifully designed volume introduces plant topics, clearly explaining the information learners need to know and the facts that will make them say, "Wow!" Then, step-by-step instructions encourage them to review concepts while completing a related craft or activity, such as creating a leaf stencil, making a plant growth chart, dissecting the parts of a flower, and much more. A final quiz allows reader to assess their understanding of plant facts.

It is easy to be grossed out by fungi or worry about its impact on our health. While both are valid concerns, fungi and mold are actually important to our everyday lives. Like bacteria, fungi exist almost everywhere on the planet. They are hardy organisms the thrive in places you might not expect. Also like bacteria, they are essential in the breakdown of dead and decaying matter. One important group of fungi that does this is known as saprophytes. These fungi use decaying matter for nourishment, and without them breaking down organic matter throughout the environment, life on Earth would be quite different. Without fungi, the world we know could not exist.

"Plants only make their own food-right? Not pitcher plants! Most pitcher plants draw in insects with their sweet-smelling nectar and slowly digest them. There is one kind of pitcher plant that likes to snack on tree shrews, too. The bizarre eating habits of the pitcher plant are sure to fascinate . . . readers as they learn how this plant's digestive system works, its habitat, and more"--Provided by publisher.

"Readers likely know that not every plant is made to be eaten. But perhaps they aren't aware that some species contain deadly toxins that can kill tiny insects, large animals, and even unsuspecting people. In this book, they learn all about deadly plants as well as how to spot them in the wild. Poison is a plant defense and through its discussion, readers learn about survival, adaptation, and life cycles, all important science curriculum concepts. Full-color photographs accompany text written especially for elementary readers"--Provided by publisher.