Next Time You See a Maple Seed

Next Time You See

by Emily Morgan

2015 REVERE Award Finalist, PreK-12 Learning Group, Association of American Publishers! A 2015 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12! It's fun to toss maple seeds up in the air and watch them spin down to the ground like nature's own helicopters. This book prompts inquisitive kids to learn about these marvels of aerial engineering, including their real name (no, not whirlybird), the work they do for maple trees, and how to uncover the little trees waiting to sprout from the seeds. Next Time You See a Maple Seed is a mini class in how tall trees grow from these tiny, twirling winged fruits. Awaken a sense of wonder in a child with the Next Time You See series from NSTA Kids. The books will inspire elementary-age children to experience the enchantment of everyday phenomena, such as maple seeds, Moon phases, pill bugs, fireflies, seashells, and sunsets. Free supplementary activities are available on the NSTA website.

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Cathy Traccarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Next Time You See a Maple Seed” is another award winner in the “Next Time…” series from the National Science Teachers Association. This informational book draws you in with suggestions of experiments to try and details to see with maple seeds. It explains their parts and function and what makes the maple seed so unique. Author Emily Morgan used to be a teacher and it’s evident in the way she provides visual and text clues to teach the reader the vocabulary of plants and seeds. The photos are clear and help illustrate the concepts in the text.
The book is for children in grades k – 5th. The kindergarten readers might only take away a general understanding of what seeds do but it will still make them appreciate those twirling seeds they find on the playground. Older students can use the book as a class read-aloud to start a plant unit or to independently explore seeds. There are observation and activity suggestions at the end of the book as well as the NSTA web site: http://nexttimeyousee.com/resources.html
The author’s note to teachers and parents in the front of the book said that she wanted that “…you and your child feel a sense of wonder the next time you see a maple seed.” I would say that she definitely accomplished that goal with this interesting book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another marvellous, astonishing, remarkable, and amazing book in the series to learn something interesting about the nature around us! Really want to try tossing some up :)

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the topics discussed may be a little too advanced for some learners. However, this is a great introduction into how a tree grows with scientific terms.