Tool Chest Books & Games
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Games | Kits | Learning Tools | Other Resources
The following is a list of books and games that can be checked out of the Tool Chest. To check out any item, simply fill out the form.
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 Rocky Mountain Flowers (Nature Finder Guide)
Key to identifying wildflowers of the Rockies that grow at altitudes where trees grow, including the foothills, mountains, and subalpine zones. Keys to families and individual species. Includes information about habitat and range and a glossary of terms used to describe flowers and leaves. Illustrated with the author's very clear and helpful line drawings. |
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 Wildfires - Simon
Flames hot enough to melt steel race through trees faster than a person can run, destroying homes and anything else in their path. At the same time, these flames play a crucial role in the cycle of life, death and renewal in nature. This book shows how animals survive oncoming fires and how plants grow back stronger than ever in newly enriched soil. A thought-provoking book for ages 7-11. |
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 Wyoming Watershed and Riparian Zones
This handbook presents illustrations and further the reader's understanding about watersheds and riparian zones function within Wyoming's landscape and climate. Material presented is focused at helping landowners, natural resource managers and the public evaluate what they see in field settings and how these scenes fir into the process that control movement of Wyoming's water and sediment to downstream states. An understanding of water and erosion cycles also provides a basis to evaluate human influence on the function of streams, riparian zones and other associated watershed resources. |
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 Identify Trees and Shrubs by Their Leaves - Edward Knobel
By simply looking at 15 leaf-filled plates, students can learn to identify 214 evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs of the northeastern United States. A great book for beginners. Illustrated, 47 pages, 8-1/2" x 6". Softcover. |
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 Rocky Mountain Tree Finder - Tom Watts
Key to identifying native trees of the Rockies and the Great Basin, in the U.S. and Canada, by their leaves and needles. This is the Rocky Mountain version of our ever-popular Tree Finder . Shows habitat, range, Rocky Mountain life zones. |
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 Mountain State Mammals (Nature Finder Guide)
Pocket-sized guide to wild mammals of Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona. Because wild animals are often elusive, this book includes keys to help you identify animals by their signs, such as footprints, droppings, skulls, jaws, burrows, nests, and scratch or chew marks. There is also a sighting key for identifying animals you see, as well as beautiful and accurate half-tone illustrations of the animals themselves and information about the habits of each species. |
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 Tracking: Mastering the Basics - Dr. James Halfpenny
Four-part video series covering 1) Tracking Process and Footprint Identification, 2) Field Techniques, 3) Gaits and Gait Patterns, 4) Interpreting Stories. Three hours of video provide a short version of Jim's famous two-day field and lecture introduction to basic tracking. Includes video shot during Jim's field and classroom lectures. The must-knows for trackers! |
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 Berries, Nuts and Seeds - Diane Burns
The reader will find this attractive book useful for reports or, as the Take Along Guide series title implies, as a nature guide. Each page is devoted to one plant and its fruit. After a brief introduction to berries, nuts and seeds as the fruit of a plant, Burns looks at specific fruit, one to a page, including raspberries, acorns, pecans, juniper berries, cattails and thistle blossoms. The format is crisp, and the writing clear; each page features lovely watercolor pictures of the fruit and the plant or tree it comes from and information about what it looks like, where to find it, and who eats it. Interesting activities such as planting a seed garden and making berry watercolors round out a very nice treatment. |
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 Birds, Nests and Eggs - Mel Boring
This fun, informative Take Along Guide helps kids identify 15 birds. Each bird is represented by a two-page spread that includes an illustrated description of its physical characteristics, nest and eggs. Readers learn that the tiny beak of the black capped chickadee enables it to dig into cracks for bug eggs not bigger than pinheads and how to find downy woodpeckers by looking for wood chips at the base of a tree. For each species, the book includes a color painting of the male and female, the bird's nest and its eggs. The activities show students how to make a suet feeder, a bird shower and a simple bird blind from a cardboard box. A metric conversion table, index, and bibliography of books, videos and web sites is included. |
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 Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies - Boring, Garrow
Delightful overview of common butterflies and other insects for children ages 5-10. Includes information on what each insect eats, where to find it and a host of other interesting facts and activities, including making cricket thermometers and moth sugar. Also includes seven pages for a student drawings and notes. |
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 Frogs, Toads and Turtles - Diana Burns
Colorful illustrations and useful tips help 8- to 12-year-olds find and identify 30 different kinds of frogs, toads, and turtles in this fun guide that's perfect for outdoor adventures. For each species, children learn what it looks like, what it eats and where to find it. Plus there are fascinating facts, fun activities and scrapbook pages for notes or drawings. 90 color illustrations. ISBN: 1559715936. |
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 Rabbits, Squirrels and Chipmunks - Mel Boring
Young naturalists will learn about the twenty-eight types of rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks that live throughout the United States. Children will love reading about not only the animals in their own states and communities, but also about the different types living throughout America. Each animal is presented on a single page that includes a physical description of it, what it eats and where it is found. As a teacher, this book is a gold mine for a cross curriculum approach of studying geography (find where all the animals live), math (compare size and weight of the animals) as well as the animal study connections. Sturdily bound, this is perfect for nonfiction animal collections in schools, classrooms and public libraries. In addition to the informative text and illustrations, there are easily reproduced activities such as creating a squirrel nut-ball and a chipmunk swimming pool. Additional sources of information are cited, including video and web resources. |
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 Rocks, Fossils, and Arrowheads - Laura Evert
This fun book illustrates and discusses 15 varieties of rocks and minerals (such as basalt, slate, limestone, marble), 5 kinds of fossils (such as clams, wood, plants) and 7 kinds of arrowheads and artifacts (such as gunflints, knives, axes). The chapters include information to help kids find these specimens on a nature walk. The text explains what it looks like, where to find it and what it is used for. Detailed and true-to-life illustrations help kids identify them. Includes activities and scrapbook pages for notes. |
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 Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars - Christaine Kump Tibbitts
The three sections of this book provide simple, basic information on the types of creatures found at the beach. There is general information on how shells are formed, and then specific information on thirteen kinds of shells: their size and color, what the mollusks eat and where they are found. Similar information is provided for five types of crabs and seven sea stars, urchins, etc. There are also craft projects with clear directions and safety tips. The drawings of each animal show enough detail for identification. This is part of the "Young Naturalist Field Guides" series. It was originally part of the "Take-along guide" series published by NorthWord Press. The bibliography includes books, videos, and web sites. |
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 Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards - Diane Burns
Learn to identify 30 different species of snakes, salamanders and lizards with this fun and educational Take-Along Guide. Did you know that green snakes often live in trees? This book is loaded with fun info and activities. |
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 Tracks, Scats and Signs - Leslie Dendy
Animal signs are everywhere in nature and this guide will help kids learn all about them. Kids will find out how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in fields and along ponds. This guide is a fun way to turn everyday walks into exciting mysteries--and make any child a nature detective. |
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 Trees, Leaves and Bark - Diane Burns
Burn's book contains brief, introductory information for fifteen American trees, including the lifespan and uses of the wood. A color drawing of the mature tree and a close-up of the leaf helps to further identify the tree. Descriptions and illustrations are also given for the seeds and the detail of the bark. In clear and simple terms, readers can also learn how to make a bark-rubbing poster, a leaf mobile and how to grow a tree from seed. The bibliography includes books, videos and web sites.
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 Wildflowers, Blooms and Blossoms - Diane Burns
Beautifully hand-illustrated, this guide helps children (and adults) learn about 30 common wildflowers. Profiled blossoms include the ox-eye daisy, common buttercup, Indian paintbrush and more. The description includes tips on where to find each wildflower, what it looks like and interesting facts, plus important do's and don'ts to help children better enjoy the outdoors. 90 color illustrations. |
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 Non-fiction Matters - Stephanie Harvey
When we open the gates to nonfiction inquiry, we open our thinking and expect the unexpected, making reading, research and writing discoveries on our way. Nonfiction Matters offers teachers the tools to help students explore nonfiction and dig deep to reach more complete understanding of the real world and report these insights in a compelling manner. Stephanie Harvey shows how students can read expository text, engage in research and write authentic nonfiction that is captivating, visual and full of voice. The inquiry projects she describes require in-depth learning: topic selection, question development, research exploration, reading for content, organization, synthesis, writing to convey meaning and presenting findings - all skills that develop independent thinkers who know how to make decisions, solve problems and apply their knowledge insightfully. |
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 A Guide to Common Freshwater Inverterates of N. America
by J. Reese Voshell, Jr.
Reese (entomology, Virginia Tech-Blacksburg) provides information about creatures that are commonly encountered in the shallows of freshwater environments and are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. One section focuses on identification and the other on additional information about the creatures. Although much is accessible to school-age students, the book has enough depth and breadth to appeal also to an adult audience, including environmental educators, anglers and natural history aficionados. |
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 Maps, Getting From Here to There - Weiss
Starting with discussions of simple maps for finding your way out of a building and ending with maps to the universe, this book shows upper elementary students how to use and glean information from a wide variety of maps. Map skills also complement the growth taking place in students as they become increasingly aware of the ever-expanding community around them. This profusely illustrated book combines map skills with social studies to show ways people orient themselves to new environments. |
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 Erosion - Winner
Explains both the spectacular effects of erosion (creation of the Grand Canyon) and the destructive aspects (loss of cropland, homes). Dramatic photographs accompany scientific explanations of the mechanisms and effects of wind, water, ice and chemical erosion. Ecological impacts of poorly planned human activities are discussed, from stream destruction caused by clear-cutting to home loss when building too close to ever-changing river banks or beach strands. Winner, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award. Informative, scientific reference for ages 8-15. |
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 Dig In!
Hands-On Soil Investigations. Natural Resources Conservation Service. New activity book will have kids in grades K-4 up to their elbows in the study of soil formation, habitats, soil animals, land use and soil conservation. Includes teacher-tested lesson plans, assessment methods and suggestions for further study. Integrates science with art, geography, language arts, math and social studies. Perfect introduction to soil study for young children who usually need little encouragement to go play in the soil. |
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 Insects (National Audubon Society First Field Guide Series)
Published by Scholastic, a publisher known for its student approach, this guide offers larger pictures of each insect. The photograph-quality of the illustrations makes the reader want to touch the page to make sure the bug is not real. Each of 50 entries includes a description of the insect, including its habitat, and a cross-reference to similar species. Introductory pages offer information on families of insects, endangered insects and careers related to the study of insects. Additional resources and a helpful index are included. The publisher has tucked a laminated reference guide into the back cover. This is indeed a good "first" field guide. |
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 Fire, Friend or Foe - Patent
Fascinating book uncovers the myths and realities of fire ecology for children ages 8-14. Photographs document the life cycle of fire-prone areas, cycles that range from 15-25 years in chaparral areas to 200 years in forests such as those found in Yellowstone. Discusses the theory of controlled burns, their application and related controversies, including what happens when all fires are routinely suppressed. A beautiful book about the science of fire ecology. |
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 Birds of North America, West (Smithsonian Kids' Field Guide)
Here are field guides to birds that combine the authority of the latest ornithological facts with a format developed especially for children age 6 and up. Crystal-clear photos and illustrations with callouts, captions and info boxes make it easy for kids to find the birds, learn about the birds and identify the birds they are likely to see in their birdwatching experiences. |
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 Field Guide to Mammal Tracking in North America - Halfpenny
Learn to identify tracks by looking at the number of toes, claws, general shape, outline, gait, pads and tails. Thorough introductory section covers the basics of animal behavior, anatomy and movement. Learn how stride measurements tell you what the animal was doing (i.e. walking, trotting, jumping, hunting and resting) and how to track in difficult terrain where signs are sparse. Very informative book to help you improve your tracking skills.
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 Amazing Grazing - Cris Peterson
The American West is famous for battles between cowboys, war between white settlers and Native Americans and for the amazing wildlife that populated the plains. But the settlement of the West by white settlers nearly decimated the grasslands and the wildlife indigenous to the American West. In recent years, ranchers have realized the decline in the natural habitat of wildlife and taking steps to ensure that the damage caused in the 19th and early 20th centuries would halt before more wildlife and natural grasslands are destroyed. Amazing Grazing highlights the efforts taken by three ranches in Montana to protect the environment of the American West. The text is informative and catalogues the different ways that the three ranches protect the environment, while still maintaining a working ranch. Full-color photographs of each ranch are included, which show the natural grassland, the indigenous life in the area and different aspects of the working ranches. ISBN: 156397942X |
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 Boundaries of Home - Mapping for Local Empowerment - Aberley
Whether you are involved in local planning or zoning issues or simply trying to learn more about your home place, this book will show you and your students how to communicate the intricacies of places. It uses maps to create tapestries and stories about issues of importance, such as water and air quality, community growth issues, distribution of species or local historical spots. Discusses creative techniques and inherent teaching value of do-it-yourself mapping. |
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 Animal Habitats - Dr. Tony Hare
From the polar bear that endures icy temperatures of 40° F during the Arctic winter to the kangaroo that lives in areas with less than 10" of rainfall a year, this book describes and illustrates almost every kind of living environment where animals flourish. Clear and concise entries detail the territories inhabited by each animal and how they cope with ecological factors such as shrinking natural surroundings, seasonal migration and competition for food. Two-page spreads with vibrant color illustrations offer a revealing glimpse of animals in their natural environments, while in-depth case studies cover the local geography, vegetation, climate and food chains of each region. |
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 Food, Land and People Reader; Issue 1
How much land do you need? What is an acre? Who uses the land? Where is the best farmland? This reader answers these questions for students. It is a great addition to the Natural Resource Discovery Tool Chest. |
 Food, Land and People Reader; Issue 2
This issue of the student reader explores working with nature and the water cycle. The reader looks at the working earth cycles and creatures of the Earth in the soils' fertility cycle, including bugs. |
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 Food, Land and People Reader; Issue 3
Have you ever wondered how food gets from the farm to your fork? This issues looks at terms like ecosystem, population, precipitation, erosion and climate. A great tool to teach students about food, culture, and nature. |
 Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges & Bushes of the U.S. - Knobel
With its clear descriptions and accurate drawings, this easy-to-carry little volume will allow you to differentiate over 370 of the most common species: timothy, rye, foxtail, fescue, bluegrass, etc. Key. 500 illustrations. Updated nomenclature by Mildred F. Faust. |
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 POND LIFE (Golden Guide )
In print for two decades and still one of the best introductory guides to common pond plants and animals. Includes chapters on physical and chemical characteristics of water, habitats, food webs, community changes, observation and collection and descriptions of common pond animals from protozoa to mammals. |
 TREES of NORTH AMERICA (Golden Guide)
One of the best introductory guides to common trees of North America. Great information on trees, leaves and barks and easy for students to use when exploring the outdoors. |
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 Outdoor Careers
Exploring Occupations in Outdoor Fields. Shenk. (Revised). This new edition provides job descriptions, salaries, employment outlooks and educational requirements for outdoor jobs from farming to forestry to meteorology. Professionals are interviewed, each offering insight into daily responsibilities and challenges. Includes updated telephone numbers, addresses and Internet sites. |
 Winter, an Ecological Handbook - Halfpenny, Ozanne (Age 16-adult)
A complete book on winter ecology, offering insight into the effects of winter and strategies for coping, physiological responses, animal nutrition and populations in winter, plant and insect adaptations, human perceptions of winter and cold weather adaptations, along with suggestions for winter field studies. Plant and animal adaptations are also discussed. Bring this book to your winter retreat for hours of fascinating reading on those long winter nights! |
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 Weed Handbook
This book is an excellent source for theidentification of weeds in Wyoming. The handbook contains 30 colorful photos of weeds located in Wyoming and the West. The handbook is designed to be taken in the field and is small enough to fit in a pocket. |
 Scats & Tracks of the Rocky Mountains
Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species. Halfpenny. Learn how to decipher messages left by a fox, mountain lion or a wolf. Was that pile of droppings deposited by a moose, mouse or a marten? Learn how to tell if an animal passed your way a month ago or an hour ago. |
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 Starting With Nature Bug Book - Hickman
Insect behavior, anatomy and cycles are discussed. Activities include bug hunting in your neighborhood, looking at underwater bugs, attracting nocturnal insects and making a butterfly feeder. For ages 7-11. |
 Plant Science Action Labs - Edward Shevick. (Softcover, 64 pages) Students engage in corn seed Olympics, experiment with leaves, set plants in motion, investigate pollen and more. Many of the science action labs provide data tables and other additional information. An answer key is included. Contains 20 experiments. Grades 4-8. |
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Landscape
A new story of possibility in the changing American West. Video and teacher guide featuring western artist Larry Zabel. Public perceptions of the American West have been molded in part by the wilderness images of nineteenth century artist Albert Bierstadt and the cowboy paintings of Charles M. Russell. Landscape is the story of how the visions of Bierstadt and Russell come together in some kind of common ground in the American West. The video features how ranchers are working collaborative to conserve open spaces and wildlife habitats. |
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 Desdemona's Splash CD
An interactive computer game that delivers information on nonpoint source pollution in a fast-paced and entertaining format. Appealing for audiences of all ages. It teaches fundamental concepts about nonpoint source pollution prevention measures in a farm, a city and a neighborhood setting. Point and click screens that move and have sound help players learn how day-to-day decisions can affect the water quality of lakes and streams. |
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 Into the Forest
Nature's Food Chain Game. Ampersand Press. Colorful cards represent the animals and plants of the forest - each card listing what the animal eats and is eaten by. At the end of the game, each player counts earned energy points. For 2-6 players, ages 8 and up. |
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The Living Landscape
An interactive computer game that takes learners of all ages through various best management and conservation practices to turn a rundown farm and landscape into an environmental showplace! Point and click on various areas of the farm to answer related multiple choice questions. With each correct answer the farmscape changes to show the improvement made (complete with sound effects!). Once you make it through the set of questions correctly, the farm is set in motion with animation. A learning tool that's downright fun! Developed jointly for CTIC by our public and private sector partners. |
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