Provides ideas for exploring nature to learn the answers to such questions as when a chrysalis will open, why a wolf howls, or how the tide goes out, and gives advice about equipment and safety.

"Founded in 1866 with a generous gift from international financier George Peabody, the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University has for 150 years acquired, studied, protected, and displayed its ever-expanding collections. Among the museum's 13,000,000 items are iconic fossils, striking ethnographic pieces, historical flora, and extinct species -- a remarkable record of the history of Earth, its life, and its cultures. More than mere curios,...

Dinosaurs in the Attic is a chronicle of the expeditions, discoveries, and scientists behind the greatest natural history collection every assembled. Written by former Natural History columnist Douglas Preston, who worked at the American Museum of Natural History for seven years, this is a celebration of the best-known and best-loved museum in the United States.

"Over the centuries, natural history museums have evolved from being little more than musty repositories of stuffed animals and pinned bugs, to being crucial generators of new scientific knowledge. They have also become vibrant educational centers, full of engaging exhibits that share those discoveries with students and an enthusiastic general public. At the heart of it all from the very start have been curators. Yet after three decades as a natural...

This compendium of amazing rocks and minerals, microscopic life, plants, and animals will wow children and many adults, too. With 100 remarkable items from the natural world, from orchids to opals and lichens to lizards, everyone will find something to be captivated by. Each plant, animal, and rock is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images. The storybook descriptions let you discover...

A natural history of the wilderness in our homes, from the microbes in our showers to the crickets in our basements. "Picture this: after a long week, you finally have the house to yourself. As you settle into the couch, something stirs -- a mouse darts out from under a cupboard, a fly zips past the window -- and you suddenly realize that you're not alone after all. Indeed, our homes are buzzing with life, but aside from the pursuit of better pest...