Selected resources provide three web-based activities to complement science lessons in an issue of Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The free, online magazine for Grades K-5 teachers explores the essential principles of climate literacy.

In this nonfiction story, young readers and listeners learn how scientists use cross sections from trees to reconstruct past climates. Versions are provided for readers at two levels, k-2 and 3-5, and in text-only and illustrated formats. The story is also available as an electronic book with recorded narration. An original story is a regular feature of each issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The story can be used in science and literacy lessons and activities throughout the magazine.

An image of -- Bitterbrush -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) has small, silvery leaves adapted for its life on sunny hillsides and rocky slopes at 3500- 9000 feet. It is called the favorite browse of mule deer, and it is also eaten by elk. The seeds are eaten by pocket gophers, chipmunks, and ground squirrels. ===

An image of -- Bitterbrush, leaf close-up -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) has small, silvery leaves adapted for its life on sunny hillsides and rocky slopes at 3500- 9000 feet. It is called the favorite browse of mule deer, and it is also eaten by elk. The seeds are eaten by pocket gophers, chipmunks, and ground squirrels. ===

An image of -- Chokecherry -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is usually found along streams or on moist slopes at 4500- 9,000 feet. It is an important food source for many animals, including grouse and bighorn sheep. It was named chokecherry for the bitter taste of the berries, though it has been widely used for jams and juice. ===

An image of -- Chokecherry, with berries -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is usually found along streams or on moist slopes at 4500- 9,000 feet. It is an important food source for many animals, including grouse and bighorn sheep. It was named chokecherry for the bitter taste of the berries, though it has been widely used for jams and juice. ===

An image of -- Chokecherry, with flowers -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is usually found along streams or on moist slopes at 4500- 9000 feet. It is an important food source for many animals, including grouse and bighorn sheep. It was named chokecherry for the bitter taste of the berries, though it has been widely used for jams and juice. ===

An image of -- Gambel oak -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), often called scrub oak, grows at 4500- 7500 feet along the Wasatch Front. This deciduous shrub is often seen in thickets because it grows in clones. It is an important browse for deer. Stellars jays, scrub jays, and rodents feed on its acorns. Acorns were ground and used by native people in bread, soup and pancakes. ===

An image of -- Sagebrush -- is provided, drawn from the the collection of UTAH NATIVE PLANTS, contributed by the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Unviersity of Utah. The photographs show the changing appearance of various plants throughout the seasons. === Sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata ), one of the most abundant shrubs in the west, lives in well-drained soils of sunny, open slopes at 4,500- 10,000 feet. Sagebrush is a shrub, but it has green leaves all year. Every spring additional ephemeral leaves grow on this plant to maximize photosynthesis; they drop off when the weather becomes hotter and drier. Sagebrush leaves have a very strong scent. This plant is eaten by deer and livestock, sage grouse, and many other small animals. ===

Trees within a city can help reduce urban heat, control stormwater, and provide habitat to local wildlife. As climate conditions change, a Chicago group is working to enhance its urban forest so that the city can continue to receive these benefits.

The significance of -- Book Cliffs, puffy clouds and juniper -- is discussed in this media item extracted from the 22-part video series THE GEOGRAPHY OF UTAH, conceived and written by Albert L. Fisher, PhD (University of Utah). The series encompasses the political, cultural, historical and sociological geography of the state of Utah. It describes the activities, the land and the people. Much of the video material was videotaped on location throughout the state of Utah, giving the student and interested viewer valuable field trip experiences. === The Book Cliffs extend from near Price to Crescent Junction. ===

The significance of -- Mountain meadow near pine and aspen -- is discussed in this media item extracted from the 22-part video series THE GEOGRAPHY OF UTAH, conceived and written by Albert L. Fisher, PhD (University of Utah). The series encompasses the political, cultural, historical and sociological geography of the state of Utah. It describes the activities, the land and the people. Much of the video material was videotaped on location throughout the state of Utah, giving the student and interested viewer valuable field trip experiences.

The significance of -- BLM sagebrush lands -- is discussed in this media item extracted from the 22-part video series THE GEOGRAPHY OF UTAH, conceived and written by Albert L. Fisher, PhD (University of Utah). The series encompasses the political, cultural, historical and sociological geography of the state of Utah. It describes the activities, the land and the people. Much of the video material was videotaped on location throughout the state of Utah, giving the student and interested viewer valuable field trip experiences. === This is located east of Kanab. ===

The significance of -- Mountains and sagebrush of central Utah -- is discussed in this media item extracted from the 22-part video series THE GEOGRAPHY OF UTAH, conceived and written by Albert L. Fisher, PhD (University of Utah). The series encompasses the political, cultural, historical and sociological geography of the state of Utah. It describes the activities, the land and the people. Much of the video material was videotaped on location throughout the state of Utah, giving the student and interested viewer valuable field trip experiences. === This is located southwest of Nephi by the exit west to Eureka. ===

Three types of climate proxies -- tree rings, fossils, and ice cores -- are the subjects of lessons that will help K-5 students understand that Earth's climate has been different in the past and that scientists can reveal its history. This article is from the science lessons column of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The magazine is structured around the seven essential principles of climate literacy and identifies age-appropriate resources for young learners.

Climb aboard the Cyclops, a microscopic research vessel, and investigate an amazing hidden world on which all living things depend. The Cyclops houses a team of scientists known as the Micronauts and guides them through their discoveries of biological classification, diversity, and ecology. In this episode, two crew members, Jonathan and Tara, investigate the maze-like catacombs of a termite gallery. In this dark maze, they discover that a termite’s gut is home to a protozoan that digests the wood for the termites. Part 10 of Microscopic Monsters Series.

Once There Was a Tree, written by Natalia Romanova, illustrated by Gennady Spirin. A tree stump attracts many living creatures, even man and when it is gone, in its place a new tree attracts the same creatures, who still need it.

Once There Was a Tree, written by Natalia Romanova, illustrated by Gennady Spirin. A tree stump attracts many living creatures, even man and when it is gone, in its place a new tree attracts the same creatures, who still need it.

Once There Was a Tree, written by Natalia Romanova, illustrated by Gennady Spirin. A tree stump attracts many living creatures, even man and when it is gone, in its place a new tree attracts the same creatures, who still need it.

Once There Was a Tree, written by Natalia Romanova, illustrated by Gennady Spirin. A tree stump attracts many living creatures, even man and when it is gone, in its place a new tree attracts the same creatures, who still need it.