Learn about how elephants were used in wars in India and play elephant tag. Make a Great Plains weather box diorama and play a grasslands board game to learn about landforms in the prairies. Play games to unlock the mysteries of the the Periodic Table of the Elements and pause to consider Dmitri Mendeleev's bad hair. Figure out if silicon based life forms really could exist and decide how you would feel about breathing sand. And finally paint with q-tips, sponges, and kitchen implements as you learn about texture in art. In each unit you'll find a recommended library list, important background information about each topic, lots of activities to choose from for kids of all ages, and sidebars with a bunch more ideas including Additional Layers, Fabulous Facts, On The Web, Writer's Workshop, Famous Folks, and Teaching Tips. Printable maps and worksheets are included at the end of each unit and may be printed as often as needed for your family or class. Learn more at www.Layers-of-Learning.com