A vivid portrait of nature's most fascinating and unexpected events.

An engaging and beautifully presented guide to nature's most theatrical and mysterious events. From optical phenomena such as rainbows and light pillars, to celestial phenomena like eclipses and the aurora borealis, it explores a wide range of natural wonders, describing each one in detail and explaining the science behind them.

This second book in a four-book series exploring the elements, Wonders of Nature: Natural Phenomena in Science and Myth, looks at the wonder of air from both a scientific and mythical perspective. Intended for teachers and librarians to use with students in intermediate and middle school grades, the book looks at natural phenomena that occurs in the air around us—such as rainbows, snow, tornadoes, lightning, and thunder—through ancient myth, and details the explanations of modern-day science. With this interdisciplinary approach, students will be encouraged to appreciate the magic in both myth and science, and to understand the commonality of human experience with nature over time. Each book contains eight myths, each from a different culture, and accompanying scientific explanation to use with students. Included are bibliographies; recommended Web sites; ideas for field trips, student projects, discussion, and activities; and illustrations and diagrams that will enhance student interest. Grades 4-8.