A Platypus Probably

What has a bill like a duck's and the body of a beaver? A platypus, probably. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment. Vivid, accurate illustrations capture the wonder of this amazing creature.

For use in schools and libraries only. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment.

Follow a female platypus as she hunts for food, finds a mate, builds a shelter, and cares for her pups.

Now you can easily deliver the shared reading comprehension lessons you need to launch RTI Tier 1 instruction--setting the stage for Tier 1 small-group instruction as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Launching RTI Comprehension Instruction with Shared Reading provides intermediate-grade teachers with: Flexible shared reading plans for 45-, 60-, and 90-minute instructional blocks and guidelines to implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 comprehension interventions; Criteria to select comprehension objectives, choose texts, and create lessons that support students before, during, and after reading; Strategies that move students toward independence in meeting comprehension objectives through explicit, systematic instruction that culminates in written response; Assessment rubrics, checklists, and anchor sets to evaluate students' literature responses; Lessons and support materials for 40 different objectives organized into four thinking strands: forming a general understanding, developing an interpretation, making reader/text connections, and examining content and structure; and Independent follow-up activities in oral language, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing that help students apply what they have learned in the shared lesson. Tips for adapting instruction to English language learners and reflection questions at the end of each chapter round out this complete resource. The included CD provides modifiable electronic versions of planning and support documents, along with additional lesson materials not included in the book.

The extraordinary story of how a curious creature baffled the world.

This New York Times bestseller is the hilarious philosophy course everyone wishes they’d had in school. Outrageously funny, Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar... has been a breakout bestseller ever since authors—and born vaudevillians—Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein did their schtick on NPR’s Weekend Edition. Lively, original, and powerfully informative, Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar... is a not-so-reverent crash course through the great philosophical thinkers and traditions, from Existentialism (What do Hegel and Bette Midler have in common?) to Logic (Sherlock Holmes never deduced anything). Philosophy 101 for those who like to take the heavy stuff lightly, this is a joy to read—and finally, it all makes sense! And now, you can read Daniel Klein's further musings on life and philosophy in Travels with Epicurus and Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change it.

Dive and swim. Spin and swoop. The platypus loves to play! Beginning readers will dive right into this simple, Step 2 nonfiction book about one of the most unique animals on earth.

Interested in the origins of the species? Consider the Platypus uses pets such as dogs and cats as well as animal outliers like the axolotl and naked mole rat to wittily tackle mind-bending concepts about how evolution, biology, and genetics work. Consider the Platypus explores the history and features of more than 50 animals to provide insight into our current understanding of evolution. Using Darwin's theory as a springboard, Maggie Ryan Sandford details scientists' initial understanding of the development of creatures and how that has expanded in the wake of genetic sequencing, including the: Peppered Moth, which changed color based on the amount of soot in the London air; California Two-Spotted Octopus, which has the amazing ability to alter its DNA/RNA not over generations but during its lifetime; miniscule tardigrade, which is so hearty it can withstand radiation, lack of water and oxygen, and temperatures as low as -328°F and as high 304 °F; and, of course, the platypus, which has so many disparate features, from a duck's bill to venomous spur to mammary patches, that scientists originally thought it was a hoax. Surprising, witty, and impeccably researched, Sandford describes each animal's significant features and how these have adapted to its environment, such as the zebra finch's beak shape, which was observed by Charles Darwin and is a cornerstone of his Theory of Evolution. With scientifically accurate but charming art by Rodica Prato, Consider the Platypus showcases species as diverse as the sloth, honey bee, cow, brown kiwi, and lungfish, to name a few, to tackle intimidating concepts is a accessible way.