Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. Contents are organized into the following sections: (1) "What Makes a Tree a Tree?," including…

Reviews the history and habits of the fungus commonly referred to as the "chestnut blight." Considers the impact of the blight and efforts to control it, offers personal and cultural reflections on the blight, and gives tips for incorporating the information into cross-disciplinary lessons. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Presents two techniques involving simple and inexpensive demonstrations: (1) explains how pressure inside cells gives them mechanical strength, and (2) shows how water can be pulled up stems. Both can be adapted to suit a variety of levels of instruction. (PR)