Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature’s Mysteries from Perilous Places
Series
Scientists in the Field
by
Donna M. Jackson
Edition
-
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint
Houghton Mifflin
ISBN
9780618777068
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Not all scientists spend their days in laboratories; many are out in the field doing exciting research. Among those are "extreme" scientists, like Paul Flaherty, who flies a plane into hurricanes in order to study them. Deep within the earth, Hazel Barton looks for microbes in caves, including those under the sea. Stephen Sillett scales the world's tallest trees, giant sequoias, to find out what lives and grows at the top. An interview with each scientist is included. Resources for further research. Glossaries. Source notes. Index. Full-color photographs.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
80
Trim Size
11" x 9"
Dewey
509.2/2
AR
7.6: points 2
Lexile
NC1130L
Genre
Nonfiction
Scholastic Reading Counts
5
JLG Release
Jul 2009
Book Genres
Topics
Meteorology. Inspiration. Severe weather. Hurricanes. Wind shear. Radar. Danger. Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Hugo. Making a difference. Caves. Microbes. Extremophiles. Scientific theories. Microbial survival mechanisms. The search for life on Mars. Nichol Creek Cave, Kentucky. How caves are produced. Methane cycling. Safety measures. Forest canopies. Redwoods. Reiterated tree trunks. Climbing tall trees. Fire caves. Mapping redwoods. The world's tallest tree. Growth delimiters. Research applications.
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Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Booklist*, The Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal
Praise & Reviews
Junior Library Guild
Author Donna M. Jackson takes readers on a journey that makes science exciting, cool, and accessible. This up-close study of three extreme scientists invitingly pulls readers into the wilds of nature where these experts take risks so discoveries can be made. Hurricane hunter Paul Flaherty’s plane was “struck by lightning thirty-four times” while studying severe storms in the Midwest. Hazel Barton nearly lost an arm while exploring caves in New Zealand. Botanist Stephen Sillett says he is always thinking about how far up he is when climbing sequoias: “I’m keenly aware that the ground is hundreds of feet below me. There’s a sense that if you make a mistake, you’re going to kill yourself.”
Jackson shows readers how these courageous scientists went from being curious kids with interests in weather, chemistry, and climbing trees, into trained professionals who love their jobs. Readers will be inspired to think seriously about careers in science, because they get to see various fields (meteorology, chemistry, and botany) in practice from a different—and very appealing—angle. The dynamic photography only intensifies the excitement by showing what Flaherty, Barton, and Sillett get to do.
The extensive back matter allows readers to become familiar with the vocabulary of these careers, as well as to continue their investigations. Extreme Scientists is a treasure for teachers who want to encourage students to think differently about science and to ignite a passion for exploring the world around them.
Horn Book
This volume profiles three stereotype-shattering scientists whose field research provides some pretty intense experiences: a meteorologist/hurricane hunter, microbiologist/caver, and ecologist/redwood climber. Jackson hits just the right balance between informative descriptions of the science and excitement surrounding the risks involved. The numerous intriguing photos achieve this balance as well, showcasing all three scientists both in the lab and out in their elements. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Grades 2-6
Nonfiction Elementary Plus
For Grades 2-6
A world of discovery awaits in this 12 book category. Elementary readers eager to know more about the world around them will learn much from diving into these nonfiction titles covering a diverse range of topics. A sure way to satisfy inquisitive minds.
14 books per Year
$297.36 per Year
Interests
Biographies,Diversity,Nonfiction,Reluctant Readers,Science/STEAM
Grades 2-6
Nonfiction Elementary Plus
14 books per Year
$297.36 per Year
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