Scientists in the Field Archives

January 9, 2015January 9, 2015

Catching The Next Wave

Did you know that December 26 was the 10th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami? It is a sad reminder that ocean waves can be extremely strong and violent.

In a timely release, Elizabeth Rusch explores the cutting-edge field of using the immense power of ocean waves for generating electricity in The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Oceans (Scientists in the Field Series).

Rusch starts the book with a description of the power of waves, including an example of a cruise ship caught in a powerful storm. She then delves into the early lives of two engineers who are working on converting wave energy into electricity. This part about the “Two Mikes” is perfect for young readers, giving examples of young scientists of similar age or only slightly older and drawing the reader into the story. Rusch then introduces Oregon State University professor Annette von Jouanne and her work. She follows with an overview of the research of several competing groups, showing the progress and setbacks of this interesting field.

Although capturing wave energy would seem like a good solution to our increasing energy needs, Rusch presents a balanced view and rightly points out that the full impact of using wave-energy harnessing devices is not fully known. It is possible the devices, depending on their design, might interfere with ocean wildlife. It is also possible the reduction of the force of waves could make changes in ocean currents and the nearby shoreline. The potential impacts of the devices are being monitored as closely as their ability to generate power.

Elizabeth Rusch is a wonderful writer, and this is a timely and fascinating topic. It does seem, however, that in order to cover a great deal of background and technical information, the scientists and engineers get lost at times. The beauty of the Scientists in the Field series is usually the reader learns about the work of one scientist or a small group of scientists in detail, and this title was not as clearly focused in that regard. Nevertheless, it is a good introduction to an emerging topic and diverging from the formula is not necessarily a flaw.

The Next Wave introduces young readers to an exciting new technology. Youngsters interested in STEM will find it inspiring. You will definitely want to pick up a copy for units on earth science, the ocean, and environmental studies. Adults will also find it a great resource to brush up on a topic they might not have encountered before.

See related activities at Growing with Science

You might also be interested in other books we have reviewed in the Scientists in the Field series

Age Range: 10 – 14 years
Grade Level: 5 – 9
Series: Scientists in the Field Series
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (October 14, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0544099990
ISBN-13: 978-0544099999

Disclosures: This book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at not extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.

December 5, 2014December 5, 2014

Sea Turtle Scientist Shines

Today we have a book that is part of the outstanding Scientists in the Field Series. Sea Turtle Scientist by Stephen R. Swinburne follows Dr. Kimberly Stewart in her efforts to investigate and conserve sea turtles on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. But be warned, reading this book will make you want to jump on a plane and become a sea turtle scientist, too.

Sea turtles have been around for a long time, but are now facing a myriad of problems that are causing their numbers to decline. In fact, as is mentioned right at the outset of the book, in most places only one in a thousand sea turtle eggs makes it to adulthood. Those are not good odds. Dr. Kimberly Stewart wants to change the odds through her research and education outreach efforts.

Although sea turtles are vulnerable to a number of threats, human-caused deaths are taking a steep toll. For example, local fisherman on St. Kitts have been known to kill sea turtles, even though there are rules against it. Dr. Stewart met with poaching fisherman, not to chastise them, but to use the deaths as an opportunity to collect important data. Over time she has been able to create a trusting relationship with the poachers. Using this trust and mutual respect, she has suggested alternative sources of income such as creating and selling beach glass art, and tourism. She has also educated the poachers about the importance of conservation. In fact, Chapter 3 tells the story of a local fisherman, Theophilus Taylor, who used to poach sea turtles. Now Mr. Taylor volunteers with the sea turtle conservation efforts and no longer harvests them. You can see him in this video trailer for the book, demonstrating how hatchlings move across the sand:

Part of the excellent Scientists in the Field series, Sea Turtle Scientist also stands out on its own. The story is particularly compelling and well written. As with others of the series, it reveals what it is like to work as a scientist, trudging through sand in the middle of the night or taking samples from poached sea turtles. I appreciated that the photos and text were more balanced by talking about and showing both the scientist and locals impacted by the conservation effort.

Sea Turtle Scientist would be a useful title to include in units on oceans, animals, reptiles, and conservation. It is sure to inspire budding scientists and veterinarians, as well.

Now, about that flight to the Caribbean…

Want to explore more? See our sea turtle science post at Growing With Science blog.

Age Range: 10 – 14 years
Grade Level: 5 – 9
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (January 7, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0547367554
ISBN-13: 978-0547367552

Disclosures: This book was supplied by my local library. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at not extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.

May 16, 2014May 16, 2014

New Scientists in the Field Title: Park Scientists

When you think of national parks, you may think of hiking, wildlife and getting away from it all, but probably you probably don’t think of science. Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America’s Own Backyard by Mary Kay Carson and photographs by Tom Uhlman goes a long ways toward remedying that omission.

Out this week, this newest addition to the Scientists in the Field Series shows not only how scientists can help develop a better understanding of the organisms and resources in national parks, which allows park employees to manage them better, but also that parks are ideal locations for many types of research that couldn’t be done elsewhere.

For example, studies of the giant saguaro cactus in Arizona have shown certain species of desert trees act as “nurses” to protect the seedlings and young cacti. In the early years, many of the trees were cut down, which meant the no young saguaros were able to get started. Fortunately, when the desert trees were allowed to grow back through park management, the numbers of young saguaros rebounded.

The husband-and-wife team of Uhlman and Carson are veterans of the Scientists in the Field Series. They know exactly what will catch a reader’s attention, from geysers and grizzlies in Yellowstone National Park, to salamanders and fire flies in the Great Smoky Mountains. They have also chosen a range of people to focus on, from park rangers who are also geologists to high school students who are citizen scientists. Young people interested in science will realize that there are a number of ways to participate in science besides becoming a PhD scientist at a college or university.

In addition to the gorgeous photographs, the book also has many maps and graphic representations of data. Each section starts with facts and resources about the particular park that is featured.

Because Scientists in the Field has been such a popular and long-running series, it is easy to not pay as much attention to the individual books as they come out. That would be a mistake, because Park Scientists has a lot to offer. The timing of the release is perfect to catch the interest of youngsters who are headed out to take a vacation at a national park this summer. Get this book in their hands and it is likely they will want to do some science, too.

Free discussion and activity guide to download at Mary Kay Carson’s website.

Here’s the very informative and beautiful book trailer:

Age Range: 10 – 14 years
Grade Level: 5 – 9
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547792689
ISBN-13: 978-0547792682

Disclosures: These book were provided by the publisher for review purposes . Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at not extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.