Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass (Scientists in the Field)

by Mary Kay Carson (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
In the Arizona desert, scientists conduct studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change. The location is Biosphere 2, an immense structure that contains a replica ocean, savannah, and rainforest, among other Earth biomes. It's a unique take on the Scientists in the Field mission statement -- in this case, the lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large-scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible.
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Kirkus

A 1990s science experiment aimed at space exploration finds a new purpose in the 21st century.

Built to test long-term human survival in a closed ecological system like a potential Mars colony, the 3.14-acre glass-enclosed structure called Biosphere 2 is now being used for investigations of climate change here on Earth. Framing her narrative as a tour of the facility, now open to and welcoming visitors, Carson’s information-packed text introduces the original experiment, in which eight people survived for 2 years, and then, chapter by chapter, describes new studies. In the rain forest, biogeochemist Joost van Haren investigates how much carbon dioxide a forest can hold and the effects of drought. An “ocean” with a no-longer-viable coral reef is being repurposed into a model of the nearby Gulf of California, under the supervision of marine biologist Rafe Sagarin. What was once a farm is now a Landscape Evolution Observatory, with replicas of a nearby hillside where hydrologist Luke Pangle studies how water, energy, and carbon move through landscapes. Sustainability coordinator Nate Allen works underneath in the Technosphere, where power and plumbing systems support the entire structure. Well-chosen, clearly captioned photographs support the text, while flashback boxes inform readers of what came before. 

For middle and high school readers, an encouraging example of earth scientists working to understand and deal with climate change in new and amazing ways. (glossary, resources, index)(Nonfiction. 12-15)

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review

Continuing the tradition of excellence established by other award-winning titles in the Scientists in the Field series is Carson’s latest on the Arizona-based research project Biosphere 2. Formerly a self-contained mini-Earth inhabited by a group of scientists for a 730-day stretch starting in 1991, Biosphere 2 now acts as a “bridge between a laboratory and the real world,” combining research with public education and tours. Well-organized chapters, extensive color photographs, and diagrams supplement an engaging narrative that follows several scientists and their hands-on research. Scientists whose work is explored include a biogeochemist, a marine ecologist, an earth scientist and water expert, and a sustainability expert. No longer focused on how to colonize Mars, Biosphere 2’s research directly impacts people’s lives. From examining how forests handle climate change and the impact of the ocean becoming more acidic, to developing a deeper understanding of the water cycle for soil erosion and predicting climate conditions, the scope of the research is vast. “There’s not another experiment like this in the world,” says Biosphere scientist Luke Pangle. A glossary, bibliography, and extensive list of online sources provide an excellent jumping-off point for further student research. Truly eye-opening. 

— Jennifer Barnes

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 5-8--The latest installment in this stellar series examines Biosphere 2, a research facility in Oracle, AZ. Biosphere 2 began as an engineering marvel and an experiment in creating a self-sustaining, closed biological system that could support a team of humans for two years. In 1993, when the original Biosphere 2 experiment ended amid controversy, few could have predicted what the future would hold for the research facility. While briefly addressing the original experiment and its triumphs and shortcomings, Carson focuses on telling a compelling story of the scientific research being conducted at Biosphere 2 today and the importance of that work in understanding our biosphere: the planet Earth. This enlightening title adeptly connects Biosphere 2's past with its present and future. Stunning photographs, clear and colorful graphics, and illuminating insets enhance the appeal, and direct quotes from the Biosphere 2 scientists are liberally incorporated throughout. The processes, products, and purposes of the research are addressed, and information about the facility's past is provided in a series of "Flashback to the Biospherians" photographic sidebars. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle school science collections.--Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Mirus Academy Library, TX

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

* "This enlightening title adeptly connects Biosphere 2's past with its present and future. Stunning photographs, clear and colorful graphics, and illuminating insets enhance the appeal...Highly recommended for all middle school science collections."
—School Library Journal, starred review

"An encouraging example of earth scientists working to understand and deal with climate change in new and amazing ways."
—Kirkus

* "From examining how forests handle climate change to the impact of the ocean becoming more acidic, to developing a deeper understanding of the water cycle for soil erosion, and to predicting climate conditions, the scope of the research is vast...Truly eye-opening."
—Booklist, starred review
Mary Kay Carson
Mary Kay Carson is the author of more than fifty books for young people about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. After studying biology in college, and a stint in the Peace Corps, she began her writing career working on the classroom magazine SuperScience. Her books have received more than a dozen starred reviews, as well as multiple awards. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband in a century-old house surrounded by urban greenspace, deer, hawks, woodchucks, and songbirds. www.marykaycarson.com

Shen Fei is an illustrator based in Malaysia. He grew up drawing manga and superheroes, which has led him to working in games and animation for the past decade. He is currently a freelance artist working on film, games, and books.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780544416642
Lexile Measure
1060
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
October 20, 2015
Series
Scientists in the Field
BISAC categories
JNF051080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Earth Sciences - General
JNF061010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Inventions
JNF037020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Conservation & Protection
JNF011000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Careers
JNF051110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Experiments & Projects
JNF037080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Earth Sciences - Weather
Library of Congress categories
Human ecology
Ecology
Research
Biosphere 2 (Project)
Closed ecological systems (Space environment)

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