Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard (Scientists in the Field)

by Mary Kay Carson (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
America's National Parks are protected places and have become living museums for as many as 270 million visitors per year! In addition, researchers are able to perform long term studies of a wide number of subjects from salamanders the size of thumbnails to gigantic geothermal geysers. These parks are natural laboratories for scientists. Did you know that Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming sits on top of an active (and very large) volcano? This volcano is monitored and studied on a daily basis, not only as a means of protection (though it seems a long way off from erupting) but also as a way of understanding how the environment changes and influences what goes on deep underground. The scientists profiled in The Park Scientists also study grizzly bears in Yellowstone, the majestic Sagauro catci in Arizona, and fireflies in Tennessee -- and suggest many ways for the average reader of any age to help out. The emphasis here is twofold: the great science that happens everyday in these important, protected spaces, and the fact that you can visit all of them and participate in the research. It's backyard science at its biggest and best in this resourceful addition to the Scientists in the Field series!
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Kirkus

A welcome demonstration of the breadth of possibilities in scientific work.

ALA/Booklist

With a conversationist bent, Carson describes just how accessible these real-life 'natural laboratories and living museums' are and how each individual can act with the same spirit of inquiry as the scientist-explorers detailed here.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 4-8—This entry in this popular series focuses on the study of selected plants, animals, and geologic formations in three of our most famous national parks, which are akin to "natural laboratories and living museums." It all begins in Yellowstone National Park, where hydrothermal activity and its effects are astutely explained. Next, the history, current status, and study of the famous park grizzly bears are carefully detailed. Exploration and examination of giant saguaro cacti and the elusive Gila monster are the focus in the section on Saguaro National Park, which includes a description of "BioBlitz" through which everyday citizens and students can assist in park research programs through 2016. The Great Smoky Mountains is home to more than 30 species of salamanders, and they, plus the equally fascinating fireflies of the region, are targeted in the final chapters. Pertinent, attention-grabbing, full-color photographs and captions, maps, infrared images, and diagrams accompany the fascinating, informative text in each section. Featured experts provide primary-source information for each topic covered. The introductory map of all national parks is missing two in Colorado, but that is a quibble. Overall, this is a well-written, unique, carefully organized treat for nature lovers and investigators.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, CO

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Kids anticipating a trip to one of these parks may want to study up now and show off their impressive vocabularies when they arrive."
—Bulletin
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
9780547792682
Lexile Measure
1040
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
May 13, 2014
Series
Scientists in the Field
BISAC categories
JNF038100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States
JNF003120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Insects, Spiders, etc.
JNF003190 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Reptiles & Amphibians
JNF037020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Conservation & Protection
JNF003220 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Animal Welfare
JNF011000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Careers
JNF003240 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Wolves & Coyotes
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
JNF058000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Travel
JNF051170 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Discoveries
JNF025260 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Symbols, Monuments, National Parks, Etc.
JNF037010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Earth Sciences - Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Library of Congress categories
United States
Park rangers
Park naturalists
Interpretation of cultural and natural resour

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