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

by Mary Kay Carson

Overview

* "A well-written, unique, carefully organized treat for nature lovers and investigators."—School Library Journal, starred review   America’s national parks have been called the country’s “best idea,” and some of the best scientific ideas are happening inside these protected spaces. There are geysers and grizzlies in Yellowstone, Gila monsters and saguaro cacti in southern Arizona, and the world’s only known population of red-cheeked salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains. And in some parks you can roll up your sleeves and actively participate as a citizen scientist. There is much to see, do and learn, right here in America’s own backyard!   

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781328740908
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	11/07/2017
Series:	Scientists in the Field Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Mary Kay Carson lives with her husband, Tom Uhlman, and their dog, Ruby, in a century-old house surrounded by deer, hawks, woodchucks, songbirds, and other creatures in Cincinnati, Ohio. Check out their other Scientists in the Field books, including The Tornado Scientist, Park Scientists, Emi and the Rhino Scientist, The Bat Scientists, Inside Biosphere 2, and Mission to Pluto.

Editorial Reviews

* "A well-written, unique, carefully organized treat for nature lovers and investigators." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"A welcome demonstration of the breadth of possibilities in scientific work" — Kirkus Reviews

"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."
— Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 05/01/2014
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

School Library Journal

2014-03-31
In Yellowstone, Saguaro and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, scientists help manage natural resources while they study them. The field scientists profiled in this latest title in the long-running Scientists in the Field series work in natural places that are protected, ideal for long-term studies. Many series titles focus on one scientist or scientific subject, but here, the author-photographer team introduces readers to a grand variety of career scientists: geologist, wildlife biologist, herpetologist, evolutionary ecologist, entomologist and a park biologist coordinating collaborative projects in many fields. Their research areas will appeal to a wide range of readers. Each section is introduced with a postcard image and fast facts about one of the parks. These include reasons to visit and further Web resources. The first section describes studies of two of Yellowstone's most famous attractions: geysers and grizzly bears. The next two projects involve volunteers (including high school students) as citizen scientists who track Gila monsters and measure Saguaro cacti in Arizona. The Sonoran desert there makes a striking contrast with the "[m]oist mature forest" in the Great Smoky Mountains, ideal habitat for salamanders and fireflies that synchronize their flashes. Uhlman's photographs are colorful, clearly explained and nicely reproduced. Maps and charts support the text. A welcome demonstration of the breadth of possibilities in scientific work. (Nonfiction. 10-15)

Kirkus Reviews