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

by Mary Kay Carson, Tom Uhlman

The national parks have been called "America's best idea" -- and some of the best scientific ideas are happening right now inside these protected American spaces that welcome more than 270 million visitors each year. Meet up with scientists studying geysers, grizzlies, salamanders, cacti, and fireflies in some of America's most treasured places: our national parks. Another great addition to the Scientists in the Field series for ages 10 to 14.

  • Format: eBook
  • ISBN-13/ EAN: 9780544302518
  • ISBN-10: 0544302516
  • Pages: 80
  • Publication Date: 05/13/2014
  • Carton Quantity: 1
About the Book
About the Authors
Reviews
  • About the Book

    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!

  • About the Author

    Mary Kay Carson

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

    Tom Uhlman

    Tom Uhlman has been a freelance photographer for more than 25 years. He photographs lots of news and sporting events, but enjoys shooting pictures of wildlife and the natural world most of all. Visiting Tom's photographs can also be seen in the Scientists in the Field books Park Scientists, Emi and the Rhino Scientist, Inside Biosphere 2, Mission to Pluto, and The Bat Scientists

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

    "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

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

    "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
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