The Polar Bear Scientists: A Real-Life Science Adventure About Arctic Field Research and Climate Change for Kids (Ages 10-12)

Scientists in the Field

by Peter Lourie, Susan Ramer

Follow scientists as they scan the Alaskan wilderness for these magnificent creatures.It is springtime on the North Slope of Alaska, and the U.S. Geological Survey team—the polar bear biologists Kristin Simac and Mike Lockhart—is gearing up for polar bear capturing. During a capture, all information is collected on the sea ice. The scientists locate bears from a helicopter, tranquilize them, give them tattoo ID numbers and tags, and collect data such as height, weight, and body fat measurements and samples such as blood, hair, feces, and even teeth. All this information goes into a
large database studied by scientists such as Drs. Steven Amstrup and George Durner, the former and current leaders of the Polar Bear Research Project. For more than forty-five years, scientists have been capturing bears in order to get information. What has this information been telling scientists about polar bears and global warming? 

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Animals

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2012

About the author

Peter is an award-winning author, professor, and explorer. He has written over two dozen nonfiction books for children and adults spanning topics from adventure and the environment to polar bears and lost treasure.

His forthcoming book, Locked in Ice: Nansen's Daring Quest for the North Pole is a spellbinding biography of Fridtjof Nansen, the pioneer of polar exploration, with a spotlight on his harrowing three-year journey to the top of the world.

A true adventurer, Lourie has traveled all over the world to research his subjects, from the cloud forest in Ecuador in search of Inca treasure, to Lake Turkana in northwestern Kenya on the Ethiopian border, to Terra del Fuego and the jungles of Rondonia, Brazil.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Scientists in the Field series because it examines the work of scientists in various locales. In this case, the focus happens to be an area that has received quite a lot of attention recently--the polar bears in the Arctic. Once the mother bears emerge from their dens with their cubs in the spring, the United States Geological Survey Team emerges from its home base to locate polar bears by helicopter. After tranquilizing, capturing, and then releasing them once samples have been taken, the scientists use the data they collect as a way to count a population that is hard to count and assess the condition of the bears. Concerned about the effects of global warming and climate change on the bears, the scientists use radio collars to track the movement of the bears. As is the norm in this engaging series, the book's pages are filled with photos of the enormous polar bears and the scientists at work as well as chockful of details about their painstaking attention to the data they collect. Even a costly lost radio collar can't be left behind, and the scientists must make every effort to find out whether the collar has been removed by a polar bear or if the bear itself has died.

The author includes interviews with scientists who remind readers that there is still time to save the polar bear's habitat--if we act quickly and reduce our carbon footprints.

[Ruthie Carlyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This book is a story following scientists in the Alaskan wilderness that are searching for and following the amazing polar bear. In the story it is spring time and they are surveying the land, and they are getting ready for capturing the polar bears. When the scientists capture a polar bear, they don't do anything harmful, to them besides take data. They do this by tranquilizing them, taking all different types of samples and measurements, and giving them a body tattoo so that they can keep track of that specific polar bear. This helps the scientists put this information into a database to keep track of the decline in polar bears as well as their change in weight, what they have been eating, and their blood. The scientists use this to also link back to global warming.

Evaluation: I really enjoyed this book. I love science and I love animals, and it was nice to read about something that they are doing to keep track of the polar bear population. I really would recommend this book to anyone because I think it is important to learn about how they take data and how they use that data. It is also good to read this book to children because they can see that it is very possible to be a scientist as a job and that this is an option for them in their future. They will see what they do for the world as well and these creatures through their research.

Teaching Idea: I would love to use this book in a science lesson for the explain portion. I really liked utilizing the 5E model in science and I feel like this would be a great book to fit into that section. I also feel like it gives the students a lot of information on tracking and taking data. This book could fit into any science lesson where they are taking data, in order to show all different ways that their data could be used. I think this book also holds the readers interests which is great because kids can get bored easily when it comes to things that they are not very familiar with.

[Stephanie Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: This Scientist in the Field book follows scientists from The Polar Bear Research Project in their research where polar bears are captured in the field, examined, tagged and released back into the wild.

Evaluation: The book is a detailed account of the work that scientists are doing with polar bears in the wild. Through the process, scientists are able to take measurements and biological samples, as well as track the animals with the use of radio collars. The book is very detailed about procedures, there is even an overview of all of the samples and their purpose. Students who have an interest in polar bears will love this book. The book does use and abundance of scientific language and may not be useful for younger readers.

Teaching Idea: The Scientist in the Field book series are an excellent way to introduce science and the scientific method into the classroom. Inquiry based experiments, recording information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions could all be taught from the information included in this book.

[Marlee Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: The Polar Bear Scientist contains an abundant amount of information pertaining to how researchers study the polar bears and the environments the polar bears live in. The book also gives information about how polar bears live and their means of survival and protection of cubs.

Evaluation: I believe this book is an informational one, especially for middle to old elementary school students. It also provides a glossary and index which will allow the students to identify certain aspects of the story and identify new words. I would assign this to middle grades because some of the information about bears could upset younger children.

Teaching Ideas: I would use this book to introduce different parts of the world in a social studies lesson or different habitats in science. I would have the students study the different characteristics of the polar bears and compare them to information we know about a common animal in our region.

[Frisco Del Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a kid, books about adult occupations were uniformly-sized (because some publishers produced series) with pen-and-ink illustrations, and strove to make working as a mailman or a major league baseball player equally desirable.

The Polar Bear Scientists is created for a generation that expects glossy paper, lots of color photographs, and infographics (because there's always gonna be some kid or US president who can't tolerate actual words). The author follows Polar Bear Research Project workers through the costly process of tranquilizing a bear (hundreds of miles per day on a helicopter, and each tranquilizer dart costs $500), marking the bear for future identification, recording and analyzing data.

The Polar Bear Scientists makes working in -30°F sound appealing.

[Demi Bradberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This scientists in the field book takes place in Alaska, following polar bears. The experts tranquilize them and collect data like their height and weight, and get sample from their blood and teeth. This helps the scientist to count a population and assess the conditions of the bears. I enjoyed learning more about polar bears and the information given in this book made me look at in from a scientists point of view. A way to introduce this in the classroom is to read it while the students are learning how to take data based off experiments and recording that information. The students can take the data from the book and put it into a chart and analyze them and come up with a solution.

[Rachel Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this study only watches bears and takes notes, so there's no harm to the bears. It makes it more kid friendly. Love the use of pictures throughout the book.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating info & great photos.

[Nicole Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior Book Critique #19

The Polar Bear Scientists
By: Peter Lourie

1. Junior Book Genre: Informational

2. Brief Summary: The Polar Bear Scientists deeply describes the methods, processes, data collection techniques, reasons, and details of the scientists that tirelessly research, track and catalog Polar Bears in the Arctic. While profoundly detailing the methods of the scientists themselves this informational book also provides a plethora of facts about Polar Bears that can be found in the Arctic. The book features interviews the various influential Polar Bear scientists and biologists, a description of methods used to collect data, a glossary of important words introduced, a Polar Bear field guide, a suggested book lists for students of all ages, as well as a detailed list of quoted sources and websites that can be used for further detail. This book provides a plethora of information that can be used by students to truly understand the complexity of gathering data in the field as well as gain an appreciation for the lives of scientists and the wonders of Polar Bears themselves!
3.
A. Area for comment: While this book contains a wealth of knowledge about Polar Bears and how they survive in the Arctic it also does an amazing job at detailing the process by which scientists track, gather and document observations and data while in the field.
B. Professional Evaluation: There is no question that this book is filled with information that is both relevant for students as well as interesting for them to truly understand what scientists complete in their field of research. While providing a number of interesting facts about Polar Bears this book is overflowing with information on techniques, methods and data from real life scientists and simultaneously incorporates photos that are truly amazing from the Arctic. Without a doubt this book series (not only the Polar Bear but the entire collection) would be an incredible addition to the classroom library to gain a serious appreciation for science!
C. Specific Example: There are a number of specific examples of how the author truly details the process by which data is collected by real scientists in regards to Polar Bears. From where to aim tranquilizing darts (page 22) to how Polar Bears were added to the Endangered Species List (page 25) and from how to calculate body fat (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis – BIA) (page 41) to the processes of tagging and logging information (pages 51-53) this book is packed with vital information for students about the processes and methods of scientists. There is no question that this book would be a great addition to any classroom library!

4. Curriculum Connection: Obviously this book can be incorporated into a science lesson on methods, data collection and the real life roles of scientists in research. It would be interesting for students to compare this book with others from the same series as well as research one of the main roles of the scientists featured in the book and compare them with the other roles played in data collection and analysis. There is truly no end to what students can gain from examining this book series as they can hopefully acquire a true love for science!

[Stacey Borror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientists in the Field Series
Genre – Informational (Junior Book)

Summary:
How do scientists study the extraordinary species, the polar bear? Find out the techniques that scientists use each year to chart and collect data from polar bears. The polar bear species is being faced with a new danger of global warming. Learn how this may affect the habitat and life of the polar bears.

A) Information/Content
B) The book contains an abundance of information about polar bears that most people do not know anything about. It is very informative and eye enlightening, which more people should be aware of the dangers that the polar bears face due to global warming. The book tells you all you need to know about polar bears, however you do not learn as much as you want about the scientists themselves. When reading the book you are taken along with scientists and learn the process of how they gather information from these animals. Throughout the book there are pages where you read recorded conversations with scientists and their thoughts regarding their studies of the polar bears.
C) The book starts with you learning what exactly is the polar bear research project and the reasons for it. On page 28 of the book it starts a section where you join the team or scientists as they capture a polar bear and the process that they go through. The most important section is on page 60 when you learn the long process of how the information is recorded. Then how everything has to be readied for the next time.

Curriculum Connection:
When teaching global warming and the various affects that it has on plants and animals environments this book would be good addition to your lesson. By reading a few pages on how the polar bears are affected and why due to global warming gives students with an example and a visual. Have students find other animals that are affected by global warming and write about how they are affected.
When students are learning about different types of bears, this book can be used to inform students about the dangers that polar bears face, where they live, and how they live. Not many students know where polar bears live. Combine this into your social studies lesson and have students learn the areas where you can find polar bears. Have them learn about the weather that you can find there the different times of year.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Lourie follows around a group of scientists in northern Alaska as they catch and release polar bears to gather information on these creatures used in many scientific studies, primarily to determine the current population size and health and also the affects on them of the decrease in ice in the region in recent years.

This Scientists in the Field book does a great job of portraying realistically how much boring and tedious work scientists have to do between the really exciting bits. Lourie explains all the data entry and clean up and equipment care the scientists have to do between outings to catch bears, and the long hours that entails. Probably the best in this series of making that part of the job clear. In the process though, this book does move a little slower than some others. The scientists mention how their main concern about polar bears has shifted from being over-hunting to possible climate change, so those studying modern environmental issues could use this book in class. The book also takes place right next to the village highlighted in Whaling Season by the same author, so the books could be used together to give a broader picture of that area of Alaska and the ecosystem there.

[Brenda Lower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wanted to study polar bears? Read in this book all about what it means to be a Polar Bear Scientist- what a normal day is like, what information you gather, and how it applies to the rest of the world.

While this book has lots of polar bears in it, the main focus is the scientists and what they do and how they interact with the polar bears. There is lots of information about the scientists, and some basic information on polar bears, but not in depth information on polar bears and their lives. This book is about how the world is changing and what that means for the polar bears.

Overall, this was really interesting and informational. I liked seeing how they gathered their information, what it was like to study polar bears. Really interesting book, just don't expect it to be about polar bears.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos in this book are amazing. The bears seem like they are really looking at the camera and, therefore, the reader.

And wow. The effort that is going in to studying these bears. The capture season is full of HARD work hunting, tagging, measuring, weighing, and sampling. Then entering all the data into a computer. Then analyzing all that data.

That said, I have a hard time believing that 5th graders would come close to finishing this book. I may still get one copy, just for the photos and the browsers who may read a bit. But the vocabulary and denseness of text? Definitely signs of a book more for middle school or public libraries.

[Kelsie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Category: Lit Cirlce 5
Source: Kimmel

My group came to the conclusion that this set of books would be awesome to use in our classrooms one day. I only rated this book a 3/5 because I do not think that the pictures included in the book were all appropriate for elementary school children. However, this book is extremely informational and would be great to use for a classroom project. The pictures and charts within the story really helped the reader understand the reaserch that the scientist were doing.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book makes people aware of the horrible effects of global warming on polar bears; I just wish there was a less invasive why to study them. The polar bears are scared and cornered with helicopters, darted with chemical sedatives, have fat samples punched out, teeth extracted, lips tattooed, etc., etc., and are finally posed for half-drugged pictures.

[Erin Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to learn about the science behind gathering data on polar bears then this is the book for you! Follow a group of scientists as they go out into the wilds of Alaska to tag and gather information about Polar Bears. There is a lot of science behind what they do and you will be amazed at the amount of data they collect!

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another outstanding addition to the Scientists in the Field series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another deserving entry in the Scientists in the Field series. This time the scientists are gather biological information for the database at the USGS Polar Bear Project.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series! Gorgeous full-color photographs of these amazingly beautiful animals and scientists in action coupled with a cogent, vibrant text equals a winner.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs and great information about people who study polar bears.

[Sydney Holton]

Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey Team are traveling to Alaska, in springtime, to capture polar bears for information. Scientists travel by helicopter to collect data such as height, weight, and measurements or body fats.

Evaluation
This book teachers readers about the U.S. Geological Survey team and what they go through to obtain information about polar bears in Alaska. The author provides in depth examples of the information that scientists are able to obtain.

Teaching Ideas
This book would be a great resource for a science lesson about polar bears and their habitat. Students could use this book as a research when conducting research on polar bears and organizations that work to find out important information about these animals.