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Scientists in the Field
Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard – A Science Book About Citizen Scientists and Nature for Children (Ages 10-12)
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!
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!
76 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2014
1 person is currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kay Carson
96 books47 followersMary Kay Carson is an award-winning children’s nonfiction author. She has written more than thirty books for young people about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. Her recent non-fiction titles include Emi and the Rhino Scientist, about the Cincinnati Zoo's famous rhino mom; Exploring the Solar System, recipient of the 2009 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Children’s Literature Award; The Wright Brothers for Kids; Inside Tornadoes; and the Far-Out Guide to the Solar System series. The author also gives presentations at schools and libraries about space, animals, history, and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 31, 2014
Another great book in the reliably awesome Scientists in the Field series.
August 31, 2015
This book in the Scientists in the Field series hones in on some of the scientific research that is being done at three national parks: Yellowstone, Saguaro and Great Smoky Mountains. The range and depth of research is impressive and readers will come away with an appreciation of the ecological challenges that threaten these protected habitats. A beautiful book that is well-researched and filled with fascinating information.
March 8, 2018
The Scientists in the Field series does it again! Author Carson takes us to three national parks here in the U.S. to show young readers that parks are not just for recreation and tourism, but for serious scientific reasearch as well. Studying grizzly bears and geysers in Yellowstone National Park, gila monsters and saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park, and salamanders and fireflires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park were all interesting, but what absolutely fascinated me were the saguaros and the fireflies.
I’ve always wanted to see a real saguaro in its natural habitat. I had no idea they had such long lifespans (200 years!—you can estimate their ages by their heights), which means that if you kill them it takes a loooong time to grow more. They don’t start flowering (reproducing) until they’re 35 to 40 years old. A photo on page 45 shows a saguaro forest in 1935 and how it looks today after so many cacti were destroyed. Sad. Not only are they interesting to look at, but they provide fruit and shelter for birds and other animals. I’m happy to hear that they’re protected now.
I’ve always loved watching fireflies, but didn’t know much about them. The fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are of a species that synchronizes its flashes, so that many fireflies all flash at the same time. It must be spectacular to watch. That species doesn’t live in New York, where I live, but shares a lot in common with the fireflies in my back yard. I learned a lot here. For instance, I thought fireflies were flies, but they’re not, they’re beetles with a light organ called a lantern on the underside of their rear. The ones you see flashing in the air are males; the females are on the ground. They flash when they’re mating. And if I want to watch them in my back yard, I need to turn off the floodlights, because artificial light confuses them and interferes with their ability to see the lights of the others around them. Can’t wait for this summer to try it out.
If you like science and never thought about working in a park, this is the book to read. Carson gives you an idea of the possibilities. Enthusiastically recommended.
I’ve always wanted to see a real saguaro in its natural habitat. I had no idea they had such long lifespans (200 years!—you can estimate their ages by their heights), which means that if you kill them it takes a loooong time to grow more. They don’t start flowering (reproducing) until they’re 35 to 40 years old. A photo on page 45 shows a saguaro forest in 1935 and how it looks today after so many cacti were destroyed. Sad. Not only are they interesting to look at, but they provide fruit and shelter for birds and other animals. I’m happy to hear that they’re protected now.
I’ve always loved watching fireflies, but didn’t know much about them. The fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are of a species that synchronizes its flashes, so that many fireflies all flash at the same time. It must be spectacular to watch. That species doesn’t live in New York, where I live, but shares a lot in common with the fireflies in my back yard. I learned a lot here. For instance, I thought fireflies were flies, but they’re not, they’re beetles with a light organ called a lantern on the underside of their rear. The ones you see flashing in the air are males; the females are on the ground. They flash when they’re mating. And if I want to watch them in my back yard, I need to turn off the floodlights, because artificial light confuses them and interferes with their ability to see the lights of the others around them. Can’t wait for this summer to try it out.
If you like science and never thought about working in a park, this is the book to read. Carson gives you an idea of the possibilities. Enthusiastically recommended.
December 18, 2016
This is a wonderful children's book about scientists in three National Parks. I learned about this because Mary Kay and Tom visited the cat shelter I volunteer at, and they mentioned they had written a book about parks. I'm a huge National Park fan, so of course was intrigued and ordered it immediately from the library. This book covers Yellowstone, Saguaro and the Great Smokey Mountain NPs. In Yellowstone, they cover topics of the geysers and heat and how the park scientists measure and track heat changes in the park. They also cover the grizzly bears and how people and environment have affected their habits over the years. Chapters on Saguaro cover how the cacti do or do not thrive in the desert and what may have contributed to significant cacti loss in the 40s. Also covered are the gila monsters that live in the desert. Learning how the scientists go about studying both of these topics is very interesting. Fascinating to learn was how anyone can help the park take measurements on both the cacti and the gila monsters. Finally, we get to read about the scientists in the Great Smokeys who study salamanders and fireflies. For many years, fireflies that were taken for granted by residents were unknown to the rest of the world. The dampness of the region plays into both of these creatures survival in the park. And studies are being done to determine how the environmental changes may affect the survival of these species. As I was reading this shortly after the devastating fires in the park, I wonder how both the salamanders and fireflies were affected. The pictures in this book are beautiful and really make the parks come alive for readers.
September 11, 2014
Readers are taken to three different parks in this book, Yellowstone, Saguaro, and the Smokies. In each one park, you meet one or more scientists who work there doing research to help better understand the natural world. There are six main areas of study highlighted: geothermal studies in Yellowstone, grizzly studies in Yellowstone, Gila monster studies in Saguaro and Saguaro cacti studies in Saguaro, and salamanders and lightning bug studies in the Smokies.
I do not envy Carson; I've been to a pretty good number of US National Parks and I don't think I could have easily picked just three parks to highlight. But I do think she (or her publisher) picked three that do a good job in giving a good taste at the variety of parks and science jobs therein. I found aspects of each scientists' job interesting and informative. I liked the way the Saguaro visit highlights ways that average citizens, even kids, are able to help the scientists in the park. Hopefully this book won't just spark an interest in science and nature, but will encourage kids to get out there now (not just when they're older) and experience some of it for themselves. Science teachers, there's a host of stuff in here that could be used in classes. The nice part about this book being essentially divided into six sections is that you could easily just pick one chapter to read aloud that best fits your lessons. Those studying geothermal processes, biodiversity, or population and it's changes over time will most likely find this book useful in class.
I do not envy Carson; I've been to a pretty good number of US National Parks and I don't think I could have easily picked just three parks to highlight. But I do think she (or her publisher) picked three that do a good job in giving a good taste at the variety of parks and science jobs therein. I found aspects of each scientists' job interesting and informative. I liked the way the Saguaro visit highlights ways that average citizens, even kids, are able to help the scientists in the park. Hopefully this book won't just spark an interest in science and nature, but will encourage kids to get out there now (not just when they're older) and experience some of it for themselves. Science teachers, there's a host of stuff in here that could be used in classes. The nice part about this book being essentially divided into six sections is that you could easily just pick one chapter to read aloud that best fits your lessons. Those studying geothermal processes, biodiversity, or population and it's changes over time will most likely find this book useful in class.
May 18, 2014
Because Scientists in the Field has been such a popular and long-running series, it is easy to become blasé about the individual books as they come out. Ignoring this title would be a mistake, however, because Park Scientists has a lot to offer.
For Park Scientists, Mary Kay Carson explores the science being carried out in three of our national parks: Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to following the work of some typical university researchers with advanced degrees, Carson also introduces park rangers who are geologists and high school students who participate in citizen science. After reading this book, young people will realize that there are any number of ways to get involved in science.
Let’s not forget the illustrations in the book. Tom Uhlman’s gorgeous photographs make the reader want to jump into the car and go to a national park. The book also has numerous maps, such as one that shows the location of all national parks, as well as maps of the parks that are highlighted. Other illustrations include visual representations of data, such as what grizzly bears eat throughout their active months. Cool!
The timing of the May release is perfect to catch the interest of youngsters who are headed out to take a vacation at a national park this summer. Get this book in their hands and it is likely they will be inspired to do some science, too.
For Park Scientists, Mary Kay Carson explores the science being carried out in three of our national parks: Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to following the work of some typical university researchers with advanced degrees, Carson also introduces park rangers who are geologists and high school students who participate in citizen science. After reading this book, young people will realize that there are any number of ways to get involved in science.
Let’s not forget the illustrations in the book. Tom Uhlman’s gorgeous photographs make the reader want to jump into the car and go to a national park. The book also has numerous maps, such as one that shows the location of all national parks, as well as maps of the parks that are highlighted. Other illustrations include visual representations of data, such as what grizzly bears eat throughout their active months. Cool!
The timing of the May release is perfect to catch the interest of youngsters who are headed out to take a vacation at a national park this summer. Get this book in their hands and it is likely they will be inspired to do some science, too.
August 14, 2014
This is a great book! It’s organization, coverage, details and photos all work together to bring understanding not only of scientific studies but knowledge of these five species and natural phenomenon. Three parks are described with focus on two species/phenomenon of each.
Other books in this series focus in detail on one scientist & study, but this provides a comparison of the six. It doesn’t get bogged down yet still provides sufficient information for youngsters to use this for reports or pleasure reading. The introduction to each of the three parks provides the same information so readers can compare their features and uniqueness, and make one want to visit each park! The scientists interviewed are very enthusiastic about their work, and provide excellent role models for students who have interests in the outdoors.
I want to use this book as a model to write a chapter about my friend, a PhD wildlife professor at the University of Maine, who studied porcupines in Acadia National Park.
Other books in this series focus in detail on one scientist & study, but this provides a comparison of the six. It doesn’t get bogged down yet still provides sufficient information for youngsters to use this for reports or pleasure reading. The introduction to each of the three parks provides the same information so readers can compare their features and uniqueness, and make one want to visit each park! The scientists interviewed are very enthusiastic about their work, and provide excellent role models for students who have interests in the outdoors.
I want to use this book as a model to write a chapter about my friend, a PhD wildlife professor at the University of Maine, who studied porcupines in Acadia National Park.
January 19, 2016
Motivated by the bitterly cold, winter weather that has settled into my area, I picked this book up to think about fun places to see during summer vacation. This book does an awesome job drawing the reader in to three awesome parks - Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The book is separated into three sections by park, and each section has two chapters that give details and super photographs of the work that scientists and volunteers are doing to study and protect the natural wonders and wildlife in these protected areas.
We learn about the geysers and grizzly bears in Yellowstone, gila monsters and cacti in Saguaro, and salamanders and fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All three of these parks have scientists, ecologists, and tourists who are working together to learn all they can about how to preserve these beautiful places for animals and people to enjoy for years to come. After reading it, I'm inspired to travel to these parks and others like it to see what I can learn and what I can do to help.
The book is separated into three sections by park, and each section has two chapters that give details and super photographs of the work that scientists and volunteers are doing to study and protect the natural wonders and wildlife in these protected areas.
We learn about the geysers and grizzly bears in Yellowstone, gila monsters and cacti in Saguaro, and salamanders and fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All three of these parks have scientists, ecologists, and tourists who are working together to learn all they can about how to preserve these beautiful places for animals and people to enjoy for years to come. After reading it, I'm inspired to travel to these parks and others like it to see what I can learn and what I can do to help.
October 12, 2014
4.5 stars
This is a great new nonfiction book for young people. There seems to be extra interest the U.S.’s national parks ever since the Ken Burns series about national parks.
The book describes the work of different kinds of scientists who study geysers, rock formations, animals, rivers, plants, etc. in several well known national parks such as Yellowstone, Saguara National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I especially liked the scientist studying the Gila Monsters in Arizona because I remember seeing one once when my family was on a desert outing in Arizona where I grew up.
There’s lots on information in this book, and it’s in an engaging format. But I’m not sure if kids would read it cover to cover.
This is a great new nonfiction book for young people. There seems to be extra interest the U.S.’s national parks ever since the Ken Burns series about national parks.
The book describes the work of different kinds of scientists who study geysers, rock formations, animals, rivers, plants, etc. in several well known national parks such as Yellowstone, Saguara National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I especially liked the scientist studying the Gila Monsters in Arizona because I remember seeing one once when my family was on a desert outing in Arizona where I grew up.
There’s lots on information in this book, and it’s in an engaging format. But I’m not sure if kids would read it cover to cover.
August 1, 2015
This book, along with ALL of them in the Scientists in the Field series, is a exciting non-fiction read. This looks specifically at Yellowstone National Park (geysers & grizzly bears), Saguaro National Park (Cacti & gila monsters), and Great Smokey Mountains National Park (salamanders & fireflys). It looks at the fact that these National Parks are not just places for people to vacation and enjoy the great views of nature, but, they are scientific laboratories where scientists can learn so much about these plants and animals by maintaining their natural habitats. This book would be great when learning about habitats and ecosystems, the history of Yellowstone Park when we learn about the west, or even in the Southeast to learn more about the Great Smokey Mountains.
October 17, 2014
The most recent book in the Scientists in the Field series introduces readers to the Yellowstone, Saguaro and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Each chapter details research being conducted by park scientists. Research focuses on each park’s natural and animal marvels. Pictures, diagrams and maps offer examples of research described in the text. A glossary of terms is provided at the end of the book. A bibliography by chapter is also included. The index provides bolded page numbers which indicate photos and their captions. This book would be a great addition to a middle school library or a public library’s juvenile or teen non-fiction collection.
October 19, 2013
This was a terrific new addition to the Scientists in the Field series. Wonderfully written introduction to 6 fascinating research projects being conducted by national park scientists in Yellowstone, Saguaro and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks. In addition, Carson shows why the parks are so important to scientific research and what that means for all of us. She also highlights efforts to include "citizen scientists," something that I found especially interesting. Gorgeous photography and some very unusual species are featured. Loved it!
May 5, 2015
Love the theme that National Parks are like natural laboratories, living museums. I admit being a huge fangirl of our country's national park system but of the 3 featured in this book, have only been to Yellowstone. The 2 chapters on Yellowstone make me think that I might want to be a geologist when I grow up ;) There are a few inconsistencies in the text and some of the DNA science about the salamanders might be over the MG readers' heads, but overall a good reader, especially for elementary grade browsers.
February 18, 2015
The National Parks are filled with amazing and fascinating species of plants and animals. The work of several dedicated scientists working to maintain and preserve the parks, and the plants and creatures they love, are highlighted in this book. Wonderful photographs share the beauty of Yellowstone, Saguaro, and the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Parks. Reviewer #26
September 3, 2014
The newest book in the Scientists in the Field series. This book covers three of our national parks and some of the animals and vegetation that thrives in that location. Always love the amount of information in these books as well as the way it is presented.
October 28, 2014
Another great entry in the Scientists in the field series. It made me wish one of these large national parks was nearby.
Most kids may not read this book from cover to cover because the stories are so different but they are all cool in their own way.
Most kids may not read this book from cover to cover because the stories are so different but they are all cool in their own way.
January 13, 2015
I liked how this book showcased scientists that do "different" things like study bears or insects at national parks. It is a great non-fiction book with colorful photos and diagrams. It is a bit long, but it's possible a student could be engaged simply by reading one "chapter"
2/3
2/3
December 31, 2014
Great close up as to how to life a scientist life style in the Nat'l. Parks. And why their work is so essential
July 30, 2020
A bit drier than some of the other books in this series, but the information is still well-researched and presented. Also, the Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies are now on my bucket list.
June 21, 2023
Shows two different focuses of science at each of three national parks: Yellowstone, Saguaro, Smoky Mountain. Four of the focuses are on a species of animal (grizzlies at Yellowstone, gila monsters at Saguaro, and fireflies and salamanders at Smoky Mountain), one is on a species of plant (saguaros at Saguaro), and one is geological (Yellowstone's whole set of hydrothermal features and the volcano).
It was fun to see what was different and what was the same across the different sensing that the scientific groups were doing, and there was a big emphasis on community science in the Saguaro section. There's also a strong thread of geologic and climate change, anthropogenic and otherwise, throughout the book.
It was fun to see what was different and what was the same across the different sensing that the scientific groups were doing, and there was a big emphasis on community science in the Saguaro section. There's also a strong thread of geologic and climate change, anthropogenic and otherwise, throughout the book.
November 11, 2017
Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard [Scientists in the Field Series] / written by Mary Kay Carson; with photographs by Tom Uhlman -- Boston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, c2014. (76 pages) RANGE 6 -- TWEEN
SUMMARY: Exploring the national parks offers more to do than just vacation, however, in some parks you can roll up your sleeves and actively participate as a citizen scientist, doing your part to preserve our most treasured natural resources. (bookjacket)
REVIEW: I really like this series, this title included. The text is engaging,informative, and accompanied by many photos and charts. I love to visit national parks and I have been to both Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains (my all-time favorite). The book has two chapters for these two parks as well as Saguaro National Park. It is thrilling to see some of the behind the scenes activities that help preserve the ecosystems in the park. It was also interesting to read the individual stories of how the rangers became involved with the scientific projects.
Chapters include:
PREFACE: America's natural Laboratories and Living Museums
CHAPTER 1: Yellowstone National Park : Natural Wonders of Water & Heat (Hydrothermals)
CHAPTER 2: Yellowstone National Park : Yellowstone's Biggest Bears
CHAPTER 3: Saguaro National Park : Tracking Monsters (Gila Monsters)
CHAPTER 4: Saguaro National Park : Counting Cacti (Saguaro Cactus)
CHAPTER 5: Great Smoky Mountains National Park : Smoky Mountain Salamanders
CHAPTER 6: A Living Light Show (Fireflies)
NOTE: Although my favorite National Park is the Great Smoky Mountains, my favorite chapter in this book was chapter one talking about Yellowstone's hydrothermal activities that create geysers like Old Faithful and the mud pots that pump out smelly gases.
SUMMARY: Exploring the national parks offers more to do than just vacation, however, in some parks you can roll up your sleeves and actively participate as a citizen scientist, doing your part to preserve our most treasured natural resources. (bookjacket)
REVIEW: I really like this series, this title included. The text is engaging,informative, and accompanied by many photos and charts. I love to visit national parks and I have been to both Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains (my all-time favorite). The book has two chapters for these two parks as well as Saguaro National Park. It is thrilling to see some of the behind the scenes activities that help preserve the ecosystems in the park. It was also interesting to read the individual stories of how the rangers became involved with the scientific projects.
Chapters include:
PREFACE: America's natural Laboratories and Living Museums
CHAPTER 1: Yellowstone National Park : Natural Wonders of Water & Heat (Hydrothermals)
CHAPTER 2: Yellowstone National Park : Yellowstone's Biggest Bears
CHAPTER 3: Saguaro National Park : Tracking Monsters (Gila Monsters)
CHAPTER 4: Saguaro National Park : Counting Cacti (Saguaro Cactus)
CHAPTER 5: Great Smoky Mountains National Park : Smoky Mountain Salamanders
CHAPTER 6: A Living Light Show (Fireflies)
NOTE: Although my favorite National Park is the Great Smoky Mountains, my favorite chapter in this book was chapter one talking about Yellowstone's hydrothermal activities that create geysers like Old Faithful and the mud pots that pump out smelly gases.
February 4, 2018
Nonfiction Entry/ Twin Text Entry #4
This book is an informational nonfiction that provides a lot of information about three National Parks in America, Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It gives information about animals that can be found in these parks such as bears, salamanders, and Gila monsters. The chapters about the Saguaro Desert really interested me because I used to live in Tucson, where this National Park is located. The book states "Science is important for managing the natural resources of parks, but parks are also important for science itself."
I found a children's fiction chapter book called Desert Danger written by Jan Burchett and Sara Volger. This book takes place in the Kalahari Desert, which is in Africa. This book is about a lion cub that gets stuck in a well and so the mother of the cub is preventing locals from being able to get water. The two main characters in the book, Ben and Zoe, travel to the desert to try to help, but there are dangerous desert creatures, a sandstorm, and the heat that made obstacles for them. This book also includes science because of the technology Ben and Zoe use, such as BUGs. They are devices that their uncle invented and can use satellite maps, communicators, and animal trackers.
I believe these two books would be good for intermediate grade levels. The nonfiction books provides a lot of information about different national parks and the animals. It has advanced content and vocabulary for the older students. The fiction book is a chapter book, so would be for the older kids as well. Both books provide information about deserts and their dangerous animals. The Park Scientist book provides facts about the desert and students could compare and contrast what is said in the nonfiction book and fiction book, about the deserts, animals, and science.
This book is an informational nonfiction that provides a lot of information about three National Parks in America, Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It gives information about animals that can be found in these parks such as bears, salamanders, and Gila monsters. The chapters about the Saguaro Desert really interested me because I used to live in Tucson, where this National Park is located. The book states "Science is important for managing the natural resources of parks, but parks are also important for science itself."
I found a children's fiction chapter book called Desert Danger written by Jan Burchett and Sara Volger. This book takes place in the Kalahari Desert, which is in Africa. This book is about a lion cub that gets stuck in a well and so the mother of the cub is preventing locals from being able to get water. The two main characters in the book, Ben and Zoe, travel to the desert to try to help, but there are dangerous desert creatures, a sandstorm, and the heat that made obstacles for them. This book also includes science because of the technology Ben and Zoe use, such as BUGs. They are devices that their uncle invented and can use satellite maps, communicators, and animal trackers.
I believe these two books would be good for intermediate grade levels. The nonfiction books provides a lot of information about different national parks and the animals. It has advanced content and vocabulary for the older students. The fiction book is a chapter book, so would be for the older kids as well. Both books provide information about deserts and their dangerous animals. The Park Scientist book provides facts about the desert and students could compare and contrast what is said in the nonfiction book and fiction book, about the deserts, animals, and science.
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March 6, 2017For Nonfiction Monday -- "Park scientists: Gila monsters, geysers, and grizzly bears in America's own backyard" written by Mary Kay Carson with photographs by Tom Uhlman.
Here is another excellent addition to the Scientist in the Field series. Carson takes readers to three very diverse locations across the country to visit Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Beginning in Yellowstone, American's first national park, readers follow the work of geologists who study the many geysers, hot springs, vents and boiling mud pots using a variety of instruments and observations. Biologists offer insight into their study of Grizzly bears: the collection of statistics, monitoring of individuals and conclusions based on the analysis of data.
Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is a vastly different environment, but one that lends itself to the study of Gila monsters, the largest lizard in the United States, and the largest cactus, the Saguaro, which can live 150-200 years. Much of the data collection for these studies is done by citizens who volunteer to work under the supervision of biologists and botanists.
The Great Smoky Mountains is the salamander capital of the world and the study area of an evolutionary ecologist and firefly scientist. Each specialist is highlighted with an in depth look at how they carry out their research and background explaining how they became interested in their subjects.
A map at the beginning of the book locates America's national parks. Fact sheets provide information about the three parks and lists sources for additional information. A glossary explains terms and phrases. Quote Sources and Selected Bibliography by Chapter provides valuable background.
Here is another excellent addition to the Scientist in the Field series. Carson takes readers to three very diverse locations across the country to visit Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Beginning in Yellowstone, American's first national park, readers follow the work of geologists who study the many geysers, hot springs, vents and boiling mud pots using a variety of instruments and observations. Biologists offer insight into their study of Grizzly bears: the collection of statistics, monitoring of individuals and conclusions based on the analysis of data.
Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is a vastly different environment, but one that lends itself to the study of Gila monsters, the largest lizard in the United States, and the largest cactus, the Saguaro, which can live 150-200 years. Much of the data collection for these studies is done by citizens who volunteer to work under the supervision of biologists and botanists.
The Great Smoky Mountains is the salamander capital of the world and the study area of an evolutionary ecologist and firefly scientist. Each specialist is highlighted with an in depth look at how they carry out their research and background explaining how they became interested in their subjects.
A map at the beginning of the book locates America's national parks. Fact sheets provide information about the three parks and lists sources for additional information. A glossary explains terms and phrases. Quote Sources and Selected Bibliography by Chapter provides valuable background.
August 29, 2021
Stories exploring a few of the wonders found in three (out of 58) National parks. Beautiful color photographs, charts and explanations. This is the story of only a few of the hundreds of rangers and scientists and how they protect and study the wonders in the parks.
1) Yellowstone National Park. 1st National Park in the world. Est.1872. Area connecting Montana, Wyoming & Idaho. A huge ancient volcanic basin filled with wolf packs, geysers, waterfalls & grizzly bears.
A) Monitoring geothermal activity.
B) Secrets of bear hibernation and migration.
2) Saguaro National Park. Est.1933. South Arizona desert with Saguaro cactus, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, hummingbirds and beautiful sunsets.
A) Tracking the Gila life cycle.
B) Counting the Saguaros BioBlitz 2011.
3) Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Est. 1934. Tennessee & N. Carolina border. Appalachian mountain forest. Salamanders, elk and black bear.
A) Effects of climate change on the habitat of the red-cheeked salamander.
B) Synchronous firefly lightshow.
1) Yellowstone National Park. 1st National Park in the world. Est.1872. Area connecting Montana, Wyoming & Idaho. A huge ancient volcanic basin filled with wolf packs, geysers, waterfalls & grizzly bears.
A) Monitoring geothermal activity.
B) Secrets of bear hibernation and migration.
2) Saguaro National Park. Est.1933. South Arizona desert with Saguaro cactus, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, hummingbirds and beautiful sunsets.
A) Tracking the Gila life cycle.
B) Counting the Saguaros BioBlitz 2011.
3) Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Est. 1934. Tennessee & N. Carolina border. Appalachian mountain forest. Salamanders, elk and black bear.
A) Effects of climate change on the habitat of the red-cheeked salamander.
B) Synchronous firefly lightshow.
September 1, 2019
Park Scientist is a nonfiction book about park scientists and geologists and what they do in National Parks. The book covered the studies of park scientists at Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I enjoyed how this book really delved into the studies of science-based careers and how they observe and improve the world. I would use this book to introduce my students to STEM careers and how they can use science in the real world.
November 8, 2014
The superb Scientists in the Field series doubles down, profiling three national parks and their iconic animals: grizzly bears in Yellowstone, Gila monsters in Saguaro and salamanders in Great Smokey Mountains. In addition we learn about the volcanic underpinnings of Yellowstone, Saguero cactus and the amazing synchronized light show put on in the Great Smokey Mountains by lightening bugs.
October 16, 2014
I read each new entry with such glee. They are getting better and better. This one focuses on the work that scientists are doing in the National Parks and the ways that citizen scientists might contribute. Well-organized, engaging text, fantastic photographs, useful side bars, glossary - the whole neat package. Must add to collections and science units!
June 25, 2018
The Scientists in the Field series of books are just the greatest!! Great photography, in-depth information, profiles of inspirational people studying the world as it is! This title in the series is no exception! I especially loved the chapter on the synchronous fireflies (as their name indicates, yes, they do flash at together!) of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
July 13, 2014
Great book from the Scientists in the Field series. This book talks about gila monsters, geysers and grizzly bears. It provides great information that students would really like. The pictures are great.
September 25, 2019
My 8 year old daughter is enjoying reading this series. This book covered many fascinating topics and was very informative. At times, we found it hard to follow (as there is just so much information and the layouts can be confusing), but the content is great.
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