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Scientists in the Field
Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar
Young readers can witness firsthand the excavating, jacketing, and hauling of fossil discoveries as they follow Cathy Forster to Madagascar where she searches for evidence to unlock the mystery of bird evolution. 10,000 first printing.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2000
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77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 10, 2021
Yes indeed, with his 2000 Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar author and photographer Nic Bishop certainly does textually provide a detailed and enlightening verbal and visual description of a 1998 palaeontology (dinosaur) expedition to the island of Madagascar, from what happens during the dig to what later transpires at expedition leader Professor Cathy Forster’s university laboratory, where the collected fossils are then meticulously studied and investigated (and of course, Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar also shows that while only a few fossilised bird dinosaur bones were actually found during this particular expedition, it was still quite sufficient to further solidify the theory that birds as a class of animals evolved from theropod dinosaurs).
Penned in an easy to understand (read not scientifically overwhelming) but also rather textually dense manner which in my opinion does tend to render Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar likely a bit too much for the so-called picture book crowd but definitely suitable and useable for children from about the age of nine onwards (and also for adults who might be interested in palaeontology and the proposed evolutionary links between dinosaurs and birds but want a book that is solidly informative without being overly academic and intellectual), I have found Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar both textually and visually appealing (even though I do wish that Nic Bishop would include more Madagascar landscape photos) and have especially appreciated how Cathy Forster and her crew (and in particular her colleague David Krause) also strive to help local Malagasy villagers by starting a project to build a much needed school (and I do find it wonderful that the back materials of Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar do not just present an appreciated and detailed even if short bibliography but also an address for readers wishing to donate to David Krause’s school building project).
Now with regard to the combination of text and images, my star rating for Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar is a solid four stars and highly recommended. However, since in the past twenty or so years, since post the 2000 publication date of Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar, there has in fact been much additional fossil proof linking birds to theropod dinosaurs found, if you are indeed considering using Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar for teaching purposes, you do n my opinion absolutely need to make sure your students (or your children) understand that in 2021, the majority of palaeontologists now do consider it more than probable that today’s birds are linked to theropod dinosaurs and that this also proves that the extinction event 55 million years ago did in fact not completely wipe out all dinosaurs but that the theropods (or rather that some theropods) had become birds and survived the meteor strike and subsequent global chaos (and of course not to mention that the bibliography for Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar will naturally also not contain any contemporary, current titles).
Penned in an easy to understand (read not scientifically overwhelming) but also rather textually dense manner which in my opinion does tend to render Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar likely a bit too much for the so-called picture book crowd but definitely suitable and useable for children from about the age of nine onwards (and also for adults who might be interested in palaeontology and the proposed evolutionary links between dinosaurs and birds but want a book that is solidly informative without being overly academic and intellectual), I have found Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar both textually and visually appealing (even though I do wish that Nic Bishop would include more Madagascar landscape photos) and have especially appreciated how Cathy Forster and her crew (and in particular her colleague David Krause) also strive to help local Malagasy villagers by starting a project to build a much needed school (and I do find it wonderful that the back materials of Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar do not just present an appreciated and detailed even if short bibliography but also an address for readers wishing to donate to David Krause’s school building project).
Now with regard to the combination of text and images, my star rating for Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar is a solid four stars and highly recommended. However, since in the past twenty or so years, since post the 2000 publication date of Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar, there has in fact been much additional fossil proof linking birds to theropod dinosaurs found, if you are indeed considering using Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar for teaching purposes, you do n my opinion absolutely need to make sure your students (or your children) understand that in 2021, the majority of palaeontologists now do consider it more than probable that today’s birds are linked to theropod dinosaurs and that this also proves that the extinction event 55 million years ago did in fact not completely wipe out all dinosaurs but that the theropods (or rather that some theropods) had become birds and survived the meteor strike and subsequent global chaos (and of course not to mention that the bibliography for Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: An Expedition to Madagascar will naturally also not contain any contemporary, current titles).
November 20, 2018
Summary
This book by Nic Bishop is a story where he observed Cathy Forster, a Paleontologist. The book provides a background on Forester and the interest she has for avian dinosaurs. Bishop traveled to Madagascar to explore fossils with Forester. They have a wild adventure and see many peculiar things which have been documented in the story.
Evaluation
This was such an interesting read. "Bird Dinosaurs" was not a phrase I had previously been interested, but this book opened my eyes to the idea and provided me with many new ponderings. I very much enjoyed the inclusion of the pictures. They were very detailed and answered questions that simply text could not.
Teaching Point
This is an excellent book to use in the science classroom or lab. It gives so much information on fossils and does so in a way that young students could easily understand. It will spark and interest for the science concepts discussed to the students. This book would be a great one to do along with a unit on fossils. It could be used as an introductory type lesson. The students could each have their own copy and could do write a report over observations made about the avian dinosaurs.
This book by Nic Bishop is a story where he observed Cathy Forster, a Paleontologist. The book provides a background on Forester and the interest she has for avian dinosaurs. Bishop traveled to Madagascar to explore fossils with Forester. They have a wild adventure and see many peculiar things which have been documented in the story.
Evaluation
This was such an interesting read. "Bird Dinosaurs" was not a phrase I had previously been interested, but this book opened my eyes to the idea and provided me with many new ponderings. I very much enjoyed the inclusion of the pictures. They were very detailed and answered questions that simply text could not.
Teaching Point
This is an excellent book to use in the science classroom or lab. It gives so much information on fossils and does so in a way that young students could easily understand. It will spark and interest for the science concepts discussed to the students. This book would be a great one to do along with a unit on fossils. It could be used as an introductory type lesson. The students could each have their own copy and could do write a report over observations made about the avian dinosaurs.
October 19, 2018
Summary:
This is a book written by Nic Bishop. He observed Cathy Forster. It begins by giving a brief background in the interest Forster has for bird dinosaurs. He went on an expedition to Madagascar to explore fossils. This book talks about their adventure there and some things that they saw.
Evaluation:
This book was very interesting. The photographs were incredible, each one had its own caption which I really enjoyed. It was told in a scientific yet story like way, which made it easier to read.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used to teach about dinosaurs and the time period that they occurred in. I would even go further than that to discuss the bird dinosaurs that were discussed in this book and compare them to birds that we see today. This is something that the book touched on a little bit.
This is a book written by Nic Bishop. He observed Cathy Forster. It begins by giving a brief background in the interest Forster has for bird dinosaurs. He went on an expedition to Madagascar to explore fossils. This book talks about their adventure there and some things that they saw.
Evaluation:
This book was very interesting. The photographs were incredible, each one had its own caption which I really enjoyed. It was told in a scientific yet story like way, which made it easier to read.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used to teach about dinosaurs and the time period that they occurred in. I would even go further than that to discuss the bird dinosaurs that were discussed in this book and compare them to birds that we see today. This is something that the book touched on a little bit.
March 22, 2012
Interesting look at an actual dinosaur dig, but I still don't believe in evolution. Good photographs by the author.
December 6, 2012
1.) Genre- Informational
2.) Summary- This book details an expedition made by Dr. Cathy Forster to Madagascar to search for dinosaur fossils. Beginning in America, this book discusses all the steps undertaken to dig up, identify, ship, and study fossils from 70 million years ago.
3.) Area of Focus-Narrative Style and Photographs
3.)a.) This book has a nicely done narrative style where the expedition is presented in story format. In addition, the book also has a wealth of actual photographs that add to the overall experience.
3.)b.) One of the most striking characteristics of this book is the style in which the information is presented. Bishop discusses each portion of the story as if the reader were an actual part of the journey. Every page brings new information and new challenges written in story-type language, which is interesting to readers. Lastly, the photographs coupled with the text enables the reader to gain first-hand experience of the expedition process. One example, the section of the book where the fossils are prepped for travel involves detailed descriptions of highly-technical processes (pouring plaster, making molds, etc.). This section of the book also uses a lot of action photos that shows the team doing the work described. The language coupled with the photos helps to bring clarity and add interest to that portion of the story.
4.) Curriculum Connections- While the actual language in this book is quite advanced, it still has a lot of value for all age levels. Teachers could use this book to teach about careers or about the arduous steps involved in scientific discovery.
2.) Summary- This book details an expedition made by Dr. Cathy Forster to Madagascar to search for dinosaur fossils. Beginning in America, this book discusses all the steps undertaken to dig up, identify, ship, and study fossils from 70 million years ago.
3.) Area of Focus-Narrative Style and Photographs
3.)a.) This book has a nicely done narrative style where the expedition is presented in story format. In addition, the book also has a wealth of actual photographs that add to the overall experience.
3.)b.) One of the most striking characteristics of this book is the style in which the information is presented. Bishop discusses each portion of the story as if the reader were an actual part of the journey. Every page brings new information and new challenges written in story-type language, which is interesting to readers. Lastly, the photographs coupled with the text enables the reader to gain first-hand experience of the expedition process. One example, the section of the book where the fossils are prepped for travel involves detailed descriptions of highly-technical processes (pouring plaster, making molds, etc.). This section of the book also uses a lot of action photos that shows the team doing the work described. The language coupled with the photos helps to bring clarity and add interest to that portion of the story.
4.) Curriculum Connections- While the actual language in this book is quite advanced, it still has a lot of value for all age levels. Teachers could use this book to teach about careers or about the arduous steps involved in scientific discovery.
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November 28, 20111. Informational
2. This books takes readers along with paleontologist Cathy Forster to a dig in Madagascar where she is searching for fossils of bird dinosaurs.
3. The really neat part of this book is the fact that it is from the field. We aren't learning about a paleontologist using their tools in the lab, we are learning how they actually go out and dig and learning a little bit about dinosaurs in the process. The pictures correspond nicely to the text and show all the different aspects of a dig, from prospecting to digging to the way they use plaster and burlap to keep the fossils safe for transport. The nice thing is that we not only learn all of that, but we learn a little about the villagers in the area of the dig. It is an inclusive experience, where the science is covered, but also dinner, and the children playing soccer at night with the university students.
4. This is a great book to learn about a certain field of science. This is the true story of a real paleontologist, and it gives students a good idea of what it is really like to be one. This book would be good in covering science careers and also introducing paleontologists to a class. It would also be an excellent book to read before going to a museum where you would see fossils because it would give the students an idea of how the fossils got there.
2. This books takes readers along with paleontologist Cathy Forster to a dig in Madagascar where she is searching for fossils of bird dinosaurs.
3. The really neat part of this book is the fact that it is from the field. We aren't learning about a paleontologist using their tools in the lab, we are learning how they actually go out and dig and learning a little bit about dinosaurs in the process. The pictures correspond nicely to the text and show all the different aspects of a dig, from prospecting to digging to the way they use plaster and burlap to keep the fossils safe for transport. The nice thing is that we not only learn all of that, but we learn a little about the villagers in the area of the dig. It is an inclusive experience, where the science is covered, but also dinner, and the children playing soccer at night with the university students.
4. This is a great book to learn about a certain field of science. This is the true story of a real paleontologist, and it gives students a good idea of what it is really like to be one. This book would be good in covering science careers and also introducing paleontologists to a class. It would also be an excellent book to read before going to a museum where you would see fossils because it would give the students an idea of how the fossils got there.
December 11, 2012
Genre: Informational
Title: Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: Scientists in the Field
Summary: This book showcases paleontologist Cathy foster as she and a group of college students dig for evidence of dinosaurs in Madagascar. Unlike other books from this series, this read may be long and tedious for younger readers as it tends to be almost absent of photos to follow the story. Although there are pictures, the younger reader may better appreciate the information with more photos to follow along with. Older children may be able to follow this storyline better.
a) Area for comment: Accuracy
Critique:
b) The photos and the story line both illustrate the hard work it takes to uncover the discoveries of the scientists and their help.
c) Throughout the text, the reader is presented with information along with pictures of the hard work that these individuals must endure as they uncover centuries of covered treasures.
Curriculum connection: This would be a good book to use in science class when discussing fossils or for those who may be interested in becoming a scientist who doesn’t generally work in a lab but in the field performing hands on duties.
Title: Digging for Bird Dinosaurs: Scientists in the Field
Summary: This book showcases paleontologist Cathy foster as she and a group of college students dig for evidence of dinosaurs in Madagascar. Unlike other books from this series, this read may be long and tedious for younger readers as it tends to be almost absent of photos to follow the story. Although there are pictures, the younger reader may better appreciate the information with more photos to follow along with. Older children may be able to follow this storyline better.
a) Area for comment: Accuracy
Critique:
b) The photos and the story line both illustrate the hard work it takes to uncover the discoveries of the scientists and their help.
c) Throughout the text, the reader is presented with information along with pictures of the hard work that these individuals must endure as they uncover centuries of covered treasures.
Curriculum connection: This would be a good book to use in science class when discussing fossils or for those who may be interested in becoming a scientist who doesn’t generally work in a lab but in the field performing hands on duties.
December 1, 2012
Genre: Informational
Summary: This book highlighted an expedition of college students to Madagascar to dig for bird-like dinosaur fossils.
Critique: A. Realistic image of science portrayed
B. This book really helped readers to understand that the majority of science is performed in the field, not in a laboratory. This book is an excellent example of how students should view science as fun and adventurous, not boring and sterile.
C. For example, this book showcased a group of college students going out into the field and getting dirty while digging for fossils.
Curriculum Connection: This book would be valuable to a 4th-7th grade classroom library. I would use this book when teaching about fossils or field work in science. Showing students that science is fun through hands on activities related to fossils would be an engaging way to bring this book into the classroom. I feel science should always be interactive and hands-on, as portrayed in this wonderful book.
Summary: This book highlighted an expedition of college students to Madagascar to dig for bird-like dinosaur fossils.
Critique: A. Realistic image of science portrayed
B. This book really helped readers to understand that the majority of science is performed in the field, not in a laboratory. This book is an excellent example of how students should view science as fun and adventurous, not boring and sterile.
C. For example, this book showcased a group of college students going out into the field and getting dirty while digging for fossils.
Curriculum Connection: This book would be valuable to a 4th-7th grade classroom library. I would use this book when teaching about fossils or field work in science. Showing students that science is fun through hands on activities related to fossils would be an engaging way to bring this book into the classroom. I feel science should always be interactive and hands-on, as portrayed in this wonderful book.
March 9, 2012
Nic Bishop is the author and illustrator/photographer. The information is authentic as Nic Bishop followed around a paleontologist as she dug and researched in Madagascar. The information is organized as it begins with introducing Cathy Forster and continues through her researching a site in Madagascar. The format of this book is long winded and not very accessible to young readers. it is a long narrative with images that supplement the writing. The writing is dense and informational, not something that I would suggest for young readers. It is most definitely directed at more mature, stronger readers who have an interest in science. The images are interesting in how they support the text but they do not stand alone as others books by Nic Bishop do.
I would only recommend this book for strong readers with a strong interest in science.
I would only recommend this book for strong readers with a strong interest in science.
December 12, 2013
Summary: This book was about a paleontologist who has loved paleontology since she was little. She traveled to Madagascar with a team to dig a quarry and hopefully find a connection for bird dinosaurs. While there, they raised enough money to help build a school for the local children.
Reaction: I really enjoyed reading this book, but like others who have recently read the series, I felt it was outdated. It helped me understand the process of excavation and the process that fossils have to go through before they can be transported.
Curriculum Connection: Paleontology, expeditions, excavations, Geography (Madagascar), and how specific cultures go with specific climates.
Visual Appeal:The pictures in the book were great and added more to the story! It was nice to see the actual tools they used and the fossils as well.
Audience: Mature readers 5th grade +
Reaction: I really enjoyed reading this book, but like others who have recently read the series, I felt it was outdated. It helped me understand the process of excavation and the process that fossils have to go through before they can be transported.
Curriculum Connection: Paleontology, expeditions, excavations, Geography (Madagascar), and how specific cultures go with specific climates.
Visual Appeal:The pictures in the book were great and added more to the story! It was nice to see the actual tools they used and the fossils as well.
Audience: Mature readers 5th grade +
December 6, 2013
This book takes the reader on a journey to Madagascar with paleontologist Cathy Forster, who is one of the few female paleontologists still working today, to search for fossil birds. Cathy is looking for clues to the evolution of birds. Cathy believes they came from dinosaurs, which would make them the only ancestors of dinosaurs left on Earth. The book tells of Cathy’s childhood love and interest in dinosaurs and fossils and how that led her to become a paleontologist, which is something that can be relatable to younger children. It talks about the experiences of Cathy and other paleontologists on the expedition, as well as the local villagers, whom the scientists plan to help raise funds for in order for them to have a village school. The book also includes many color pictures which will capture reader’s interests.
November 20, 2018
Summary-This book explores how Bishop grows in his interest in bird dinosaurs. Just as the title states, he travels to Madagascar with a Paleontologists in the search for fossils. Throughout their journey they discover many things. This story was just a discovery of new things, as the two go through their expedition.
Evaluation-Honestly this story was not my favorite at all. It was hard to continue reading it at times just because I am not a particular fan of this type of book. I believe students could very much be interested in all the different fossils that were found.
Teaching idea-I would use this story in a science small group, where students could be in a group and discover what was found by Bishop and the Paleontologist. They could illustrate what they saw and read more about that particular item.
Evaluation-Honestly this story was not my favorite at all. It was hard to continue reading it at times just because I am not a particular fan of this type of book. I believe students could very much be interested in all the different fossils that were found.
Teaching idea-I would use this story in a science small group, where students could be in a group and discover what was found by Bishop and the Paleontologist. They could illustrate what they saw and read more about that particular item.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews