Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass

Scientists in the Field

by Mary Kay Carson

In the Arizona desert, scientists conduct studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change. The location is Biosphere 2, an immense structure that contains a replica ocean, savannah, and rainforest, among other Earth biomes. It’s a unique take on the Scientists in the Field mission statement — in this case, the lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large-scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Environment, Stem, Middle Grade, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2015

About the author

Mary 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.

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would I ever like to visit this place! It started out as a closed, self-sustaining environment designed to test how/if humans could live on Mars. Eight scientists lived there sealed in for two years, conducting experiments, from 1991 to 1993. After that project ended, the building was and is still being used for experiments on various types of environments, mostly in connection with global warming. In this book, another entry in the excellent Scientists in the Field series, chapter one describes the initial experiment with the eight scientists, and the rest of the book deals with experiments being conducted in the rainforest biome, the ocean biome, the “technosphere” (machinery, wires, piping, and other inner workings underneath the complex), and a landscape biome made from what used to be the greenhouse gardens. I really need to find another book on this place, because I want to know more about the desert, savannah, and wetlands biomes, the quarters where the first eight scientists lived, and the library built at the top of a tower. And what ever happened to those cute bushbabies that were living there with the eight scientists? Are they and their babies still there? Good thing the author included a list of books and web sites at the end for more information. Biosphere 2 is a fascinating place, sure to intrigue young readers, who might imagine what it would be like for them to be sealed in there for two years. Highly recommended!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step inside Biosphere 2 in the Arizona desert and find out how scientists are using this huge encapsulated environment as a big laboratory to better understand how the Earth works and how to best manage it today.

Carson and Uhlman do a fascinating job explaining the history of Biosphere 2 when 8 people moved inside for two years, and all the major scientific experiments going on inside today. They explore the rainforest being used to track the flow of carbon, the ocean being revamped to study biodiversity and effects of carbon dioxide on ocean life, the Landscape Evolution Observatory being used to find out how fast dirt is made from lava and where runoff water goes, and the technical basement of the Biosphere where experiments are done in energy efficiency, water recycling and other sustainability ideas. Carson highlights how Biosphere 2 is a fantastic laboratory because it allows scientists to control variables like rainfall, temperature, wind, humidity, and other things impossible to control outside. I remember hearing about the scientists moving into Biosphere 2 back when I was in middle school, but hadn't really heard about it much since. It is great to hear how they've turned this into a well-used space that is benefiting science and many lives. This could be used in a number of science classes. Anyone close enough to visit Biosphere 2 could read this before taking the field trip.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biosphere 2. Would you want to be trapped inside even in a control scientific environment? Can you say claustrophobia!~ And having to deal with people you can't get away from! UGH~~
Makes me think of the Truman Show with Jim Carrey. Control the sun, moon, rain etc etc etc.

I see the good it does with experiments and all but I actually found this book a little boring. If it wasn't assigned reading in order to for it to be considered for book award list I would have never picked it up. It is interesting all the experiments and of all the things we can learn about it but I didn't find anything special about it. I feel like I could pick up any book about Biosphere 2 and the info would be the same! There is nothing that makes me thing "oh that is different way of telling it" the only really interesting thing about it was the "Flash back to the Biospherian" of the 1991-1993 crew, we a high point of the book.

[Diana Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book tells the story of the original Biosphere experiment, but it doesn’t stop there. With well-written text by Mary Kay Carson and remarkable photographs by Tom Uhlman, Inside Biosphere 2 – Earth Science Under Glass takes us inside this unique research facility and lets us follow the scientists who work there. While readers learn about the researchers and their experiments, they'll also pick up information about photosynthesis, soil erosion, solar energy, animal survival, and other topics related to environmental science. This book paints a fascinating picture of scientists at work and brings scientific method to life. Highly recommended!

[Robin Raines-Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the topic of this amazing Biosphere in Arizona interesting. I really want to visit it now. The book contains good information on the Biosphere now and the 2 year experiment from 1991 to 1993 when 8 scientist were locked in to see how well they could survive in this enclosed environment. The objectives of the biosphere have changed over the years, but new knowledge has always been the main goal. The book read a little too much like a text book for me. I did enjoy the Flash Back inserts of information - they kept my interest. Nice photography for the illustrations, helpful glossary in the back and good resources including a website to investigate.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listed in CCBC Choices 2016 under Science, Technology and the Natural World. (Scientists in the Field Series) Great resource for those interested in climate change studies. Set in the Sonoran desert in Arizona, research is being conducted on sustainability issues. Once used as a human experiment (1991-1993) for 8 people, now state of the art, one of a kind, research facility. Sweet Spot: Middle-High School, Curriculum: Environmental Science & research.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the books in this series, as they are perfect for independent research for upper elementary students. I learned quite a bit about this project, that I vaguely remembered hearing about a long time ago. I wish there had been a few more photos showing the daily lives of the scientists as they made the biosphere their home.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another worthy entry in the Scientists in the Field series, densely scientific, best for jr high, may pass this to my nephew who was fascinated with the biosphere and visited about 10 years ago when he was 12.

[pati · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book only because it was my lunchtime read so reading episodes were interrupted by work.

It is a great book that details Biosphere 2's history as well as it's current role in understanding the Earth's climate.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biosphere 2 was created to see if people could live in a closed environment and survive. This books gives background information and profiles scientists currently working on the project in Tucson, Arizona.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about this project!

[Correen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting place. Book tells an interesting story.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the early 90s, my family visited cousins who lived in Arizona and had the chance to go and see Biosphere 2 in person. I, unfortunately, was ill, and so didn't get to go. Fast forward to the present, something reminded me of that time and I decided to look up Biosphere 2 and find out what happened with it. I got this book from the library and it was lovely. Now, I want to find one of the memoirs of the people from the original experiments, however, I don't think our library carries any of those.

In the late 80s and early 90s, a billionaire funded a project that he hoped would help with the eventual colonization of Mars. While that didn't work out the way he had hoped, the facility created has become a valuable resource for scientists today who are hoping to understand more about climate change and saving the environment.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ages: 9+
Content Considerations: climate change, conservationism, environmentalism

This book was a fascinating look at Biosphere 2- both its history and its more recent uses. The author does come from a matter-of-fact perspective that believes in immediate, irreversible climate change. If your opinion differs in any way from that of mainstream culture, you will likely find the book interesting and yet decide not to keep it.

[Annaleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is such a great resource for middle grade readers. My 12yr old was interested in all things plants and biomes this year. She happily picked this up when I left it out for her. I liked that she could see what the scientists were inquiring about. The text didn't dumb down the information.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Interesting but a bit repetitive. You can easily see that is for a younger audience.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s only appropriate that a book about biosphere 2 would be book number two for me this year.

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my interview here:
https://jennifersommer.weebly.com/jen...

[Ms. Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imagine living in a dome with seven other people for two years without being able to leave? What if this dome had a rainforest, a desert, a savannah, a wetland, and an ocean inside? It may sound impossible, but this 3-acre sized structure does exist, and an entire world lies underneath its sealed glass walls. Inside Biosphere 2 by Mary Kay Carson takes you inside this world. Biosphere 2 is a place that took four years to build, has over 6,000 windows, and was made to last for a century, all to house eight biospherians in an experiment about human survival. The goal was to see if an enclosed living environment could be built that would be able to provide humans with all of their needed air, water, and food. They wanted to see if humankind can live away from Earth, on space stations or on other planets, like Mars! The experiment was fascinating, and this book goes into further detail on that, even including pictures and stories about the biospherians’ life inside the dome. I was surprised that two them even ended up getting married!

But what was really cool about this book was that Biosphere 2 ended up serving another, possibly greater purpose after the two-year long experiment. It is still used today for environmental research - scientists working there have discovered that the ocean is getting more acidic, tested remote submarines inside, made fascinating climate change predictions, and conducted the world’s largest laboratory-scale earth science experiment, among many, many other things. Inside Biosphere 2 is like an up-close tour of this fascinating mini-Earth and all of the amazing things that are still happening there - let it show you around!

[Amina Madesko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary
This book discusses the Biosphere project that is located in Arizona. Scientists have created a replica of the various biomes that exist on earth. Through these biomes, they study climate change, how carbon travels, plants, animals, oxygen, and perform many more experiments.
Evaluation
I would rate this book a 5/5. It contains a lot of information and facts for research. The author uses real pictures to show the reader the construction of the biosphere, the various biome replicas, and how large the replica is. This book engages students through the photos and the layout of the book. It is an information book with chunked texts throughout, making it easier to read. One of my favorite parts of this book, located on page 11, is when they discuss how the Biosphere project could help humans live in space one day.
Teaching Idea
One great teaching idea is to provide this book so students could gather research facts. I would use this book at the end of a unit on the different biomes. Students may find new and current information from this book to include in their research projects. This book would also be a great part by part read aloud during a unit on the various biomes. The teacher would be able to promote discussions within the classroom using the facts and photos from the book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very informative about the Biosphere 2. Good addition to the nonfiction section for students.

The Scientists in the Field series has always presented excellent information and photographs in its books. Carson’s book on Biosphere 2 continues the tradition. The book begins by presenting an overview of the beginning of Biosphere in 1991. When it was used as a science experiment which included 8 people for two years which tested human survival in a closed environment located in Oracle, Arizona. The present day research of Biosphere 2 directly affects people’s daily lives on earth today. The facility is a 3.4 acre glass enclosed structure that is now used by the University of Arizona researchers and students. It includes a rainforest, an ocean and a giant soil laboratory. Their research helps to answer questions about climate change here on earth. There are also about 100,000 tourists that visit each year. The layout of the book is well done with stunning photographs by Uhlman, graphics, direct quotes from the scientists and insets that show flash backs to the original project.

Curriculum Connections: Any classes that teach earth science – rainforest, oceans, deserts, etc.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the "Scientists in the Field" series. Do not be fooled by the picture book format!! These books have tons of important information about a variety of topics, explaining complex scientific concepts, and the people who are trying to unlock the mysteries of our world. From this particular title, I learned not only about the original Biosphere 2 experiment in 1991-93. I also learned about the many ongoing experiments still being conducted in this structure, related to erosion, water usage, the increasing acidity of our oceans, the changing climate and potential impact it could have on the rainforests, and more! This was not the most readable of the titles in the series, but still includes much to learn for the inquisitive reader of any age.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for students interested in climate change research and/or a real-life human experiment (1991-1993) featuring 8 scientists locked in a biodome in the Sonoran desert in AZ for 2 years. They had to survive it by modeling earth's biosphere and growing their own food, recycling their water, and blocking the harmful rays of the sun in an enormous glass domed structure. Their original research focused on proving complex ecosystems could work "indoors" and devising new technologies for living in space. It now serves as a site for largest-in-the-world modern climate change experiments, acting as a "bridge" between the real world and the lab. It has awesome photographs, easy explanations of the science, and appropriate research material for middle or high schoolers.

[Becky Loader · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished T.C. Boyle's "The Terranauts," I had to read everything I could find about Biosphere 2. I often find that a so-called "children's" book is an excellent way to get facts, great photographs, and verified history. I loved this book! It fulfilled all my requirements listed above, and I found out that T.C. Boyle had really done his homework (not that such diligence on his behalf surprised me). I could tell which of the Biospherians (he coined the word Terranauts) was which character in his novel.

Great job!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of what Biosphere was originally intended for (a study of people living inside a biosphere for 2 years, maybe as a prelude to putting humans on another planet) and what it's used for today (a carefully controlled super large laboratory for all sorts of geosciences).

Liked the explanation of the different experiments that can be run in their rainforest, their ocean, the new LEO, as well as on the surrounding land.

Lots of nice photo illustrations. My least favorite part were the hokey "flashbacks" to the original biospherians.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generally, I really love the Scientists in the Field series. This one however was a fail for me. I like the idea of it, and in fact I did like seeing the map and learning about the different ecosystems all under one roof. But that was Chapter 1. After that it was pretty science-y. Lots of photosynthesis and carbon dioxide, blah blah blah. I had to quit. This one is for die hard science lovers only!

[Audra J · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1991, eight people entered Biosphere 2, a fully self-contained habitat built to mirror Earth's biosphere. They spent 2 years there running science experiments and living. Adjustments had to be made although much did run according to plan. Since that time the biosphere continues to be used for further science experiments many of which are detailed in this book. It is also used to teach students about different parts of the ecosystem.

Targeted towards a middle-school-age audience

[Carmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Scientist in the Field series, but this one was not as gripping. Maybe because it lacked the charismatic fauna of many of the other titles. I was fascinated by Biosphere 2 when I was young and it is nice to see how it has been recycled into a really useful earth sciences lab and science education center.

[Amanda Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

All I could do was picture the movie biodome...sorry, it was interesting, but Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin just kept showing up in my thoughts!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insightful information.