Volcanologists

by Robin Koontz

Volcanoes have been feared, admired, and even worshipped by some cultures. Many times their eruptions have been unexpected and often deadly. Volcanologists specialize in different areas that are related to volcanoes. By gathering data and studying actual volcanic eruptions, they map the deposits that make up the volcano and collect samples to analyze. By dating and identifying the volcanic samples, they learn about a volcano's history. It’s a hot job, but someone has to do it! This title will allow students to make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. • Text based questions • Content sidebars • Diagrams • Bold keywords with phonetic glossary

48 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

Robin Michal Koontz has been writing and illustrating books for children since 1986. Her publications include novelty books, early readers, picture books, nonfiction, short stories for middle-grade readers, magazine articles, and classroom supplemental materials. One of her new books, LEAPS AND CREEPS, was a finalist for the 2012 Animal Behavior Society's Outstanding Children's Book Award. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUTTERFLY AND A MOTH? was an International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award in 2010. She lives in western Oregon.

Reviews

[Lauren Paravate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The author describes information on what a volcanologist is and what they study. Volcanologists get to monitor volcanos, predict disasters, and make decisions based on what has happened in the past. The author starts by discussing the eruption of Mt. St. Helens and what impact that had on our knowledge about volcanoes. The book continues on describing what a volcanologist does and the path they took to make that career choice.

Evaluation: I really enjoyed reading this book because it taught a lot about the subject but in a more kid friendly way. It uses pictures to grab students attention and uses shorter amounts of words on each page, which is helpful since it is so informational. The book is also broken apart into chapters that helps the reader sort through the information.

Teaching Idea: I would use this book to teach about earth disasters, more specifically volcanoes. I would talk to the students about what we have learned based on past experiences with volcanoes in Italy and in the United States. I would then have students do more research into volcanoes and make a visual to share with the class.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little man is obsessed with volcanoes. This is one of the books we picked up from the library. It has great pictures and writing that is easy for a child to understand. The glossary in the back is good as it helped my son understand the difference between lava and magma.