Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species

Scientists in the Field

by Sneed B. Collard III

There are 6,200 known invasive species in the United States, and scientists are scrambling to stop their unique paths of destruction, which can take a huge toll on regional economies and ecosystems. To effectively combat an invader, scientists must know the organism inside and out: What does it eat? How does it reproduce? What was its environment like in its native home? There are many questions, but just one right answer might yield a weakness in the enemy. In this entry in the Scientists in the Field series, Sneed B. Collard III introduces readers to some of the most brilliant minds, and promising advances, in the war against invasive species.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2008

About the author

Sneed B. Collard III (see also "Sneed B. Collard") is a biologist, world traveler, speaker, and author of almost one hundred books for young people, including the 2024 Orbis Pictus Award winner, Border Crossings (Charlesbridge Publishing). His other recent science titles include Fire Birds; Hopping Ahead of Climate Change; Little Killers; Waiting for a Warbler; Beaver & Otter Get Along . . . Sort of; and the upcoming picture book, Like No Other. Collard holds science degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and U.C. Santa Barbara. He lives in Montana.

Reviews

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

My only complaint about this book was that it wasn't long enough! Collard discusses the problems caused by invasive species, specifically the brown tree snake on the island of Guam (has already wiped out several species of beautiful birds!), red fire ants in the American southeast, melaleuca trees in the Florida swamps, and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes and Mississippi. These species were introduced either by accident or purposefully as pets or garden plants and quickly took over, with no natural predators/diseases to keep their populations in check. I was especially fascinated by the scientists' efforts to find natural (ie, non-chemical) means to keep them from spreading. It's a frustratingly slow process, because introducing another species to control an invasive species could result in another ecological catastrophe. Throughout the book the warning was clear--DO NOT dispose of unwanted exotic pets or plants in your local habitat! Be ecologically mindful! Kids studying ecology should read this book, which clearly outlines the problem. If only Collard had covered more species, like the Burmese pythons in Florida. Maybe another book? I can highly recommend this one, another excellent volume in the Scientists in the Field series.

[Carmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

At 44 pages this is probably the briefest of all the ‘Scientists in the Field’ books I’ve read and as it was so short, very few invasive species were covered. I am not expecting a comprehensive book on invasive plants and animals in the US for middle graders, but it would have been nice to see some favorites like feral hogs, nutria or English ivy included. It was interesting to read of the threat of the brown snake. Now I have a new thing to worry about at night- the brown snake sneaking aboard a plane or boat and reaching Hawaii.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: I am a huge fan of the Scientists in the Field series, of which Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species is but one title. These are engaging studies of current and critical topics in science featuring the real-life scientists who are out in the world solving very specific problems. It's priceless to be able to share with students the infinite possibilities that exist for doing fascinating and important work when you apply yourself and pursue your passions.

Science Warriors focuses on invasive species, which are escalating exponentially in the 21st century. It provides a powerful example of how scientists analyze the relationship between multiple causes and effects to formulate a prediction of possible outcomes, and how complex interactions impact sustainability.
With a little research, this is a topic with the potential to get every student involved as a citizen scientist on a local level, as invasive species pose a challenge in every community.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, readable book about invasive species and the harm they cause to their environment. A species is invasive when it is relocated to a new area and does harm to its new home. Science Warriors gives information about some of these species and the work that scientists do to neutralize their effect on the environment. Great for budding scientists and environmentalists.

Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short (less than 50 pages) book chronicling the attempts to stop three invasive species in the U.S.

I found the text to be somewhat dry and found myself skimming many of the paragraphs. Unless a student had a project about invasive species, I don't see many kids picking this up.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, engaging, and informative case studies of four invasive species and how we are dealing with them.

[Gretchen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderopolis Connection: “What is Kudzu?”

My notes: very dense/challenging text, resource rich (photos, captions, glossary, maps, links, a guide to stopping invasive species, etc.)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and informative. I think this book would really grab and inspire the curious late elementary or middle school student. Written well enough to be interesting for adults reading along too.