The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World

by Temple Grandin

From New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned scientist and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin comes a book about exploring the world around us, asking questions, and making sense of what we see--with 40 fun outdoor activities that promote independent thinking, which kids can enjoy all year round!

What are the aerodynamics of skipping stones or the physics of making sandcastles? Do birds use GPS to navigate their migratory routes?

In this book, Dr. Temple Grandin, an inventor and world-renowned scientist, introduces readers to geologists, astrophysicists, oceanographers, and many other scientists who unlock the wonders of the natural world. She shares her childhood experiences and observations, whether on the beach, in the woods, working with horses, or gazing up at the night sky. This book explores all areas of nature and gives readers the tools to discover even more on their own.

With forty projects to give readers a deeper understanding of the world around them, from the depths of space to their own backyard, this is a perfect read for budding scientists, inventors, and creators!

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Nature, Middle Grade, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Natural History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Mary Temple Grandin is an American academic and animal behaviorist. She is a prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Grandin is a consultant to the livestock industry, where she offers advice on animal behavior, and is also an autism spokesperson.
Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experiences with autism. She is a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.
In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category. She was the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning biographical film Temple Grandin. Grandin has been an outspoken proponent of autism rights and neurodiversity movements.

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introduction to field work that I wish existed when I was a child.

Dr. Grandin encourages everyone, no matter if you are neurodivergent, neurotypical, held back by physical challenges, or can function normally, to go out an explore this great big world of ours.

It is a dip in the pool of many areas of science that can catch and inspire anyone.

Thank you Dr. Grandin for this book.

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and comprehensive guide that will inspire children to look at and explore the world around them with curiosity. I especially liked the hands-on activities, some of which I was inspired to try myself. Highly recommended for school and classroom libraries.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Some fun projects. I think this is a great book for science-minded kiddos, and works best as a book to pick and choose activities from, rather than reading all the way through!

[Jen Finke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and informative read. Wanted to check it out to use it for my boys in the future. I love Grandin’s matter-of-fact, to-the-point style. While each chapter covers one particular subject, each subject contained dozens of variations and tangents. I didn’t find it too distracting, once I got used to it. Grandin’s writing is simple, clear, and it’s likely to pique the interest of any kid out there. I also appreciate the snippets of how she was treated by her peers as a child- often terribly. It made the book and her interests very relatable. She is all facts and no fluff. I loved it. She makes science very interesting and easy to understand in a nonchalant way. I also enjoyed the different projects and experiments the book offered. I’d love to read more by the author. Definitely will use this for homeschooling materials when the boys are older- about 3rd or 4th grade.

[Teri Reck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful book for young people by Temple Grandin which encourages them to get outside, away from their devices and to observe closely the real world around them. She pays specific attention to things that fascinate youngsters---rocks, bugs, plants, and so on. Some of my best teaching time is spent outdoors urging kids to use their senses and to report their discoveries, so I wholeheartedly agree with her premise! She includes many activities--some experimental, others just some fun creative crafts to complete. A very fun and engaging book.

[Liss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, parts of it were a little scattered but I feel like that happens when you are trying to cover a broad range of topics. It doesn’t always come together neatly. I also am so in awe of Temple Grandin, she is truly someone who cares about the planet and has deep respect for animals. Her candid excerpts about her own struggles being a person living with autism were also excellent. Lots of good stuff for younger middle grade readers.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temple Grandin is amazing. I greatly appreciate this collection of projects, ‘bite sized’ biographies of relevant scientists, and her own story that naturally connects all the ideas and areas of study.

Read because of my regard for Grandin and because I work with kids; I hope to recommend this to families or teachers.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is marketed for children, but it would be great for adults as well. There is a LOT of text, so unless the child is really, really dedicated to the topic, they'll probably just look at the pictures. This book covers practically everything you need to survive outside and gives ideas for nature projects.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is written with a young audience in mind, I really enjoyed this book. Dr. Grandin captures the wonder of engaging with the natural world without talking down to her audience. Her explanations are clear and captivating and the projects will delight young scientists.

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Temple Grandin and her unique views of the world. I've her books for adult readers and am really happy to find this book for children as entertaining and educational as her other writings

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information for young and old.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Did not finish. We were using this as a science read aloud but it did not hold my son’s attention.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a blend of memoir, field guide, activity book, and mini-bio collection. There's a lot to process in here and some really great activities.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 This book should have been fun, but as a cover to cover read, it just dragged! I think if you do bits and pieces and do the crafts, It might have been more fun.
I love the angle Temple Grandin brings to the table with her Autism, so that part is good, but not an award winner for me!

[Great Books]

Reviewer #28
A fabulous book to get children of all ages in touch with nature with interesting experiments and projects with easy to find materials like rocks, seashells and flowers that will allow interaction and understanding of the natural world. The author , who is on the autism spectrum, also touched on how nature and animals helped her understand her own perceptions.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandin gives scientific information through stories of her life and other scientists that she admires. There are activities to go along with much of the information. She uses her autism to show it helped her see things in a different way.

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on various things from nature: rocks, the beach, the woods, birds, the night sky, and animal behavior. In each section she shares how kids can investigate and observe the natural world around them, and she had several simple do at home projects in each area. Some of the projects are crafty but others focus on doing actual science. She provides brief bios of famous and not so famous but important scientists for each category. A perfect summer time book for young naturalist ages 9-12.

[Clare Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!! Filled with accessible explanations of topics like rocks, the beach, the woods, anima behavior, and the night sky, Temple Graudin expertly blends her personal anecdotes with facts and cool project ideas for kids. Fun nonfiction for ages 9 and up.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book to introduce your young person to natural science. Accessible, age appropriate text that doesn't 'talk down', with a bunch of simple yet fun experiments (with no fancy equipment needed.) Ideal age range is probably 9-12 year olds, but older and younger kids may enjoy it as well.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8