Into the Deep: Science, Technology, and the Quest to Protect the Ocean

by Christy Peterson

Containing 97 percent of Earth's water supply, the ocean plays a huge role in regulating global temperatures, supporting plant and animal life, and contributing to the livelihoods of millions of people. But in spite of all this, the ocean remains drastically unexplored, and the details of its impact on human lives aren't fully understood.

Scientists from around the world are realizing that to address issues plaguing the ocean, such as dead zones, coral bleaching, and climate change, we need to better understand this incredible, unique feature of our planet. With a range of impressive, cutting-edge technologies at their disposal, oceanographers have set out to measure, sample, and analyze at every turn. Every day, mysteries about the ocean are being solved, and every day, new questions come to light. The more scientists learn, the better they are able to answer these new questions.

What lies in the deep? And who is at the forefront of these exciting discoveries? The scientists and research included in this book shed light on the most pressing issues currently facing oceanographers and point us in the right direction to solving these challenges.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Technology

152 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Christy Peterson is a nonfiction author who has written more than 40 books and articles, as well as “Nanoland,” a museum exhibit for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Her book INTO THE DEEP: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE QUEST TO SAVE THE OCEAN was selected as a finalist for the Washington State Book Awards (2020 Twenty First Century Books). EARTH DAY AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT: STANDING UP FOR EARTH (2020 Twenty First Century Books) was included on the Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of 2020 list.

Her most recent work is the Sesame Street "Field Trip" series, which releases January 2022.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deep dive (sorry, couldn't resist) into everything ocean-related for kids, providing a wealth of information on the oceans. It's well illustrated with color photos and drawings, and features many profiles of scientists doing all different kinds of work related to the oceans. It's incredibly thorough, well written, and sure to leave kids with an impressive amount of knowledge about oceans and ocean life. Best suited for older kids and teens.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[stop_tolkien_and_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a great overview of many aspects of the ocean which relate to Earth's ecosystems and the future of the planet. It starts with the big picture (properties of the ocean itself) and eventually works its way to microscopic phytoplankton, coral, jellyfish, fisheries, apex predators, and the technology that helps study these.

The information provided is a great introduction to ocean science for kids and teens, or even adults who want an overview of the ocean's vital role. I sometimes got hung up on the layout of the book, but the ebook version may be to blame for this. There are profiles on different scientists and projects, dark boxes of text with side information, and regular text, but the organization of them is a bit jarring at times. Some of the dark text boxes offer summaries of information from the chapter, but some give supplementary info. Having a summary box at the end of each chapter in addition to all the other dark boxes of text may have been helpful to keep the layout more consistent. Many direct quotations are also unnecessary and choppy and could have easily been paraphrased.

Overall this is a very informative, introductory read on the ocean's importance and the many efforts to protect it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially chose this book for my son because he had an interest, but I ended up enjoying it more myself! I love reading and learning more about our ocean just like the scientists who work diligently to protect our oceans. Would definitely recommend to anyone who has an interest in oceanology-oceanography(?) :)

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former engineer, I find this book fascinating, and budding engineers, oceanographers, etc. will find it inspiring. Fantastic descriptions of technology and reasons why the ocean needs protecting. Great for middle schoolers to adults!

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's nice for kids learning and have great pictures in the book. I received my book from netgalley.

[Nicole Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed everything about the book there was nothing i didn't like about the book. i would reread it again. i would recommend this to anyone. i like the story that was being told.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid and well written book about the ocean and its creatures, what it does, how it is changing, and who studies it and that have and are trying to find out.

[Taymon Brun · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an interesting book and it was entertaining I liked what it talked about and how they explore the ocean and different ways they will learn about the ocean.6

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book!! It was pretty interesting!! I liked the photos in the book!! Kids would find this book interesting!! Received this book from Lerner publishing group from netgally!!

[Ana Lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in change of an honest review through NetGalley, all the opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

This book is a very detailed and informative book about why we should care about the ocean and teach us more thoroughly about ocean-detailed-stuff that we might not know, besides that it's illustrated with many different pictures and presents profiles of different scientists that have done something related with the ocean.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults (I think that for kids, this book it's too heavy on the information and they would get bored). It's really enlightening to get to know more about part of our planet (part that is very unknown even to the current days) and actions that we should take or not to improve the environment.