The Scientists Behind the Environment: (Sci-Hi: Scientists)

This addition to the Sci-Hi series looks at scientists who have made major advances and affected the way we live - men and women, historical and modern, and from a range of cultures. Some are household names, some deserve much greater recognition and credit than they currently receive, and the scientists who have helped us understand the environment.

Review :
This series of nonfiction books for young adults focuses on scientists both past and present, whose work furthered knowledge in a particular area of science. The biographical information highlights their contributions in the context of their cultural and historical background. All six volumes contain 48 pages. The layout of each page is designed to capture the interest of students in upper elementary to middle school grades. Each volume ends with one page sections that include a timeline, short quiz, glossary, index, and a reference section, including books, websites and places to visit. Each page layout is bright and colorful without being too distracting. Quotes that add interest to the text are strategically placed. Bold print indicates words in the glossary and underlined material represent important information and definitions. There are interesting graphics that are appealing to the eye and include photos, charts and diagrams that supplement the text. More importantly, scientists are equally represented by gender, ethnic backgrounds, and countries of birth. In this volume the author divides the environment into three sections: the natural (biotic) environment in which nature and nonliving things meet; the nonliving (abiotic) environment (air water and soil); and the 'built' environment, which he describes as what humans have constructed for themselves. The reader learns new vocabulary such as conservation and sustainable development as well as a familiar saying "Think globally, act locally." We learn about the writings of Rene Dubos and the efforts of John Muir to draw awareness to our national parks. From Rachel Carson's Silent Spring we learn about the dangers of chemical pollution. Food chains and webs are beautifully described in this volume. From there we move on to NASA whose Apollo 8 astronauts looked back to Earth from space for the first time. There are so many lesser known people who value the Earth and are making efforts to make the world around them a better place. Wangari Maathai from East Africa was the first woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Green Belt Movement dedicated to tree planting, as well as women's rights and environmental awareness. The author points out that everyone can become a steward to the world around them by being committed and working together with like minded individuals. -Adah Stock, 8th Grade Science Teacher NSTA Recommends Review posted on 4/19/2011-- "NSTA Recommends" These hi/lo titles provide brief retrospective tours of the highlighted topics by featuring scientists from around the world who made important advances. They drive home the point that each new discovery or piece of information is a building block and clearly demonstrate that any small idea or combination of old ideas can forever change the future of science. Wonderful additions where budding scientists are looking for role models and inspiration. School Library Journal April 2011-- "School Library Journal" This well-developed series covers the scientists that have devoted much of their professional careers working on scientific endeavors that have enhanced the lives of others. The fundamental emphasis deals with scientists, their research, discoveries, and contributions. Vivid illustrations make the books current, even though most of the scientists included are deceased. The books integrate photos, drawings, and sidebars, giving readers a comprehensive overview. At the end of each book is a quiz that students will enjoy as they test their newly-learned knowledge. The books are appealing and could easily be adapted to thematic lessons. These books will definitely get students interested in learning more about exploration and investigation, leading to a possible career in science. Bibliography. Glossary. Table of Contents. Hope Marie Cook, Librarian and Head of the Curriculum Center, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Connecticut Library Media Connection November/December 2011-- "Library Media Connection" We read and hear a lot about the environment in the news. Often we're told that we should do what we can to protect it. But what do we actually mean by 'the environment?' Your environment is everything around you. It includes all the other living things you come into contact with, such as bird, bugs, and your buddies! You may recognize the names John Muir, Rachel Carson, and Wangara Maathai. However, James Lovelock, James Hansen, and Vandana Shiva may not be so familiar. The Scientists Behind the Environment begins with an explanation of the environment and extends it to its broadest form. It continues with a definition of ecology and touts the value of conservation and sustainable development. Then the scientists arrive. Each of the scientists discussed are introduced and followed with an interesting set of facts, sidebars, and photographs showing their work and contribution to our environment. The book is a fascinating exploration of each persons' work and addresses common and controversial topics.This is an excellent book to accompany a study of the environment, pros and cons of ecological actions, biographies, and current events. The layout is reader-friendly and invites a quick perusal or reading for details. It's the perfect book for strong elementary readers, middle school, and early high school. Simply Science blog 2/1/2012 http: //simplyscience.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/the-scientists-behind-the-environment/-- "Simply Science blog"