Marine Science for Kids

April 1, 2017
Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth and provides plenty of opportunity for scientific exploration and investigation.The subtitle phrase "our watery world" is more apt than the title, as this comprehensive survey encompasses both fresh- and saltwater environments. With their complementary skills and experiences--animal care and science writing--this husband-and-wife team have produced a fact-filled introduction to the world of science knowledge about oceans, rivers, and lakes, accompanied by engaging hands-on activities that work well in both classroom and home environments to parallel formal lessons. An introductory chapter, "Getting to Know the Marine Environment," is followed by chapters on coastal communities, the open sea, deep-sea diving, and freshwater bodies. Concluding chapters discuss the connections among and threats to these ecosystems as well as ways readers can make a difference, today and as they choose careers. Each chapter includes cross-curricular activities ranging from arts and crafts and poetry to experiments and group games. The clear exposition is straightforward and logically organized, densely filled with information but pleasingly broken up by text boxes and photographs on almost every page. The material is accurate and up-to-date; the marine scientists profiled vary in sex and ethnicity. Sadly, the trade paper binding is not likely to stand up to repeated library use. Ideal for middle school classrooms and any marine science enthusiast. (glossary, resources, selected bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9-16)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 5-7-The Hestermanns' newest title is a hands-on, in-depth look at marine science. Activities and photographs accompany each section of the text as the authors take readers deep underwater. Students witness the different types of aquatic environments through vivid pictures and discussions about the daily lives of animals in each region. The activities are accessible, and information on the levels of adult supervision required is provided. There are also sidebars on related careers tucked into each chapter showing the varied types of marine scientists. This is an excellent example of how blending STEM fields can be done right; crafts and material related to physics, mathematics, and chemistry are incorporated throughout. The organization of the text is effective, and the Hestermanns excel at describing the ecology of each location, from open seas to coastal regions. Most important, the authors explore the relationship between water and the wildlife that surrounds and relies on it. VERDICT A wonderful addition to marine biology sections for school or public libraries.-Lisa Bosarge, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2017
Grades 5-8 Featuring a wealth of information, an accessible approach, and lots of related activities, this entry in the For Kids series offers a broad-ranging introduction to marine science. Following a time line of discoveries and events in the history of marine science, the opening chapter discusses topics like water's unique properties and water movement, such as ocean currents, tides, and waves. Subsequent chapters examine salt- and freshwater environments and their specific ecosystems; diverse creatures, including squid, seabirds, and fish; research methods and exploration, including deep-sea expeditions; and conservation issues. Interspersed sidebars range from highlighting megalodon sharks or toxic algae to showcasing marine-specific careers, such as whale researcher or aquarium educator. The 21 activities range from experiments, like measuring water density; to cross-curricular activities, like Compose a Sea Creature Poem, to crafts; such as folding an origami frog. While sometimes text-heavy, the scientific concepts are generally clearly conveyed, and the peppy commentary, factoids, and anecdotes enliven the proceedings. Whether explaining ocean acidification, coral-reef characteristics, or What's Special about a Cephalopod? there's much to inform and pique interests here.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)