Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids: Her Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities and Experiments

by Rowena Rae

Overview

Rachel Carson was an American biologist, conservationist, science and nature writer, and catalyst of the modern environmental movement. She studied biology in college at a time when few women entered the sciences, and then worked as a biologist and information specialist for the US government and wrote about the natural world for many publications. Carson is best remembered for her book Silent Spring, which exposed the widespread misuse of chemical pesticides in the United States and sparked both praise and fury.

Carson's personal life and scientific career were rooted in the study of nature. Using examples from Carson's life and works, Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids will introduce readers to ecology concepts such as the components of ecosystems, adaptations by living things, energy cycles, food chains and food webs, and the balance of ecosystems. This lively biography includes a time line, resources, sidebars, and 21 hands-on activities that are sure to inspire the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders, agricultural producers, environmental activists, and world citizens. Kids will:

• Collect a seed bank of local plant species
• Chart bird migration through their region
• Make birdseed cookies
• Model bioaccumulation and biomagnification
• Build a worm farm
• And more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897339360
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	02/04/2020
Series:	Chicago Review Press For Kids Series , #74
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
Lexile:	1080L (what's this?)
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Rowena Rae worked as a biologist in New Zealand and Canada before turning to a freelance science writing and editing career, during which she has contributed to numerous science magazines and textbooks.

Editorial Reviews

03/20/2020

Gr 4–7—This timely and well-researched biography and activity book about legendary ecologist Rachel Carson falls somewhat short. The text focuses on Carson's career and home life. The prose is accessible and doesn't oversimplify complex topics. The thoughtful writing and ecological activities could provide depth to classroom units on the environment. Unfortunately, although attractive and full of graphic touches and photographs, the book's design gets in its own way; the biographical text is frequently broken up, often in the middle of a sentence, by an activity. Callout boxes about historic events and people distract the reader, as does the occasional highlighted vocabulary word (though a glossary in the back clarifies the definitions). Ultimately, the dual purpose of the book hinders its utility and may make it difficult to use for casual browsers, report writers, and teachers. The supporting documentation for the biography is excellent and includes a bibliography with locations, quote citations, a time line, a glossary, and a robust index. VERDICT Purchase for collections that regularly serve homeschooled populations or teachers.—Jennifer Knight, North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles, WA

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