Scientists in the Field: Inside Biosphere 2 [hc]
Earth Science Under Glass
Part of the Scientists in the Field series
Written by Mary Kay Carson [Ohio] with photographs by Tom Uhlman [Ohio]
In the Arizona desert, scientists conduct studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change. The location is Biosphere 2, an immense structure that contains a replica ocean, savannah, and rainforest, among other Earth biomes. It’s a unique take on the Scientists in the Field mission statement- in this case, the lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large-scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible. 80 pages
"Stunning photographs, clear and colorful graphics, and illuminating insets enhance the appeal, and direct quotes from the Biosphere 2 scientists are liberally incorporated throughout. The processes, products, and purposes of the research are addressed, and information about the facility's past is provided in a series of "Flashback to the Biospherians" photographic sidebars." -School Library Journal, Starred Review (Grades 5-8)
"From examining how forests handle climate change and the impact of the ocean becoming more acidic, to developing a deeper understanding of the water cycle for soil erosion and predicting climate conditions, the scope of the research is vast. There's not another experiment like this in the world, says Biosphere scientist Luke Pangle." -Booklist, Starred Review (Grades 5-8)
October 13, 2015
AR Level=7.0; Lexile Level=1060
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