MARINE SCIENCE FOR KIDS

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.