Non-Fiction Book Reflection Week 8

Jackson, D. M. (2009). Extreme scientists: Exploring nature's mysteries from perilous places. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. Summary Extreme Scientists explores the world and work of extreme scientists such as Paul Flaherty and Hazel Barton. Scientists must battle some of earth’s most challenging conditions to order to teach and show others the wonders of the world around them. Paul Flaherty’s excitement while watching weather forecasts as a young child propelled his dream to become a meteorologist. After studying meteorology in college, Paul worked in the United States Air Force, and went on to teach meteorology to military students. Now, Paul Flaherty works with some of the world’s most destructive storms known as Hurricanes. He gathers information and collects data to help keep people safe. Miles below, Hazel Barton’s job in microbiology takes her from glacial ice caves to underwater caves deep in the jungles of Mexico. She explores the longest and deepest caves in the world including Lechuguilla Cave in the United States. Hazel Barton rappelled three hundred feet in 112-degree weather to reach an unexplored cave in the Grand Canyon. What was once an interesting hobby for Hazel Barton is now a lifelong career. Literary Terms Extreme Scientists is an informational book which gives factual information about biological, social, or physical world. This book, in particular, gives factual information about extreme occupations and many natural mysteries found in unique places around the world. The author, Donna M. Jackson, uses expository writing as she explains each occupation with great detail and knowledge. This book can be described as a photo essay book because there is an equal balance between text and illustrations. It provides information-bearing photographs and descriptive captions for its intended audience. Curriculum Connections Read The Elephant Scientist by Donna M. Jackson. Make text-to-text connections using a Venn Diagram. Research the author. Write a letter to the author. Ask the author where she gets inspiration for writing informational books? RI.3.1, RI.3.7, RI.3.9, W.3.2 Big Questions Why should hurricane hunters carefully plan and gather information before taking to the air? How did Hazel Barton have the courage to rappel three hundred feet into an unexplored cave? How do the occupations of extreme scientists affect our lives? Why is it important for us to understand their work?