The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World

by Temple Grandin (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

From New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned scientist and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin comes a book about exploring the world around us, asking questions, and making sense of what we see--with 40 fun outdoor activities that promote independent thinking, which kids can enjoy all year round!

What are the aerodynamics of skipping stones or the physics of making sandcastles? Do birds use GPS to navigate their migratory routes?

In this book, Dr. Temple Grandin, an inventor and world-renowned scientist, introduces readers to geologists, astrophysicists, oceanographers, and many other scientists who unlock the wonders of the natural world. She shares her childhood experiences and observations, whether on the beach, in the woods, working with horses, or gazing up at the night sky. This book explores all areas of nature and gives readers the tools to discover even more on their own.

With forty projects to give readers a deeper understanding of the world around them, from the depths of space to their own backyard, this is a perfect read for budding scientists, inventors, and creators!

Praise for The Outdoor Scientist

Grandin's words are a rallying cry for budding scientists and she serves as a role model for young readers with autism.This is an important STEM and STEAM resource for every collection. --School Library Journal

The book is chock-full of information . . . the kind a nature-loving child will be thrilled to discover. An invitation to young readers to observe, enjoy, and learn about the world around us all. --Kirkus Reviews

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Paperback
$9.99

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--Grandin (b. 1947) is a renowned American scientist and one of the most well-known public figures with autism. Her assured narrative voice is clear as she shares her childhood stories. She connects with her audience in a personal and fascinating style while detailing her early scientific observations about the natural world. Grandin says what she observed sparked questions and investigation, which is at the heart of all science. She encourages readers to explore the outdoors, just as other well-known (Carl Sagan, Jacques Cousteau, and Stephen Hawking) and lesser-known scientists did when they were children. The book combines memoir, biography, informational text, and engaging projects. This text will especially appeal to those who are deeply interested in nature, but it will also motivate children to explore outside their homes and observe. Following the introduction, the chapters cover "Rocks," "The Beach," "The Woods," "Birds," "The Night Skies," and "Animal Behavior." Back matter includes an extensive bibliography, articles by the author, citizen science sources for science teachers, and acknowledgments. An index is not included. VERDICT Grandin's words are a rallying cry for budding scientists and she serves as a role model for young readers with autism. This is an important STEM and STREAM resource for every collection.--Helen Foster James, Univ. of California at San Diego

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for The Outdoor Scientist

Grandin's words are a rallying cry for budding scientists and she serves as a role model for young readers with autism. This is an important STEM and STEAM resource for every collection. —School Library Journal

The book is chock-full of information . . . the kind a nature-loving child will be thrilled to discover. An invitation to young readers to observe, enjoy, and learn about the world around us all. —Kirkus Reviews
Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin (templegrandin.com) is one of the world's most accomplished and well-known adults with autism. She has a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and is a professor at Colorado State University. She is the author of twelve books on autism and animal behavior, including the national bestsellers Calling All Minds, Thinking in Pictures, and Animals in Translation. Dr. Grandin was inducted in the National Women's Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2018 she was made a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. on her experiences with autism, and her work has been covered in the New York Times, People, National Public Radio, and 20/20. Most recently she was named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of the year. The HBO movie based on her life, starring Claire Danes, received seven Emmy Awards.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780593115565
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Philomel Books
Publication date
April 05, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF051110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Experiments & Projects
JNF051170 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Discoveries
Library of Congress categories
Natural history
Nature

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