A team of kid entomologists learns that important discoveries can be hidden in plain sight.
Simone is an entomologist. She and her team find, identify, and study insects to better understand them. During an exciting trip to Costa Rica's lush rain forest, Simone's team investigates some strange-looking army ants that appear to have not one but two abdomens. Is the team on the brink of discovering a new species?
September 1, 2022
Grades K-2 The Kid Scientist series (2 new titles) uses fictional stories to introduce how scientists employ the scientific method in their fields. While the scientists are actually racially diverse children, depicted in cheery, colorful scenes, their settings and work are realistic. A combination of dialogue and explanatory text make up the story and describe key concepts. In Insect Experts in the Rain Forest, Simone and her team of entomologists land in Costa Rica to investigate army ants that appear to have two abdomens. After collecting and observing ant samples, they notice that the second abdomen is really a new species of beetle. An author's note relates that the story is loosely based on true findings. Extensive back matter includes an explanation of how to become a scientist like the one featured as well as the scientific method and how characters incorporated it in the story. While these books put forth the idea of one scientific method rather than scientific methodologies, they remain entertaining ways of showing these practices in action.
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November 1, 2022
K-Gr 3-This series imagines children exploring science careers. Illustrations include boys and girls from diverse backgrounds searching for insects in the rain forest or carrying out experiments aboard the International Space Station. Back matter includes an explanation of the career featured in the story, as well as advice on how to prepare for that career. A review of the scientific method includes examples of how it was used by the characters. And a list of suggested reading concludes each book. The Insect Experts title is loosely based on a real event from 2014. VERDICT This series could be read aloud to introduce students to STEM careers or explored by readers who already have an interest in science.
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