The Snowy Owl Scientist
#1 of 22 in Scientists in the Field Series
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
Are the snowy owls in trouble? Venture into the Alaskan arctic and the summer realm of these predator birds to find out. Discover the diverse species necessary to owl survival, how climate change is affecting the landscape of their nesting site of past millennia, and what it takes to do field research in this action-packed addition to the award-winning Scientists in the Field series. It's July on Alaska's North Slope, and scientist Denver Holt is in Utqiagvik surveying nests. Denver has been coming here since 1992, and the snowy owls he studies have been coming here for thousands of years. The North Slope, with its mix of coastal, low-elevation tundra and a rich presence of lemmings, is the only area in Alaska where snowy owls regularly nest. Denver is trying to solve mysteries such as how snowy owls decide where they will nest, how they manage to arrive at locations where food will be abundant, and what drives the success of these delicate tundra ecosystems to help ensure a bright future for these elegant hunters.
Character compass
Denver Holt
Discussion points
What do you think are the challenges the Snowy Owl Scientist faces while studying the owls in the Arctic?
How do you think the environment affects the snowy owl’s lifestyle and survival?
Why is it important to study and protect snowy owls?
What qualities make the Snowy Owl Scientist good at his job?
If you were a scientist, what animal would you like to study and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a scientist. Ask them to predict what might happen next in the book before reading further.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any encounters they’ve had with animals and nature.
After reading, use a globe or map to locate the Arctic and discuss how living there might be different from your own environment.
Stimulate empathy by discussing how the scientist's work helps protect the snowy owls.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what other solutions could help protect the snowy owls and their habitat.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of scientific research
Explanation: The book follows a scientist studying snowy owls in their natural habitat, demonstrating the meticulous and dedicated work of field researchers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of curiosity and discovery, encouraging them to explore and ask questions about the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Respect for wildlife
Explanation: The story showcases how scientists observe and study animals without disturbing their natural behaviors and habitats.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the significance of respecting wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts to protect natural ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: The challenges faced by the scientist in harsh, cold environments underline the persistence required to gather meaningful data and contribute to scientific knowledge.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by understanding that hard work and commitment are essential to achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the scientist encounters various obstacles that require critical thinking and adaptability to overcome.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop their problem-solving skills, teaching them to think critically and adapt when facing challenges in their lives.
Example Lesson: The role of teamwork in achieving objectives
Explanation: The scientist often collaborates with other experts and locals, illustrating that teamwork is crucial in accomplishing complex tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperation and how working with others can help tackle difficult projects or problems.