Marine Science for Kids: Exploring and Protecting Our Watery World, Includes Cool Careers and 21 Activities (66) (For Kids series)

We love the Hestermann's first book (Zoology for Kids) soooo much and have been re-reading, gifting copies, & recommending it to everyone we know for years. So we have been patiently waiting for this new prize, and I'm happy to report that it doesn't disappoint! Our homeschool family just finished a semester of Apologia's Swimming Creatures curriculum, which sparked an interest in our 10 and 5 yr olds, and now Marine Science for Kids has quickly turned that into a passion. My 10 yr old daughter put it perfectly, "Now that we finally finished studying, we have time to read more of THIS book!!" I love that it's not in the boring-textbook category to her, but in fact she's actually being very well educated by this delightful resource! We've been especially enjoying it as we prepare for summer travels to oceans and lakes, it's a sneaky way to make vacations into field trips! Ha ha! Instead of just dry science explanations, this book brings marine biology to life in a way the kids can apply to their world;* great photos and stories about creatures and habitats we could see on vacation or in aquariums* bizarre creatures we never knew existed (vampire squid?!)* activities ("catch the salmon! tag game" is now a standard for our neighborhood full of kids!)* real-world applicable and easy to understand descriptions about careers in marine science, conservation, etc.As you can tell from the photo~ as we pack for our lake vacation, we won't be leaving home without this book!

Bought for a boy that wants to be a marine biologist. He loved it

I bought "Marine Science for Kids" for my Grandsons, as they have the Hestermann's first book "Zoology for Kids" which they have enjoyed reading and learning from. After receiving this one and looking through it, I wanted one for myself !! It is full of interesting information, very cool pictures, and fun games! I recommend this book for kids of all ages (even Grandma's). This is a great educational tool for kids interested in Marine Science, or just to educate ourselves on how to protect and enjoy our oceans, lakes and the beautiful creatures that inhabit them.

During the month between ordering this book and giving it to our 8 yo grandson at Christmas, he went from being enthusiastic about becoming a marine biologist when he grows up to couldn't care less about it. At that age and until I was in college, that was my single career goal, so I thought the book was great and really enjoyed it. I need to get it back from him!

This is a remarkably comprehensive review of marine science for kids, but there are a few other factors that make the book especially appealing, and maybe even surprising.The book is organized in a thoughtful and logical way. We start with water, which may seem like the obvious place to start, but is usually overlooked. We look at sea water, then the geology, topography and chemistry of the ocean. While it may not have been a fish that discovered water, a marine scientist certainly needs a more than passing knowledge of that subject. From there we walk out into the ocean, and explore the life we encounter from zone to zone. And we touch on everything of interest, up to the most up-to-date discoveries. When the text clearly explains how chemosynthesis replaces photosynthesis near ocean floor smokers, you know you're getting the full picture. (The same is true when you have a clear explanation of keystone species, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. This is good, real stuff to learn.)From the ocean we move to fresh water, which is often overlooked in books like this. We then move on to ecological issues, endangered species, marine science careers, marine science research, and a few closing inspirational observations.The tone throughout is inviting and personable, but never silly or dumbed down. The authors have managed the very difficult task of providing hard information in an easily digested, (and tasty), form. The tone and content are also consistent, so the text doesn't swing between too advanced and too simple.As to those other positive factors. I read a lot of books about marine science, including especially books for kids, and am often put off by ecology and environment discussions that are alternately accusatory, condescending or apocalyptic. Here, the authors have struck a firm and clear, but positive and aspirational, tone designed to encourage and inspire budding scientists. In the same vein, the examples of marine science careers are attractive and attainable and likely to grab a kid's attention and interest. You know that old canard about showing and not telling? Well here the authors actually do show kids that marine science can be challenging and fun.To be fair, the "activities" part of the book was a little forced. Some were interesting, (demonstrating layering of water of different salinity), but many fell more into the craftsy category, (an origami frog). That's not necessarily bad, but it did not strike me as the book's strongest selling point.So, bottom line, an excellent and thorough introduction to marine science, and scientists, that struck me as a worthwhile addition to the family science shelf. A nice find. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

What a delight! A well-written, informative, and educational book for kids with engaging and exciting activities. Read the book and did some of the activities with my 8 year old nephew. He did not want to stop! Would highly recommend this book to anyone with kids or teachers looking for a new science book. Great layout and pictures! Very engaging!

Bought this book for my niece who wants to be a marine scientist to accompany a kid that did not come with a book it was very explanatory and had a lot of pictures

I got this book for my two boys, age 9 and 11. They absolutely love this! The knowledge and information that is jammed packed in this book is very informative and both boys have learned a tremendous amount. The activities are absolutely fun as well. Definitely recommend this book!

Great for our Oceanography homeschool curriculum. We are using 'Salt and light' and she recommends to use both this book and Ocean Anatomy. We do science once a week and read this book. So far the favorite projects have been the world and body of water with cookies and Marshmallow coral reef. Im glad it came back in stocj

I bought this book for my 12 years old daughter, she loves it.

This book is pretty cool because it tells you a lot about nature - especially marine nature. But some kids a bit like me get a bit scared when they tell you what pollution is doing to the ocean. But at least the book is still telling the truth.