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Scientists in the Field
Project Seahorse (Scientists in the Field Series) by Pamela S. Turner
Turner provides an in-depth (and sometimes underwater) look at some of the world's most amazing creatures--seahorses. Full color.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Pamela S. Turner
13 books49 followers Pamela S. Turner has an abiding fascination with science, animals, evolution, and a special interest in Japanese history. She is the author of award-winning books for young readers, including HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN: IN SEVEN EVOLUTIONARY STEPS, an ALA Notable Book, SAMURAI RISING, a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist, as well as CROW SMARTS and THE FROG SCIENTIST, both winners of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Her newest book, COMET CHASER, is the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer.
When not writing, she practices kendo (Japanese sword fighting) and volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in crows and ravens.
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.pamelasturner.com, follow her on Instagram at @pamela.s.turner, Twitter @psturnerbooks, and Facebook /psturnerbooks/.
When not writing, she practices kendo (Japanese sword fighting) and volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in crows and ravens.
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.pamelasturner.com, follow her on Instagram at @pamela.s.turner, Twitter @psturnerbooks, and Facebook /psturnerbooks/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 18, 2020
Seahorses are cool. The female deposits eggs into the male’s pouch where they stay until they are ready to go out into the big, wide world.
This book is a short overview about Project Seahorse, a group that researches and helps protect them in The Philippines. They have a well balanced approach as they support sustainable fishing and fishers.
A fine example of how to make a difference for the coral reefs.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes coral reefs. This is probably more targetted to school age people however adults would still appreciate it.
This book is a short overview about Project Seahorse, a group that researches and helps protect them in The Philippines. They have a well balanced approach as they support sustainable fishing and fishers.
A fine example of how to make a difference for the coral reefs.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes coral reefs. This is probably more targetted to school age people however adults would still appreciate it.
February 13, 2017
I love reading about underwater life, so I knew this book would be good. Most of the activity in the book occurs in the Philippines, and talks about the efforts of scientists to study and protect the seahorses while finding ways to educate the villagers and obtain their cooperation. I loved the photos of the different species of seahorses--some look really bizarre--and did not realize that pipefish were related. These creatures are particularly interesting because it's the father who carries the eggs until they hatch. When the scientists told the villagers this fact they wouldn't believe it! Those babies on page 14 are SO cute!! I would love to feel one wrap its little tail around my finger. I like the idea of a marine protected area (MPA) to help conserve underwater life and plants. It seems they don't have to be very big to be very effective. I was also interested in the use of dried seahorses in Chinese medicine (supposed to be good for skin ailments, breathing problems, and sexual problems.) The scientists are trying to find a way to make the killing of seahorses for food and medicine sustainable. This way the Chinese and Filipino people are able to retain their customs while not wiping out the little critters. At the end of the book the author says, "But seahorses have a special place in people's hearts. 'After all,' Amanda says, 'a seahorse is the only fish that holds your hand.'" All I can say is... awwww! Another great book in the Scientists in the Field series. Recommended!
October 5, 2017
I love reading about animals in the ocean so I really enjoyed this book. This would be a great book to have in the classroom for students that are also interested. This book not only informs readers about the interesting and unique world of seahorses, it also explains Project Seahorse in depth. Project Seahorse has dual roles: it works to protect seahorses and it helps to sustain families whose livelihoods are dependent on fishing. The design of the book is visually appealing and engages the reader to actually read. Since the pictures are real photographs, they show the authenticity of the subject. The details bring an authenticity to the text, also. The guide explaining how to help seahorses at the end of the book is a nice addition that would give students realistic ways of helping the seahorses. This would engage young readers in the experience. I would use this book in the classroom to teach cause and effect. There were many causes that led to the need for Project Seahorse. Students could also discuss the effects of Project Seahorse currently.
November 28, 2017
Summary: This book is more than just about seahorses. Readers will get an insight on a small community in the Philippines trying to restore the coral reef and protect the seahorses.
Evaluation: I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about the Philippines than I thought I would. The photographer captures real people of the Philippines working in the ocean, eating food, and being with their families.
Teaching Idea: I would have this book in my classroom library. I wouldn't read it to my class because it is so long, but I would include for a research project on animals (seahorses) or on countries (Philippines).
Evaluation: I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about the Philippines than I thought I would. The photographer captures real people of the Philippines working in the ocean, eating food, and being with their families.
Teaching Idea: I would have this book in my classroom library. I wouldn't read it to my class because it is so long, but I would include for a research project on animals (seahorses) or on countries (Philippines).
August 28, 2018
This is a fascinating book about the scientists who are studying seahorses, mostly around the Philippines. The author also writes about the MPAs (Marine Protected Areas), that are sorta, kinda like national parks for the ocean. No one can fish or disturb the animals in the MPAs. These areas are helping all kinds of fish, as well as coral reefs, recover from over fishing and from those who use small bombs to kill fish faster (which also kills the coral reef). The author also interviewed one of the resident fishermen, showing how he fishes to support his family. Overall, very interesting and well-balanced.
November 27, 2017
Summary: This science text goes over information about seahorses. It goes over how communities in the Philippines is doing all they can to help this species.
Evaluation: The illustrations and the text help the students learn a plethora of information about seahorses.
Teaching Idea: I would read this book as a read aloud and use it as an example of how the students can write an informative on their own on a subject they are well informed of. After, the students would write their own informative text.
Evaluation: The illustrations and the text help the students learn a plethora of information about seahorses.
Teaching Idea: I would read this book as a read aloud and use it as an example of how the students can write an informative on their own on a subject they are well informed of. After, the students would write their own informative text.
October 12, 2020
This was an interesting children's book over sea horses. It not only explained interesting facts about sea horses but told a compelling story about the need for ocean conservation. The reader follows along with biologists, activists, and local fishermen that depend on sea horses for a way of life. The images were nicely detailed and we enjoyed learning about these sea creatures and their relation to coral reefs.
November 11, 2017
Beautiful book about a beautiful organization that works with local communities to protect seahorses and their habitats.
January 12, 2018
Excellent nonfiction for kids, great photos and will appeal to future conservationists!
December 19, 2024
Another great book in the Scientists and the Field series!
November 11, 2013
I reviewed this book for literature circle 5: Scientists in the Field selection (junior book project). The source was Dr. Kimmel.
This book not only informs readers about the interesting and unique world of seahorses, it also explains Project Seahorse in depth. Project Seahorse has dual roles: it works to protect seahorses (the number of seahorses has been declining over recent years) and it helps to sustain families whose livelihoods are dependent on fishing.
The design of the book is visually appealing and engages the reader to actually read underworld of the ocean to life. The pictures of the seahorses themselves are vibrant the book instead of just looking at the beautiful photos that bring the and peacefully beautiful. Since the pictures are real photographs, they show the authenticity of the subject.
The details bring an authenticity to the text, also. For example, Amanda Vincent's personal story of watching a pregnant male seahorse get attacked clutches at the reader's heart to ensure the reader feels for the plight of seahorses, fish, and all marine life around the world. The description of how males birth baby seahorses is also somewhat dramatic.
The author's style is somewhat fluid. At times, the writer is vivid as she recounts stories of how Project Seahorse founders work with local fisherman and their families. At other times the writing seems dry and almost boring. For example, chapter three is lengthy and so full of information that it is hard to keep all of the details straight.
The guide explaining how to help seahorses at the end of the book is a nice addition that would give students realistic ways of helping the seahorses. This would engage young readers in the experience.
My personal reaction is that this book could have told the same story in a different format that would have included shorter chapters to engage the reader. As it is written now, the factual information seems to keep coming with no end in sight. While the additional information on coral and fishing relates to the seahorses, it seems like too much information for the topic at hand. While conciseness is certainly not my strong point, I wish this book were shorter.
I would use this book in the classroom to teach cause and effect. There were many causes that led to the need for Project Seahorse. Students could also discuss the effects of Project Seahorse currently.
This book not only informs readers about the interesting and unique world of seahorses, it also explains Project Seahorse in depth. Project Seahorse has dual roles: it works to protect seahorses (the number of seahorses has been declining over recent years) and it helps to sustain families whose livelihoods are dependent on fishing.
The design of the book is visually appealing and engages the reader to actually read underworld of the ocean to life. The pictures of the seahorses themselves are vibrant the book instead of just looking at the beautiful photos that bring the and peacefully beautiful. Since the pictures are real photographs, they show the authenticity of the subject.
The details bring an authenticity to the text, also. For example, Amanda Vincent's personal story of watching a pregnant male seahorse get attacked clutches at the reader's heart to ensure the reader feels for the plight of seahorses, fish, and all marine life around the world. The description of how males birth baby seahorses is also somewhat dramatic.
The author's style is somewhat fluid. At times, the writer is vivid as she recounts stories of how Project Seahorse founders work with local fisherman and their families. At other times the writing seems dry and almost boring. For example, chapter three is lengthy and so full of information that it is hard to keep all of the details straight.
The guide explaining how to help seahorses at the end of the book is a nice addition that would give students realistic ways of helping the seahorses. This would engage young readers in the experience.
My personal reaction is that this book could have told the same story in a different format that would have included shorter chapters to engage the reader. As it is written now, the factual information seems to keep coming with no end in sight. While the additional information on coral and fishing relates to the seahorses, it seems like too much information for the topic at hand. While conciseness is certainly not my strong point, I wish this book were shorter.
I would use this book in the classroom to teach cause and effect. There were many causes that led to the need for Project Seahorse. Students could also discuss the effects of Project Seahorse currently.
December 1, 2013
Junior Book Log
Title: Project Seahorse
Author: Pamela Turner
Category: Literature Circle #5
Source: Kimmel
My book was titled, Project Seahorse by Pamela S. Turner and I gravitated immediately towards the book, as I love the ocean, seahorses, and everything about this book. I also believed I would have some background knowledge as I have done some underwater research while scuba diving using transects and quadrants, which they refer to in the book. This book talks about Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey and how they founded Project Seahorse with the help of a Pilipino community.
Vincent and Koldeway worked other local conservationists, including Dingo, Jesus Ray (J.R.) and Mia with fish and seahorse population of local communities in the Philippines. They were scuba diving in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where there is no fishing allowed, and in areas outside of this protected zone. They were lying out transects tape and counting the fish they encountered along this line. They found that there was a wider range and larger fish in the MPA areas, than in the areas where there is no protection. They did state that there was no difference on the number of seahorses found between these two locations, but that the seahorses in the MPA area were larger.
I do like how there are so many pictures of seahorses, and multiple different kinds. I do wish there would have been other photographs, but I do feel as though students understand what a seahorse looks like and the relative size. I like the “Onion World” page where the connections are made, as well as the resources page where some video, Internet sites, and books are recommended.
I don’t think they really helped the students understand how the science experiment was taking place. They mentioned certain concepts but there were not ever any pictures of the scientists with some of their tools, which is the best way the students are going to understand. I also think if there would have been more charts, tables, and sidebars with important information and less paragraph form of information that students would be more interested in this book. It seems as though the book is a little long for the information they are trying to get to the reader.
I enjoyed this book and I am even more interested to read more books in this series.
Title: Project Seahorse
Author: Pamela Turner
Category: Literature Circle #5
Source: Kimmel
My book was titled, Project Seahorse by Pamela S. Turner and I gravitated immediately towards the book, as I love the ocean, seahorses, and everything about this book. I also believed I would have some background knowledge as I have done some underwater research while scuba diving using transects and quadrants, which they refer to in the book. This book talks about Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey and how they founded Project Seahorse with the help of a Pilipino community.
Vincent and Koldeway worked other local conservationists, including Dingo, Jesus Ray (J.R.) and Mia with fish and seahorse population of local communities in the Philippines. They were scuba diving in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where there is no fishing allowed, and in areas outside of this protected zone. They were lying out transects tape and counting the fish they encountered along this line. They found that there was a wider range and larger fish in the MPA areas, than in the areas where there is no protection. They did state that there was no difference on the number of seahorses found between these two locations, but that the seahorses in the MPA area were larger.
I do like how there are so many pictures of seahorses, and multiple different kinds. I do wish there would have been other photographs, but I do feel as though students understand what a seahorse looks like and the relative size. I like the “Onion World” page where the connections are made, as well as the resources page where some video, Internet sites, and books are recommended.
I don’t think they really helped the students understand how the science experiment was taking place. They mentioned certain concepts but there were not ever any pictures of the scientists with some of their tools, which is the best way the students are going to understand. I also think if there would have been more charts, tables, and sidebars with important information and less paragraph form of information that students would be more interested in this book. It seems as though the book is a little long for the information they are trying to get to the reader.
I enjoyed this book and I am even more interested to read more books in this series.
May 4, 2015
Personal Reaction: My first reaction to this book was that the photos on each page were incredible and really drew me in as a reader, and I think that students would feel the same way, making this an engaging book to read in the classroom. I liked this book because not only did it talk about the biology of the seahorse, but it also talked about the issue of bomb fishing and how this effects the seahorses. I think this is important for a science informational book because it does not only have one idea throughout the book, but many that it informs readers about. Students get to learn about why the seahorse is important but also that it needs to be better protected.
Purpose & Use in the Classroom: This book would be perfect in a third grade classroom incorporated in a unit dealing with sea life. I would like to read this book aloud and do some kind of project with it as well. I think it would be great for students to hear all kinds of facts about the seahorse, and this book includes information on various types of seahorses. Students could pick one of the seahorses to do a mini-project on, and they could be required to draw a picture and write down 3 facts they heard from the read aloud. Then students can display their mini-projects around the room, and all the new information students learned about sea-horses can be displayed, showing how much they learned. This would be a great lesson to incorporate with a unit that did the same type of mini-project with a different informational book on a different sea life animal, so the kids could keep adding to the wall making it look like an ocean of different animals from the lessons.
Other: This book has multiple lessons for children to learn about sea horses, which makes it a great read. It connects sea horses with humans and how we effect them, which is an important thing for students to see because students are going to be more engaged if they can understand why they are learning about something. Students will see that humans have been harming the sea horses and when they grow up, they could do something about this. Getting kids to see how they impact something will help keep them engaged, and this book does a great job of that.
Purpose & Use in the Classroom: This book would be perfect in a third grade classroom incorporated in a unit dealing with sea life. I would like to read this book aloud and do some kind of project with it as well. I think it would be great for students to hear all kinds of facts about the seahorse, and this book includes information on various types of seahorses. Students could pick one of the seahorses to do a mini-project on, and they could be required to draw a picture and write down 3 facts they heard from the read aloud. Then students can display their mini-projects around the room, and all the new information students learned about sea-horses can be displayed, showing how much they learned. This would be a great lesson to incorporate with a unit that did the same type of mini-project with a different informational book on a different sea life animal, so the kids could keep adding to the wall making it look like an ocean of different animals from the lessons.
Other: This book has multiple lessons for children to learn about sea horses, which makes it a great read. It connects sea horses with humans and how we effect them, which is an important thing for students to see because students are going to be more engaged if they can understand why they are learning about something. Students will see that humans have been harming the sea horses and when they grow up, they could do something about this. Getting kids to see how they impact something will help keep them engaged, and this book does a great job of that.
August 30, 2016
Digoy swims across the reef. He uses no scuba tank or snorkel. The only light comes from the kerosene lantern on his boat. He is looking for sea horses.
For years fisherman in the Philipines have searched out hard-to-find sea horses. While people don’t eat these curious animals, they want them for other reasons. Some people want to keep them in home aquariums, gathering round to gaze at the prehistoric looking animals. Others wear them in jewelry and display them in decorations. Still others grind them up and use them in medicines.
But Digoy doesn’t keep the seahorse. He is one of the fisherman working to preserve the world’s reefs and the many fish these habitats support.
Turner shares a wealth of seahorse information for curious young readers (males are the ones that carry the unborn fish) but the book is so much more. It describes Project Seahorse a conservation effort that encourages local people to preserve reefs. Coral reefs provide shelter for many ocean fish. Save the reef and the fish that live around it in one area and soon nearby areas also benefit.
But Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldeway, the scientists working on this project aren’t naive. They know that the people need to support their families. They don’t want them to stop fishing altogether but instead help develop guidelines that allow the people to make a living while also preserving the wildlife. Through this project, local people replant mangrove trees which provide shelter for young fish.
Most of the books in this series, Scientists in the Field, focus on the animal in question. While Turners book gives plenty of information about sea horses, it also gives information on the complex web of environments and natural resources that impact the lives of the sea horses, other marine life and even the people who live in the Philippines.
This books makes an excellent stepping off point for conversations about ecology and preservation as well as the animals themselves. Be prepared for some lengthy conversations.
Originally reviewed on Bookshelf: What We've Been Reading (https://suebe2.wordpress.com/2016/08/...),
For years fisherman in the Philipines have searched out hard-to-find sea horses. While people don’t eat these curious animals, they want them for other reasons. Some people want to keep them in home aquariums, gathering round to gaze at the prehistoric looking animals. Others wear them in jewelry and display them in decorations. Still others grind them up and use them in medicines.
But Digoy doesn’t keep the seahorse. He is one of the fisherman working to preserve the world’s reefs and the many fish these habitats support.
Turner shares a wealth of seahorse information for curious young readers (males are the ones that carry the unborn fish) but the book is so much more. It describes Project Seahorse a conservation effort that encourages local people to preserve reefs. Coral reefs provide shelter for many ocean fish. Save the reef and the fish that live around it in one area and soon nearby areas also benefit.
But Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldeway, the scientists working on this project aren’t naive. They know that the people need to support their families. They don’t want them to stop fishing altogether but instead help develop guidelines that allow the people to make a living while also preserving the wildlife. Through this project, local people replant mangrove trees which provide shelter for young fish.
Most of the books in this series, Scientists in the Field, focus on the animal in question. While Turners book gives plenty of information about sea horses, it also gives information on the complex web of environments and natural resources that impact the lives of the sea horses, other marine life and even the people who live in the Philippines.
This books makes an excellent stepping off point for conversations about ecology and preservation as well as the animals themselves. Be prepared for some lengthy conversations.
Originally reviewed on Bookshelf: What We've Been Reading (https://suebe2.wordpress.com/2016/08/...),
November 30, 2011
Genre: Informational
Summary: Project Seahorse is a great informational title for children hidden behind a fun facts and fascinating underwater pictures. It tells the story of two divers exploring a reef in the night. The book covers the adventure of the divers search for Tiger Seahorse as well as numerous facts about the hidden creatures, including their food choice, adaptive techniques, mates, and habitat. It also goes in to several other aspects of the ocean world such as coral reefs, other ocean species, and overfishing.
Critique:
A. The combination of pictures and text.
B. The best thing about this book is the combination of the pictures and text. The pictures provide a vibrant and fascinating look into the ocean world which is sure to interest the readers and keep them turning each page. The text then provides an ample amount of information to the readers in a fun way which also makes you want to continue reading. As the two work together you are sure to finish this title happy and with a new abundance of knowledge
C. In one instance the text talks about blast-fishing, “A few years ago a fisher dropped a homemade bomb (often made from fertilizer packing in a sardine tin) into the water. The explosion killed everything within a wide circle.” The picture shows “Digoy” one of the participants diving through the reef toward the bombed area.
Curriculum Connection: This title could be a great book to connect the areas of literature and science. It has a large amount of text but also provides ample science information. I think it would work very well for a student project or paper.
Summary: Project Seahorse is a great informational title for children hidden behind a fun facts and fascinating underwater pictures. It tells the story of two divers exploring a reef in the night. The book covers the adventure of the divers search for Tiger Seahorse as well as numerous facts about the hidden creatures, including their food choice, adaptive techniques, mates, and habitat. It also goes in to several other aspects of the ocean world such as coral reefs, other ocean species, and overfishing.
Critique:
A. The combination of pictures and text.
B. The best thing about this book is the combination of the pictures and text. The pictures provide a vibrant and fascinating look into the ocean world which is sure to interest the readers and keep them turning each page. The text then provides an ample amount of information to the readers in a fun way which also makes you want to continue reading. As the two work together you are sure to finish this title happy and with a new abundance of knowledge
C. In one instance the text talks about blast-fishing, “A few years ago a fisher dropped a homemade bomb (often made from fertilizer packing in a sardine tin) into the water. The explosion killed everything within a wide circle.” The picture shows “Digoy” one of the participants diving through the reef toward the bombed area.
Curriculum Connection: This title could be a great book to connect the areas of literature and science. It has a large amount of text but also provides ample science information. I think it would work very well for a student project or paper.
January 12, 2015
The theme in the book Project Seahorse by Pamela S. Turner is to learn about different species and habitats of seahorses and also discourage bomb fishing and the over selling of seahorses especially the young ones. This book takes place in 2010 based out of the waters of the central Philippine Island of Danajon. This book is told partly by an all knowing narrator and partly by a Amanda who is a graduate school student inspired by her biology teacher. Recently there has been bomb fishing in the waters of the Danajon Island, destroying habitats of the seahorses. This also kills many seahorses. Amanda’s job is to find out how seahorses mate, which will increase the population. She also has to discourage the selling and buying of young seahorses because they are not developed enough to reproduce yet, therefore not increasing the population.
“At least forty species of seahorses live in the world’s tropical and temperate seas.” One positive about this book is that it is very descriptive when it comes to the habitats and species of the different seahorses. One connection I have with Amanda is that I’m inspired by many sports players, just like she is inspired by her biology teacher. One weakness about this book was that it was not very action packed, some chapters were bland and boring. One strength is that the book was not extremely long allowing me to skim through the book after I read it. Overall I thought that this book was not very good, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
“At least forty species of seahorses live in the world’s tropical and temperate seas.” One positive about this book is that it is very descriptive when it comes to the habitats and species of the different seahorses. One connection I have with Amanda is that I’m inspired by many sports players, just like she is inspired by her biology teacher. One weakness about this book was that it was not very action packed, some chapters were bland and boring. One strength is that the book was not extremely long allowing me to skim through the book after I read it. Overall I thought that this book was not very good, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
April 21, 2016
Turner, P. S., & Tuason, S. (2010). Project seahorse. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
Target Audience: Grades 5 and up
Project Seahorse is an educational picture book about these wonderful little creatures called seahorses. By explaining the work of Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey, Pamela S. Turner has created a story that not only educates on the anatomy, and nature, of the seahorse but also explains the hardships this little fish is facing due to over fishing and human created damages to their habitat. Through MPAs (marine protected areas), community outreach and education, and world wide support Project Seahorse will hopefully be successful in increasing the seahorse population while also helping rehabilitate their natural habitat, the reefs. The combined use of vibrant color photography and hand drawn maps bring the story to life, making it relate-able by as these images provide faces to names, and images to real locations around the world. Seahorses are a unique fish and thanks to Amanda Vincent, and her work, we now know so much more.
Educational AND captivating this is a great book for a budding biologist or someone who loves all things ocean. Additionally, as part of the Scientists in the Field Series this little book could be added to others to create an educational collection for lessons in classrooms or at home.
Target Audience: Grades 5 and up
Project Seahorse is an educational picture book about these wonderful little creatures called seahorses. By explaining the work of Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey, Pamela S. Turner has created a story that not only educates on the anatomy, and nature, of the seahorse but also explains the hardships this little fish is facing due to over fishing and human created damages to their habitat. Through MPAs (marine protected areas), community outreach and education, and world wide support Project Seahorse will hopefully be successful in increasing the seahorse population while also helping rehabilitate their natural habitat, the reefs. The combined use of vibrant color photography and hand drawn maps bring the story to life, making it relate-able by as these images provide faces to names, and images to real locations around the world. Seahorses are a unique fish and thanks to Amanda Vincent, and her work, we now know so much more.
Educational AND captivating this is a great book for a budding biologist or someone who loves all things ocean. Additionally, as part of the Scientists in the Field Series this little book could be added to others to create an educational collection for lessons in classrooms or at home.
Read
December 1, 20111. Informational
2. Project Seahorse is about the work of two scientists in their attempt to explore the world of the tiger seahorse. Not only does this book give readers information on the life cycle of the seahorse but it also educates the reader on where one could find the species as well as how we can preserve these creatures. After reading through the book one could conclude that the species is steadily becoming endangered due to other marine predators as well as unsustainable practices resulting from humans.
3.a. Information rich chapters
b.c. Each chapter gives the reader so much liable information about these wonderful creatures. The information is followed up by very colorful pictures in which tie the reader in to want to learn more. I think the information in the text will captivate students and al together aware students of the need to conserve and practice techniques that will not destroy our coral reefs. Several efforts are communicated to increase awareness and interest within the reader.
4. This book would be excellent in discussing marine biology and conservation of the coral reefs. I think students will be very interested in how to preserve marine animals as well as the effects of what happens when we don't comply to change.
2. Project Seahorse is about the work of two scientists in their attempt to explore the world of the tiger seahorse. Not only does this book give readers information on the life cycle of the seahorse but it also educates the reader on where one could find the species as well as how we can preserve these creatures. After reading through the book one could conclude that the species is steadily becoming endangered due to other marine predators as well as unsustainable practices resulting from humans.
3.a. Information rich chapters
b.c. Each chapter gives the reader so much liable information about these wonderful creatures. The information is followed up by very colorful pictures in which tie the reader in to want to learn more. I think the information in the text will captivate students and al together aware students of the need to conserve and practice techniques that will not destroy our coral reefs. Several efforts are communicated to increase awareness and interest within the reader.
4. This book would be excellent in discussing marine biology and conservation of the coral reefs. I think students will be very interested in how to preserve marine animals as well as the effects of what happens when we don't comply to change.
February 4, 2013
Science teachers will want to add this book describing Project Seahorse and the hard work of Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldeway, two scientists who have dedicated their lives to saving seahorses. The book focuses on the work they and their Filipino colleagues and local fishers have accomplished to protect the seahorses in Handumon, a small village in the Phillipines where blast-fishing has destroyed the habitat, including coral reefs, and the fish that live there. In addition to describing how the male seahorses are the ones that give birth to the babies, the author carefully describes the difficulty in balancing the needs of the area's residents to fish and make a living with the need to preserve the seahorses, showing the complexity of the issues that surround anything related to the environment. for instance, any seahorses are harvested for use in traditional Chinese medicine. The book is filled with colorful photographs of the reef and of the infinite variety of seahorses, described as "the only fish that holds your hand" (p. 48), referring to the creatures' tendency to wrap their tails around whatever is nearby so they can rest in place or a holdfast.
September 24, 2014
The seahorse population of the world seems to be on the decline. In this book, readers meet two scientists, Heather and Amanda, who are doing research in the Philippines to find out more about these creatures, and work with the local community to bring the seahorse population back up.
Once again, this is a great science resource in getting to know more about seahorses, coral reef life, and also best practices of how to work with a community to bring about positive change. The scientists realize that some Filipinos rely on seahorse fishing for their livelihood and that seahorses are used in some medicines. They aren't condemning the fishermen who need to eat or the people who need medicine, but are working to find a solution that will help everyone. This could be used in an ecology, biodiversity or studies about ocean life. They do a good job of explaining how the number of top predators present in an ecosystem can be a good measurement of the health of that ecosystem, and how setting aside no-fishing zones can benefit more than that area.
Once again, this is a great science resource in getting to know more about seahorses, coral reef life, and also best practices of how to work with a community to bring about positive change. The scientists realize that some Filipinos rely on seahorse fishing for their livelihood and that seahorses are used in some medicines. They aren't condemning the fishermen who need to eat or the people who need medicine, but are working to find a solution that will help everyone. This could be used in an ecology, biodiversity or studies about ocean life. They do a good job of explaining how the number of top predators present in an ecosystem can be a good measurement of the health of that ecosystem, and how setting aside no-fishing zones can benefit more than that area.
December 16, 2014
Project Seahorse – Scientists in the Field by Pamela S. Turner, photographs by Scott Tuason – Non-Fiction, 3rd grade and up – Loved this book, eyes wide open turning pages… Gorgeous photographs pop off the pages, various background information about people’s lives, and information packed throughout the book. Loved how the conservation efforts in this book are specifically focused on getting local community members involved. Fantastic how the investment in creating different marine protected areas (MPA) has helped other areas beyond the designated safe zones. The scientific studies to see how well the reef inside the MPA is recovering are fascinating as well. This book will fit well with some of my school’s PYP units of inquiry where students learn about how human’s actions have impacted the environment. The wonderful thing about this book is the actions that some are now turning around the local environment for the better with hope and change.
December 30, 2014
This nonfiction focuses on sea life in the waters of the central Philippine Island of Danajon, in particular, the seahorse population of the Danjon coral reef and the ways we can protect their numbers from dwindling. But in learning about the biology of the seahorse and how to save them, we also learn about the people who fish them for their livelihood, the community of those who live by Danajon, and the effects of humans worldwide on the seahorse population and the coral reefs. As Pamela puts it: to understand one species, you must peel back the onion of life. It portrays a beautiful portrait of how everything has an effect on everything else; we are all interconnected. It also offers plenty of shorter, isolated reading sections in which students can examine cause-and-effect and problem-solution relationships, and learn about other populations of people. I felt this book was best suited for 4th-6th graders.
October 13, 2010
Turner does a good job of explaining that, despite their unusual appearance, seahorses are fish. She does a really good job of explaining how male seahorses give birth and how this unusual reproductive strategy came to be. What she does a fantastic job of is explaining the integral role that seahorses play in life on earth, and why they are worth conserving.
She balances coverage of the seahorses and their underwater environment with the local people who feed their families and make a living through fishing. The book shows that Project Seahorse is making an impact because of cooperation between scientists and locals.
The photographs are fantastic and the book design is attractive. However, I couldn't help being distracted by the white borders, tilted angles and drop shadows, which reminded me of iPhoto.
She balances coverage of the seahorses and their underwater environment with the local people who feed their families and make a living through fishing. The book shows that Project Seahorse is making an impact because of cooperation between scientists and locals.
The photographs are fantastic and the book design is attractive. However, I couldn't help being distracted by the white borders, tilted angles and drop shadows, which reminded me of iPhoto.
June 13, 2010
With stunning, clean ocean photographs, this is a nice entry to the Scientists in the Field series, but it's not one of my favorites. Young marine biologists will snap it up, but I would have liked a bit more focus. The text meanders from seahorses to coral reefs to fishing practices and the photographs included meander along as well. Yes, all these things are connected, but maybe a subtitle or an introduction would have cleared up my expectations for the book. I just wanted more information and pictures of seahorses!
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/...
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/...
August 23, 2010
Pictures, lots of text, facts about seahorses. Some info about how humans and nature work together in conservation efforts. Not a narrative book; skips around a bit and lacks some focus. Chapter titles don't always coordinate with content. Some about importance of community support for conservation, not much about culture or challenges of Western science/local community relationships. Resources, index in back.
December 5, 2013
This Scientist in the Field story shows beautiful, detailed photographs to help in the telling of the scientists' work. The story intertwined the path of the scientists and lives of the native people to the island in the Philippines where they work and live off the land. Although the book lacks a concentration and provides excess details that are unneeded, the book shows us the use of community to help with conservation and the needs of the survival of the land.
August 25, 2016
Another great entry in an award-winning series, Scientists in the Field, the vivid photos add to the story of the scientists' work and even the lives of the people of the island in the Philippines where their work is done. Gr. 4-8.
May 3, 2012
This is part of a series called Scientists in the Field that portrays how scientists study various creatures. The one has stunning pictures of Seahorses and the particular they are studying in this case the Philippines.
August 18, 2010
Review at Reality Rules http://bit.ly/bNV2cp
Want to read
November 15, 2010This book is about an organization that studies seahorses in the wild.
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