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Scientists in the Field
The Dolphins of Shark Bay (Scientists in the Field Series) by Pamela S. Turner
Ride alongside the author Pamela S. Turner and her scientific team and meet a cast of dolphin characters large enough (and charismatic enough) to rival a Shakespearean play—Puck, Piccolo, Flute, and Dodger among them. You will fall in love with this crew, both human and finned, as they seek to answer the just why are dolphins so smart? And what does their behavior tell us about human intelligence, captive animals, and the future of the ocean? Beautiful photos of dolphins in their natural habitat and a funny, friendly, and fast-paced text make this another winner in the Scientists in the Field series. Pair this with other intriguing stories of real-world science, at .
Hardcover
First published November 5, 2013
4 people are currently reading
191 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 67 reviews
October 23, 2017
After finishing this book, I felt like I'd taken a trip to the east coast of Australia! Turner accompanies scientist Janet Mann and her team as they research bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay. The book grabbed me right from the beginning when I learned that some of these dolphins, almost always female, have discovered that they can use a sponge to probe the ocean floor for fish to eat, thereby protecting their noses from injury by the rough coral and rocks. Dolphins using tools! I learned that dolphins have a brain-to-body-weight ratio (EQ) of 4.1 (humans are 7.0; chimps are 2.3; cats are 1.0). The higher the EQ, the smarter the animal. Mann and her team wonder why dolphins need so much brain power, and they speculate that it may be because of their complex social interactions. The more decisions you have to make, the more brainpower you need. Fascinating! Mann and her colleagues have learned to recognize individual dolphins by their fins, but to determine sex they need to see them swimming upside down, showing their bellies. Dolphins each have their own personality. Some females are good mothers, and some are terrible mothers. I loved the names that the researchers gave to each dolphin. Dolphins have developed a wide range of foraging techniques, some of them rather clever, and Mann makes a strong case for people NOT feeding the dolphins (they become dependent on handouts and don't learn how to forage for food on their own). She also tackles the question of whether dolphins should be kept in captivity, and discusses the conditions that endanger dolphins around the world. On page 49 Turner includes a picture of the prehistoric ancestor, Ambulocetus natans, of today's dolphin, which looks like a cross between an otter, a crocodile, and dolphin. Scott Tuason's photographs are beautiful, especially the breathtaking shots of dolphins leaping out of the water on pages 28 and 70. This entry in the award-winning series Scientists in the Field will inspire readers to want to visit aquariums themselves and check out the web sites listed at the back of the book. (Turner even encourages students to read the introduction and conclusion to technical scientific papers!) Highly recommended!
September 10, 2013
Richie's Picks: THE DOLPHINS OF SHARK BAY (SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD) by Pamela S. Turner and Scott Tuason, photo., Houghton Mifflin, November 2013, 80p., ISBN: 978-0-547-71638-1
"I gotta get out of bed get a hammer and a nail
Learn how to use my hands"
-- Indigo Girls
"Just as we humans are using tools (for us, a boat and binoculars), this dolphin is too. Some Shark Bay dolphins use a squishy sea sponge to protect their nose (called the rostrum) as they rummage along a channel bottom. When a sponging dolphin flushes a fish hiding in the rubble, the dolphin drops the sponge and snatches its prey.
"Sponging dolphins possess a scarce talent. Tool use -- that most human of talents -- is extremely rare among wild animals. Some chimpanzees use sticks to collect termites, some crows use twigs to stab beetle larvae, and some sea otters use rocks to smash shellfish. Dolphins have no fingers, no feet, no paws. Yet somehow, in a brilliant stroke of cetacean innovation, Shark Bay dolphins have discovered how to use a sponge as a tool."
Bottlenose dolphins are amazingly intelligent. With brains three times the size of chimpanzee brains,
"Dolphins can learn simple artificial languages and can recognize themselves in a mirror (a key test of self-awareness). They quickly grasp the meaning of pointing (chimpanzees don't) and are excellent vocal mimics (chimpanzees aren't).
"Dolphins also understand abstract ideas."
In the process of introducing us to the dolphins of Shark Bay, on the west coast of Australia, author Pamela S. Turner highlights the life and twenty-five year career of Janet Mann who, with her colleagues, has studied hundreds of wild dolphins for the Shark Bay Dolphin Project. Janet comes to know each of these bottlenose dolphins as individuals and as members of extended families. She has also worked with the Australian government to enact rules that better protect these dolphins from nearby commercial fishing interests and from over-enthusiastic eco-tourists.
In learning about the many discoveries of Janet and her colleagues, we encounter photos that --for a beach-lover like me -- make me wish I was in her shoes (or, actually, the lack thereof). We also learn a lot about the application of scientific method to these behavioral studies. For example:
"Because [during a focal follow observation] everything the dolphins do, minute by minute, is written down, the data are less likely to be biased by an observer choosing only the actions that seem important."
Some of what they know about these dolphins reminds me of what I learned while studying (human) child development:
"Brainy animals play. Brainy animals need to play. A shark gets along quite well with a smaller brain and simpler behavior, but more intelligent animals need to test themselves. Play -- whether it's puppies wrestling, chimpanzees tickling, dolphins chasing, or human children pretending to be puppies or chimps or dolphins -- develop skills. Some skills are physical. Some, such as taking turns, are social."
Of course, the more they learn about these creatures, the more questions about them are generated. It is easy enough to imagine a day when some future generation of scientists comes to fully understand the language of bottlenose dolphins or even becomes engaged in sophisticated interspecies communication with them. This sure seems like a scientific field that some animal-loving middle school student who reads and is inspired by this great book can aspire to.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"I gotta get out of bed get a hammer and a nail
Learn how to use my hands"
-- Indigo Girls
"Just as we humans are using tools (for us, a boat and binoculars), this dolphin is too. Some Shark Bay dolphins use a squishy sea sponge to protect their nose (called the rostrum) as they rummage along a channel bottom. When a sponging dolphin flushes a fish hiding in the rubble, the dolphin drops the sponge and snatches its prey.
"Sponging dolphins possess a scarce talent. Tool use -- that most human of talents -- is extremely rare among wild animals. Some chimpanzees use sticks to collect termites, some crows use twigs to stab beetle larvae, and some sea otters use rocks to smash shellfish. Dolphins have no fingers, no feet, no paws. Yet somehow, in a brilliant stroke of cetacean innovation, Shark Bay dolphins have discovered how to use a sponge as a tool."
Bottlenose dolphins are amazingly intelligent. With brains three times the size of chimpanzee brains,
"Dolphins can learn simple artificial languages and can recognize themselves in a mirror (a key test of self-awareness). They quickly grasp the meaning of pointing (chimpanzees don't) and are excellent vocal mimics (chimpanzees aren't).
"Dolphins also understand abstract ideas."
In the process of introducing us to the dolphins of Shark Bay, on the west coast of Australia, author Pamela S. Turner highlights the life and twenty-five year career of Janet Mann who, with her colleagues, has studied hundreds of wild dolphins for the Shark Bay Dolphin Project. Janet comes to know each of these bottlenose dolphins as individuals and as members of extended families. She has also worked with the Australian government to enact rules that better protect these dolphins from nearby commercial fishing interests and from over-enthusiastic eco-tourists.
In learning about the many discoveries of Janet and her colleagues, we encounter photos that --for a beach-lover like me -- make me wish I was in her shoes (or, actually, the lack thereof). We also learn a lot about the application of scientific method to these behavioral studies. For example:
"Because [during a focal follow observation] everything the dolphins do, minute by minute, is written down, the data are less likely to be biased by an observer choosing only the actions that seem important."
Some of what they know about these dolphins reminds me of what I learned while studying (human) child development:
"Brainy animals play. Brainy animals need to play. A shark gets along quite well with a smaller brain and simpler behavior, but more intelligent animals need to test themselves. Play -- whether it's puppies wrestling, chimpanzees tickling, dolphins chasing, or human children pretending to be puppies or chimps or dolphins -- develop skills. Some skills are physical. Some, such as taking turns, are social."
Of course, the more they learn about these creatures, the more questions about them are generated. It is easy enough to imagine a day when some future generation of scientists comes to fully understand the language of bottlenose dolphins or even becomes engaged in sophisticated interspecies communication with them. This sure seems like a scientific field that some animal-loving middle school student who reads and is inspired by this great book can aspire to.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
October 31, 2013
In this Scientists in the Field series book, author Pamela S. Turner gives readers a look at the life of a dolphin scientist and her team off the western coast of Australia. Cruising on the bay, these researchers ask questions, form hypotheses, and design ways to get answers to big questions such as: why are dolphins smart? why do dolphins play? how do dolphins live and die?
The book goes further than the basics of dolphins, to introduce readers to lesser known facts. Did you know dolphins use tools? Ever wonder how dolphins group together? Do dolphins have culture?
Turner writes so we might better understand dolphins and find the parallels between these intelligent animals and ourselves, leading naturally to questions around how we interact with dolphins, how we treat them, and how our actions impact their world. Her writing is spirited, easy and sometimes humorous. For example, Turner writes, "Juvenile dolphins must find friends, uncover enemies, and put up with bullies. They must learn when to trust and when to fluke off into the sunset. In other words, a juvenile dolphin's world resembles middle school. But with sharks."
This picture book is loaded with big, beautiful pictures and a friendly layout.
The book goes further than the basics of dolphins, to introduce readers to lesser known facts. Did you know dolphins use tools? Ever wonder how dolphins group together? Do dolphins have culture?
Turner writes so we might better understand dolphins and find the parallels between these intelligent animals and ourselves, leading naturally to questions around how we interact with dolphins, how we treat them, and how our actions impact their world. Her writing is spirited, easy and sometimes humorous. For example, Turner writes, "Juvenile dolphins must find friends, uncover enemies, and put up with bullies. They must learn when to trust and when to fluke off into the sunset. In other words, a juvenile dolphin's world resembles middle school. But with sharks."
This picture book is loaded with big, beautiful pictures and a friendly layout.
February 12, 2016
I feel like some of the content may be even too advanced for school age children, which is the intended audience. That being said, this is amazing. I studied animal behavior in college and LOVED that class, and was blown away by the skills that the dolphins had learned over generations. The dolphins used TOOLS to forage. TOOLS!! How cool is that?
I enjoyed learning the names of the dolphins that lived in Shark Bay, the social structure of dolphin society, mating behavior, parenting, friendships, and foraging techniques. Anyone that loves dolphins or just animals in general, definitely should pick up this book. And, even though it is geared towards middle grade children, I would even suggest adults that are interested in these topics to pick it up. It's loaded with fun and incredibly interesting details. Definitely a new favorite!
I enjoyed learning the names of the dolphins that lived in Shark Bay, the social structure of dolphin society, mating behavior, parenting, friendships, and foraging techniques. Anyone that loves dolphins or just animals in general, definitely should pick up this book. And, even though it is geared towards middle grade children, I would even suggest adults that are interested in these topics to pick it up. It's loaded with fun and incredibly interesting details. Definitely a new favorite!
May 31, 2015
Part of the Scientists in the Field nonfiction series, this book examines a pack of dolphins who live in Monkey Mia, Australia. These dolphins are especially of note because they have learned to use tools. Like the other Scientists books, there is background given on the researching scientist, and there is a rough storyline, though each chapter explores a different area of the subjects' lives.
I'm an adult, and I learned so much about dolphins from reading this book! It does a good job of explaining various things in simple terms, but without losing the complexity of what is being described. Scientific processes are explained, but always in the context of the story, making them easier to understand. There are plenty of pictures, and numerous pictures of the researchers are included, emphasizing that there are scientists doing the research.
Highly recommend.
I'm an adult, and I learned so much about dolphins from reading this book! It does a good job of explaining various things in simple terms, but without losing the complexity of what is being described. Scientific processes are explained, but always in the context of the story, making them easier to understand. There are plenty of pictures, and numerous pictures of the researchers are included, emphasizing that there are scientists doing the research.
Highly recommend.
August 22, 2013
Fascinating! Who would have guessed that animals without hands would be tool-users? Turner's writing is as wonderful as the subject and the photographs are amazing. Challenging, funny and completely engaging, this is another in the stellar Scientist in the Field series.
October 23, 2013
Another sterling entry in this series. This one's a bit more relaxed and conversational but no less rich in science. Spectacular photos on each page. End notes with more information. Must purchase.
March 11, 2022
I learned a new expression! Spyhopping. Google it kids.
That Pamela defined some words ,e.g.maternal (motherly) shows that this book is for younger people. She doesn't go into a lot of scientific jargon. The writing is very conversational, and she is never patronizing. Having done rather poorly in Science studies, I quite appreciate her writing style. This reads as a biography which seems very unselfish to me. She never imposes herself into the action, something that I wish sportswriters and political pundits would refrain from.
" One day in 1992, Puck was swimming around with a Santa Claus belly. The next day she was a slim mother with a little squirt by her side." and " To her credit, Janet doesn't want to say it. So I will.
Cookie is a jerk." (Cookie shunned Smokey after Smokey was injured by a shark). What I found astonishing was how the scientists were able to recognize each dolphin and named every one of them. There are a lot of dolphins in this book. Turner answered a lot of questions, and dispelled some myths about dolphins although she left room for conjecture. She also revisited and let us know what happened to a lot of the dolphins. The writing is fun and the photographs are beautiful. This book would be a good gift, but get your own copy as well.
That Pamela defined some words ,e.g.maternal (motherly) shows that this book is for younger people. She doesn't go into a lot of scientific jargon. The writing is very conversational, and she is never patronizing. Having done rather poorly in Science studies, I quite appreciate her writing style. This reads as a biography which seems very unselfish to me. She never imposes herself into the action, something that I wish sportswriters and political pundits would refrain from.
" One day in 1992, Puck was swimming around with a Santa Claus belly. The next day she was a slim mother with a little squirt by her side." and " To her credit, Janet doesn't want to say it. So I will.
Cookie is a jerk." (Cookie shunned Smokey after Smokey was injured by a shark). What I found astonishing was how the scientists were able to recognize each dolphin and named every one of them. There are a lot of dolphins in this book. Turner answered a lot of questions, and dispelled some myths about dolphins although she left room for conjecture. She also revisited and let us know what happened to a lot of the dolphins. The writing is fun and the photographs are beautiful. This book would be a good gift, but get your own copy as well.
February 28, 2019
Another delightful book in the "Scientists in the Field" series, a real joy for both young readers and old farts alike. Who knew that the dolphins of Shark Bay (aka, Monkey Mia, but "Shark Bay" just sounds more badass) are the world's only marine mammals known to use tools? Well, probably my GR buddy Ian, because he actually lives in nearby Perth - but certainly not me!
Only possible - if unavoidable - complaint: lot of illustrations here, but they're pretty much all just photos of dolphins. Jumping, swimming flipping, carrying sponges on their snouts; underwater and above, singly or in groups...and after awhile, it's just, well...a whole lot of dolphin pictures.
Only possible - if unavoidable - complaint: lot of illustrations here, but they're pretty much all just photos of dolphins. Jumping, swimming flipping, carrying sponges on their snouts; underwater and above, singly or in groups...and after awhile, it's just, well...a whole lot of dolphin pictures.
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March 20, 2015Twin Text: One White Dolphin by Gill Lewis (copyright June 2012).
Rationale: The Dolphins of Shark Bay focuses on the study of dolphins by a group led by a female biologist. This group studies dolphins in their natural environment and discusses the intelligence of dolphins. Similarly One White dolphin is the story of girl who lost her mother, a marine biologist, on a dolphin expedition only to find comfort in finding and nurturing an injured baby dolphin. The book is a dramatic story interwoven with an environmental theme similar to the theme in The Dolphins of Shark Bay.
Text structure: Description: this piece provides large sections of text that are mostly informational
Strategy: Activating prior knowledge. Prior to reading both pieces we will discuss what students know about dolphins (discussion will likely revolve around intelligence and friendliness of the animal). As a class we will read “One White Dolphin” and discuss the characteristics of the injured dolphin in the story. Before looking at “The Dolphins of Shark Bay” we will review what the students know about dolphins or what they have learned from the “One White Dolphin”. After reading The Dolphins of Shark Bay we will discuss new ideas we have learned about dolphins and how the their thoughts have changed. I would continue the activity by posing a simple question "Do these
Rationale: The Dolphins of Shark Bay focuses on the study of dolphins by a group led by a female biologist. This group studies dolphins in their natural environment and discusses the intelligence of dolphins. Similarly One White dolphin is the story of girl who lost her mother, a marine biologist, on a dolphin expedition only to find comfort in finding and nurturing an injured baby dolphin. The book is a dramatic story interwoven with an environmental theme similar to the theme in The Dolphins of Shark Bay.
Text structure: Description: this piece provides large sections of text that are mostly informational
Strategy: Activating prior knowledge. Prior to reading both pieces we will discuss what students know about dolphins (discussion will likely revolve around intelligence and friendliness of the animal). As a class we will read “One White Dolphin” and discuss the characteristics of the injured dolphin in the story. Before looking at “The Dolphins of Shark Bay” we will review what the students know about dolphins or what they have learned from the “One White Dolphin”. After reading The Dolphins of Shark Bay we will discuss new ideas we have learned about dolphins and how the their thoughts have changed. I would continue the activity by posing a simple question "Do these
January 27, 2014
Age: 10-14 yrs
Length: 80 pgs
Summary: This book is part of the Scientists in the Field series. The setting is Shark Bay in Australia and the author describes the research and observations of Janet Mann and her crew on the Pomboo. She has been studying these dolphins for over 25 years and knows them as well as you know your friends and family.
Recommendations or Comments: This was an interesting book. Not only do you learn about the dolphins themselves, but you also learn about the scientists studying them. "If the answer is easy, then it wasn't much of a question." is one of my favorite lines from this book. That can pertain to so many things in life. Great photographs and info. There are so many personalities, both human and dolphin, it's almost like a novel. I did have to go back and re-read earlier sections to remember who was who near the end of the book. If you thought you liked dolphins, read this book and you might fall in love with them.
Stars: 4 of 5
Reviewed By: Emily K.
Length: 80 pgs
Summary: This book is part of the Scientists in the Field series. The setting is Shark Bay in Australia and the author describes the research and observations of Janet Mann and her crew on the Pomboo. She has been studying these dolphins for over 25 years and knows them as well as you know your friends and family.
Recommendations or Comments: This was an interesting book. Not only do you learn about the dolphins themselves, but you also learn about the scientists studying them. "If the answer is easy, then it wasn't much of a question." is one of my favorite lines from this book. That can pertain to so many things in life. Great photographs and info. There are so many personalities, both human and dolphin, it's almost like a novel. I did have to go back and re-read earlier sections to remember who was who near the end of the book. If you thought you liked dolphins, read this book and you might fall in love with them.
Stars: 4 of 5
Reviewed By: Emily K.
November 4, 2013
The books in the Scientists in the Field series are almost always informative and well written, and this latest addition does not disappoint. Filled with colorful photographs and sparkling text that draw readers into the topic, the book focuses on dolphins living in Shark Bay, Australia. These dolphins use sponges as tools to aid them in gathering fish to ear, and have been the focus of study by scientist Janet Mann and her research team. The book's author follows Mann and her crew as they observe the dolphins and record their behavior. The book raises questions about the intelligence and possible culture of dolphins even while the researchers make note of the bonds their subjects form. Although it describes how humans feeding the dolphins along the beach caused so many problems years ago that the practice was stopped, the book also encourages readers to think about hard questions about training dolphins and dolphins in captivity. This is another must-have for the science classroom.
January 3, 2016
In this Scientists in the Field book, author Pamela S. Turner follows scientist Janet Mann as she researches the dolphins around Monkey Mia, a part of Shark Bay in Western Australia. Shark Bay seems to have conditions ideal for dolphins, and so there are many wild dolphins here. Janet and her team have found something unique to the dolphins do Shark Bay; some of them use tools! Discussions of the use of sponges as tools, as well as other dolphin behavior are deftly woven into the story of Turner's visit to Shark Bay. Turner's views help the reader to better understand the science taking place around her.
I would highly recommend this book to upper middle and high school students, as well as adults, interested in dolphins, behavioral science, or just an interesting book. An upper elementary or younger middle school student with appropriate background knowledge might also enjoy this book.
I would highly recommend this book to upper middle and high school students, as well as adults, interested in dolphins, behavioral science, or just an interesting book. An upper elementary or younger middle school student with appropriate background knowledge might also enjoy this book.
March 13, 2015
Excellent nonfiction read. The author gave facts, described research, and made the subject interesting for just about anyone. The photos were not only excellent, by also matched well with the text. For example, the opening paragraph of the book described a scientist standing on the dashboard of her boat with her toes gripping the steering wheel. For anyone uncertain how to visualize that, there is a nice, big picture showing that exact setup.
I love how many of today's juvenile nonfictions add extra information at the end, and this book does as well. But more than just extra info, it also explains about scientific papers and invites readers to give them a try. They aren't as hard as you would think, and the author tells us which sections of the papers to skip. AND, my favorite part, a last sidebar with new information discovered just before publication. Awesome!!
I love how many of today's juvenile nonfictions add extra information at the end, and this book does as well. But more than just extra info, it also explains about scientific papers and invites readers to give them a try. They aren't as hard as you would think, and the author tells us which sections of the papers to skip. AND, my favorite part, a last sidebar with new information discovered just before publication. Awesome!!
March 10, 2014
The Dolphins of Shark Bay by Pamela S. Turner with photographs by Scott Tuason - I absolutely loved getting lost in this book. I adore dolphins. Learning about dolphins and their innovations was incredible. Loved how research was developed and described in this book. Interesting to learn about the concept of culture within dolphin groups. Additionally appreciated how the book addressed people’s influence on the dolphin communities and how some research and evidence helped a government protect dolphins… My favorite lines in the book were: “Some of these questions may feel uncomfortable. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If the answer is easy, then it wasn’t much of a question.” p. 70. Agreed. Agreed.
December 31, 2013
This book gives readers a day-in-the-life experience of a dolphin researcher. Dolphin intelligence is examined and explained and much focus and study is devoted to tool use.
What made this such a fascinating book for me was the discussion of dolphin socialization and the different behaviors exhibited by cliques within the dolphin community in Shark Bay.
Recommended for grades 5-8. Love this series!
What made this such a fascinating book for me was the discussion of dolphin socialization and the different behaviors exhibited by cliques within the dolphin community in Shark Bay.
Recommended for grades 5-8. Love this series!
November 4, 2013
Stellar book about dolphins and what and how we can learn from them. Highlights include the complex relationships between individual dolphins. Highly recommended to middle grade readers and up.
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October 24, 2017Summary: This book follows Pamela S. Turner and her team as they go on an adventure to answer the question “Why are dolphins so smart?”. Turner and her team couldn’t answer their questions without the help of some friendly dolphins of Shark Bay.
Evaluation: This book was so extremely informative. The pictures showed the beautiful creatures that dolphins are. It brought to life just how amazing dolphins are. I liked how the pictures were of the dolphins where they are supposed to be not from an aquarium. This book was child friendly and allowed children to look into the life of a dolphin without it going over their heads.
Teaching Ideas: This book would be great to use for younger students when they are learning how to research. Give the students a graphic organizer, have them fill each section out by looking through the book and finding the answer. Once they find the answer have them write it in the box. Once the graphic organizer is filled out have them turn it into a few sentences.
October 11, 2019
The Dolphins of Shark Bay explores wild dolphins and their intelligence helps them to adapt in their natural environment. This book lets you ride along with the author Pamela Turner as she explores what makes dolphins so smart. Specifically, this book discusses why and how dolphins use sea sponges to protect their nose while they search along the channel floor. This book also shows four dolphins that Turner watches to see how they hunt, nurse, and play with one another.
Even though this is a science book, I noticed that is was much easier to read due to the fact that it actually feels like you are right there with the author as she experiences the interactions with the dolphins. The pictures also make the book much more intriguing because they are real photos of the dolphins that Turner actually saw and observed while she was in Shark Bay, Australia.
I would introduce this book to a student who has a high interest level for dolphins when they are asked to write an informational essay on a mammal of their choice or about adaptive behaviors some mammals exhibit.
Even though this is a science book, I noticed that is was much easier to read due to the fact that it actually feels like you are right there with the author as she experiences the interactions with the dolphins. The pictures also make the book much more intriguing because they are real photos of the dolphins that Turner actually saw and observed while she was in Shark Bay, Australia.
I would introduce this book to a student who has a high interest level for dolphins when they are asked to write an informational essay on a mammal of their choice or about adaptive behaviors some mammals exhibit.
November 3, 2019
This book is about a scientist that is studying a pod of dolphins that live in shark Cove. She finds them interesting because as every animal has adaptations these dolphins have a special one that only those dolphins have been seen doing and that is to pick up a sponge and use it when hunting for food. She studies these dolphins and can tell them all apart. I loved this book mostly because of my love for dolphins. I loved how the information came with pictures so I could see exactly what the dolphins were doing. I would use this book in my classroom when doing a research project on dolphins. If students were researching using this book they could come and synthesize information about dolphins from other books or resources to see just how different those dolphins are from others.
December 8, 2019
The book "The Dolphins of Shark Bay" by Pamela S. Turner follows scientists in the field as they search to answer the question "why are dolphins so smart?". The author uses beautiful and engaging real-life photographs of dolphins in their natural habitat. The use of humor in this book help create a sense of playfulness and fun, which young readers will love. I would use this book to address the following second grade standard: S2L1: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the life cycles of different living organisms. I would ask students to verbally communicate the life cycles of the dolphins discussed in the book, and how this might be different from other living organisms.
September 13, 2017
This is a really interesting and informative book with lots of great pictures. I was drawn to it because I love dolphins and the cover, which features a photo of a dolphin in shallow water, is bright and colorful.
I think this is a great book for older children through adults. Even younger children would probably enjoy looking at all the pictures and having someone read aloud to them from this book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because some of the "lingo" can be a bit confusing, but overall I think it is a great book.
I think this is a great book for older children through adults. Even younger children would probably enjoy looking at all the pictures and having someone read aloud to them from this book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because some of the "lingo" can be a bit confusing, but overall I think it is a great book.
January 18, 2018
A very impressive account based on time the author spent with dolphin researchers at Monkey Mia (Australia). Includes personal stories about the researchers, and information about the dolphins derived from scientific studies. Terrific photos help to introduce the characters described - both animal and human- and build the feel of what it's like to be in this very special place in Australia.
This is a great book for young independent readers interested in dolphins and/or in becoming biologists. #STEM
This is a great book for young independent readers interested in dolphins and/or in becoming biologists. #STEM
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November 24, 2019This story is about dolphins that live in shark clove that are being studied by scientists. Their adaptations are observed, and there is one dolphin that can pick up a sponge and its abilities to use it when searching and hunting for food. The book follows how the scientist works and studies the dolphins so well. I really like the way the book is set up, and the various photographs that are included with the information. A teaching idea for this book could be that it is used to show and talk to students about adaptations. Another could be used to teach students about text features.
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October 10, 2019Summary: This book is about the research conducted and the findings of dolphins in Shark Bay, a place where wild dolphins were observed. Dolphins are the smartest mammals and it is believed that if we could decode their language, we could have conversations with them.
Activity: I could use this book to teach non-fiction text features. It contains captions, headings, glossary, index, and diagrams.
Evaluation: I found this book very interesting; however, it is a fairly long book. This book would probably need to be read over several days.
Activity: I could use this book to teach non-fiction text features. It contains captions, headings, glossary, index, and diagrams.
Evaluation: I found this book very interesting; however, it is a fairly long book. This book would probably need to be read over several days.
February 18, 2018
My 6 year old really likes this book. As mom reading aloud to her, I found the journal-ish format a little difficult and not very smooth reading. We would often skip around and read more about what was happening in the photos.
May 7, 2018
If you aren't already fond of dolphins, you will be after reading this well researched and humorously written book with its many beautiful photos about the dolphins along the west coast of Australia.
October 12, 2019
This book is about Janet who discovers a mysterious dolphin that has a rostrum. Richard and Rachel visit Monkey Mia and observe dolphins there. They observe a new born Shark Bay calf. It discusses mating techniques the dolphins use. I like the book because there was lots of images that correlated with the text therefore, it was easier to grasp what the content said. There was tons and tons of information on this book about dolphins. I would use this book to teach students on how to write a research paper using the information from the book.
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November 30, 2013Turner, P. (2013). The dolphins of Shark Bay. (Photos by S. Tuason). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 80 pp. ISBN: 978-0-547-71638-1. (Hardcover); $18.99.
In this Scientists in the Field volume, Turner explores the intelligence of the dolphins that inhabit Shark Bay in Australia. Describing the research and observations of Janet Mann over more than twenty-five years, Turner’s excellent text makes readers feel as if they have arrived in Shark Bay. These dolphins have adapted to their habitat and have learned how to use elements of their environment to their advantage, including using sponges as a hunting tool. While it may be argued that dolphins are closer to humans in intelligence than any other animal, that hasn’t protected these dolphins from harm inflicted upon them by “smarter” humans, including the unintentional harm from our fascination with dolphins. Human interactions with these dolphins often create unintended consequences that are harmful to the animals and the environment. We read on page 14: “Away from the beach, they acted like normal mother-calf pairs—except that beach-fed mothers sometimes approached fishing boats to beg. At the Monkey Mia beach, however, their behavior changed. Instead of hunting, nursing their calves, or protecting them from sharks, the mothers spent hours obsessively begging. Fat moms didn’t necessarily raise well-fed calves, and the calves of beach-fed mothers didn’t learn the foraging skills they needed to survive. Tourists assumed that their fish handouts were helpful. Instead, Monkey Mia’s baby dolphins starved in a stew of good intentions.” As with all books in this series, readers will enjoy Tuason’s fascinating photographs of these amazing animals. Clear, lyrical narrative prose is the hallmark of Turner’s writing, as is her objective presentation of the ethical issues involved in caring for these dolphins and their habitat. Turner is a master at probing the compromises required between scientists, governments, and the people who live in the area. This book is perfectly at home in libraries for all grade levels. Teacher who explore the issue of animal intelligence will love the challenge this book presents to advanced high school science students!
For those readers wishing to explore the Curriculum Guide I co-author, note that this guide is vetted by Turner, especially as it relates to the complex issue of brain size and intelligence. For readers who wish to have a click-able link, send me an email, info@spicyreads.org, put “Dolphins of Shark Bay” in the subject and I will send the live link to you: http://www.scribd.com/doc/181474897/D...
In this Scientists in the Field volume, Turner explores the intelligence of the dolphins that inhabit Shark Bay in Australia. Describing the research and observations of Janet Mann over more than twenty-five years, Turner’s excellent text makes readers feel as if they have arrived in Shark Bay. These dolphins have adapted to their habitat and have learned how to use elements of their environment to their advantage, including using sponges as a hunting tool. While it may be argued that dolphins are closer to humans in intelligence than any other animal, that hasn’t protected these dolphins from harm inflicted upon them by “smarter” humans, including the unintentional harm from our fascination with dolphins. Human interactions with these dolphins often create unintended consequences that are harmful to the animals and the environment. We read on page 14: “Away from the beach, they acted like normal mother-calf pairs—except that beach-fed mothers sometimes approached fishing boats to beg. At the Monkey Mia beach, however, their behavior changed. Instead of hunting, nursing their calves, or protecting them from sharks, the mothers spent hours obsessively begging. Fat moms didn’t necessarily raise well-fed calves, and the calves of beach-fed mothers didn’t learn the foraging skills they needed to survive. Tourists assumed that their fish handouts were helpful. Instead, Monkey Mia’s baby dolphins starved in a stew of good intentions.” As with all books in this series, readers will enjoy Tuason’s fascinating photographs of these amazing animals. Clear, lyrical narrative prose is the hallmark of Turner’s writing, as is her objective presentation of the ethical issues involved in caring for these dolphins and their habitat. Turner is a master at probing the compromises required between scientists, governments, and the people who live in the area. This book is perfectly at home in libraries for all grade levels. Teacher who explore the issue of animal intelligence will love the challenge this book presents to advanced high school science students!
For those readers wishing to explore the Curriculum Guide I co-author, note that this guide is vetted by Turner, especially as it relates to the complex issue of brain size and intelligence. For readers who wish to have a click-able link, send me an email, info@spicyreads.org, put “Dolphins of Shark Bay” in the subject and I will send the live link to you: http://www.scribd.com/doc/181474897/D...
December 4, 2014
Turner, Pamela S. (2013) The Dolphins of Shark Bay. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children: New York, NY.
Junior Book Log: Informational
School Library Journal Starred Review
In this book, author Pamela Turner travels to Shark Bay, which is off the western coast of Australia, with researches to learn about bottlenose dolphins in that area. The researchers have been studying these dolphins for 25 years. Dolphins are the second most intelligent creatures on the planet (second to humans of course). And like humans they evolved tremendously over the course of their history on earth. In fact, they started out as land mammals that resembled wolves with flipper feet and they preyed on coastline fish. Over time they evolved to become aquatic mammals without feet. Like humans, they have a very intricate social system. The researchers of Shark Bay focused most of their research on the mother dolphins because they found most of the interesting new skills and talents arising from them, and being passed to their offspring. Here are some of the things they found: Because of their intelligence dolphins must compete for and consume a lot of food throughout the day to feed their large brains. Many dolphins in the Shark Bay area have developed new ways of hunting for fish, thereby eliminating competition. Some dolphins use sponges as tools to scour the floor for fatty fish that do not leave the reefs. Other dolphins developed the "beach hunting" or hydroplaning onto the beach, trapping large fish on the way. These such skills show how the dolphins improvise ways to solve problems. I learned so much about bottlenose dolphins from this book. I never realized the life of a dolphin could be so complicated but apparently they are very sophisticated creatures. It makes me wonder what they think about us! This book would be great for upper elementary to middle school age students, and it teaches about the evolutionary process, along with offering so much information about the life of a dolphin.
Junior Book Log: Informational
School Library Journal Starred Review
In this book, author Pamela Turner travels to Shark Bay, which is off the western coast of Australia, with researches to learn about bottlenose dolphins in that area. The researchers have been studying these dolphins for 25 years. Dolphins are the second most intelligent creatures on the planet (second to humans of course). And like humans they evolved tremendously over the course of their history on earth. In fact, they started out as land mammals that resembled wolves with flipper feet and they preyed on coastline fish. Over time they evolved to become aquatic mammals without feet. Like humans, they have a very intricate social system. The researchers of Shark Bay focused most of their research on the mother dolphins because they found most of the interesting new skills and talents arising from them, and being passed to their offspring. Here are some of the things they found: Because of their intelligence dolphins must compete for and consume a lot of food throughout the day to feed their large brains. Many dolphins in the Shark Bay area have developed new ways of hunting for fish, thereby eliminating competition. Some dolphins use sponges as tools to scour the floor for fatty fish that do not leave the reefs. Other dolphins developed the "beach hunting" or hydroplaning onto the beach, trapping large fish on the way. These such skills show how the dolphins improvise ways to solve problems. I learned so much about bottlenose dolphins from this book. I never realized the life of a dolphin could be so complicated but apparently they are very sophisticated creatures. It makes me wonder what they think about us! This book would be great for upper elementary to middle school age students, and it teaches about the evolutionary process, along with offering so much information about the life of a dolphin.
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