Earth Science Resources

Nonfiction Books

Violent Earth

by Robert Dinwiddie

     This vibrant book about the destructive nature of planet Earth was funded by the Smithsonian. Extensive research, elaborate maps, and specially commissioned illustrations  make it not only informative and reliable but captivating.

Dinwiddie, Robert. Violent Earth. New York: DK Institute, 2011. Print. ISBN: 9780756686857 U.S. $40.00

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Earth: the Life of Our Planet                           Mike Goldsmith ; illustrated by Mark A. Garlick
          Beautiful, double-page, illustrations present the Earth at key moments in history. Accompanying each spread are short pieces of text providing integral and interesting information about the formation and development of the Earth. There is a several-page timeline in the back of the book providing excellent, well-researched information about Earth's history.

Goldsmith, Mike. Earth: the Life of Our Planet. New York: Kinfisher, 2011. Print.                                                 ISBN: 9780753466254 U.S. $17.99


 The Story of Earth: 

the First 4.5 Billion Years, 

From Stardust to Living Planet

by Robert M. Hazen

       Hazen, an Earth Science professor, tells the story of Earth's formation using imagery and imagination. The Story of Earth explores the co-creation of living matter and rocks and how their relationship effected the early years on Earth. In chronological chapters, Hazen outlines what life on Earth has been like throughout the centuries. He also tells the story of the scientists behind the discoveries.

Hazen, Robert M. The Story of Earth: the First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet. New York: Viking Adult, 2012. Print. ISBN: 9780670023554 Hardbound U.S. $27.95

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Public Library! 


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American Earth: 

Environmental Writing Since Thoreau

edited by Bill McKibben ; foreword by Al Gore

        Arranged chronologically, this book has collected the best writings by the best known environmentalists and thinkers throughout history. Not only essays, the book includes poems, song lyrics, and cartoons discussion nature and the inherent value of the Earth.

McKibben, Bill, ed. American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau. New York: Literary Classics of  the United States, 2008. Print. ISBN: 9781598530209 Hardcover. U.S. $40.00

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Public Library! 


Reference Books

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Student Atlas of World Geography

 by John L. Allen

        This atlas features almost 300 pages of color maps. Not only do the maps provide basic geographic information but socioeconomic information such as world politics, agriculture, demographics, and economic issues.

Allen, John L. Student Atlas of World Geography. 5th Ed. Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780073527574 Paperback U.S. $38.50

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Public Library! 

 

Science 101: Ocean Science

by Jennifer Hoffman

The Science 101 series is funded by the Smithsonian and is authoritative, informative, and geared towards captivating and educating the non-scientist. This book on oceanography features vibrant, color illustrations, comprehensive charts and timelines, and text that reads more like a magazine than a textbook.

Hoffman, Jennifer. Science 101: Ocean Science. New York: Harper Collins, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780060891398 Paperback U.S. $18.99

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Library!



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 Science 101: Geology 

by Mark A. S. McMenamin

This easy-to-use reference features over 200 color illustrations of rock classifications, geological catastrophes, and other images of other natural subjects. The book features a geological timeline of the Earth, information on technology and research, charts, and a geographic map of the world. 

McMenamin, Mark A.S. Science 101: Geology. New York: Harper Collins, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780060891367 Paperback U.S. $18.99

Click here to see if this book is available at Ames Library!

Fiction Books 

They Came From Below

by Blake Nelson

       Best friends, Emily and Reese, look forward to their annual summer vacation to Cape Cod. Each summer provides them the same hope to meet gorgeous boys that will sweep them off their feet; and each summer delivers the same disappointment. Then, along come Steve and Dave and everything changes. The girls know that Steve and Dave aren't from Cape Cod, little do they know that they are from the depths of the sea and have surfaced in an urgent effort to save their home. This young adult novel by the tour-de-force, Blake Nelson, will start powerful discussions about the destruction of habitats and ecosystems. This story really brings the crisis close to home.

Nelson, Blake. They Came From Below. New York: Tor Teen, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780765314239 Hardcover. U.S. $17.95

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 Empty by Suzanne Weyn

        In the near future, oil shortages have led to devastating storms and the Earth is on the brink of complete annihilation.  Four high school seniors battle to reform their society and create an ecological, sustainable way of life and, in the process, save the people they love the most. This is an exciting book that demonstrates the devastation that is possible when the Earth and its resources are not respected.

Weyn, Suzanne. Empty. New York: Scholastic Press, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9780545172783 Hardcover. U.S. $17.99

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The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by  Jacqueline Kelly

         This Newberry Honor winning book follows Calpurnia as she navigates being a girl coming of age at the turn of the century. Her grandfather, an avid naturalist, guides her explorations as she answers her multitudes of questions about the natural world.

Kelly, Jacqueline. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt & Co., 2009. Print. ISBN: 9780805088410 Hardcover U.S. $16.99

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eBooks

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The Weather of the Future:

Heat Waves, Extreme Storms, and Other Scenes from a Climate-Changed Planet

by Heidi Cullen

Downloadable eBook

           Dr. Cullen, a leading climatologist, explains how climate and weather will react if we continue to emit carbon at the current levels. The Weather of the Future explores the relationship between human behaviors and climate and weather patterns.

Cullen, Heidi. The Weather of the Future: Heat Waves, Extreme Storms, and Other Scenes from a Climate-Changed Planet. New York: Harper Collins e-books, 2010. Electronic resource. ISBN: 9780061992421 U.S. $9.99 

Click here to see if this item is available to download.

Darwin's Ghosts: 

the Secret History of Evolution

by Rebecca Stott

        Each chapter focuses on the work of an early scientist and how their research aided in Darwin's famous discoveries. Stott weaves the histories of these revolutionary thinkers with the story of Darwin's research, publications, and the criticism he received. 

Stott, Rebecca. Darwin's Ghosts: the Secret History of Evolution. New York: Random House, Spiegel & Grau, 2012. Electronic resource. ISBN: 9780679604136 U.S. $13.99

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Blind Descent

The Quest to Discover

the Deepest Place on Earth

by James M. Tabor

         Using personal interviews and research logs Tabor tells the story of two explorers' journeys to the deepest points on Earth. In 2004 Bill Stone and Alexander Klimchouk set out in different parts of the world to reach the deepest points in cave systems known for their unreachable depths. This book is intriguing and paints a picture of parts of the Earth that most people will never know.  

Tabor, James M. Blind Descent: the Quest to Discover the Deepest Place on Earth. New York: Random House, 2010. Electronic resource. ISBN: 9781588369949 U.S. $11.99

Click here to see if this item is available to download. 

Articles 

Nature: October 19, 2006

Evolution of the Continental Crust

C.J.Hawkesworth & A.I.S.Kemp

       This article describes in great depth the composition and evolution of the Earth's continental crust. Charts outlining the chemical composition and graphs demonstrating the changes help make this article accessible and informational.

Hawkesworth, C.J., and A.I.S. Kemp. "Evolution of the Continental Crust." Nature 19 Oct. 2010: 811-817. Print.

Read this article (you'll need your library card). 


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Scientific American:  June 2010 

The Earth's Missing Ingredient

by Kei Hirose

        This article provides information regarding the structure and composition of the Earth's inner layers and, specifically, the Earth's core. The bulk of the article focuses on limitations regarding exploration of the Earth's inner layers. New and historical research, experiment methodology, and the use of new technologies are also discussed. 

Hirose, Kei. "The Earth's Missing Ingredient." Scientific American June 2010: 76-83. Print.

Read this article (you'll need your library card). 

Science News: April 9, 2011

Continent Prepares To Do the Splits

by Alexandra Witze

      The continental crust beneath Ethiopia is moving, shifting, and pulling apart. This article discusses research by geologists Ian Bastow and Derek Keir on mechanics of the Earth's crust in this area. The research points to the eventual creation of a new ocean. It also provides exciting, historical evidence towards the creation of the Earth as it is today.

Witze, Alexandra. "Continent Prepares To Do the Splits." Science News  9 Apr. 2011: 12. Print.

Read this article (you'll need your library card). 

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Databases 

Image from study.brainfuse.com 

Brainfuse Homework Help

Flashbulb Flashcards

      This site features a large list of Earth Science topics including geology, geography, weather, evolution, oceanography, and more. Use the flashcards, practice tests, crossword puzzles, and other study aides to expand your knowledge of Earth science. There are even live tutors available to answer your questions.

Flashbulb. Brainfuse Inc., 2011. Web. 16, July 2012. 

Visit this database (you'll need your library card). 

Student Research Center 

powered by EBSCOhost

      This database allows you to search newspapers, magazines, books, primary source documents, and more. There are options to browse resources by Earth Science topics such as agriculture, geology, botany, energy sources, and climate.  

Student Research Center. EBSCO Industries Inc., 2012. Web. 16 July 2012. 

View this database (you'll need your library card).

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World Book Online

           This resource is a treasure trove of information. Choose between the For Kids! site, the Info Finder, or the Reference Center. World Book Online for Kids! offers games and interactive forums for exploring Earth Science topics. The Info Finder has the answers and facts you might be looking for. Lastly, the Reference Center has many, excellent resources including an "Interactive Earth" feature with interactive maps and atlases. 

World Book Online. World Book Inc., 2012. Web. 16, July 2012. 

 Visit this database (you'll need your library card). 

Multimedia Resources 

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 Earth from Above (DVD) 

produced by Montparnasse Productions

       This six-disc set is based on the book of the same title by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Viewers experience the majesty of the Earth's surface from the deepest parts of the ocean, to the frozen Antarctic, to the lively African Savannah. This series is an excellent introduction to the vastly different climates, topography, and wildlife the planet has to offer.                   

Earth from Above. Montparnasse Productions, 2011. DVD. 

ISBN: 9781594646287 U.S. $29.00

Click here to see if this item is available at Ames Public Library! 

NOAA's Year of Science Multimedia Page


         This page from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association provides links to charts, visualizations, podcasts, and videos like the one of Edward James Olmos to the right. These multimedia resources tackle topics of environmental protection, sea floor mapping, biodiversity, plate techtonics, and many more Earth science topics.

"Multimedia." Year of Science. NOAA, 2009. Web. 14 July 2012.   

Video from oceanservice.noaa.gov 

Image from borders.com.au 

The World Without Us 

by  Alan Weisman and Adam Grupper

(Downloadable Audiobook)

        Weisman and Grupper explore the few, remaining untouched areas of the Earth. Through extensive research and observation this book explains what would remain and how things would change if humans were no longer impacting the Earth.

Weisman, Alan, and Adam Grupper. The World Without Us. New York: Macmillan Audio, 2007. Downloadable audio. ISBN: 9781427220394 U.S. $15.00

Check to see if this item is available to download.


Websites 

USGS: Science for a Changing World www.usgs.gov 

          This is the official website for the United States Geographical Survey. The USGS provides information about ecosystems, the environment, natural hazards, natural resources, climate and land-use in the United States. The site contains useful fact sheets, multimedia resources, maps, and articles on current ecological issues and events.

USGS: Science for a Changing World. United State Dept. of Interior, 2012. Web. 14 July, 2012.

National Ocean Service

           This site, provided by NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), contains lots of useful information about the geography, history, and current issues of the ocean. If you click on the 'education' tab you will find games, case studies, and tutorials. This is a great resource for ocean and marine animal information.

National Ocean Service. NOAA, 2012. Web. 14 July 2012.


National Atlas: Where We Are
 
      "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a map is worth ten thousand. This is not like any atlas you remember."
 -from the site
      National Atlas catalogs information about the geography of the United States as it pertains to different environmental qualities including water sources, climate, agriculture, and geology. Using National Atlas' map generator you can create current or historical maps based on these and other environmental and socioeconomic statistics.

National Atlas of the United States. United States Dept. of Interior, 2011. Web. 14 July 2012.

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Social Media 

Video from youtube.com 

Geological Society of America's 

YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/geosociety

The Geological Society of America gathers Earth scientists from around the globe to discuss and explore the composition and structure of the Earth and its features. This YouTube channel features lectures, meetings, and explanations of the society's programs.

Also visit GSA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GSA.1888

Geological Society of America. YouTube, n.d. Web. 16 July 2012.

Geological Society of America. Facebook, 2012. Web. 16 July 2012.



National Geographic's 

YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/nationalgeographic

        Spend some time exploring National Geographic's YouTube channel. Watch clips from T.V. shows, learn about current research and explorations, and experience some of the beautiful, dangerous, and exciting things the Earth has to offer.

Also visit National Geographic's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/natgeo

National Geographic. YouTube, n.d. Web. 16 July 2012.

National Geographic. Facebook, 2012. Web. 16 July 2012.

Video from youtube.com 


Video from youtube.com 

USGS: 

Science for a Changing World 

YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/usgs

        Watch some incredible videos of volcanos and floods, learn about map making and natural disasters, and watch presentations on geology and geography.

Also visit USGS's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/USGeographicalSurvey

USGS: Science for a Changing World. YouTube, n.d. Web. 16 July 2012.

USGS: Science for a Changing World. Facebook, 2012. Web. 16 July 2012.

Organizations/ Associations

EPA www.epa.gov

Environmental Protection Agency
    The EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment. The organization focuses on the impact and relationship between natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, international trade, and environmental policy. On the EPA website you will find information on air and water quality, ecosystems, climate change, and information about current environmental issues and concerns.

EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 14 July 2012.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

         "NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of    the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them."

Lubchenco, J.  About NOAA. NOAA, (n.d.) <www.noaa.org/about-noaa.html>


 USGS www.usgs.gov
United States Geographical Survey

The USGS provides information about ecosystems, the environment, natural hazards, natural resources, climate and land-use in the United States. The site contains useful fact sheets, multimedia resources, maps, and articles on current ecological issues and events.

USGS. United StatesDepartment of Interior, 2011. Web. 16 July 2012. 

Pamphlets/Brochures 

This brochure is produced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and provides information on forestry in Iowa

Forestry Brochure

The following brochure produced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides information about Iowa's State Parks.

State Parks Brochure

The following booklet produced by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies provides basic information regarding climate change.

Climate Change Booklet

There are more resources available than what I have listed! To help you with your research, a list of classifications, subject headings, and alternative search terms can be found here.  

 Arielle Loy 2012

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