Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion (Scientists in the Field Series) [Hardcover]

Loree Griffin Burns (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Scientists in the Field Series

Aided by an army of beachcombers, oceanographer Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer tracks trash in the name of science. From sneakers to hockey gloves, Curt monitors the watery fate of human-made cargo that has spilled into the ocean. The information he collects is much more than casual news; it is important scientific data. And with careful analysis, Curt, along with a community of scientists, friends, and beachcombers alike, is using his data to understand and protect our ocean.

In engaging text and unforgettable images, readers meet the woman who started it all (Curt’s mother!), the computer program that makes sense of his data (nicknamed OSCURS), and several scientists, both on land and on the sea, who are using Curt’s discoveries to preserve delicate marine habitats and protect the creatures who live in them.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 5–8—While the subtitle leads one to believe that the heart of this book is about the science of ocean currents, it's actually about why we need to protect our marine environment. Burns tells the tale of Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, an oceanographer who started to track trash (flotsam) that washed up on the shore near his Seattle home. Through floating sneakers and bath toys that accidentally fell off container ships and a computer program named OSCURS, Ebbesmeyer tracked the currents of the ocean. These experiments led to a discussion of how debris is polluting our oceans and causing harm to marine life. Burns introduces the work of several scientists who are working to clean up ghost nets and other dangerous debris. The well-written narration will keep readers engaged, and it's excellent for reports. The science is clearly explained, and the vivid and lively photographs and well-labeled charts and diagrams help to create interest and build understanding. This title will get readers thinking and possibly acting on these problems.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

In 1990, five containers packed with Nike sneakers were swept off a cargo ship during a storm at sea. In 1992, 28,800 floating bathtub toys spilled into the Pacific in a similar mishap. The book profiles two oceanographers who devised experiments using computer-modeling programs of ocean surface current movement to predict the landfall of these drifting objects. They also gathered data from the beachcombing community to test their hypotheses. The last third of the book describes the mounting problem of plastic trash in the oceans and shows how this debris is destructive to marine life. Back matter includes a glossary, bibliographic notes, and short annotated lists of books and Web sites. Spacious layout, exceptionally fine color photos, and handsome maps give this book an inviting look, though its higher reading level indicates an older audience than some earlier titles in the Scientists in the Field series. A unique and often fascinating book on ocean currents, drifting trash, and the scientists who study them. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; None edition (March 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618581316
• ISBN-13: 978-0618581313
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Children's Books > Transportation > Boats & Ships
  • #47 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water
  • #48 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Environment & Ecology

More About the Author

I write books about science for young people. From an oceanographer who tracks plastic ducks through the world ocean to an entomologist who studied mason bees in his backyard to an astronomer who spent her life puzzling over ground drawings in the desert of Peru, the scientists I meet every day -- in person or through my research -- are fascinating and passionate people. I love sharing their stories through my books.

I live and work online at www.loreeburns.com; stop by for a visit sometime!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knocked My Socks Off, May 12, 2007

By 

E. C. Martz (MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion (Scientists in the Field Series) (Hardcover)

This book is amazing! It's a such a great story I forgot I was reading a science book.

Dr. Burns managed to deliver a serious message in a manner that is down-to-Earth and never preachy. Her writing style is engaging, I felt like she was sitting in the room chatting with me. The photographs are captivating, and sometimes heartbreaking.

I've recommended this children's book to several friends - all adults. It's fun to read and extremely interesting. I can't wait for Dr. Burns' next book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science as entertainment, May 22, 2007

By 

New Hampshire Robin (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion (Scientists in the Field Series) (Hardcover)

What a great book! I read it aloud to my son and found other adults listening in. It combines geography, ecology, oceanography and probably a few other ologies. Great pictures, great story to follow. The message is that science isn't conducted only in a lab. Anyone can discover something valuable by observing what goes on around them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable!, October 8, 2008

By 

Michele (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion (Scientists in the Field Series) (Hardcover)

Tracking Trash is the story of Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, an oceanographer who studies the movement of ocean currents. Dr. Ebbesmeyer's work has attracted attention because he has received much of his information from studying trash. It all began when his mother heard about sneakers that were washing up on a beach after a cargo ship lost one of its containers. Since then, he has tracked sneakers, Lego's, and even rubber duckies that have been accidentally spilled at sea and made their way to shore. By understanding how ocean currents move, scientists hope to solve many problems such as fish shortages and animals being caught in fishing nets. This book was very enjoyable to read and easy to understand. The pictures were large and engaging. The author did a great job at making it feel like a story while at the same time giving a lot of scientific information.