Journeys of a Field Biologist: Adventures with Snakes and Other Critters

Abstract

If you have ever been camping, done fieldwork, or taken a field course, then you will identify with many of the stories in this book. Journeys of a Field Biologist is a collection of the different experiences that occurred during Dr. Ford’s various treks into the field as a herpetologist. Each chapter in the book is a different field study and thus a different adventure, with the goal being “one of the most important aspects of being a scientist: making observations and generating hypotheses” (p. 3). Journeys of a Field Biologist contains many gems of wisdom for students, as well as fairly entertaining anecdotal stories of different adventures that happen in the field. From flying on an airplane with a suitcase full of snakes to hiking barefoot, this book is filled with experiences that will capture the interest of the type of person that doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty.This book demonstrates several values and concepts that I, in my role as a science teacher, try to instill in my students. For example, scientists know that collaborating with people with different skills and experiences often leads to looking at things in a different way. In Journeys of a Field Biologist, Dr. Ford describes the collaboration that occurs with people from other fields through in-person discussions at conferences. Scientific meetings, in person, are still critical. It is a win in the classroom anytime I can explain to my students that presenting evidence and reasoning to other groups, or completing a gallery walk, is similar to what scientists do. This book provides examples of the importance of communication among scientists within and between different fields of study. It portrays many other aspects of scientific life as well, from safety training to taking measurements. I appreciated that Dr. Ford describes the need for scientists to be prepared to problem-solve, as one doesn’t always know what will be needed in the field, especially when it comes to creative uses of ordinary objects (like socks) as equipment for field tasks (like capturing and transporting snakes). I also appreciated Dr. Ford’s point that, while field guides are a good place for people to start learning about nature, they are also indicators of where there is a lack of knowledge by what is omitted. It never occurred to me that a field guide could be used as a place to indicate where more research was needed.For teachers making a list of science books for students to read, this book is very student-friendly, filled not with highly technical language but with stories featuring interactions and adventures starring Dr. Ford, colleagues, and students. The stories are about discovery, adapting to different cultures, overcoming problems, and learning about all kinds of organisms. You don’t even have to be a fan of snakes to enjoy this book!