Scientists explore 3 Weeks in the Rainforest

Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the award-winning author of over 50 nonfiction STEM books for children. A former middle school science teacher for 14 years, she’s also a science communicator, podcaster, and lifelong explorer. Jennifer is a long-time contributor and admin to the Mixed-Up Files blog, creator of the STEM Tuesday blog, and also the STEAMTeam Books promo group. You can learn more about Jennifer and her books at https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/. Most recently, Jen explored the rainforest’s environment with scientists who spent 3 Weeks in the Rainforest. Her forthcoming book captures the diverse ecosystems as well as the ways local communities and indigenous people have adapted to co-exist within this amazing environment.

Jen became interested in the Amazon inventory while at an exhibit of The Field Museum in Chicago while visiting her daughter who was a summer intern. The two decided to visit The Field Museum, and that is where Jen first saw the exhibit about the Rapid Inventory Project. We sat down to watch the short video about the project. Jen was hooked. “The vivid images, the amazing conservation efforts, and the team of awesome scientists made the Amazon come alive.” As Jen walked through the rest of the very informative and descriptive exhibit she was enthralled “to learn how these scientists would count every single animal they saw, collect samples, and literally take an inventory of the biological creatures of that area. But I think the coolest part was that the social scientists made great effort to include the local communities and Indigenous Peoples in their reports. The people who live in that area should have a lot of say in how it would be set up as protected lands.”

Jen recognizes that this inventory is important for readers and for the world. “It is an unbiased way to evaluate the health of an ecosystem, determine its strengths and where it might need help. But I think the best part of the way The Field Museum scientists work is that they do this with the full cooperation and involvement of local communities, Indigenous Peoples living there, as well as scientists from all levels of life. It is the people that live there that know best about the areas and that is a huge part of the recommendation made to the country for protection.”

The narrative style of Jen’s writing gives readers the sense of being right there in the field keeping a diary with the different teams. It creates a close bond for readers. But Jen didn’t trave with any of the teams because it wouldn’t be allowed. Instead Jen interviewed a few of the females scientists in person before the pandemic and interviewed the rest via zoom. Jen added, “Also, I’m not sure I’m as brave as they are to just go through these jungles and live amongst the animals.”

She would love for readers to come away from reading this book with an understanding that “there are ways to help their own environments.” This book isn’t just about the Amazon but could be about each reader’s own backyard or local park. She encourages readers to “take a biological inventory of the plants and animals around where you live. Find out which ones might be indigenous to your area, and which ones are not. Learn how you can help to keep your environment healthy and long-lasting.”

She explains that this ability to see the environment and keep it healthy is why she writes for kids. She says, “I think it’s a great way for them to see how people from different backgrounds and different countries can come together and collaborate to protect one of the world’s most amazing resources: the Amazon rainforest.”

One of the surprising aspects of the inventory team preparations for exploring an area was that a lead team comes and not only creates paths in and out of the rainforest, but they create necessary tables, chairs, canopies of leaves for the teams and then leave these items for local use. Jen feels the coolest part of this book was “talking with the awesome scientists that participated in it. My favorite part was when Dr. Lesley de Souza, an ichthyologist, told me that they just walk right into bodies of water or rivers in the Amazon. No waders, just boots and jeans. I said, aren’t their anaconda in these waters. She shrugged and said, ‘Yes, sometimes. The key is to just not let it wrap itself too far up your leg.’ (Yikes! And Wow! She is sooo impressive)”

Jen’s final chapters focus on the ways people can live and work in a symbiotic relationship with nature and the environment within the rain forests. Jen saw this as a way that kids and their grownups living in urban or suburban environments can create a lifestyle that incorporates this relationship into their lives. “The best thing to do is to learn about the environment where you live. Discover which plants are indigenous, or which might be invasive. Try to support the indigenous ones. Maybe even conduct your own inventory of creatures that live there. Consider planting areas that might help feed or protect these creatures. When you are more aware of your surroundings, you will naturally treat them better which is also better for your own mental health.”

The images in this book are lush and beautiful. Jen explains that the Field Museum provided all of the photos. Charlesbridge Publishing and the Field Museum came to their own agreement about the photos. Although Jen wasn’t involved with that she’s glad it worked out. “They are absolutely gorgeous!”

Jen encourage readers to learn more about the environments we need to maintain the earth and suggested that readers “look into local nonprofit organizations that might support a river, or zoos, or even parks. Find out what they are doing to help the environment and volunteer. If you live near a beach, participate in beach cleanups or help to promote safe turtle nesting. If you find an injured animal call the local rescue group. There are so many ways to help, you just need to look around and reach out.”

Readers are encouraged by Jen if they have the means to visit the Field Museum in Chicago. “I highly recommend it. It’s a fabulous place! There are so many different exhibits that teach us all about history and science. And, you’ll get to experience the book in a different way by walking through the Rapid Inventory exhibit. It’s amazing!”

Ann Angel