Mars and the Search for Life

by Elaine Scott

Despite the fondest desires of science fiction fans, everyone knows Mars isn't inhabited by little green men. In fact, Mars is a desolate, hostile world, with unbearably cold temperatures, no atmosphere to speak of, and violent dust storms. But could there ever have been life there, in some form? And if so, what happened to it? And could life exist there again one day? Maybe even human life? Elaine Scott takes readers on a journey through history and space and then into an exciting future as she explores the growing body of evidence that water---and therefore the potential for life---was present on Mars at one time. Even more titillating, the possibility of human habitation now hovers on the horizon, maybe within the next 30 years---an exciting prospect for young readers, some of whom may be among those first colonists.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2008

Reviews

[Dixie Keyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This informational book is just one of many young adolescents would want to peruse for information about Mars, the satellites Earth has sent to Mars, the rovers currently on Mars, and the search for water and information about past life on Mars.
My favorite parts of the book: are the descriptions of the failed attempts to land or get into the atmosphere of Mars; how a 3rd grader won a contest to name the very successful Mars rovers; the real-life photographs of Mars we now have; and descriptions of plans to send humans there.
Additionally, there are historical traces of space missions that depict how we were finally able to do scientific work on Mars....complete with a glossary and index, this is a valuable classroom book or research tool, perfect for a science classroom.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are we alone in the universe? Have we always been alone? Is it possible that there is or was life on Mars? Scientists are determined to find out and Elaine Scott tells us how in her new book. By studying rocks and minerals on Mars, scientists can figure out if there was once water on Mars, which would indicate that life may have once existed there. Tons of information including interesting sidebars, a schedule of future Mars expeditions, and suggestions for further reading make this a great choice for kids interested in space or doing a report on the red planet.

Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we hear "search for life" in the title, we're not talking about one-eyed aliens--Mars is being explored to discover whether any lifeform has existed on the planet. Scott adds insights to this book which make it a very interesting read: i.e., the use of refuse from the wreckage from the Twin Towers to use in tools bound for the Mars surface; space junk; time on Mars. Scott's enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her writing.

Pair this book with Siy's Cars on Mars and readers will learn that the two vehicles Scott describes lived on far past their expected life, sending back information to Earth.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of good illustrations and photographs, plus interesting to read make this book a must for young fans of outer space and space exploration. There is also an excellent index, guide to further reading and suggested websites.

[Natalie Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book!

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text was a bit too dense, I gave a condensed version.