Working With Wildlife: A Guide to Careers in the Animal World (Science, College and Career Guidance)
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
A detailed survey of the career fields open to those who wish to work with wildlife, including veterinary medicine, zoo and aquarium careers, research, education, conservation, and more.
Age
12-13
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most exciting about the different careers working with wildlife described in the book?
Which animal would you like to learn more about and why?
If you could choose any job from the book to try for a day, which would it be and what would you hope to learn?
How do you think the work described in the book helps protect wildlife and their habitats?
What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to work with animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on each career mentioned in the book, discussing the pros and cons of each.
Connect book topics to local or current events involving wildlife to make the conversation more relevant and immediate.
Ask your child to imagine their own wildlife conservation project — discuss what kind of animals they would help, and how.
Use a map to locate areas discussed in the book, enhancing geographic literacy and helping visualize where animal conservation efforts take place.
Suggest watching a documentary or visiting a local zoo or wildlife reserve for a practical understanding of the careers discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and wildlife
Explanation: The book educates on the importance of treating wildlife and natural habitats with respect, emphasizing conservation work.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by participating in local clean-up events, being mindful of their environment, and learning about local wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and continuous learning
Explanation: Thane Maynard highlights the significance of formal education and ongoing learning in pursuing a career working with animals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay curious, value their education, and seek additional knowledge through books, documentaries, and educational programs.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases various careers where professionals must collaborate to achieve common goals in animal care and conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities, learning to cooperate, and valuing different roles within a group.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and commitment
Explanation: Careers in animal science and wildlife demand a high level of responsibility and dedication, as shown through the profiles of various workers.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by encouraging children to take care of pets or plants, demonstrating reliability and consistency in their tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: The book discusses how wildlife professionals often encounter and solve complex problems, whether in the field or in the laboratory.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to solve puzzles, participate in science fairs, and ask critical questions about the world around them.