Abstract
Scientists report their research in journals, which are special booklets that enable scientists to share information with one another. This journal, Natural IQ, was created so that scientists can share their research with you and with other middle school students. Each article tells you about scientific research conducted by scientists in the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. If you want to know more about the Forest Service, you can read about it on the inside back cover of this journal, or you can visit the Natural Inquirer Web site at
http://www.naturalinquirer.org. Natural IQ is a member of the Natural Inquirer family of science journals. Natural IQ focuses on a specific U.S. region. This Natural IQ describes research in the Southern United States. All of the research in Natural IQ is concerned with nature, such as trees, forests, animals, insects, outdoor activities, and water. First, you will “Meet the Scientists” who conducted the research. Then you will read something special about science and about the natural environment. You will also read about a specific research project, which is written in the format that scientists use when they publish their research in journals. Then, YOU will become the scientist when you conduct the FACTivity associated with each article. Don’t forget to look at the glossary and the special sections highlighted in each article. At the end of each section of the article, you will find a few questions to help you think about what you have read. Your teacher may use these questions in a class discussion.
Citation
McDonald, Babs; Nickelsen, Jessica; Dobish, Julia; Riley, Elissa; Andrews, Michelle; Melear-Daniels, Emily, production staff. 2014. Natural IQ: Investigating questions about climate. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-GTR-183. Asheville, NC. USDA-Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 92 p.