Learning About Eugenie Clark: A Famous Female Scientist
Looking to introduce your kids to an amazing woman in science? Explore the research of female ichthyologist Eugenie Clark and her career studying sharks. Read on for student book recommendations and hands-on marine science activity ideas, and download a free science coloring page focused on different shark species.
This post contains affiliate links.
Life under the sea has captivated my attention since I was old enough to walk on the beach and stick my face under the salty water. Learning about marine biology continued to be a passion of mine all through childhood, which led me to major in the field of marine science for my undergraduate degree. Memorizing the common names of every invertebrate I came across in the intertidal zone became a hobby, and learning how to scuba dive was a dream come true.
Now, as a mom of two kids, I’m that person that follows their children on the beach, naming every seashell they pick up and explaining the curious habits of ghost crabs and mollusks, in the hopes that they might find joy in the marine world as I did. Reading aloud books about pioneering female marine biologists such as Eugenie Clark is another way to share my love of marine science with my children, destigmatizing sharks as “deadly creatures” and instead sharing their important role in the oceanic ecosystem.
Who was Eugenie Clark?
Eugenie Clark was an American ichthyologist, marine biologist, and pioneering researcher in the field of shark behavior and ecology. She was also known as the “Shark Lady” for her lifelong devotion to the study of these misunderstood creatures. Despite facing gender discrimination in a male-dominated field, Clark went on to become a respected expert in her field and made important contributions to our understanding of shark behavior and ecology. Throughout her career, she also encouraged and mentored young people, particularly women, and girls, to pursue careers in science. Clark was a trailblazer in the field of marine biology and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and conservationists.
What is an Ichthyologist?
An ichthyologist is a scientist who specializes in the study of fish, including their biology, behavior, distribution, and ecology. Ichthyologists may work in a variety of settings, such as research institutions, museums, aquariums, universities, and governmental agencies.
The field of ichthyology is vast and encompasses many different aspects of fish biology, including their anatomy, physiology, genetics, evolution, and conservation. Ichthyologists may use a range of tools and techniques to study fish, such as molecular biology, histology, microscopy, and field observation.
Ichthyologists may also specialize in particular types of fish or aquatic environments, such as freshwater or marine systems, and may focus on specific topics like fish behavior or fisheries management. Their work is critical to understanding and managing fish populations, conserving aquatic ecosystems, and supporting sustainable fisheries.
Eugenie Clark specialized in marine systems, focusing her research on shark biology and ecology.
The Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
“The Shark Lady” by Jess Keating is a children’s non-fiction book about the life and work of ichthyologist Eugenie Clark. The book highlights Clark’s love for marine life, particularly for sharks, and her pioneering research in the field of ichthyology. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated field, Clark went on to become a leading expert in shark behavior and ecology. Through vivid illustrations, humorous anecdotes, and engaging storytelling, “The Shark Lady” showcases Clark’s passion for science, her fearless spirit, and her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of marine biology. The book aims to inspire young readers to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.
This picture book would be perfect to read aloud to students. Pair the read-aloud with my free coloring sheet on shark species and you’ve got a complete mini-lesson on shark biology!
What Did Female Scientist Eugenie Clark Discover About Sharks?
Eugenie Clark made several important discoveries about sharks throughout her career as a marine biologist. Some of her key contributions include:
- Sharks are not primitive animals: Clark challenged the prevailing view that sharks were primitive, mindless creatures and showed that they have complex behavior and cognitive abilities.
- Sharks have excellent memory: Clark discovered that sharks have an excellent sense of smell and can remember the scent of food for several days.
- Sharks can form social bonds: Clark discovered that some species of sharks, such as the nurse shark, can form social bonds and interact with each other in complex ways.
- Sharks are important for the ocean’s ecosystem: Clark showed that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems by controlling populations of other animals, such as rays and smaller fish.
Overall, Clark’s work helped to dispel many misconceptions about sharks and increase our understanding of these fascinating creatures. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of marine biologists and her work has had a lasting impact on the field of shark biology.
Activities for Kids to Learn More About Sharks
There are many fun and educational activities that kids can do to learn more about sharks. Here are a few ideas:
- Watch shark documentaries: Many great documentaries about sharks are both educational and engaging. Some popular ones include “Blue Planet II,” “Sharkwater,” and “Jaws of the Deep.”
- Read shark books: There are plenty of books about sharks that are written for children, such as “The Ultimate Book of Sharks” by Brian Skerry and “Surprising Sharks” by Nicola Davies.
- Visit an aquarium: Many aquariums have exhibits that feature sharks, which can provide a great opportunity for kids to learn more about these fascinating creatures up close.
- Create shark crafts: Kids can make shark crafts, such as drawing or painting pictures of sharks, making shark puppets, or creating shark-themed jewelry.
- Conduct experiments: Kids can conduct simple experiments to learn about sharks, such as testing the buoyancy of different materials to understand how sharks stay afloat or using different materials to test how sharks can sense vibrations in the water.
- Attend a shark-themed event: Many zoos, aquariums, and nature centers host shark-themed events that provide educational and interactive experiences for kids.
These activities can be a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about the variety of shark species, the importance of shark conservation and sharks’ role in the marine ecosystem.
Free Shark Species Coloring Sheet
Interested in a free, downloadable coloring sheet focused on the diversity of sharks? Simply input your name and email address below to get your copy!
More Books About Eugenie Clark’s Work
Looking for more books to explore Eugenie Clark’s pioneering work as a female scientist and marine biologist? Here are a few titles to extend your learning.
- “The Lady and the Sharks: Eugenie Clark, Marine Biologist” by Eugenie Clark – This is Dr. Clark’s autobiography, which recounts her early life and her groundbreaking research on sharks and other fish.
- “Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark” by Heather Lang – The book follows Clark’s journey from her childhood fascination with marine life to her groundbreaking research on sharks. Despite facing discrimination as a woman and as a Japanese-American during World War II, Clark persevered and became a respected expert in her field. Through engaging text and vivid illustrations, the book highlights some of Clark’s notable discoveries, including her discovery of a new species of shark and her groundbreaking research on the behavior of sharks in captivity. The book also explores Clark’s efforts to promote conservation and educate the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
- “Shark Lady: True Adventures of Eugenie Clark” by Ann McGovern – This paperback book provides an introduction to the life and career of the ichthyologist and marine biologist whose interest in fish began at the age of nine during weekly trips to the Aquarium in New York City.
If you’re interested in learning about more famous female scientists, I’ve curated a list of children’s picture books highlighting fabulous female scientists and their work.
One Comment
Comments are closed.