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Elizabeth Carney
Scholastic's SuperScience
"Mammoth Hunters" March 2005
Elizabeth Carney gave her young readers an inviting
description of the field work by scientists who are
studying the remains of an ancient mammoth in Siberia.
Laura Helmuth of Smithsonian magazine commended Carney's
use of "inviting, non-patronizing language,"
including the amusing image that a mammoth weighs more
than 230 fourth graders.
Carney, who wrote her story while working as an intern
for Scholastic publications after completing a master's
degree in biomedical journalism at New York University,
also told her readers that many questions remain unanswered,
such as why the mammoths died out. Her piece provides
a vivid description of field work and gives kids the
message, Helmuth said, that "they could go do this
when they grow up."
"Although it focuses on the topic of mammoths,
the story sheds light on scientists' work altogether,"
said Arthur Landwehr of German Public Radio. "Children
can easily understand how much work is involved with
discovery, and how rewarding it can be."
"I love children's writing," said Carney,
who is now an editor at Current Psychiatry. She continues
to freelance for Scholastic. "I'm very enthusiastic
whenever they assign me a story," Carney said.
The judges noted the quality of entries in this inaugural
competition for the children's science news award, including
several strong contenders from international media outlets.
In addition to recruiting international entries aggressively,
AAAS also included international reporters on the judging
panel.
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