Imagine peering over the edge of a live volcano in the black of night, or standing face to face with a roaring, 800-pound silverback gorilla. Science is a dynamic and vital field of study that involves not merely observation and discovery, but also a very real element of danger. This book presents the thrilling stories of 40 female scientists who have faced daunting challenges in the field, in the science lab, and even in the academic community. The women represent a wide range of scientific disciplines, including physical, earth, and life sciences_from ecologists, biologists, and astronomers to volcanologists, speleologists, and crystallographers. Amazing scientists such as Marta Aznar and Dian Fossey are profiled and exciting vignettes describe about their work, passions, struggles, and accomplishments. Discussion questions and references for further study are also included. Inspiring to students who are pursuing science as a field of study, this informative and action-packed collection also fosters an appreciation of women's contributions to science and the great efforts required to advance our knowledge of the world. The book is a magnificent reference resource for reports and research papers, and educators can use the stories to launch science units or supplement the science curriculum. Grades 4-9