"Our Stolen Future: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence, and Survival?--A Scientific Detective Story" by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers is an excellent choice for a high school science book study, particularly for courses in:
Environmental Science
Biology (especially human biology, genetics, and ecology)
Chemistry (with a focus on organic chemistry and toxicology)
Health Sciences/Public Health
The book itself is written in a compelling "scientific detective story" style, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. It explores the fascinating and concerning topic of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their impact on human and wildlife health.
Here's how you can use it as a book study:
I. Key Scientific Concepts and Themes to Focus On:
Endocrine System and Hormones:


Core Biology: Discuss the major glands of the endocrine system (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, gonads, etc.) and their functions. Explain what hormones are, how they work as chemical messengers, and the "lock and key" mechanism of hormone-receptor binding.
Developmental Biology: Emphasize the crucial role of hormones in fetal development, growth, and sexual differentiation. The book heavily highlights how exposure during critical developmental windows can have lifelong consequences.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs):


Definition: Define EDCs as exogenous substances that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body.
Mechanisms of Action: Explore how EDCs can:
Mimic natural hormones (agonists).
Block natural hormones (antagonists).
Alter hormone synthesis or metabolism.
Change hormone receptor levels.
Examples: Discuss specific EDCs mentioned in the book (e.g., DDT, PCBs, dioxins, phthalates, BPA, DES) and their common sources (pesticides, plastics, industrial chemicals).
The Coconut Swindle by Matt Abraham is a hard boiled detective novel with superhero/supervillain elements, not a book with overt scientific themes in the traditional sense. It's part of a series called "Black Cape Case Files" and features a former supervillain turned private investigator named Dane Curse. The "coconut" in the title refers to a large diamond, the "Vandenberg Coconut," which is the motivation for murder in the story.
Given this, using "The Coconut Swindle" as a direct science book study in a high school science class would be challenging, as it doesn't seem to delve into scientific concepts in a way that aligns with a typical science curriculum. It's more of a genre fiction piece.
However, if you're determined to incorporate it, you could approach it in a more interdisciplinary way, using it as a springboard for discussions that touch upon scientific concepts tangentially related to the plot or the fictional world. Here are some creative, perhaps less conventional, ways to do so:
Possible Avenues for a Tangential Science Connection:
Forensic Science (Crime Scene Investigation):


Activity: Analyze the initial crime scene described in the book. What evidence might a real forensic scientist look for? (e.g., blood spatter, fingerprints, trace evidence, ballistics if firearms are involved).
Discussion: How do fictional detectives often differ from real forensic scientists? What are the limitations of forensic science? Discuss the scientific principles behind various forensic techniques (e.g., DNA analysis, chromatography, toxicology).
Project: Have students design a "forensic kit" for a specific type of crime scene, explaining the scientific purpose of each tool.

Please use contact information below if you have questions.

Pamela S. Longino
Media Specialist
Baldwin High School
155 GA Hwy 49 W
Milledgeville, GA 31061
478-453-6429 (ext 5333)
pamela.longino@baldwin.k12.ga.us
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