Alison Pearce Stevens

Freelance Writer

Alison Pearce Stevens is a former duck wrangler, beekeeper and forever science geek who specializes in writing about science and nature for kids. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, their kids and a small menagerie of cuddly (and not-so cuddly) critters. She writes for Science News Explores, Highlights for Children, ASK (Arts and Sciences for Kids) magazine and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She is the author of several award-winning books, including Rhinos in Nebraska, Animal Climate Heroes and Detective Dogs.

All Stories by Alison Pearce Stevens

  1. Fossils

    Rhinos, camels and bone-crushing dogs once roamed Nebraska

    Scientists digging into the remnants of an ancient watering hole in Nebraska discovered evidence of an Africa-like savanna, complete with rhinos.

  2. Brain

    Patterns in brain activity can identify who will struggle to read

    Certain patterns of brain activity predict whether teens are strong readers or will struggle. Those diagnostic patterns show up even when doing math.

  3. Plants

    Urban gardens create a buffet for bees

    City gardens provide a huge amount of nectar and pollen for pollinators, making them an essential conservation tool.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Teen depression linked to how the brain processes rewards

    Depression in teens alters their brains’ pathways in ways that may put those kids at risk of lifelong mental-health problems — unless they get help.

  5. Physics

    Butterflies use jet propulsion for quick getaways

    If you have ever tried to catch a resting butterfly, you know they are surprisingly difficult to nab. A new study helps explain why.

  6. Brain

    Study is first to link brainwaves to certain forms of thought

    Electrical activity in the brain reveals when we are focused or allowing our minds to wander freely.

  7. Psychology

    Can’t remember? Maybe you multitask too much between screens

    Splitting your attention between devices can make it hard to create new memories, even when you’re not multitasking.

  8. Health & Medicine

    Social distancing for teens shouldn’t mean giving up your social life

    During even partial lockdowns, keeping connected with friends makes all the difference. That’s what athletes and other teen groups are finding.

  9. Animals

    Around the world, birds are in crisis

    Human activities around the world are threatening bird species. Numbers of even some of the most common species are starting to fall.

  10. Environment

    Polluting microplastics harm both animals and ecosystems

    Researchers are beginning to uncover the real-world impacts of polluting microplastic bits on animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

  11. Plants

    The faster trees grow, the younger they die

    As climate change spurs forest tree growth, it also shortens trees’ lives. That results in a quicker release of climate-warming carbon back into the atmosphere.

  12. Ecosystems

    Soggy coastal soils? Here’s why ecologists love them

    Coastal wetlands can protect our shores from erosion, flooding and rising sea levels.