Smithsonian: Informational Text
Do you know what makes up most of our bodies and most of Earth? Water! Learn about the water cycle and why water is so important for plants, animals, and all organisms on Earth. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book will inspire curiosity about science topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and walks students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Dive into advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
How do simple ingredients transform into the food on our plates? Meats, baked goods, dairy products, and more go through complex changes before they reach the dining room table. Find out more about physical and chemical reactions in the food we eat. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite curiosity through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Cover advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Learn how high-speed cars are built to outpace ordinary cars and beat the competition every time they hit the track! High-speed cars turn heads. They impress fans and break records when they fly toward the finish lines. Learn how they perform so well in this STEAM book. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book will spark curiosity through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Explore exciting science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Dive into an exciting new world through submarines and sonar! The world beneath our oceans' surfaces is dark, cold, and mysterious. It's also a critical ecosystem. Scientists use high-tech underwater vehicles and sound-based technology to see the unseen, map the unknown, and learn about new species in the deepest parts of the ocean. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will inspire curiosity about deep-sea creatures and corals. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is ideal for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Introduce engaging science topics to older readers with this STEAM book that is perfect for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Discover what sounds can tell us about our world! Humans hear different sounds every day, but sounds are not limited to what we can hear-or even to planet Earth. Animals make and use sounds differently from humans, and faraway objects in outer space can produce sounds. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will inspire curiosity about the properties of sound through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is ideal for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Explore advanced science topics with older readers with this STEAM book that is perfect for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Explore why wildfires happen and how to stay safe when they break out! Wildfires occur around the world every year. These large-scale fires destroy homes, habitats, and ecosystems. Learn how studying the science of fire gives us insight into how to stop them. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite curiosity about fire and what it can do through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Dive into advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Do you know what makes up most of our bodies and most of Earth? Water! Learn about the water cycle and why water is so important for plants, animals, and all organisms on Earth. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book will inspire curiosity about science topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and walks students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Dive into advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
How do simple ingredients transform into the food on our plates? Meats, baked goods, dairy products, and more go through complex changes before they reach the dining room table. Find out more about physical and chemical reactions in the food we eat. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite curiosity through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Cover advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Learn how high-speed cars are built to outpace ordinary cars and beat the competition every time they hit the track! High-speed cars turn heads. They impress fans and break records when they fly toward the finish lines. Learn how they perform so well in this STEAM book. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book will spark curiosity through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Explore exciting science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Dive into an exciting new world through submarines and sonar! The world beneath our oceans' surfaces is dark, cold, and mysterious. It's also a critical ecosystem. Scientists use high-tech underwater vehicles and sound-based technology to see the unseen, map the unknown, and learn about new species in the deepest parts of the ocean. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will inspire curiosity about deep-sea creatures and corals. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is ideal for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Introduce engaging science topics to older readers with this STEAM book that is perfect for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Discover what sounds can tell us about our world! Humans hear different sounds every day, but sounds are not limited to what we can hear-or even to planet Earth. Animals make and use sounds differently from humans, and faraway objects in outer space can produce sounds. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will inspire curiosity about the properties of sound through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is ideal for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Explore advanced science topics with older readers with this STEAM book that is perfect for secondary students or ages 10-14.
Explore why wildfires happen and how to stay safe when they break out! Wildfires occur around the world every year. These large-scale fires destroy homes, habitats, and ecosystems. Learn how studying the science of fire gives us insight into how to stop them. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite curiosity about fire and what it can do through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and takes students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in physical science fields. Dive into advanced science topics for older readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for secondary students or ages 10-14.
A Rube Goldberg machine is designed to perform a simple task through a series of elaborate steps. These simple machines are named after Reuben "Rube" Goldberg, an American cartoonist, engineer, and inventor. Learn how these fun machines work and ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this informational text features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this STEAM book will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8.
Have you ever heard of a space farmer? Space farmers are astronauts who have received special training to learn how to grow plants in outer space. Learn about the challenge of farming in outer space with this high-interest STEAM book created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8. Ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics with this high-interest text!
Animal keepers have developed innovative ways to help zoo animals learn and grow. Learn how zookeepers keep animals healthy and happy with this fun and informative book. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. This book builds young readers' foundational literacy skills and is ideal for 1st grade students or children ages 5-7.
Most people use maps every day. But imagine a time when a map of a place didn't exist. Without a map, how would you get there? How would you know how to get around? Navigate through history as you learn the art, science, history, and importance of making maps. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8.
How do the levers, hammers, and strings of a piano work together to make music? How do the size and shape of a trumpet's bell affect its sound? Find the answers to these questions--and more--with this STEAM book that will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. This book builds young readers' early childhood literacy skills and is ideal for 1st grade students or children ages 5-7.
Imagine a city with no cars or streets and where people ride boats to get around. This place is Venice, Italy. Built on a lagoon, Venice is in trouble. The city is sinking, and engineers are racing to save it before it is too late. Learn about the efforts to save Venice from the sea. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8.
Bike riding is a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. Read about how people have made cycling safe over the years. Learn how bicycles have changed over time and how bike parts, equipment, and trails make cycling safer. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8.
Smithsonian's National Zoo is one of Washington DC's most popular attractions. Tag along with the zookeepers and learn about the unique problems they face and their creative solutions to keeping the zoo animals happy and healthy. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Take a virtual tour of the National Zoo with this STEAM book for 1st grade students and ages 5-7.
Colorful gems sparkle and shine. Where do these precious stones come from? Learn about gemology, the science and study of gems, with this informative book created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for makerspaces and that guides students step-by-step through the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8. Ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics with this high-interest text!
Cephalopods have evolved with a strong set of skills that allow them to survive in their aquatic world. Scientists are fascinated by their ability to change color, the ways they ward off predators, and their methods of communication. In time, scientists hope that by studying these creatures, they may find ways to copy and use all of their abilities. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
The ancient Polynesians were amazing navigators who traversed the Pacific Ocean and settled in its many islands. How did they travel such extreme distances and know where they were going without the use of modern technology like smartphones, satellites, or even magnetic compasses to guide them? Learn the answer to these questions in this book that uses real-world examples to illustrate science concepts. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this high-interest book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
The Inka were master farmers, builders, and planners. Living in the Andes Mountains, they farmed and built on steep slopes. In the Andes, water can be a destructive, unpredictable force. The Inka controlled water through careful study and engineering. From terraces for farming to royal palaces, the Inka built things to last. Learn how their ancient inventions are helping modern-day engineers develop solutions to modern-day problems with this fascinating Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Where does our food come from? The history of farming provides much "food for thought." In the past, farmers used natural farming methods, but modern inventions like pesticides and GMOs have changed farming--and the food we eat. Today, a natural food revolution is taking place. Learn how organic farming is good for the Earth, good for the plants--and good for all the living things that eat them! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Believe it or not, water can be used to power boat and train engines. In fact, water in the form of steam changed the manufacturing and transportation industries thanks to steam power pioneers like Denis Papin, Thomas Newcomen, James Watt, and Richard Trevithick. Explore the ways that steam is now used to generate electricity and plans for future uses of steam power! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
The Arctic ecosystem is diverse, fascinating, and special. The animals and people who live there have adapted to the icy landscape. But because the Earth's temperature is warming, the polar ice in the Arctic is melting. Discover why it's so important to save the Arctic, not just for the people and animals who live there, but for the entire Earth, too! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
The use of calendars dates back thousands of years. Why are we driven to record time, and what would happen if we did not? Who created the concept of calendars? Why do different cultures use different calendar systems? And why are calendars so important to us? It is about "time" we found out! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Design a flexible protective layer for a space suit. Space suits have come a long way. The look and function of space suits has evolved over time, but their purpose has always been the same--to keep astronauts safe. From the first suits worn during the Mercury missions, to the latest suits being tested by NASA, there have been great improvements. Learn all about the science behind space suits and how they have changed over time. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Watching surfers is mesmerizing. It looks like they are magically gliding over the water. But what looks like magic is actually science in action! Surfers use science to select the right surfboards and to understand the motion of the ocean. Learn about the science behind surfing with this high-interest title! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Inka rulers led a huge empire with grand palaces. They had incredible riches. Artists made statues out of gold and silver. The Inka also made masterpieces out of grass. Their grass bridges crossed deep canyons. These engineering marvels let soldiers and messengers travel around the empire. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that guides students through every step of the engineering design process, from the initial research and brainstorming sessions, through the design and testing stages, to the evaluation and improvement of the outcome. It makes STEAM career connections by providing a glimpse into the lives of real-life Smithsonian employees currently working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with this e-book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Inka rulers led a huge empire with grand palaces. They had incredible riches. Artists made statues out of gold and silver. The Inka also made masterpieces out of grass. Their grass bridges crossed deep canyons. These engineering marvels let soldiers and messengers travel around the empire. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that guides students through every step of the engineering design process, from the initial research and brainstorming sessions, through the design and testing stages, to the evaluation and improvement of the outcome. It makes STEAM career connections by providing a glimpse into the lives of real-life Smithsonian employees currently working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with this e-book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!