Amphibian Rescue
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Amphibians can be found all over the world. There are more than 7,500 kinds of amphibians living in streams, rainforests, deserts, and everywhere in between. Many of them are in danger due to a deadly fungus, but help is on the way! 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Staying Afloat
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
This STEAM book for kindergarten makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM and basic science topics easier to understand and teaches the concept of buoyancy. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kids ages 4-6.
Making Music
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 kids ages 5-7.
What Toys Can Do
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Toys are designed to do different things. Learn how a toy's design affects its function with this STEAM book for kindergarten that makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kids ages 4-6.
Botanical Illustration
by Kristina Mercedes Urquhart
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Imagine a career where you get paid to draw all day. That's what botanical illustrators do! Get inside the mind of a botanical illustrator, and learn how their intricate drawings of plants help science. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Navigating at Sea
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Navigation instruments have changed over time. Lodestones, sunstones, and sextants helped early navigators find their way. Modern technology makes navigation more precise than it has ever been. But the roots of navigation still remain. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Making a Mummy
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
What happens after death? That was a big question for ancient Egyptians. They believed that a person needed his or her body in death as much as in life. So they did all they could to preserve and protect the body. For them, preparing for life after death was an important part of life! Learn about the science behind mummification with this book 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
From Grass to Bridge
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Blue Crab Comeback
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Many people depend on blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay for their jobs. But overfishing and changes in the blue crabs' habitats have reduced their numbers. Learn how scientists have stepped in to study these blue beauties so that they can keep a healthy crab population. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Underwater Training
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Did you know that swimming pools are used to train astronauts? Athletes use swimming pools to train when they're injured, and doctors use them to help patients feel better. Learn how swimming pools and aquatic therapy help all kinds of people! 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Mapping the Milky Way
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
When it comes to mapping the Milky Way, scientists know one thing for sure. They know that there is still a lot that they do not know! Discover how they study the Milky Way, and learn about the galaxy that we call home. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Sonar and Submarine Technology
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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.
The Science of Gems
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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!
Learning About Sharks
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
This fun and informative STEAM book about sharks makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students or ages 4-6.
Learning about Sharks
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
This fun and informative STEAM book about sharks makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students or kids ages 4-6.
Seeing More Stars
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
On a clear night, you should be able to see the stars. But we cannot always see them. Light pollution prevents us from seeing the stars and causes other problems as well. Learn about light pollution 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 children ages 5-7.
Making More Doughnuts
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Have you ever wondered how doughnuts got their round shape? Find out the answer with this fun STEAM book for kindergarten that makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students and ages 4-6.
Helping Animals Learn
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 kids ages 5-7.
Staying Warm
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn about the many things humans can do to get warm when they are too cold. 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. Introduce early science topics to young readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for kids ages 5-7.
Pulling Taffy
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Taffy is a sweet treat that was first made at a beach town long ago. Learn how saltwater taffy was made in the past and how it is made today with this fun and informative STEAM book! Perfect for kindergarteners, this title makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is ideal for makerspaces and introduces grade K students to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for children ages 4-6.
Building a Beaver Lodge
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Building a beaver lodge takes a lot of work. Learn about the many steps involved and why beavers have earned the idiom "as busy as a beaver." This fun and informative STEAM book makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students or ages 4-6.
Finding the Right Container
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Different containers are designed to hold different things. Learn about shapes and categorizing with this fun STEAM book for kindergarten that makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students and ages 4-6.
Making Crayons
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn how crayons are made with this fun and informative STEAM book! Perfect for kindergarteners, this title makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is ideal for makerspaces and introduces grade K students to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for children ages 4-6.
Being Like Butterflies
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
What do solar panels, waterproof clothing, and window coverings have in common? They are technologies that have been adapted based on studying butterflies! Learn what scientists have learned from butterflies with this STEAM book that will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book 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. Introduce early science topics to young readers with this book that is ideal for kids ages 5-7.
Taking Food To Go
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Getting food to go is easy, but it's not always good for the Earth. Learn about better alternatives to fast-food and to-go packaging with this fun and informative STEAM book. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM topics to young learners and uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students or ages 4-6.
Playing with Wind
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Have you ever wondered how the wind makes a kite fly? Learn about the wind with this fun STEAM book for kindergarten that makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM and beginner science topics to their youngest learners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book uses real-world examples to make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. It helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kids ages 4-6.
Folding Paper
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Paper is paper, no matter how it is folded. It can be a paper airplane. It can be a paper boat. Learn about the fun shapes that paper can be folded into with this STEAM book. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM to their youngest learners. The real-world examples make STEAM topics easier to understand. It features an age-appropriate STEAM activity that is perfect for makerspaces and introduces kindergartners to the steps of the engineering design process. With a single repetitive phrase, it helps beginning readers learn to read and is ideal for kindergarten students and ages 4-6.
Cooling Off
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
When it's hot outside, what can you do to stay cool? People have found many ways to cool off and cool down. How cool is that? 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' early childhood literacy skills and is ideal for kids ages 5-7.
Helping Injured Animals
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn how prosthetic devices and 3D printing are being used to help injured dogs, cats, elephants, and dolphins 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 kids ages 5-7.
Solving Problems at the Zoo
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 kids ages 5-7.
Studying Snowflakes
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Snowflakes are one of nature's most fascinating wonders. Learn how snowflakes form with this fun STEAM book perfect for 1st grade students and early readers. 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. Introduce early science topics to young readers with this STEAM book that is ideal for kids ages 5-7.
Helping People See
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Over the years, people have looked for ways to improve our imperfect sight. This has led us to the world of optics, which is the study of light and how it travels. What are some of these innovations that have changed how we see the world, and how do they work? Find the answers to these questions with this Smithsonian Informational Text! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Saving Culture from Disaster
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Nature is not always kind. Natural disasters like earthquakes and storms can wipe out cities. Entire cultures and their histories are at risk of being lost. When disaster strikes, some people work to save cultural items. They preserve culture for the future! 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Raising Clouded Leopards
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
You've probably heard of lions and tigers. Perhaps you've seen them at the zoo. But have you heard of the clouded leopard? This shy member of the cat family is an endangered species. Their shyness makes studying them a challenge for zookeepers and scientists. Find out why they are so special, and why they need our help. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Restoring Muddy Creek
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Muddy Creek in Edgewater, Maryland is the site of a major makeover. The land around the stream has worn down. Find out what caused Muddy Creek to erode, and the many steps involved in saving it. 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 and is perfect for makerspace activities. 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 book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!
Amphibian Rescue
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Amphibians can be found all over the world. There are more than 7,500 kinds of amphibians living in streams, rainforests, deserts, and everywhere in between. Many of them are in danger due to a deadly fungus, but help is on the way! 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!
Digging Up Dinosaurs
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn about the fascinating journey of how a dinosaur fossil makes it way from the ground to a museum exhibit! It all starts with the work of paleontologists. With skill and patience, these scientists locate fossils and painstakingly dig them up. Then, the bones must be cleaned and preserved, and museum experts must figure out how the bones fit together using traditional tools and modern technologies. Take a virtual tour of a dinosaur exhibit 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!
Helping Animals Learn
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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.
Powered by Steam
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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!
Mapping the Milky Way
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
When it comes to mapping the Milky Way, scientists know one thing for sure. They know that there is still a lot that they do not know! Discover how they study the Milky Way, and learn about the galaxy that we call home. 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!
Making a Mummy
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
What happens after death? That was a big question for ancient Egyptians. They believed that a person needed his or her body in death as much as in life. So they did all they could to preserve and protect the body. For them, preparing for life after death was an important part of life! Learn about the science behind mummification with this book 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!
Color-Changing Cephalopods
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 Science of Waves and Surfboards
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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 Terraces
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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!
Being Like Butterflies
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
What do solar panels, waterproof clothing, and window coverings have in common? They are technologies that have been adapted based on studying butterflies! Learn what scientists have learned from butterflies with this STEAM book that will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book 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. Introduce early science topics to young readers with this book that is ideal for 1st grade students or ages 5-7.
Plant Invaders
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
You might not realize it, but there are green invaders everywhere. They live in our lakes, our parks, and even in our back yards. What are they? They are invasive plants! Learn how people are working to stop the growth of invasive plant species and what you can do to help. This high-interest book 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 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!
Underwater Training
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Did you know that swimming pools are used to train astronauts? Athletes use swimming pools to train when they're injured, and doctors use them to help patients feel better. Learn how swimming pools and aquatic therapy help all kinds of people! 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!
From Grass to Bridge
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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!