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!
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 kindergarten students or ages 4-6.
Exploring Volcanic Activity
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Our planet is covered with volcanoes. They are fascinating natural wonders that are potentially dangerous and destructive. But, they are important to Earth's survival. Scientists who study volcanoes ask lots of questions. Let's find the answers and learn more about volcanoes--and the volcanologists who study 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!
Cooking Innovations
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
To be a chef, you need to have a great palate, knife skills, and... science skills? It's true, cooking requires more "science" than you might think! Learn about the innovations and technology behind great cooking with this 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 Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Ideal for school reports and projects, this informational text will appeal to reluctant readers and ages 6-8.
The Science of Glass
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
A researcher looks at cells under a microscope. A scientist studies bacteria in a Petri dish. A student boils liquid in a test tube. What do these things all have in common? The answer is: glass! Learn how something as simple as glass has played a huge role in scientific exploration 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!
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 1st grade students or ages 5-7.
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!
Electric Vehicles
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Did you know the first battery-powered vehicle was created in the 1830s? People who attended the 1892 World's Fair in Chicago could see one. And in 1894, you could buy an "Electrobat" and travel 25 miles on a single charge! Since then, EVs have surged in popularity and have become much more technologically advanced. Learn the history of EVs, how they work, why they're good for the environment, and discover the future of the electric vehicle! 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!
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!
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, 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!
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.
Building Lighthouses
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Lighthouses have helped sailors navigate for centuries. But lighthouses are not built like they used to be. Learn how innovations like computers and solar power have improved lighthouses over time. 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 ages 5-7.
Staying Dry
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Scientists are learning how to keep people dry in wet weather. They look to plants and animals for answers. They have learned that when it comes to staying dry, nature knows best! 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.
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, 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 Shade
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
A hat, an umbrella, a porch, and a tent. These are all things that provide shade on a sunny day. This STEAM book for kindergarten makes it easy for parents and teachers to introduce STEAM and beginning 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 grade K students or kids 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.
Taking Photos from Space
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Landsat satellites orbit the Earth to get images. Learn how these images are made using heat. Then, find out how these cutting-edge satellites are helping save the planet! 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!
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.
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!
Garden Life
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Soil, plants, rain, and sunlight. These are all things that make a garden grow. Introduce life science and STEAM topics to your youngest learners with this STEAM book for kindergarteners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to teach STEAM to beginning readers 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. Ignite a curiosity for STEAM in grade K students and children ages 4-6.
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!
Saving Migratory Birds
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn how ornithologists are using modern technology to help migratory birds. 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!
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!
Lighting the Night
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Candles, kerosene lamps, electric lights, and flashlights are all things people have used throughout history to light up the night. Perfect for kindergarteners, this title 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 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.
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.
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.
Making Water Safe
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Everyone needs clean water to live. But not everyone has access to clean water. Learn how people around the world are working hard to solve the clean water problem! 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.
Garden Life
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Soil, plants, rain, and sunlight. These are all things that make a garden grow. Introduce life science and STEAM topics to your youngest learners with this STEAM book for kindergarteners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to teach STEAM to beginning readers 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. Ignite a curiosity for STEAM in grade K students and children ages 4-6.
All About Water
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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.
Taking Photos From Space
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Landsat satellites orbit the Earth to get images. Learn how these images are made using heat. Then, find out how these cutting-edge satellites are helping save the planet! 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!
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!
Garden Life
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Soil, plants, rain, and sunlight. These are all things that make a garden grow. Introduce life science and STEAM topics to your youngest learners with this STEAM book for kindergarteners. Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this book makes it easy for parents and teachers to teach STEAM to beginning readers 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. Ignite a curiosity for STEAM in grade K students and children ages 4-6.
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.
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!
Rebuilding the Body
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
The first prosthetic devices consisted of wooden legs and hooks for hands. Today, many prostheses and bionics can do everything a natural limb can do--and more! Learn about inventions from the past that have been used to rebuild the body and modern-day advancements including the use of 3D printers to create prosthetics! 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!
Living and Working in Space
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
The first astronauts in space only stayed for brief periods of time. But now, NASA scientists have developed technologies that allow astronauts to live in space long term. Learn about the challenges that astronauts face living in zero gravity and cramped quarters 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!
Tracking a Storm
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
What kind of weather is headed your way? Meteorologists make it their job to know. They tell you when sunshine is in the forecast. They tell you when it's going to rain. They spot severe storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, before they hit. Their work is important. It can even save lives. Read about this intriguing STEM career 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!
Lighting the Night
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Candles, kerosene lamps, electric lights, and flashlights are all things people have used throughout history to light up the night. Perfect for kindergarteners, this title 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 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 kids ages 4-6.
A Den for Bei Bei
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn about Bei Bei the panda and his home at the National Zoo. 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 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.
Powered by the Sun
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn how scientists channel energy from the sun to power awesome innovations! 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.
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 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.
Growing Plants in Space
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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!
Protecting a Sinking City
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
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.
Mimicking Nature
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Have you ever wondered where inventors get some of their ideas? This answer may surprise you: sometimes the inspiration comes from plants! Learn how some tiny plants have made a huge difference in the world. 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.
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 1st grade students or children ages 5-7.
Powered by the Sun
Part of the Smithsonian: Informational Text series
Learn how scientists channel energy from the sun to power awesome innovations! 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 1st grade students or ages 5-7.