How Do Scientists Explore Space?

NSTA - Coralee Smith

"This book is sure to inspire and inform young scientists and readers who have grown up with the Star Wars movie adage of "May the force be with you." In fact, this book could easily be read and enjoyed by anyone who wants to know about space exploration. The book provides kid–friendly yet accurate scientific explanations and examples of the instruments, methods, and scientists that are used to explore space. Topics in this 48–page book include an historical approach of astronomy and astronomers, telescopes used by astronomers with their photographs, photographs of space exploration instruments and vehicles, photographs from Mars and Venus, and even stellar photographs of the Sun that were sent back to Earth by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The photographs are amazing and sure to motivate readers into wanting to know more and read more about space exploration. Although the stated grade level for this book is third grade, the slightly technical but highly accurate writing could challenge many third grade students. My almost 10–year–old, fourth–grade granddaughter was cautious with the reading until she located the Word Stations on the bottom of almost every page. The Word Station contains an unfamiliar word or astronomical phrase for young readers that relates to space exploration with a brief explanation. The reason she told me that she liked the Word Station was that she could read the Word Station on the same page before she read that page so that she did not have to stop to go to the glossary at the end of the book. This is one of those books that could be used in so many ways—read aloud, independent reading, teacher directed reading, reading buddies, and even using a think–pair–share approach. The content, illustrations, and photography certainly can inform young scientists about space exploration and definitely can inspire the young scientists who have grown up with the Star Wars adage of "May the force be with you." This book is that force! - Coralee Smith NSTA 4/16/2012 http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=21146" - NSTA

April 16, 2012