Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series) [Paperback]

Mary Kay Carson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: For Kids series

In this illuminating activity book, kids delve into the rich history of space exploration, where telescopes, satellites, probes, landers, and human missions lead to amazing discoveries. Tracking astronomers' recent progress—including the discovery of 2003 UB313, what some are calling the tenth planet in the solar system—kids explore the planets and other celestial bodies for themselves through activities such as "walking" from the sun to Pluto or creating their own reentry vehicle to safely return an egg to Earth's surface. With biographies of more than 20 space pioneers, specific mission details, a 20-page field guide to the solar system, and plenty of suggestions for further research, this is the ultimate guidebook to exploring the solar system.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–This oversize book is an intriguing and engrossing mix of facts, history, and hands-on activities. Beginning with a two-page table of contents with chapters arranged as planets in our solar system and an introductory time line, the author takes readers on a historical journey of what was known and/or discovered in each of eight time periods. Each chapter has sidebars containing biographical sketches of noteworthy astronomers and other scientists, additional information on subjects such as telescopes, and activities relating to ideas of that time. The last chapter is a projection into the next decade with the launch of New Horizons, the first spacecraft to visit Pluto. A 20-page Field Guide to the Solar System gives concise, pertinent information about the planets, our sun and moon, asteroids, and comets. The facts for each celestial object include its symbol, color, size, rotation, temperature, and an exploration time line. Well organized and authoritative, this title has plenty of material for research projects and reports.–Linda Wadleigh, formerly at Haymon-Morris Middle School, Winder, GA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. This handsome paperback does more than introduce our neighbors in space; it traces the history of human exploration of the solar system, and, even better, conveys a sense of the enthusiasm that often drives astronomers, engineers, and others involved in the process. The first chapter encompasses "Prehistory-1900," the next 1900-1960, with successive sections offering the history decade-by-decade into the present, then forward to the 2010s. Carson highlights the achievements of historical figures as well as contemporary space scientists, and each chapter includes a few simple activities. Good quality paper and a relatively sturdy binding make the book a more attractive and practical choice than many paperbacks. Excellent color photos and clear drawings and diagrams appear throughout the book, which concludes with a "Field Guide to the Solar System," offering fast facts and a detailed time line of exploration. Packed with information, yet highly readable, this is an exceptionally inviting guide to the solar system. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556525931
• ISBN-13: 978-1556525933
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #345,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Kay Carson is a nonfiction children's book author. She's written more than twenty books for kids about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and other science and social studies topics. She was presented with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2009 Children's Literature Award for her book, Exploring the Solar System. For information about author visits, go to: www.marykaycarson.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solar System Book-Space Info, August 19, 2006

By 

Mary A. Mallon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

I bought this for my 6 yr. daughter. She's very interested in Space. It's a good quality book (no cheap paper). It has a lot of information from the past. First attempt into space they sent a dog. My daughter is very smart and understands what she is reading (or what I help her read). I would say it's more for 8 yrs and up (but perfect for a younger mature child). It has original pictures (not cartoon drawings) and is very educational for the whole family (if you are interested in learning about space). I recommend it for your collection.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome choice for our star-crazy young ones!, March 31, 2006

By 

Marsha Wood Wirtel (Philly's Western 'Burbs) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

In true Mary Kay Carson fashion, Exploring the Solar System : A History with 22 Activities isn't dumbed down even the slightest. Carson respects children and seems to grasp well what they can be expected to understand - which is often more than what they are credited with. As a result, her text is thorough and frank and can easily be read to would-be astronauts as young as 4 or 5 years. And the illustrative photos are stunning, the perfect foil for the text in capturing the imagination. From interviews with well-regarded scientists (including explanations of how they themselves became interested in studying space) to easy-to-execute activities to a very thorough timeline of space exploration, Carson has once again thought of everything for engaging our own little scientists. I simply cannot recommend this book enough.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book to inspire learning!, May 8, 2011

By 

jensjam "Jen" (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

We are using this book as a supplement to our homeschool science curriculum this year. It is a perfect fit for my 11yo 6th grader.

I LOVE that:

1. It is written so that an 11 yo can comprehend not only the solar system, but space exploration when reading on her own.

2. I am excited to have experiments that are simple for my daughter to do on her own, or with very LITTLE help from me. She loves the independence and self confidence that this gives her.

3. I am quite impressed with the historical figures and astronomers that are discussed within the book. It is fun to learn what scientists and astronomers helped to invent or discover.

I believe this book is a great book for kids 6 - 8th grade to read on their own, and for 4th and 5th graders who are being read to and helped out a bit more.