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

Mary Kay Carson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2008 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: For Kids series

In this stellar activity book, kids delve into the rich history of space exploration, where telescopes, satellites, probes, landers, and human missions lead to amazing discoveries. Updated to include the recent discovery of Eris which, along with Pluto, has been newly classified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union, this cosmic adventure challenges kids to explore the planets and other celestial bodies for themselves through activities such as building a model of a comet using soil, molasses, dry ice, and window cleaner; 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; Revised edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556527152
• ISBN-13: 978-1556527159
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 10.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,271 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.