The Solar System: Out of This World with Science Activities for Kids
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$9.95 - $19.95Reviews
Planetarium Quarterly
“. . . this book is a great introduction to our neighborhood – and beyond.”
Richard Binzel, Professor of Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“Perfect for the curious explorer who is eager to learn by reading and to learn by doing creatively inspired activities. A thoroughly engaging gateway into science, revealing what we know about our solar system and the ongoing mysteries yet to be resolved. Sure to inspire a new generation of space explorers.”
Praise for a previous edition of The Solar System
Children's Literature Review
“Both the history and the future of the field are explained in easy-to-understand detail. Even if the projects were removed, the book would be an excellent text on astronomy.”
Project Templates
Reading The Solar System now? Download your Make a Robotic Lander template here.
Teacher Resources
Classroom Guides
For educators! Download a packet of essential questions, mentor texts, and Common Core State Standards to use in classrooms and libraries.
Classroom GuideDetailed Book Description
Look up! What do you see? The sun, moon, stars, other planets? You’re checking out the solar system!
The Solar System: Out of This World with Science Activities for Kids invites middle school kids on a journey of a lifetime to explore the comets, meteors, asteroids, sun, planets, and moons that make up the solar system. Kids learn about the history of space exploration and discovery, along with the tools of astronomy that have made it possible to study celestial objects even outside our own solar system. While space seems far away, and really, it is, The Solar System brings it closer to the classroom with fun facts and engaging language kids will find exciting!
Space has been fascinating to humans since we first looked up, and that sense of wonder is still very much a part of a young astronomer’s experience. As the tools of space exploration become more and more sophisticated, the farther reaches of outer space become accessible to everyone back on Earth. Photos from the rovers on Mars, images of Pluto from New Horizons spacecraft, communications from Comet 67P via the Philae comet probe all bring the solar system up close and personal for anyone with an internet connection.
The Solar System includes hands-on STEM activities and critical thinking exercises related to astronomy and space exploration. Fun facts, links to online primary sources and other supplemental material, and essential questions encourage readers to take a deep dive toward the outer limits of our home!
Try these hands-on astronomy projects!
- Build a solar-wind-powered spacecraft
- Design a rail launcher
- Conduct a greenhouse experiment
| Hardcover, $22.95 9781619307940 |
Paperback, $17.95 9781619307971 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Solar System Map
Timeline
Introduction
Our Solar System
Chapter 1
The Big Bang and the Birth of Stars
Chapter 2
Meet the Planets
Chapter 3
Earth's Moon
Chapter 4
Beyond Planets and Stars
Chapter 5
From Ancient Astronomy to Telescopes
Chapter 6
Sending Spacecraft to Space
Chapter 7
Future Space Exploration
Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index