Books in Smithsonian Steam Readers series

Have you ever wondered how doughnuts got their round shape? Find out the answer 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.

Many people depend on blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay for their jobs. But overfishing and changes in the blue crabs' habitats have reduced their numbers. Learn how scientists have stepped in to study these blue beauties so that they can keep a healthy crab population. 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!

Learn to read with the Smithsonian!Developed in partnership with the Smithsonian and esteemed literary childhood literacy expert Dr. Adria Klein, Smithsonian Readers: Trains Level 1 is designed to encourage reading comprehension while covering the invention of trains, history of trains, and modern-day trains. From steam engines to monorails, children will learn about the many functions of trains while building reading skills with the carefully designed leveling structure. After reading this introduction to nonfiction, children can use the included quiz to reinforce reading comprehension.

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 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!

Over the years, people have looked for ways to improve our imperfect sight. This has led us to the world of optics, which is the study of light and how it travels. What are some of these innovations that have changed how we see the world, and how do they work? Find the answers to these questions with this Smithsonian Informational Text! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this 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 processand 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!

Building a beaver lodge takes a lot of work. Learn about the many steps involved and why beavers have earned the idiom ""as busy as a beaver."" This fun and informative STEAM book 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 or ages 4-6.

Colorful gems sparkle and shine. Where do these precious stones come from? Learn about gemology, the science and study of gems, with this informative 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!

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!

Smithsonian Readers: Read With Me! Pre-Level 1 introduces young children to the wonderful world of reading. Developed in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and esteemed childhood literacy expert Dr. Adria Klein, Read With Me! Pre-Level 1 includes six titles that feature engaging content, presented simply. The Read With Me! titles were created for children whose interest in reading is just beginning. Pre-Level 1 contains simple, short sentences with familiar vocabulary for children who are starting to read with the support of a parent or caregiver. Bright photographs reinforce the text, encouraging reading comprehension. Bound into the book are 36 perforated fact cards that further sharpen newly acquired reading skills. Read With Me! Pre-Level 1 will spark young children’s interest in becoming life-long readers.