Books in Spectacular Space Science series

"Stargazers have observed Mercury, Venus, and Mars--the other small, rocky planets in our solar system besides Earth--for thousands of years. More recently, we have begun to explore our neighbors in outer space via flyby spacecraft, probes, and rovers. Readers will learn how these expeditions have expanded our knowledge of these planets' atmosphere, surface, features, and even potential for life. A must read for anyone interested in discovering more about space exploration's past, present, and future"--

In this visually spectacular tour of the outer reaches of our solar system, readers discover many intriguing facts. For example, the outer planets are separated from the inner planets by the asteroid belt. And, in addition to discovering Jupiter's moons, Galileo, in the early 17th century, observed the phases of Venus and made careful studies of sunspots. Readers also learn why humans could never live on one of the gas planets. The physical and chemical features and movement of the outer planets and their moons are detailed. Sidebars pique readers' interest in space missions, spacecraft, and space-related data and terminology.

"We will never be able to visit the distant stars that twinkle overhead each night, but scientists are still learning more each day about the furthest reaches of the universe. This informative, colorful book will introduce students to the life and death of stars, the structure of galaxies, dark matter, and other fascinating areas of exploration beyond the solar system"--

This visually stunning guide gives an up-close look at some of the more elusive objects in space. Definitions of better-known objects, such as comets, as well as lesser-known objects, such as centaurs and trojans, give a basic understanding of space objects and the history of how they were discovered. It also covers the scientists who theorized about their existence and the later scientists who actually discovered them. Readers will also get a look at how these objects can impact our future life and the plans scientists have for how we might learn more about them.

This visually stunning guide gives an up-close look at some of the more elusive objects in space. Definitions of better-known objects, such as comets, as well as lesser-known objects, such as centaurs and trojans, give a basic understanding of space objects and the history of how they were discovered. It also covers the scientists who theorized about their existence and the later scientists who actually discovered them. Readers will also get a look at how these objects can impact our future life and the plans scientists have for how we might learn more about them.

We are so used to Earth and its wonders that sometimes it is hard to remember that it is just one of the millions of planets scattered throughout the universe. In this heavily illustrated volume, students will learn all about our home planet and its moon. Packed with facts about the planet's properties, students will learn how Earth and the moon work together, what we have learned about the moon from years of space exploration, and the moon's influence on weather and ocean tides. One day they might even live in a colony on the moon!

"We will never be able to visit the distant stars that twinkle overhead each night, but scientists are still learning more each day about the furthest reaches of the universe. This informative, colorful book will introduce students to the life and death of stars, the structure of galaxies, dark matter, and other fascinating areas of exploration beyond the solar system"--

This colorful, dynamic title explains to upper-elementary-level readers the exciting science behind the sun and all its fantastic phenomena. The text covers the sun’s role from ancient mythology and astronomy through modern discoveries before going in-depth and inside the sun’s layers, breaking down the chemistry and physics behind the sun’s composition and atmosphere. Thrilling events such as solar flares, eclipses, and star formation are explained with bright, color photographs and diagrams that will make the spectacular science behind the sun simple for every reader.

Why are plants green? * How does water move through a leaf? * What are the parts of a flower?Janice VanCleave's Plants includes 20 fun and simple experiments that allow you to discover the answers to these and other fascinating questions about plants, plus dozens of additional suggestions for developing your own science fair projects.Use a cooking pot and plot of grass to discover why green grass turns yellow. Make a model of a plant cell from peanuts, gelatin, and a plastic bag. Grow pinto beans in a plastic cup to learn how seedlings develop. All experiments use inexpensive household materials and involve a minimum of preparation and cleanup.Children ages 8-12Also available in the Spectacular Science Projects series:Janice VanCleave's Animals * Janice VanCleave's Earthquakes * Janice VanCleave's Electricity * Janice VanCleave's Gravity * Janice VanCleave's Machines * Janice VanCleave's Magnets * Janice VanCleave's Microscopes and Magnifying Lenses * Janice VanCleave's Molecules * Janice VanCleave's Rocks and Minerals * Janice VanCleave's Volcanoes * Janice VanCleave's Weather