Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series) - Softcover

Carson, Mary Kay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1556525931 ISBN 13: 9781556525933

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, 2006

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

May Kay Carson has written more than 15 nonfiction books for children, including The Underground Railroad for Kids and The Wright Brothers for Kids.

Reviews

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.

*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

Edition details

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1556525931
• ISBN 13: 9781556525933
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 176