How Astronauts Use Math

When astronauts fly into space to conduct missions, it is made possible because of precise mathematical calculations, from how the spacecraft leaves Earth's atmosphere to how the astronauts pilot the craft. How Astronauts Use Math reveals how designers use math to calculate distance, speed, velocity, and their own safety when creating space-faring vehicles.

Concepts and skills emphasized include:

• Number Sense and Operations
• Problem Solving
• Estimation
• Measurement
• Data Analysis
• Algebraic Thinking
• Geometry and Spatial Sense.

Grade 4–8—These high-interest titles provide general overviews of various careers and show how math plays a role in what these professionals do every day. The first book begins with a breathtaking countdown to takeoff, explaining what the astronauts are doing while the orbiter's engines are firing. Interesting facts about sleeping and eating in space will keep readers riveted. Fighter Pilots opens with an attention-grabbing tale of pilot Maria Sanchez's air acrobatics before segueing into more complex fare like G forces and the speed of sound. Photographs of a flying fuel station and the refueling of a fighter jet are amazing. Math concepts such as number sense and operations, measurement, and geometry are explained clearly with examples. Some words, like numerator, are not explained, which may cause confusion for readers with limited math backgrounds. Every other page has some variation of a math problem, with answers (and explanations) located in the back of the books. Glossary words appear in bold the first time. Maps, paintings, color photographs, diagrams, and images of primary sources complete this set. These titles are useful for reports, and handy for sneaking in some curriculum with engaging, popular topics.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY
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