Smithsonian®: Informational Text – serie

The Horten Ho airplane was made in Nazi Germany during WWII. Germany needed a new weapon, and hoped this experimental aircraft would help them win the war. The Horten Ho would have been a fighter jet with incredible speed, but it did not fly as planned. Learn about the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to restore this fascinating historical artifact and the challenges they faced during the restoration process. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Where does our food come from? The history of farming provides much "food for thought." In the past, farmers used natural farming methods, but modern inventions like pesticides and GMOs have changed farming--and the food we eat. Today, a natural food revolution is taking place. Learn how organic farming is good for the Earth, good for the plants--and good for all the living things that eat them! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish-translated Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The Arctic ecosystem is diverse, fascinating, and special. The animals and people who live there have adapted to the icy landscape. But because the Earth's temperature is warming, the polar ice in the Arctic is melting. Discover why it's so important to save the Arctic, not just for the people and animals who live there, but for the entire Earth, too! Created in collaboration with the Spanish-translated Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Believe it or not, water can be used to power boat and train engines. In fact, water in the form of steam changed the manufacturing and transportation industries thanks to steam power pioneers like Denis Papin, Thomas Newcomen, James Watt, and Richard Trevithick. Explore the ways that steam is now used to generate electricity and plans for future uses of steam power! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish-translated Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The use of calendars dates back thousands of years. Why are we driven to record time, and what would happen if we did not? Who created the concept of calendars? Why do different cultures use different calendar systems? And why are calendars so important to us? It is about "time" we found out! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The Horten Ho airplane was made in Nazi Germany during WWII. Germany needed a new weapon, and hoped this experimental aircraft would help them win the war. The Horten Ho would have been a fighter jet with incredible speed, but it did not fly as planned. Learn about the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to restore this fascinating historical artifact and the challenges they faced during the restoration process. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

It's hard to imagine the film The Wizard of Oz without the "yellow" brick road or the "ruby" slippers. The memorable and distinctive use of color was made possible by a new technology called Technicolor. The vibrant colors showed that Oz was a very different place from Dorothy's home in Kansas. Learn the technology behind Technicolor along with the history of film with this high-interest , Spanish informational text! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The 1950s saw the start of a big snack food revolution. Since then, innovations in food science technology have made snacks inexpensive, convenient, and delicious. But is all this snacking good for us? Learn about the history of snack food, the science behind food technology, and how snack foods affect health. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Design a flexible protective layer for a space suit. Space suits have come a long way. The look and function of space suits has evolved over time, but their purpose has always been the same--to keep astronauts safe. From the first suits worn during the Mercury missions, to the latest suits being tested by NASA, there have been great improvements. Learn all about the science behind space suits and how they have changed over time. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

In the 1970s, NASA wanted to build a new kind of spacecraft that could be used over and over again. The Space Shuttle Program was born, and NASA engineers and scientists were tasked with designing and creating the first shuttle. Nine years later, the first space shuttle was launched. Learn the history of the Space Shuttle Program and the many issues and problems that the engineers faced. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Did you know the first battery-powered vehicle was created in the 1830s? People who attended the 1892 World's Fair in Chicago could see one. And in 1894, you could buy an "Electrobat" and travel 25 miles on a single charge! Since then, EVs have surged in popularity and have become much more technologically advanced. Learn the history of EVs, how they work, why they're good for the environment, and discover the future of the electric vehicle! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Our planet is covered with volcanoes. They are fascinating natural wonders that are potentially dangerous and destructive. But, they are important to Earth's survival. Scientists who study volcanoes ask lots of questions. Let's find the answers and learn more about volcanoes--and the volcanologists who study them! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

What kind of weather is headed your way? Meteorologists make it their job to know. They tell you when sunshine is in the forecast. They tell you when it's going to rain. They spot severe storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, before they hit. Their work is important. It can even save lives. Read about this intriguing STEM career Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Watching surfers is mesmerizing. It looks like they are magically gliding over the water. But what looks like magic is actually science in action! Surfers use science to select the right surfboards and to understand the motion of the ocean. Learn about the science behind surfing with this high-interest title! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Learn how employees at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are working hard to save animal species from extinction. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

How much life can one cubic foot hold? Read how photographer David Liittschwager and zoologist Chris Meyer studied life in one cubic foot, and how their findings can teach us about life on the entire planet. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Learn how ornithologists are using modern technology to help migratory birds. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Many people go to museums to see dinosaur fossils. But visitors would never get to see these displays without the work of Learn about the fascinating journey of how a dinosaur fossil makes it way from the ground to a museum exhibit! It all starts with the work of paleontologists. With skill and patience, these scientists locate fossils and painstakingly dig them up. Then, the bones must be cleaned and preserved, and museum experts must figure out how the bones fit together using traditional tools and modern technologies. Take a virtual tour of a dinosaur exhibit with this fascinating Spanish Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Visitors from across the country and around the world flock to U.S. national parks to explore their beauty. Little do they know that the National Park Service (NPS) has been guiding and enhancing their experience for more than 100 years. The NPS's mission is to protect and preserve important places. Learn how the NPS proves time and again that it is up to the job. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish book builds students' literacy skills while fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The hands-on STEAM challenge is ideal for makerspace activities, and guides students through every stage of the engineering design process. This Spanish book features: Real-world examples provide insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve real-world problems; Content that highlights every component of STEAM: science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math; Career advice from Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields; Dynamic images and text features enhance the reading experience and build visual literacy.

The first astronauts in space only stayed for brief periods of time. But now, NASA scientists have developed technologies that allow astronauts to live in space long term. Learn about the challenges that astronauts face living in zero gravity and cramped quarters with this fascinating Spanish Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Electromagnets have played a powerful role in music. Without them, we would not have electric guitars, and without electric guitars, we would not have some of the greatest songs from music history. The electric guitar was born from new technology, but how will technology change music in the future? Learn the answer to this question with this fascinating Spanish Informational Text that examines the influence of technology on music! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this book builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Cephalopods have evolved with a strong set of skills that allow them to survive in their aquatic world. Scientists are fascinated by their ability to change color, the ways they ward off predators, and their methods of communication. In time, scientists hope that by studying these creatures, they may find ways to copy and use all of their abilities. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish-translated book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Not all of Thomas Edison's inventions were successful, but he didn't let this deter him from trying. He believed in using failure as a chance to learn and improve. Readers will be inspired by Thomas Edison's fascinating life and how he achieved success in this Spanish Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

A researcher looks at cells under a microscope. A scientist studies bacteria in a Petri dish. A student boils liquid in a test tube. What do these things all have in common? The answer is: glass! Learn how something as simple as glass has played a huge role in scientific exploration with this fascinating Spanish Informational Text created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution! Build reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Learn about the science behind skateboarding! From the physics behind skateboard tricks, to the design of the skateboard's deck, wheels, and trucks, this high-interest book uses real-world examples to illustrate science concepts. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The ancient Polynesians were amazing navigators who traversed the Pacific Ocean and settled in its many islands. How did they travel such extreme distances and know where they were going without the use of modern technology like smartphones, satellites, or even magnetic compasses to guide them? Learn the answer to these questions in this Spanish book that uses real-world examples to illustrate science concepts. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this high-interest Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

You might not realize it, but there are green invaders everywhere. They live in our lakes, our parks, and even in our back yards. What are they? They are invasive plants! Learn how people are working to stop the growth of invasive plant species and what you can do to help. This high-interest Spanish book uses real-world examples to illustrate science concepts. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

There are worlds to explore under water. Entire ecosystems exist within oceans, lakes, and rivers. These worlds can also be recreated on land. this high-interest book uses real-world examples to illustrate science concepts. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, this Spanish book features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

Learn how prosthetic devices and 3D printing are being used to help injured dogs, cats, elephants, and dolphins with this fun and informative book. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this STEAM book will ignite a curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. 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 actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. This book builds young readers' foundational literacy skills and is ideal for 1st grade students or ages 5-7.