Books in the Smithsonian: Informational Text series

Finesse your sandcastle-building skills with this fun title that examines the properties of sand and factors that influence sandcastle construction such as moisture and sunlight. This STEAM reader for 1st grade features a hands-on STEAM challenge.

Learn about the many ways humans can get warm when they are too cold. This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

On a hot day, what can people do to cool off? Learn about the many ways there are to keep cool. This STEAM reader builds literacy and critical thinking skills through real-world examples and features a hands-on lab activity.

Learn how musical instruments work with this STEAM reader that builds literacy and critical thinking skills through real-world examples and features a hands-on lab activity.

Learn about the fascinating "e;science"e; behind skateboard tricks and the design of skateboards! Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, this high-interest STEAM reader builds literacy skills and features a hands-on STEAM challenge.

Learn how light pollution prevents us from seeing the stars and causes other problems as well. This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn about the challenges the Wright Brothers overcame to become the "e;forefathers of flight."e; This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how the detailed drawings of botanical illustrators help science--and scientists! This book uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems and includes a hands-on STEAM challenge.

Learn how astronauts, doctors, and athletes use swimming pools for aquatic therapy and training! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how modern technology allows navigation to be more precise than ever. This Smithsonian STEAM reader features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Created in collaboration with Smithsonian, learn about the science behind mummification with this book that features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Muddy Creek in Maryland is being damaged by erosion. Learn about the efforts to restore it! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Find out why frogs are so amazing, and why they need our help to survive! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Discover why clouded leopards are so special, and why they need our help! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how Landsat satellites use heat to take images, and how they are helping save the planet! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fascinating wonders. Learn how snowflakes form with this fun STEAM reader that builds literacy skills and features a hands-on STEAM challenge.

Learn how scientists channel energy from the sun to power awesome innovations! This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how zookeepers at the National Zoo keep the animals healthy and happy. This book features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Everyone needs clean water, but not everyone has access to it. Learn how people are working to solve the clean water problem with this book that uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how technology has improved lighthouses over time with this book that features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how silk is harvested from silkworm cocoons with this STEAM reader that features a hands-on STEAM challenge. Students will gain insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems through real-world examples.

Zookeepers have developed innovative ways to help animals learn and grow. Learn how zookeepers keep animals healthy and happy with this book that uses real-world examples to give insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn about the history of steam power and the inventors and engineers who made it possible! With a hands-on STEAM activity and career connections, this book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Read how Smithsonian conservators saved and restored an experimental WWII aircraft from ruin! With a hands-on STEAM activity and career connections, this book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn how Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is working hard to save animal species from extinction. This high-interest STEAM reader builds literacy skills and features a hands-on STEAM activity.

Dive in and discover the science behind surfing! Surfers use science to select the right surfboard and to understand the motion of waves. This high-interest book features a hands-on STEAM activity and uses real-world examples to teach the content.

Volcanologists are scientists who study volcanoes. Learn about this fascinating STEAM career and the tools of their trade with this high-interest book that uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn why electric vehicles are enticing drivers to "e;dump the pump"e; and how they have evolved over time! With a hands-on STEAM activity, this book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

Learn about the science behind space suits and how they have changed over time. With a hands-on STEAM activity and career connections, this high-interest book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

How do food scientists make chips that taste like cheeseburgers and design packaging that keeps snack foods fresh? Learn the science of food technology and the problems that food scientists solve with this book that features a hands-on STEAM activity!