Books in the Smithsonian Readers series

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.

Many people depend on blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay for their jobs. But overfishing and changes in the blue crabs' habitats have reduced their numbers. Learn how scientists have stepped in to study these blue beauties so that they can keep a healthy crab population. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features a hands-on STEAM challenge that guides students through every step of the engineering design process and is perfect for makerspace activities. It makes STEAM career connections by providing a glimpse into the lives of real-life Smithsonian employees currently working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with this book that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

From dryer lint to plastic found in the ocean, learn how artists are using found objects to make beautiful art. This STEAM reader features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to teach problem solving.

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.

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 about the challenges NASA engineers and scientists faced when tasked with creating the first space shuttle! This high-interest book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

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 technologies that humans have developed by studying butterflies! 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.

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.

Riding bikes can be a lot of fun, but it is even more fun when it is safe. Read about how people have made cycling safe with this STEAM reader that features a hands-on STEAM challenge and uses real-world examples to teach problem solving.

Learn how Rube Goldberg machines take simple tasks and make them complex--and fun! This STEAM reader builds literacy skills and features a hands-on STEAM challenge that uses real-world examples to teach problem solving.

Learn the history of shadow puppets and the technology behind them with this STEAM reader that features a STEAM challenge. Students will gain insight into how the engineering design process is used to solve problems through real-world examples.

Learn how prosthetic devices and 3D printing have helped injured dogs, cats, elephants, and dolphins! This STEAM reader builds literacy and critical thinking skills through real-world examples and features a hands-on lab activity.