Books in the Smithsonian Readers series

Nature is not always kind. Natural disasters like earthquakes and storms can wipe out cities. Entire cultures and their histories are at risk of being lost. When disaster strikes, some people work to save cultural items. They preserve culture for the future! 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!

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!

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.

Learn about the enlightening world of optics, where light bends to help us see the sights! 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.

The Inka Empire's grass suspension bridges were engineering marvels. Learn about the engineering behind them with this book that features a hands-on STEAM challenge and details how the engineering design process is used to solve real-world problems.

Learn about seismology and the men and women who study earthquakes! This high-interest 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 our galaxy, the Milky Way, and the methods that scientists use to study 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.