Predicting Earthquakes
How do seismic waves travel through rock? How can satellites help with earthquake prediction? The 'Why Science Matters' ... MorePredicting Earthquakes
Underwater Training
Did you know that swimming pools are used to train astronauts? Athletes use swimming pools to train when they're injured... MoreUnderwater Training
Making a Mummy
What happens after death? That was a big question for ancient Egyptians. They believed that a person needed his or her b... MoreMaking a Mummy
Amphibian Rescue
Amphibians can be found all over the world. There are more than 7,500 kinds of amphibians living in streams, rainforests... MoreAmphibian Rescue
Navigating at Sea
Navigation instruments have changed over time. Lodestones, sunstones, and sextants helped early navigators find their wa... MoreNavigating at Sea
Blue Crab Comeback
Many people depend on blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay for their jobs. But overfishing and changes in the blue crabs' ... MoreBlue Crab Comeback
Taking Photos from Space
Landsat satellites orbit the Earth to get images. Learn how these images are made using heat. Then, find out how these c... MoreTaking Photos from Space
Helping People See
Over the years, people have looked for ways to improve our imperfect sight. This has led us to the world of optics, whic... MoreHelping People See
Botanical Illustration
Imagine a career where you get paid to draw all day. That's what botanical illustrators do! Get inside the mind of a bot... MoreBotanical Illustration
Mapping the Milky Way
When it comes to mapping the Milky Way, scientists know one thing for sure. They know that there is still a lot that the... MoreMapping the Milky Way
From Grass to Bridge
Inka rulers led a huge empire with grand palaces. They had incredible riches. Artists made statues out of gold and silve... MoreFrom Grass to Bridge
Restoring Muddy Creek
Muddy Creek in Edgewater, Maryland is the site of a major makeover. The land around the stream has worn down. Find out w... MoreRestoring Muddy Creek
Raising Clouded Leopards
You've probably heard of lions and tigers. Perhaps you've seen them at the zoo. But have you heard of the clouded leopar... MoreRaising Clouded Leopards
The Wright Brothers
The Wright brothers wanted to build a flying machine. The path to achieve their dream was filled with many obstacles. Co... MoreThe Wright Brothers
Saving Culture from Disaster
Nature is not always kind. Natural disasters like earthquakes and storms can wipe out cities. Entire cultures and their ... MoreSaving Culture from Disaster
Rebuilding the Body
The first prosthetic devices consisted of wooden legs and hooks for hands. Today, many prostheses and bionics can do eve... MoreRebuilding the Body
Making Movies in Technicolor
It's hard to imagine the film The Wizard of Oz without the "yellow" brick road or the "ruby" slippers. The memorable and... MoreMaking Movies in Technicolor
Designing Butterfly Exhibits
Butterflies are a crucial part of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, many butterfly species are dying off in record numbers. ... MoreDesigning Butterfly Exhibits
The Culture of Calendars
The use of calendars dates back thousands of years. Why are we driven to record time, and what would happen if we did no... MoreThe Culture of Calendars
Designing a Shuttle
In the 1970s, NASA wanted to build a new kind of spacecraft that could be used over and over again. The Space Shuttle Pr... MoreDesigning a Shuttle
Exploring Volcanic Activity
Our planet is covered with volcanoes. They are fascinating natural wonders that are potentially dangerous and destructiv... MoreExploring Volcanic Activity
The Science of Waves and Surfboards
Watching surfers is mesmerizing. It looks like they are magically gliding over the water. But what looks like magic is a... MoreThe Science of Waves and Surfboards
Powered by Steam
Believe it or not, water can be used to power boat and train engines. In fact, water in the form of steam changed the ma... MorePowered by Steam
Electric Vehicles
Did you know the first battery-powered vehicle was created in the 1830s? People who attended the 1892 World's Fair in Ch... MoreElectric Vehicles
Organic Farming
Where does our food come from? The history of farming provides much "food for thought." In the past, farmers used natura... MoreOrganic Farming
Saving the Arctic
The Arctic ecosystem is diverse, fascinating, and special. The animals and people who live there have adapted to the icy... MoreSaving the Arctic
Tracking a Storm
What kind of weather is headed your way? Meteorologists make it their job to know. They tell you when sunshine is in the... MoreTracking a Storm
Selling More Snacks
The 1950s saw the start of a big snack food revolution. Since then, innovations in food science technology have made sna... MoreSelling More Snacks
Conserving an Aircraft
The Horten Ho airplane was made in Nazi Germany during WWII. Germany needed a new weapon, and hoped this experimental ai... MoreConserving an Aircraft
The Evolution of Space Suits
Design a flexible protective layer for a space suit. Space suits have come a long way. The look and function of space su... MoreThe Evolution of Space Suits
Color-Changing Cephalopods
Cephalopods have evolved with a strong set of skills that allow them to survive in their aquatic world. Scientists are f... MoreColor-Changing Cephalopods
Digging Up Dinosaurs
Learn about the fascinating journey of how a dinosaur fossil makes it way from the ground to a museum exhibit! It all st... MoreDigging Up Dinosaurs
Guided by Stars
The ancient Polynesians were amazing navigators who traversed the Pacific Ocean and settled in its many islands. How did... MoreGuided by Stars
Life in a Cube
How much life can one cubic foot hold? Read how photographer David Liittschwager and zoologist Chris Meyer studied life ... MoreLife in a Cube
The Science of Glass
A researcher looks at cells under a microscope. A scientist studies bacteria in a Petri dish. A student boils liquid in ... MoreThe Science of Glass
Making Music with Magnets
Electromagnets have played a powerful role in music. Without them, we would not have electric guitars, and without elect... MoreMaking Music with Magnets
Thomas Edison: Lighting a Revolution
Not all of Thomas Edison's inventions were successful, but he didn't let this deter him from trying. He believed in usin... MoreThomas Edison: Lighting a Revolution
Designing National Parks
Visitors from across the country and around the world flock to U.S. national parks to explore their beauty. Little do th... MoreDesigning National Parks
Saving a Species
Learn how employees at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are working hard to save animal spe... MoreSaving a Species
Inka Terraces
The Inka were master farmers, builders, and planners. Living in the Andes Mountains, they farmed and built on steep slop... MoreInka Terraces
Making an Ocean Ecosystem
There are worlds to explore under water. Entire ecosystems exist within oceans, lakes, and rivers. These worlds can also... MoreMaking an Ocean Ecosystem
The Art and Science of Skateboarding
Learn about the science behind skateboarding! From the physics behind skateboard tricks, to the design of the skateboard... MoreThe Art and Science of Skateboarding
Plant Invaders
You might not realize it, but there are green invaders everywhere. They live in our lakes, our parks, and even in our ba... MorePlant Invaders
Saving Migratory Birds
Learn how ornithologists are using modern technology to help migratory birds. Created in collaboration with the Smithson... MoreSaving Migratory Birds
Safe Cycling
Bike riding is a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. Read about how people have made cycling safe over the years. ... MoreSafe Cycling
Solving Problems at the Zoo
Smithsonian's National Zoo is one of Washington DC's most popular attractions. Tag along with the zookeepers and learn a... MoreSolving Problems at the Zoo
Protecting a Sinking City
Imagine a city with no cars or streets and where people ride boats to get around. This place is Venice, Italy. Built on ... MoreProtecting a Sinking City
Animal Health at the Zoo
Learn how zookeepers work to keep animals in zoos safe, happy, and healthy in this STEAM reader! Zoo animals are living ... MoreAnimal Health at the Zoo
Amazing Tales of Plant Survival
From Joshua trees to Venus flytraps, discover some amazing plants in this STEAM book! An unusual plant with only two lea... MoreAmazing Tales of Plant Survival
How to Become a Fossil
Dig deep into the process of fossil formation! Discover fascinating fossil facts and learn how fossils play a role in ev... MoreHow to Become a Fossil
All About the Periodic Table
Can you name the 103 elements of the periodic table? The periodic table is a powerful tool for chemists and all scientis... MoreAll About the Periodic Table
Gravitational Interactions
What goes up must come down…unless it’s in outer space! How do astronauts handle changes in gravity? Find out how the am... MoreGravitational Interactions
Yellowstone's Ecosystem
Take students on a tour of Yellowstone National Park with this STEAM book! Yellowstone is a tourist hotspot, but it is a... MoreYellowstone's Ecosystem
What Happens in Your Body When…
Discover what the amazing human body can do! Trillions of cells make up the body’s tissues, organs, and systems. Student... MoreWhat Happens in Your Body When…
All About Photosynthesis
Do you know how plants make their own food? Learn how plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to execute the stag... MoreAll About Photosynthesis
Meet the Megalodon
Meet the largest, deadliest species of shark to have ever lived: the megalodon! These sharks terrorized the oceans for m... MoreMeet the Megalodon
Working with DNA and Genetics
Are you curious whether dinosaurs could be brought back from extinction? Explore the cutting-edge science of DNA and gen... MoreWorking with DNA and Genetics
Predators and Prey
Read along as predators find food…while prey try to avoid becoming food! In every ecosystem around the world, predators ... MorePredators and Prey
All About Water
Do you know what makes up most of our bodies and most of Earth? Water! Learn about the water cycle and why water is so i... MoreAll About Water
Sonar and Submarine Technology
Dive into an exciting new world through submarines and sonar! The world beneath our oceans’ surfaces is dark, cold, and ... MoreSonar and Submarine Technology
Energy Reactions in the Kitchen
How do simple ingredients transform into the food on our plates? Meats, baked goods, dairy products, and more go through... MoreEnergy Reactions in the Kitchen
High-Speed Cars
Learn how high-speed cars are built to outpace ordinary cars and beat the competition every time they hit the track! Hig... MoreHigh-Speed Cars
Wildfires
Explore why wildfires happen and how to stay safe when they break out! Wildfires occur around the world every year. Thes... MoreWildfires
All About Hurricanes
Gear up to explore one of the most violent weather events on Earth—hurricanes! Weather experts use technology and quick ... MoreAll About Hurricanes
Human Effects on Earth
How do your everyday decisions affect our planet? From agriculture to climate change, humans leave a major impact on the... MoreHuman Effects on Earth
All About Clouds
White and fluffy or dark and stormy, clouds can tell us a lot about our planet! Learn how to identify and describe cloud... MoreAll About Clouds
