The Planets of Our Solar System

by Steve Kortenkamp

Overview

Venus is a sweltering, spinning rock. Jupiter is a huge ball of gas. But they are both planets. Get up-close to the eight planets that orbit around our solar system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781429662413
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	12/01/2010
Series:	Solar System and Beyond Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	810L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Kortenkamp is a professional astronomer who studies small solar system objects like asteroids, comets, and moons. His research also involves the formation of planets, both in our solar system and around other stars. Dr. Kortenkamp is a Senior Research Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute (www.psi.edu) in Tucson, Arizona. His research is supported with grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation. He also teaches planetary science at the University of Arizona and in 2011 won the prestigious "Innovations in Teaching" award from the College of Science. Through the Planetary Science Institute, Dr. Kortenkamp conducts training and continuing education workshops for elementary and middle school science teachers in southern Arizona. He has written more than 20 children's books about topics related to space and has served as a scientific consultant on more than a dozen others. Steve's wife Jane is also a professional astronomer and together they have three young children. When they are not star-gazing, Steve and Jane are competitive endurance athletes who race in Ironman triathlons, marathons, and open-water swims.

Table of Contents

Wanderers — The inner planets — The outer planets — Discoveries.

Editorial Reviews

Perfect for young researchers, this new series captures the wonder of our universe, utilizing brilliant photography and a clear, concise narrative to explain key subjects.  Each book begins with a general introduction, revealing key physical factors (distance, temperature, size, and relative comparisons). Subsequent chapters discuss composition, atmosphere, and relationships to Earth. The authors keep the reader’s interest with familiar comparisons and fun facts which are directed at young children. Catching the reader’s eye and directing attention to important information, the books are laid out with contracting colors, captions and labels. This series is an excellent supplement to elementary textbooks and a strong resource for elementary research. Recommended.

Library Media Connection

This book is targeted for grades 3–4 but could be used with older children, especially those with reading difficulties, because of its interest and appeal. The chapters focus on the Milky Way galaxy, the eight planets of our own solar system, and present day discoveries in space. This reviewer found the content to be correct scientifically and presented in a easy–to–read manner that is appropriate for the elementary student. Vocabulary related to the subject is defined throughout the book. Some of the vocabulary and content may be difficult for the student to read independently at this grade level. The book could be read with teacher direction so students can learn the scientific content. Actual photos are used throughout the book and artistic effects are used to make the book appealing for students. There is a glossary, a list of suggested Internet sites, and suggested additional reading materials. http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=20491

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