Why Is There Life on Earth?

by Andrew Solway

Overview

This book explains the conditions that allow life to flourish on Earth, and the possibility of finding life on other planets.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781410985026
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	12/21/2015
Series:	Earth, Space, & Beyond
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
File size:	41 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	11 - 15 Years

Table of Contents

A goldilocks planet — Water in space — Third planet from the sun — Other atmospheres — Chemical signs of life — 'Aliens' on Earth — Life among the stars? — Calling all aliens.

Editorial Reviews

With a voice reminiscent of the Bill Nye videos, these books will appeal to reluctant scientists in the middle grades. Employing a layout similar to many textbooks, this series presents colorful, captioned photographs; sidebars with interesting facts; and bolded words that can be found in the glossary at the end of the book. The sidebars are guaranteed to catch attention with headings like "The Death Star" (Stars and Galaxies) and "The Science of Farts" (Life on Earth). Readers who have outgrown the excellent Magic School Bus series will enjoy the friendly, conversational style of these books: it is as if Ms. Frizzle is still lecturing without the cartoons. Each volume includes a table of contents, a brief glossary, a page of additional resources including both books and websites, and an index. In Life on Earth, there is also a timeline of the discovery of planets, and in Stars and Galaxies, the supplemental pages include a "Fact File," listing the sizes of the brightest stars and their distance from earth. Unlike some nonfiction texts, this series does not overwhelm the reader with scientific jargon and unpronounceable names, but this is not to say that the information presented is light and fluffy. This five-book series presents an age-appropriate introduction to large-scale scientific concepts. These books would be a lovely addition to classroom libraries and younger grades’ collections.—Jen McConnel Voya December 2011

Voya

We are interested in the possibility of life on other planets. To think about this, we look first at why there is life on our planet and if there was life on our neighbors. The author examines various extreme conditions that support life on our planet and speculates about the types of life on other planets. This may encourage young readers to pursue careers that will search for life in space. Photographs and illustrations support the text. At the end of the book are a Timeline Of Planet Discoveries, a Glossary, Find Out More and an Index. This would be a good addition to any Library. –Barbara Simpson, Hartman School Omaha Public Schools February 2013

Omaha Public Schools

This handsome astronomy series is very readable, with artwork throughout that enhances the reader’s knowledge. Telescopes, rockets, black holes, stars, and numerous other topics are briefly introduced, and will inspire further interest in outer space. Reference features in each title include a contents page, a fact file or timeline of discoveries or achievements, a bibliography of books and websites for further exploration, and a glossary. These volumes are a good investment for collections needing up-to-date information about our solar system and its exploration. Index. Dr. Audrey Irene Daigneault, Library Media Specialist, West Side Middle School, Groton, Connecticut Recommended Library Media Connection May/June 2012 Issue

Library Media Connection

This 48–page book is intended for young scientists and readers. It describes the elements necessary for sustaining life on Earth as well as the possibilities of discovering life in other places in space using scientific explanations and theories. If you want a book for young scientists and readers that describes the reasons for life on Earth and the possibilities of life in other places from purely scientific points of view, this could be the book for you and your students. This book is highly organized with a table of contents, fact file, "Find Out More" section, websites, glossary, and index. The inclusion of the "Word Station" with possible unfamiliar words and brief, clear and concise definitions are included at the bottom of most pages. The content, illustrations, and photography certainly can assist young scientists and readers in finding out about the scientific necessities for life on Earth and the scientific possibilities of discovering life in other places. I recommend this book for the illustrations, photographs, scientific narratives, and organization for young scientists and readers who want to know about the scientific reasons and theories behind life on Earth and perhaps other places. Be aware that this book contains straightforward scientific descriptions and concepts without any mention of so–called intelligent design or creationism. - Coralee Smith NSTA 4/16/2012 http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=21142 -

NSTA