Did you know that space technologies don’t cost as much money as you might think? And they create lots of spill off jobs? I know… that last was a shocker to me. How would space tech affect earth? That’s the question that Space on Earth answers.
What I am Reviewing
Space on Earth: intergalactic facts about the world around you!
Dr. Sheila Kanani
Del Thorpe (illustrator)
Alma Junior
128 pages, trade paperback,
Grades 3-4
Reviewed for Raincoast books.
Have you ever looked up into the sky and wondered about space, astronomy and the universe? Perhaps you have. But you’ve probably never looked around you – at the sunglasses you wear or the selfies people take – and thought about space. The truth is, there is more of space on earth than you realize. . .
Full of amazing facts about everyday innovations inspired by space travel and sections on the people who brought them to us, Space on Earth is an entertaining and fascinating look at space and the untold relationship with the planet we live on, helping children not only to feel the awe and wonder of the universe, but also to understand the reasons why space is relevant to us here on Earth.
Details on Space on Earth
Three categories are discussed on how space tech interacts with the world at large. Technology, health and fashion.
One example of technology is solar power. This was used for space travel. Fuel weighs a lot so if they had to haul batteries up to space as well… the load would be too heavy. Solar panels are a lot lighter and let the space craft create electricity. Over many years the technology was adapted for use by anyone.
As you learn about the different technologies such as cochlear implants you also get to meet scientists and learn amazing facts. Each example comes with a short biography on the scientist involved. Since there are all these details, I find this a great book.
You’ll find simple black and white illustrations throughout. You will find these illustrations work well with the text.
Thoughts/Recommendations
I’m told that Space to Earth is for children 8 and up. I think it would be great for students from grade 3-6. To discover the wonderful things that space exploration has given us. Who would have thought baby blankets for premmies would be developed, or that patients with dementia be helped, or our sound systems be improved. Space tech making our lives better, creating jobs for people that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.
I love that we told about the scientists and doctors who helped develop the technology. It’s a great way to expand the learning you know? Learn about the tech, research the developer.
My son saw this post and was intrigued by the book cover. Good to see that there are space books for him to read in a few years.
it’s a good book that certainly gets a person thinking about what other things might be the result of space tech.
Ooh – this sounds really fascinating. Hope the library has it!
I don’t remember when it comes out, I hope it’s out already.