Synergy: Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. Although several uncrewed spacecraft have explored this small planet, a human mission to Mars is likely in the next decade.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

PACKING FOR MARS FOR KIDS by Mary Roach answers questions about space travel and life in space. This young readers adaptation contains all the humor and information found in the adult version while focusing on topics of interest to middle grade readers. From floating in space to toilet training, Roach shares both personal experiences and historical examples as she immerses readers in the practical aspects of a mission to Mars and beyond.

The MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM website from NASA Science shares information and discoveries gathered from robotic orbiters, landers and mobile laboratories. Visitors can explore past, present, and future missions.

To visit the website, go to https://mars.nasa.gov/.

The HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM website from NASA explores the methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel. It includes links to useful resources about upcoming missions.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nasa.gov/hrp.

ARC courtesy of Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W. W. Norton.

Website Review: If the Moon Were Only 1 Pixel

IF THE MOON WERE ONLY 1 PIXEL visualizes the scale of the solar system.

Using a series of slides, this fascinating model of solar system uses the scale of 1 pixel equal to 3474.8 kilometers (or the distance from New York to Las Vegas). As users scroll from the sun through the planets and moons in our solar system, interesting statements and facts appear on the screen.

A button is used to show how quickly light travels. An option is provided to change the scale to amounts such as miles, light minutes, buses, and blue whales. Users can also jump to specific objects in the solar system.

Librarians will find this web-based project to be a fun way to explore scale in both math and science. Use it in a display featuring books about scale and the solar system.

To view the website, go to http://joshworth.com/…/pixelspa…/pixelspace_solarsystem.html.

Series Review: Explore My World

The EXPLORE MY WORLD series by Becky Baines helps young children learn about the world around them.

Featuring a wide range of topics, each informational book contains facts and reflective questions to get young children thinking.

DOLPHINS provides a look at the world of dolphins including their characters, habitat, life cycle, and what they eat. It defines key concepts, provides a labeled diagram, and introduces the idea of marine mammals.

PLANETS defines the concept of planet and provides a map of planets. Using age-appropriate language and examples, the book helps children better understand Earth and how other planets are alike and different from Earth.

Librarians will find this series to be an excellent way to introduce informational reading to young children. With many books in the series to choose from, ask students to explore a book of interest and share their questions. Use the books as part of a buddy reading program with older children who might share their interest in science topics.

Published by National Geographic Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.