Jump Into Science: Dirt

by Steve Tomecek

Published 8 March 2016
What is soil? Who lives in dirt? How does earth help things grow? The answers are within this fun- and fact-filled picture book. Just follow the gardening, star-nosed mole in the colorful outfits . . . and dig in!
 
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the basics of soil science with a creative presentation of the subject matter and an easy-to-follow do-it-yourself experiment. The text also includes Common Core–aligned activities for further classroom learning.
 
"Sprightly illustrations featuring a mole sporting a cheerful wardrobe of play clothes brighten a straightforward text about the formation and importance of soil . . . A quick, pleasant introduction to earth science."—School Library Journal
 
The Jump into Science series presents introductory science topics in an engaging picture book format with a character guide who helps readers understand the more challenging information. Other titles in the series include installments on sand, the sun, and stars.

Jump Into Science: Sun

by Steve Tomecek

Published 9 May 2006
Jump in and follow our brightest star to learn all about the sun -- what it is, how it works, and why we all depend upon it. Adorable illustrations and kid-friendly text make complex science fun and easy to understand. Every Jump Into Science book ends with a hands-on experiment to fully engage readers and extra material to stimulate learning.


"Steve Tomecek brings fun and fact together with this nonfiction narrative of Earth's closest star." —Washington Parent

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information. 

Jump Into Science

by Steve Tomecek

Published 13 May 2008
Kids will gravitate to Steve Tomecek’s humorously illustrated guide, which surveys the earth’s astounding variety of rocks and minerals and the fascinating ways people have transformed them into usable materials. From talcum powder to silver jewelry, it all comes from inside this great big rock we live on. A high-interest topic for youngsters as well as an important segment of the elementary science curriculum, this book is in a kid-pleasing format and includes a bonus activity.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Dirt

by Steve Tomecek

Published 1 September 2002
The Jump Into Science book Dirt takes on the topic of soil, one of the most important resources on Earth. A star-nosed mole is the book's character guide, and he shows off all the different kinds of dirt in his garden, helps us to understand how dirt formed and what's in it, and points out many of the incredible creatures who live in the dirt. Young readers will learn fascinating scientific information about the different soil layers, or horizons, and find out how the soil that plants grow in differs from the soil that building foundations sit in. They'll also learn fun stuff: Did you know a single earthworm can eat several tons of soil a year? Dirt takes on more significance than just something to be cleaned up when you realize that it's a critical part of the web of life. Without it, plants could not grow, and animals - and people - could not live. Soil is importnat, and it needs protecting. Dirt also discusses some of the issues surrounding soil conservation and protection and talks about protecting forests and grasslands as a way to help.
A do-it-yourself experiment at the end of the book walks kids through a great activity - how to build your own soil ecosystem in a plastic soda bottle. Give it some time, and you'll see grass begin to sprout and critters crawling around in your miniterrarium. The bright cheerful art, and the delightful mole will charm readers as they learn all the secrets of the precious substance down underground - dirt.

Moon

by Steve Tomecek

Published 1 April 2005
A cartoon cat and bug explain scientific history and concepts regarding the Earth's moon: its ever-changing appearance, composition, comparisons to Earth and the sun, Galileo's observations and discoveries in 1609, astronauts, orbits, and other topics. Busy, colorful borders are full of decorative details based on the main pictures. A concluding craft project gives instructions on how to make craters.

Stars

by Steve Tomecek

Published 1 January 2003
What are stars made of? Where do they go in the daytime? How far away are they? A boy and his bike-riding dog take readers on a stellar journey to answer these and other intriguing questions. Along the way, children discover that our sun is a star and that stars of many sizes and colors twinkle throughout the universe. Simple text and whimsical art introduce the science of stars, explaining concepts such as brightness, distance, and why stars appear to move across the sky. Then patterns in the stars come to life dramatically in the form of lions, bulls, and people in the various constellations.

Where do stars go in the daytime? How far away are stars? What stories can they tell us?

Marvel at the mythic stories of the constellations and try finding your own patterns in the sky. Think beyond our sun and wonder what other planets might be circling other stars and what, or who, might be on them. Open the book and blast off to the stars!

"A sure winner for future astronomers and their stargazing parents. Tomecek and newcomer Yoshikawa make an excellent duo in rendering concepts understandable to readers." —Kirkus Reviews

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information. 

Sun

by Steve Tomecek

Published 1 September 2001
The sun gives us light. It gives us life. Without the sun, we could not survive on Earth-there would be no Earth. Sun looks at the science behind the big ball of gas shining in the sky. What is it made of? How hot is it? How long would it take to get there? In light-hearted but fact-filled fashion, science educator and author Steve Tomecek answers these questions and more. Following the lead of two kids and a purple cat, the reader will learn about sunspots and solar flares, how the sun creates night and day and seasons, and how the sun warms the planet Earth. Carla Golembe's stunning gouache artwork blends a whimsical and scientific style to show Earth in its place in the solar system, scientists studying the sun through special telescopes, and the bounty of life on Earth nurtured by the heat-giving rays of our very own star. A do-it-yourself experiment with easy-to-follow illustrated steps shows budding scientists how the Earth orbits the sun and what affect that has on those who inhabit Earth. This joyful gentle introduction to astronomy will leave young readers ready for the moon and the stars!