Explains how the invention of the telephone changed the world and outlines concept-introducing scientific activities, including how to build a string phone.

Follows a tour of the bathroom and the sewer system, from the family toilets to municipal water treatment plants.

"A kindergarten-level introduction to construction workers, covering their job description, the places where they work, and how they help the community by using their building skills"--

"Think pro basketball begins with the opening tipoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional basketball-from cleaning the hardcourt and mascot madness to locker room pep talks and postgame interviews. This fast-paced, fact-filled books will give basketball fans off all ages a totally fresh perspective on big-time basketball"--

"Learn all about unmanned aircraft, or drones, including how they were invented and improved over time, what they are used for today, and why they have sometimes caused controversy"--

Did you know that swimming pools are used to train astronauts? Athletes use swimming pools to train when they're injured, and doctors use them to help patients feel better. Learn how swimming pools and aquatic therapy help all kinds of people! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It...

A virtual tour of a construction site where hundreds of workers, thousands of trucks and machines, and millions of nails and bolts are part of a great puzzle that once, pieced together perfectly, will become an architectural masterpiece

Inka rulers led a huge empire with grand palaces. They had incredible riches. Artists made statues out of gold and silver. The Inka also made masterpieces out of grass. Their grass bridges crossed deep canyons. These engineering marvels let soldiers and messengers travel around the empire. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about...

People use many kinds of computers. There are desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even some toys and cameras. Do you know what parts are similar in all computers? Or how these parts work together? Read this book to find out!

Over the years, people have looked for ways to improve our imperfect sight. This has led us to the world of optics, which is the study of light and how it travels. What are some of these innovations that have changed how we see the world, and how do they work? Find the answers to these questions with this Smithsonian Informational Text! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this text builds students' reading skills while engaging...