Astronauts-Aquanauts: How Space Science and Sea Interact
by Jennifer Swanson; Forward by Fabien Cousteau and Kathryn D. Sullivan
National Geographic for Kids (January 9, 2018)
Nonfiction * Science & Nature * Discoveries
Audience: Ages 9 to 12
Indiebound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
Journey from the deepest trenches in the oceans to the farthest humans have ventured into space and learn what it takes to explore the extremes. You might just be surprised by how similar the domains of ASTRONAUTS and AQUANAUTS really are.
Space and the ocean. If you don't think they go together, think again! Both deep-sea and space explorers have to worry about pressure, temperature, climate, and most importantly, how to survive in a remote and hostile environment. Join us on an amazing journey as we go up in space with astronauts and dive deep down in the ocean with aquanauts to explore the far-off places of our planet and the solar system.
With a strong tie into STEM topics--such as making connections, making comparisons, and recognizing patterns across content areas--readers will discover the amazing science and incredible innovations that allow humans (and sometimes only machines) to survive in these harsh environments.
Quick thoughts about the book:
Have you ever thought about how astronauts are similar to aquanauts? We have all heard about astronauts but I honestly have never thought about those who explore the sea as being aquanauts. When I looked up the word, I discovered that it has been in use since the 1880's. Hmmm...I guess I haven't been reading the right books all these years. However, isn't this part of why you love reading nonfiction so that you can learn new things? I know it is certainly one of my reasons for reading so many fabulous books.
I love learning new things and Jennifer Swanson's newest book provides readers with a looks at the similarities and differences of exploring space and sea. The book looks extensively at the environments of space and the deep sea and how both astronauts and aquanauts have to have extensive training, special suits, and understand how these unique environments will affect their bodies. Readers learn how buoyancy and gravity along with pressure are significant factors in exploring space and the deep sea. I appreciated the clear explanations and examples used to explain these concepts. I also realized that I had developed misconceptions of what a "lack of gravity" in space really meant.
Swanson also includes activities that you can try at home to learn more about some of the concepts discussed in the book. At the end of the book, readers get to "meet" real astronauts and aquanauts through several mini-bios.
As typical in books published by National Geographic, the book is filled with fabulous photographs, lots of definitions, extra facts and additional resources. For teachers looking for a book which uses a comparison/contrast text structure to share with students, this one is a good example to include in your classroom library.
Look for Astronauts-Aquanauts: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact at your local indie bookstore or community library.
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