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Smithsonian Readers 4: Exploring Volcanic Activity
Volcanoes can burn hotter than anything on the Earth's surface. But there is no doubt that nothing is cooler than a volcano! Volcanologists are scientists who study volcanoes. Learn about this fascinating STEAM career, the tools of their trade, the...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Organic Farming
Long ago, farmers used natural farming methods. Then, faster ways to grow food were invented. Some of these methods were not natural. Organic farming has changed that. Farmers are working again with nature to grow plants that are good for the...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Powered by Steam
Did you know that steam can be used to power engines? In fact, steam power drastically changed the manufacturing and transportation industries. Learn about the history of steam power and the engineers who made it possible, from its very first recorded...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Rebuilding the Body
The first prosthetic devices consisted of wooden legs and hooks for hands. Today, many prostheses and bionics can do everything a natural limb can do--and more! Learn about inventions from the past that have been used to rebuild the body and modern-day...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Saving the Arctic
The Arctic ecosystem is changing. The temperature is getting warmer, and the polar ice is melting. Polar scientists from around the world study the Arctic because changes there affect the entire planet. What have they found? Discover why it's so...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Selling More Snacks
How can you make ice cream creamier? What packaging keeps cookies fresh the longest? And how do you make potato chips that taste like a cheeseburger? These are some of the problems that a food scientist tries to solve! Learn about the science behind...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: The Culture of Calendars
Time has fascinated humans for thousands of years. We have struggled to find ways to keep track of time and predict patterns in nature. Ancient people watched the skies to study nature's cycles and mark them in time. From these, calendars were born...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: The Evolution of Space Suits
If you were traveling to outer space, what would you wear? Luckily, some of the best scientists have figured that out for astronauts. NASA scientists and engineers have designed the best gear to help astronauts travel to space and return home safely...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: The Science of Waves and Surfboards
Being a great surfer requires more than skill and instinct. It's a sport that relies on science! Without buoyancy, surfers would sink. Without acceleration, they could not travel the length of a wave. Science also plays a role in how surfboards are...
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Smithsonian Readers 4: Tracking a Storm
Modern meteorologists put science to work to predict what the future holds. These predictions tell people how to dress for the day, or whether to pack an umbrella. But that's not all they do! They also track hurricanes, tornadoes, and major storms. They...
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Smithsonian Readers 5: Color-Changing Cephalopods
Imagine changing the color of your skin or even your shape in an instant. If you were a cephalopod, you wouldn't have to imagine it--you could to it! Scientists are closely studying them to learn how to mimic their amazing changeability." Just don't...
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Smithsonian Readers 5: Designing National Parks
Visitors from across the country and around the world flock to U.S. national parks to explore their beauty. Little do they know that the National Park Service (NPS) has been guiding and enhancing their experience for more than 100 years. The NPS's...