Jump Into Science: Dirt (Jump Into Science )

Description

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 important, 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.

Stephen M. Tomecek (a.k.a. "The Dirtmeister(r)") is the Executive Director and founder of Science Plus, Inc. Steve began his professional career as a geologist (yes, he's a real scientist!). The title "Dirtmeister" was hung on him over 20 years ago by his students at the New York Botanical Gardens where he taught courses in soil science. He served as the Associate Director for the Science Museum of Long Island and as the Science Program Supervisor for the New York Hall of Science. He currently serves as a writer and science consultant for the National Geographic Society, Scholastic, Inc, and Chelsea House. In the past he has written and has helped to develop web sites for Discovery Communications, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and Los Alamos Labs. Steve has written over 45 nonfiction books for both teachers and kids.

"My son loves these books. We started reading National Geographic Kids books when he was about six (he's nine now) and I can honestly say that these books have been instrumental in teaching him to read." - Consumer "My kids love these books. Super fun and interesting." - Consumer