Extraterrestrial Atmospheres -- Mars: Print Resources
This is a collection of print resources covering the Atmosphere of Mars. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.
Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year's theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.
Key: E = Elementary (K-5), I = Intermediate (6-8), HS = High School (9-12), C = College, G = General Public
- Backpack Books: 1001 Facts About Space. Carole Stott. NY: Dorling Kindersley, 2002. 192pp. ISBN 0-7894-8450-1. (I, HS)
- This paperback is packed with information about space science. It is
encyclopedic in nature, listing facts without theory or explanation.
It is organized by topics, including the universe, galaxies, stars,
space from Earth, and the solar system and planets. There are also
some unusual topics, including small objects, studying space, 21st
century missions, optical technology, and space history. The book is
copiously illustrated with accurate and detailed drawings and
colorful photographs. While it does not present detailed theory or
explanation, enough information is presented to inform, intrigue,
and generate a number of questions. It can be used to fill spare
minutes in a classroom or provide a source for research for
elementary, middle school, and even secondary students.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=13005) - Destination: Mars (Revised and Updated Edition). Seymour Simon. NY: Harper Collins, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 0-688-15770-X. (I)
- Imagine a world where the air is always dusty and red, the
temperature is colder than a deep freeze both day and night, and the
atmospheric pressure is so low your blood would boil! Welcome to the
planet Mars! In this revised and updated edition, the latest
photographs, discoveries, and inferences about Mars are presented.
This book is readable, understandable, informational, factual, and
fascinating. It will capture the full attention of any third, fourth,
or fifth grader even though the reading is technical and falls into
the eighth grade range. The large type and full color photographs
add impact and help when the reading level becomes too steep.
Teachers will appreciate how the relationships between collecting
data, publishing facts, drawing conclusions, and making inferences
about the planet Mars are made clear to young readers. The most
recent discoveries and the incredible machines involved in
uncovering the mysteries of Mars are explained, along with a
timeline for future explorations. This book is a must-have for any
student who needs information on the planets or is just plain
interested in space.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=11592) - Future Missions to Mars. John Hamilton. Edina, MN: Abdo & Daughters, 1998. 32pp. ISBN 1-5623-9832-6. (I)
- Describes a series of missions, beginning in 1996 and continuing
into the first part of the next century, designed to bring back data
about the surface features, atmosphere, and magnetic properties of
Mars.
Source: OCLC WorldCatalog (http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/) - The Kingfisher Young People's Book of Space. Martin Fedfern. NY: Kingfisher, 1998. 96pp. ISBN 0-7534-5136-0. (I)
- This overview of the subject starts with an up-to-date report of
observations and explorations of our solar system and ends with a
description of our place in space and time in the universe. The
book's layout, with outstanding pictures and text, complements this
engaging journey through our space. Glossary. Index.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1999 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc99) - Mars. Larry D. Brimner. NY: Children's Press, 1998. 47pp. ISBN 0-5162-0618-4. (E, I)
- Simple facts about the Red Planet such as its orbit, atmosphere,
and terrain, as well as the outcomes of explorations such as the
Pathfinder Mission.
Source: OCLC WorldCatalog (http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/) - Mars. James A. Corrick. NY: F. Watts, 1991. 128pp. ISBN 0-5311-2528-9. (I)
- Describes the atmosphere and surface of Mars, including recent
findings from NASA space probes, and surveys the history of our
attempts to discover more about this planet.
Source: OCLC WorldCatalog (http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/) - Mars. Robin Kerrod. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 0-8225-3906-3. (E, I)
- Mars is one in a series of 10 books written by Robin Kerrod, a
prolific author, astronomer, and Fellow of England's Royal
Astronomical Society. It provides a level of content that is unique
for the elementary level. Seven chapters of text are enhanced with
a glossary, an index, and surface-feature photos. This book is
appropriate for independent readers in grades three through six, and
little background is necessary to enjoy the book. The book's
strongest feature is its easy-to-read layout. The text is free of
gender, class, cultural, and racial bias and incorporates language
and explanations with analogies appropriate for intermediate-age
students. Because the field of astronomy is changing so quickly,
teachers will want to supplement this basic text with the latest
information from NASA. This book will make an excellent reference
resource or text for independent reading. The explanations are
appropriate and make sense.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=11811 - Mars (Revised and Updated Edition). Steven L. Kipp. Mankato, Minn.: Bridgestone Books, 2000. 24pp. ISBN 0-7368-0520-6. (E, I)
- Contents: Mars and the solar system -- Fast facts -- The planet mars
-- Canals -- Atmosphere -- Revolution and rotation -- Moons -- On
Mars -- Space probes -- Recent and future missions -- Hands on: Make
martian sand -- Words to know -- Read more -- Useful addresses --
Internet sites -- Index.; Discusses the surface features, atmosphere,
exploration, and other aspects of the planet Mars.
Source: OCLC WorldCatalog (http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/) - Mars. Elaine Landau. NY: F. Watts, 1991. 63pp. ISBN 0-5312-0012-4. (I)
- Uses photographs and other recent findings to describe the atmosphere
and geographic features of Mars.
Source: OCLC WorldCatalog (http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/) - Mars: The Fourth Planet. Michael D. Cole. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. 48pp. ISBN 0-7660-1949-7. (I)
- This concise, informative book is suitable for upper elementary
through middle school. The author follows the journey of the
Pathfinder that traveled to Mars in l997. With the help of the
Sojourner rover, this mission gave scientists a great deal of
information about Mars. Actual photographs of Mars taken by a
variety of probes will support the reader's own discoveries about
the surface of Mars. A connection between science and history that
illustrates how sensational ideas and "bad science" can
influence what people believe -- the existence of Martians, alien
invaders, and "little green men" are based on conjectures
made by Percival Lowell about Mars in the late 1890s. Lowell
theorized that advanced beings had built what he thought were canals
seen through his primitive telescope. A short glossary and chapter
notes make it a good research source. The author does an excellent
job of comparing Mars with the other planets, and includes a center
double page of interesting Martian facts. The book also addresses
the challenge of getting a manned spacecraft to Mars, what it would
be like for astronauts to live on Mars, and what we would hope to
learn from visiting Mars.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=13104) - Mission to Mars. Franklyn M. Branley. NY: Harper Collins, 2002. 40pp. ISBN 0-06029-807-3. (E)
- This book shows us how we might travel to Mars, how we might explore
the planet, and where we would stay. It is the perfect book to
enhance teaching or researching about Mars. Written for children in
the primary grades, this book uses children's natural enthusiasm to
support informational reading. It is loaded with facts about Mars,
including new knowledge from the thousands of pictures scientists
have taken of the planet. The author includes a website to find out
more about research on Mars and the Mars mission. There are also
activities at the end of the book for extending the reading.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=13544) - The New Book of Mars. Nigel Hawkes. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech/Millbrook, 1998. 32pp. ISBN 0-7613-0811-3. (I)
- Good information and format, coupled with outstanding artwork, make
this an excellent overview of Mars and of our investigations and
speculations about this planet. The Mariner, Mars Pathfinder, and
Surveyor '98 missions, as well as planned future explorations, are
well described. Glossary. Index.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1999 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc99) - The Reader's Digest Children's Atlas of the Universe. Robert Burnham. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Children's Books, 2000. 128pp. Library ISBN 1-57584-379-X. (I)
- Beautiful illustrations and a strong layout create an eye-catching,
informative reference. This atlas visits the planets in our solar
system as well as asteroids, comets, and meteors before proceeding
to the stars and galaxies of deep space. Suggested activities for
the reader encourage hands-on exploration of the concepts presented.
Glossary, Index, Universe Fact File (includes facts on our solar
system and other celestial objects, astrological and technological
events, timeline of astronomy, and universal records).
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2001 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc01)
Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society