Space Station Science: Life in Free Fall

The International Space Station (ISS) had been operational for a while when this second edition came out in 2004, so there are a lot of great interior and exterior photos. I'm an adult "space fan" with an interest in educational outreach, so I'm always looking for good space-themed books for kids, and this is one of the best I've ever seen. And it's not just for kids - I learned a lot myself! The hands-on activities look great too (haven't tried any yet). Construction is finally continuing on the ISS now. The shuttle Atlantis is still in space as I write this, having just delivered and installed a major new ISS section, and private space explorer Ms Anousheh Ansari is in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft ready to dock with and board the ISS tomorrow. It's going to be a busy place in the coming months, so if you or your kids are at all curious about the ISS or space flight in general, get this well written book and become a Space Station expert practically overnight!

Space Station Science was selected by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators to receive the Golden Kite Award for best nonfiction children's book of 1999. Booklist named it a Top Ten Youth Science Book, and the National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council named it an Outstanding Trade Book for 2000.

Marianne Dyson has produced a wonderful, thoughtful book that answers many of children's questions about living in space. How do you go to the bathroom? How do you eat? How do you breathe? She provides clear explanations and wonderful, first-hand quotes from astronauts that bring the experience to the reader in a fresh manner. The little science experiements and "try this at home" examples are a delight and really set this book apart. I read this book to my 10-year old as a bed-time story and we both loved it! As the International Space Station becomes operational next year, this volume will be indespensable for explaining to curious youngsters just what is going on.

Dyson's treatment of the phenomena in microgravity is particularly good. She provides a variety of entertaining experiments to demonstrate technology used in space. Though this book is clear enough for older children, it certainly would furnish an interested adult with plenty of new information in a readable, interesting style. This is a good gift book for that curious kid on your gift list -- but you should also get a copy for your coffee table.

An excellent book about the science of free-fall and space, written for kids, but interesting for adults as well. It has tons of interesting "hands-on" demonstrations suitable for kids that illustrate how the space station works. Would be great if you wanted ideas for a science project, or just if you're interested in the science behind space missions.