Metropolitan Library System

Did you know that swimming pools are used to train astronauts? Athletes use swimming pools to train when they're injured, and doctors use them to help patients feel better. Learn how swimming pools and aquatic therapy help all kinds of people! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It...

People use many kinds of computers. There are desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even some toys and cameras. Do you know what parts are similar in all computers? Or how these parts work together? Read this book to find out!

Bridges take cars, trains, and people across rivers, lakes, and canyons. This introductory title covers the materials used in bridge construction, the types of bridges, and the scientific concepts that make bridges work.

Can you spot the shapes on a birdhouse? How many shapes can you find? Beginning readers will enjoy learning basic shapes including circles, triangles, squares, and hexagons with this brightly illustrated book. With simple, repetitive text, this full-color text uses real-world examples to teach basic math concepts. Beginning readers will develop their math and reading skills and be introduced to early STEM themes. The Math Talk section includes questions...

What is brighter than the sun, strong enough to reach the moon, and sharp enough to cut tiny holes? Lasers do all this and more! Let a laser-like focus on measuring length shine through as you find out what makes these bright beams light up. This nonfiction math reader builds literacy skills and math content knowledge, combining informational text, problem-solving, and real-world connections to help students explore math in a meaningful way. The Let's...

How are crayons made? Clear wax is melted in a factory. Once it's melted, color is added to it, it is poured into crayon-shaped molds, cooled, and wrapped in a paper label. Sorted into sets, the brightly colored crayons are boxed and sent in trucks to stores to be sold to you.

Readers learn about the variety of processes that transform cocoa beans into chocolate bars.

This book introduces readers to the unique features of crocodiles. Basic information is covered, such as habitat, life cycle, range, diet, predators, and threats. Table of contents, diagrams, interesting facts, glossary, and index are included. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. Detailed maps Glossary of key words Index Infographics Table of contents...

Sand, saw, stain, and hammer with Cool Woodworking Projects! Kids can learn how to handcraft a cool bow and arrow set, bend and mold a mini wooden skateboard, and more! Each workshop project includes easy-to-read, step-by-step instructions paired with photographs. Budding craftspeople and engineers will love learning how to use the tools of the trade to make one-of-a-kind creations. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards....

Believe it or not, water can be used to power boat and train engines. In fact, water in the form of steam changed the manufacturing and transportation industries thanks to steam power pioneers like Denis Papin, Thomas Newcomen, James Watt, and Richard Trevithick. Explore the ways that steam is now used to generate electricity and plans for future uses of steam power! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational...