Space Exploration (Real World Math)

K-Gr 2--The books in this series focus on different fields of science and relate patterns, geometry, and other concepts to tasks within the various careers. Each title profiles individuals who use math on the job--astronomers, architects, wildlife biologists, and video game designers. Readers are encouraged to try ordering moon rocks by size or counting penguins by groups of ten to see how math applies to the real world. Putting the steps in order to program a robot, measuring craters on the moon, or tracking the distance traveled by animals are all activities that use math skills. Colorful photos of Chichen Itza, sea turtles, or a Mars rover make the books visually appealing. VERDICT Connections between the math concepts and the titular subject seems a bit forced at times, but the inclusion of women and people of color in the scientist profiles is a welcome representation.