Up in Space: Mercury and Venus (QED Reader)
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
How long is a day on Mercury? What are space probes used for? How tall is Venus' highest volcano?
Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this fascinating book on Mercury and Venus, part of the Up in Space series from QED. Through straightforward sentence structure and enlightening images, readers with a wide range of reading ability can enjoy these titles. This Level 2 series has less repetition and there is more text than Level 1, making them slightly more challenging. However, the varied, simple sentence structure results in a rewarding reading experience. These exciting titles will help to build the confidence of young readers whilst they enjoy learning about the solar system and all the planets and stars that are out there!
Why read this book
- Engaging exploration of Mercury and Venus.
- Enhances knowledge about the solar system.
- Supports development of scientific curiosity.
- Illustrated pages capture young imaginations.
Age
6-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to visit Mercury or Venus? How do you imagine the environment there?
If you could send a message to space, what would you say to someone or something living on Mercury or Venus?
Why do you think it's important for scientists to learn about different planets?
What similarities and differences might exist between Earth and its neighboring planets, Mercury and Venus?
If you could design a space mission to explore Mercury or Venus, what would it look like and what would you hope to discover?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own curiosity about space to spark interest. Let your child lead parts of the discussion, to empower them and make it more interactive. Use visuals from the book to assist in explaining more complex ideas about the planets. Connect the topic to your child's experiences or interests (like sci-fi movies or the night sky) to make it more relevant. Ask them to draw or craft something inspired by Mercury or Venus to deepen their engagement with the topic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book takes children on a journey to explore Mercury and Venus, sparking curiosity about the universe.
Real-World Application: Fosters an inquisitive mindset that encourages children to explore new subjects and ask questions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Scientific Knowledge
Explanation: Provides factual information about Mercury and Venus, including their environments and characteristics.
Real-World Application: Enhances children’s understanding of planetary science, which can be applied in school settings and encourage interest in STEM fields.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Highlights the extreme conditions on Mercury and Venus, teaching about different planetary environments.
Real-World Application: Promotes awareness of diverse habitats and the importance of environmental conservation on Earth.
Example Lesson: Patience in Learning
Explanation: Reading about complex topics like space requires patience, which is modeled through the detailed exploration of each planet.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of patience and persistence in learning, skills that are applicable in academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: The voyage to Mercury and Venus encourages imaginative thinking about what it might be like to visit other planets.
Real-World Application: Supports creative thinking and problem-solving, enhancing children's ability to think outside the box in everyday situations.