"Tortillas in space work great for making sandwich roll-ups (a regular sandwich with two slices of bread would take three hands to make—otherwise one slice will float away!)."
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Space Nutrition by Scott M. Smith, Janis Davis-Street,
Lisa Neasbitt, and Sara R. Zwart Illustrations by Marco Zambetti Trafford Publishing
book review by J. A. Garcia
Intuitively designed, this book first introduces readers to space travel and the unique ways it impacts the health of astronauts. But beyond the ways in which reduced gravity lessens bone density, the authors also take care to give readers a brief history of space travel and the ways technological innovations have shaped everything from space shuttles to drinking straws. In subsequent sections, a step-by-step overview of the scientific method is explored along with key nutritional concepts, such as calories, vitamins and minerals, and the effects these nutritional components have on the body.
Educators and parents will appreciate this book's educational value and readers will appreciate the insider's look at space travel, replete with interesting factoids and inspired graphics. Each section and chapter informs the next, as concepts are explained and young readers' questions are fully anticipated. Furthermore, the authors take special care to explain the relevance of the information they impart, demonstrating their awareness of keeping young readers fully engaged. This volume not only aims to educate readers about nutrition in space and its applicability to nutrition here on earth, it also weaves in lessons on the value of research and the inestimable value of teamwork. Practical use for the classroom, with a guide for how the content of the book meets national science education standards, as well as activities to ensure knowledge retention, are also included. Perhaps most importantly, this book not only demonstrates the authors' understanding of space travel and how it affects nutrition, they are also clearly in touch with their readers.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review