'Next Time You See a Sunset' and 'Notable Notebooks' Among Kids' Books Bound for Space Station

NSTA's Next Time You See a Sunset by Emily Morgan and Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings by Jessica Fries-Gather have been selected to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) later this summer to be part of the space station's Story Time from Space (STFS) program, a project supported by the Global Space Education Foundation and CASIS that aims to foster literacy and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning.

The books-published by NSTA Kids, a division of NSTA Press-are among a small bundle of STEM-themed children's books that will be packed aboard SpaceX-12, a cargo resupply mission to ISS, currently scheduled to launch in August. Once aboard the space station, astronauts will record videos of themselves reading the stories. The resulting videos will be available for viewing later this fall.

"NSTA is thrilled that two of its titles were selected to be a part of this project," said David Beacom, NSTA's Chief Content Officer and Associate Executive Director. "The Story Time from Space program provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with families all over the world, getting them excited and engaged about STEM, while participating in a favorite pastime for children, reading and listening to stories."

The books were sent to the STFS committee for consideration last October after NSTA heard about the STFS program from one of NSTA's Press authors, Peggy Ashbrook. The books were selected based on several criteria, including being able to be read in 15-20 minutes; story lines must have a science connection to space, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering; and accuracy in science content that does not perpetuate misconceptions.

One of the books making the journey to the space station, Next Time You See a Sunset, helps children experience the enchantment and discover the science behind sunsets. Children learn to appreciate the spinning of the Earth, the progress of day into night, and the reasons for the spectacular colors and shadows that accompany sunrise and sunset.

"When I found out that the book would be making this remarkable journey, I was elated," said Emily Morgan. "It is thrilling to think that an astronaut will be reading it on the ISS and children all over the world will be watching and listening. My hope is that everyone who watches will have a renewed sense of wonder the next time they see a sunset."

Also on the flight, Notable Notebooks shows children how luminaries from Galileo to Jane Goodall used notebooks to sketch observations, imagine experiments, and write down their thoughts and questions.

"It's an honor to have had Notable Notebooks selected for this program," said Jessica Fries-Gather. "It's such a thrill to imagine my book on the rocket and, ultimately, the International Space Station. It's every author's dream to share her work with the world - and Story Time from Space does just that."

Both books are available for purchase through the NSTA Science Store. Click here for more information about Next Time You See a Sunset and click here for more information about Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings.

For updates on the launch of Space X-12, visit http://www.nsta.org/publications/press/stfs.aspx.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence in science teaching and learning, preschool through college. NSTA's membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press®produces 25 to 30 new books and e-books each year. Focused on the preK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies. Follow NSTA Press on Facebook for the latest information and new book releases.

SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE. ©2017 Business Wire

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