How does an understanding of science make people better surfers? What happens when an invasive plant enters an ecosystem? Students will find the answers to these questions and many more with this STEAM book set devoted to the natural world! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this set builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. It features hands-on STEAM challenges that are perfect for makerspace activities and that guide students through every step of the engineering design process. It makes STEAM career connections by offering career advice from real-life Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Each book in this set touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math! Take a virtual tour of the Smithsonian with this set that includes these titles: Exploring Volcanic Activity; Tracking a Storm; The Science of Waves and Surfboards; Guided by Stars; Plant Invaders; Making an Ocean Ecosystem. Recommended age 8-13 years