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Learn about the history of steam power and the inventors and engineers who made it possible! With a hands-on STEAM activity and career connections, this book uses real-world examples to teach how the engineering design process is used to solve problems.

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Believe it or not, water can be used to power boat and train engines. In fact, water in the form of steam changed the manufacturing and transportation industries thanks to steam power pioneers like Denis Papin, Thomas Newcomen, James Watt, and Richard Trevithick. Explore the ways that steam is now used to generate electricity and plans for future uses of steam power! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!