The world is facing both a housing crisis and a climate crisis.
People everywhere are struggling to find and pay for homes. When we do build new housing, the construction unleashes tons of greenhouse gases. We need more affordable houses built faster without polluting the Earth. What if you could 3D print eco-friendly houses in months, weeks, or even days? What if you could quickly manufacture modular, mass timber buildings that actually slow climate change? And what if learning to 3D print human settlements on the Moon and Mars helps us tackle housing challenges here on Earth?
All of these things are possible. Technology offers hope and solutions, but it takes teamwork to challenge old ideas and change traditional ways of doing things. Discover why homes are essential for our health and well-being and meet trailblazers who are proving that we can create affordable green housing and healthy communities at the same time.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points:
• This STEAM title helps young readers understand timely topics in the news, such as the housing crisis and the climate crisis. They'll gain insight into the reasons for homelessness and the importance of affordable, safe and eco-friendly housing for health and well-being.
• Introduces young readers to cutting-edge technologies that offer new hope and solutions for the housing and climate crises.
• Young readers will meet trailblazers who are pioneering a revolution in construction automation. They'll learn about the challenges that go with innovation, and the importance of teamwork for solving complicated problems like the housing crisis. They'll also discover how these trailblazers are changing how we think about housing.
• Kids love books about building and construction equipment. This book gives young readers a sneak peek into the future of awe-inspiring machine innovations, sparks their imaginations about building a clean, green world and exposes them to new career possibilities in construction.
• Elaine Kachala is the the author of Superpower? The Wearable Tech Revolution in the Orca Think series. It was on the CBC (Children's Book Council) Best STEM Books list in 2023 and nominated for the American Association for Advancement of Science / Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, the Red Cedar Book Award and the SCBWI's Golden Kite Award. Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces young readers to innovative building techniques that will make homes sustainable and accessible to everyone. Elaine Kachala is the award-winning author of Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution. With over 20 years as a health policy writer and advisor, degrees in psychology and sociology (University of Toronto), and a master's degree in environmental studies (York University), Elaine brings a unique perspective to STEAM topics. She hopes to write books that inspire young readers to embrace their curiosity and creativity as they learn about real-life inventors who are unafraid to dream big while thinking critically about health, social and ethical issues. Housing for health and well-being is her passion, both personally and professionally. She lives with her family in Toronto.
Catherine Chan is a Toronto-based illustrator with a previous life in project management and technology. Her work explores her relationships as an immigrant, a mother and a lifelong learner, and acts as both self-exploration and self-declaration. She is excited about telling unique and inspiring stories through her illustrations. What's the big idea? Orca Think introduces us to the issues making headlines in the world today. It encourages us to question, connect and take action for a better future. With those tools we can all become better citizens. Now that's smart thinking! "A vital, inspiring look into how innovation and empathy can reshape one of our most basi
