Science Matters: Earth Science Books in Order
Science Matters: Earth Science is a 6-book series by Jennifer Nault for ages 5–8, at a grades 4–5 reading level, with gentle to mild content (HootRated intensity 1–2 out of 5).
- Books
- 6
- By publication date
- Content intensity
- Gentle to mild
- HootRated 1–2 out of 5 · avg 1.2
Science Matters: Earth Science Reading Order
Series numbers aren't available for most Science Matters: Earth Science books, so they're listed by publication date (oldest first).
| # | Title | Reading Level | Ages | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earthquakes (Science Matters Earth Science) 2004 | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Mild |
| 2 | Fossils (Science Matters Earth Science) 2004 · Megan Lappi | Level 5-6 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 3 | Minerals (Science Matters Earth Science) 2004 · Patricia Miller-Schroeder | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 4 | Rocks (Science Matters Earth Science) 2004 · Melanie Ostopowich | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 5 | The Rock Cycle (Science Matters) 2004 · Melanie Ostopowich | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
| 6 | Volcanoes (Science Matters Earth Science) 2004 | Level 4-5 | 5-8 | Gentle |
Content Intensity Across the Series
ConsistentContent stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.
Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. Science Matters: Earth Science (6 books by Jennifer Nault) lands at a grades 4–5 reading level, with average content intensity 1.2/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.
The reading-order table above lists every book with per-volume reading level, age and intensity ratings so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.
All Science Matters: Earth Science Books
Earthquakes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Earthquakes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Fossils (Science Matters Earth Science)
Megan Lappi
Fossils (Science Matters Earth Science)
Megan Lappi
Minerals (Science Matters Earth Science)
Patricia Miller-Schroeder
Minerals (Science Matters Earth Science)
Patricia Miller-Schroeder
Rocks (Science Matters Earth Science)
Melanie Ostopowich
Rocks (Science Matters Earth Science)
Melanie Ostopowich
The Rock Cycle (Science Matters)
Melanie Ostopowich
The Rock Cycle (Science Matters)
Melanie Ostopowich
Volcanoes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Volcanoes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Series Like Science Matters: Earth Science: What to Read Next
Similar reading level, content intensity and themes.
- Little Zoologist; Smithsonian Little Explorer by Sally Lee 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Great Zoos of the United States; PowerKids Press by Diana Estigarribia 5 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Smithsonian Little Explorer; Little Zoologist by Sally Lee 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- PowerKids Press; Library of Why by Marian B. Jacobs 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Checkerboard Library; Sharks (ABDO) by Adam G. Klein 4 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle content
- Snakes (ABDO); Checkerboard Library by James E. Gerholdt 9 books · Grades 3–5 · gentle to mild content
Questions about the Science Matters: Earth Science series
- What reading level is the Science Matters: Earth Science series?
- Science Matters: Earth Science books are at a grades 4–5 reading level (average grade level 4.7), and HootRated recommends the series for ages 5–8. There are 6 books in the series.
- What order should I read the Science Matters: Earth Science books?
- Series numbers aren't available for most Science Matters: Earth Science books, so HootRated lists them by publication date: Earthquakes (Science Matters Earth Science) (2004); Fossils (Science Matters Earth Science) (2004); Minerals (Science Matters Earth Science) (2004); Rocks (Science Matters Earth Science) (2004); The Rock Cycle (Science Matters) (2004); and 1 more.
- What age is the Science Matters: Earth Science series appropriate for?
- HootRated recommends Science Matters: Earth Science for ages 5–8. Content is gentle to mild (HootRated intensity 1–2 out of 5). Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.