The Disappearing Earth tackles the priority one problem of soil--erosion. The Disappearing Earth weaves science into the storyline. In the story Napoleon Soil and Jane Blonde work for the top-secret, underground spy organization known as E.A.R.T.H. or Espionage Agents with Really Terrific Hair. Their mission is to find out why our soil is disappearing, but leave it to Napoleon and Jane to make this mission an impossible one. By the end of this story, the reader will understand the soil erosion process and ways to control it.

Instructional Materials

The Hands-on Science Kit includes The Disappearing Earth student booklet, Secret Agent Worms stickers, bookmarks, poster, Mission Possible Teacher's Guide and student activity sheets. The Hands-on Science Kit is available on loan basis from the University of Illinois Extension Office. The kit may be purchased for $145.00; teacher's packet for $38.00; and 10 copies of The Disappearing Earth book for $58.50.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards

07B. Estimate measurements and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.

10A. Organize, describe and make predictions from existing data

10B. Formulate questions, design data collection methods, gather and analyze data and communicate findings

11A. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry

11B. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design

12B. Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment

12D. Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them

12E. Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the earth and its resources

13A. Know and apply the accepted practices of sciences

13B. Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology, and society