The whooping crane is a unique bird found only in North America and known for its whooping call great height for a bird. Readers will learn about the whooping crane's fight for survival as hunters killed them for their beautiful feathers and humans drained their wetland habitats to build houses.
The American bison was hunted to near extinction in the 1800s as settlers moved west across what is now the United States. Readers will learn about this animal that is a symbol of the American West and find out what steps were taken to help increase the American bison population.
Readers are introduced the habitat and lifestyle of the American Alligator and learn how the American Alligator is making a comeback from near extinction. Find out how people in the southeastern United States are learning to live with these amazing creatures.
An elephant seal has a thick layer of blubber that keeps it from freezing in cold northern waters. This protective layer of blubber was prized by hunters who killed so many elephant seals that there were fewer than 100 left alive. Discover how government leaders and others took action to save these sea mammals from extinction.
The small golden lion tamarin is known for its brownish-red mane, long tail, and territorial nature. Readers will learn about these creatures and how destruction of their coastal forest habitat almost led to their extinction. Find out how zoos and conservationists have collaborated to save the golden lion tamarin.
Many people are afraid of bats, but like every other living thing they play in important role in nature. Readers will learn about cave dwelling gray bats, how they became endangered, and how government leaders and scientists have teamed up to save these furry, flying creatures.
Metal ores are one of the Earth's most common minerals. Metals are useful in all types of industry because they last a long time, are conductors of electricity, and can be easily shaped. Since the first metal alloy was created more than 6,000 years ago during the Bronze Age, people have recognized the potential of extracting metallic elements from rock. Metals traces the history, uses, methods of extraction, and future of one of our most versatile resources. Topics include: early use of metals during the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Copper Age which countries have the most deposits of metal ores, and how much metal different countries use extracting metals from ores by use of smelting, flotation, and leaching the equipment that geologists use to locate metal deposits in ore the lives of miners, including their working conditions, the equipment they use, and the dangers that they encounter working in open-pit and underground mines the role that recycling plays in saving our environment and how metals are recycled
The United States of America is a big, beautiful country. United States the Land celebrates the third-largest country in the world. Part of North America, the United States is bordered by Canada, Mexico, and two oceans. Young readers will learn about the history of the United States, as well as about the climate, agriculture, and natural landforms across the country's various regions.
In the United States, many cultures means many celebrations. This colorful book explores the many civic and Christian holidays, festivals from other religions, and popular events that Americans enjoy.
A large part of the population of the United States was built on immigration from around the world. This fascinating book looks at the people, traditions, and ways of life today of both Native Americans and the many cultures that have landed on the shores of the United States.
The eruption of volcanoes are one of the most awesome and destructive natural events. Scientists study volcanoes so they can prepare and warn nearby residents of potential eruptions.
Music, movies and television, sports all make use of sound engineers. This book describes the tasks and expectations of this cool job.
Robots, once a staple of science fiction, are a big part of science and industry today. This book gives a glimpse at the amazing things robots do.
Much of the battle against disease is fought by these scientists and their amazing equipment. This volume recounts the history as well as the current state of the art.
Best-selling books and television shows have helped unlock the mystery behind the work of these scientists. Using amazing tools and techniques, these workers unlock the clues to solve a case. Look inside to explore what forensic scientists do and how they do it.
Television shows have made the work of these scientists familiar to many people. These technicians unlock the clues to crime through science. Look inside to see what a crime scene investigator does, and what it takes to become one.
Law enforcement is keeping up with technology - and the criminals attempting to take advantage of it. Cyber cops use the latest electronic devices to track and find the bad guys.
Architects are designing more and more amazing buildings every year. Many are "green buildings", friendly to the environment. Look inside to learn about the history of architecture, what architects do, and some unique examples of their work.
Asian carp have big appetites and can leap out of the water when startled. They were brought to the United States from their native Asian habitats to control algae growth on fish farms. Find out what happened when some of these big, jumping fish escaped and made their way up the Mississippi River.
American mink have beautiful, thick, glossy fur. At one time, many were exported to other countries where farmers raised them for their fur. Find out what happened to native species when fur went out of fashion and many minks were released into the wild.
Cane toads are known for their warty skin and poison glands. They were brought to Australia and other places to help control pests that were harming crops. Learn more about how the cane toad has gone from being farmer's friend to an unwanted pest.
Gray squirrels are known for their bushy tails and hoarding habits. These North American natives were imported to parts of Europe and South Africa as pets, but quickly went from pets to unwanted pests. Learn more about the problems caused by invasive gray squirrels and what can be done to solve them.
Emerald Ash Borers have shiny green bodies and an appetite for ash trees. This native Asian insect hitchhiked to North America and has killed millions of ash trees. Learn more about the emerald ash borer and what is being done to try to stop its spread.
Zebra Mussels are known for their striped shells and clingy habits. These natives of Europe and Asia traveled to North America in by ship. Learn more about why the zebra mussel poses a threat to native animals and the health of North American waterways.
The Florida panther once roamed as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Tennessee. Today, these cats are found in just four counties in southern Florida. How did the Florida panther become one of the most endangered animals in the world? Read this book to find out how hunting and other human activities brought the Florida panther to the brink of extinction. Learn what is being done to help it get on the road to recovery.
