This fascinating book explains the patterns and cycles created on Earth by the influence of the Sun and the Moon, as well as by the Earth's magnetic poles and the planet's rotation on an axis. Informative text, vivid photographs, and detailed diagrams help explain patterns such as day and night, the four seasons, the lunar cycle, the rise and fall of tides, and weather cycles.
From the telegraph to text messages, this imaginative title is sure to have students talking! The ways in which people communicate has changed dramatically. The telephone to a cell phone, and mail to email are just some of the inventions examined in a progressive timeline of ways we communicate.
From sound effects in video games and movies to surround-sound theatres, this fact-filled book explores the many ways audio engineers apply the science of sound. Readers will explore how sound travels and the characteristics of sound waves. Readers will also learn how to combine their understanding of sound science and the engineering design process to tackle a design challenge of their own.
Human activities have a huge impact on the Earth. Environmental engineers apply traditional engineering practices to help improve and prevent damage from humans and the waste we create to ecosystems and our environment. Readers will learn about how environmental engineering began, and the many processes environmental engineers apply to find sustainable solutions to problems. Real-life examples help students understand key concepts related to this important profession.
Lenses, lasers, microscopes, telescopeslight engineers design all these products to help make our lives easier. In this enlightening title, students explore the many uses of optics and the design process of turning a bright idea into a reality. With an overview of the engineering design process, readers are encouraged to apply the same steps into their own optical challenge.
Historically, farming was a very taxing, physical task. Bright-minded individuals revolutionized agriculture with inventions that eased tasks and sped up production. The advent of milestone machines such as Eli Whitney's cotton gin are chronologically explored in this stimulating title.
This exciting book describes the geological makeup and history of the Mojave Desert in the United States. Located in the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, there are several national parks in the desert including Death Valley, the hottest place in North America. Readers will learn about the people, plants, and animals such as cougars, scorpions, and rattlesnakes that inhabit this desert habitat. The Mojave Desert is also a windy place where wind farms have been set up to generate electricity. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as borax, silver, and gold, and the unique problems facing this region.
The mountain gorillas of Central Africa are a critically endangered species because of poaching, hunting, habitat loss, exposure to human diseases, and war. Readers will find out more about how people are working together to save these animals through habitat conservation and education.
At one time, the howling of gray wolves was a common sound throughout North America. Readers will learn more about these pack animals and what brought them to the edge of extinction. They will also find out more about the steps that have been taken to reintroduce gray wolves to the territories where they once roamed freely.
With fascinating information and facts, alongside beautiful pictures, students will learn about the Karner Blue Butterfly, its status on the endangered species list, why it has become endangered, and how it is planning on staging a comeback on the road to recovery.
The graceful, little key deer lives in the Florida Keys. Readers will learn more about these deer, how they became endangered, and what conservation groups are doing to help them make a comeback.
The Mongolian wild horse was once considered extinct in the wild and only a few existed in zoos. Find out how scientists working together have reintroduced Mongolian wild horses to their former habitat and are helping them take their first steps on the road to recovery.
Gray whales live in the Pacific Ocean and can grow to be 50 feet (15 meters) long. Readers will discover how whale hunters brought these huge mammals to near extinction and how people are working together to help these giants of the sea fight for survival.
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.
Rock climbing can be the fun and exhilarating, and the best part is that it is an activity that also helps you stay healthy and fit. Students will learn more about how they can start climbing, the importance of good equipment, and the health benefits of rock climbing.
Skiing down a snowy slope is fun and exciting. Readers will find out what they need to get started on an outdoor sport that can get them outdoors and help keep them fit for life.
Discover how Larry Page and Sergey Brin started out as two ordinary computer science graduate students at Stanford University, but together, created Google, the world's most powerful information search engine on the Internet. Readers will learn about the power of innovation, creativity and tech smarts.
Ellen Ochoa's has a passion for engineering, space, and science. Readers will find out how Ochoa used this passion to earn a doctorate from Stanford and become the first Hispanic American female in space. Learn how she uses this passion to inspire students of all ages to work hard in school and follow their dreams.
Mountain biking can be a fun and intense activity that pushes you to the limits. Readers will learn about how they can start their own mountain biking program and begin a lifetime of fitness.
Skateboards are not just popular in America, they are popular in England, China, and Japan as well. This book will help readers understand how raw materials are made into skateboards in factories from California to China.