This colorful book describes the geological makeup and history of the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Covering most of Botswana, as well as portions of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is not a true desert because it receives more than ten inches (250 mm) of rain each year. But the rain drains and evaporates quickly leaving no water on the surface of the red sand. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as springboks, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. Special sections also describe the Kalahari's natural resources, indigenous people, and the unique problems facing this region.
This intriguing book describes the geological makeup and history of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. Temperatures can get very cold and frost and snow are not unusual. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as camels, snow leopards, and bears. The Gobi Desert is also where the first dinosaur egg fossils were found. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as copper and gold, and the unique problems facing this region such as the desert's alarming rate of desertification.
Thailand's culture is a blending of the Buddhist religion and ancient traditions passed down through centuries. This interesting book describes how influences from surrounding countries such as India, China, Cambodia, and others in southeast Asia have helped to develop many of the colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Thai people celebrate family occasions.
Learn what it takes to become a member of the U.S. military's special operations forces.
Learn what it takes to become a pararescue jumper in the U.S. military.
A guide to what a climate scientist does and how to become one.
A guide to what an information security analyst does and how to become one.
A guide to what a remote systems control engineer does and how to become one.
A guide to what a transportation planner does and how to become one.
A guide to what a wind turbine services technician does and how to become one.
Learn how birds inspired inventors to create gliders, balloons, and airplanes.
Learn how scientists have looked toward the kingfisher for inspiration in making high-speed trains quieter.
Learn how scientists were inspired by locusts to create advanced anti-collision systems for automobiles.
Learn how sharkskin has helped scientists create more effective swimsuits.
Learn how woodpeckers have inspired scientists to create new and improved helmet technology.
Learn what it takes to become an aircraft pilot in the U.S. military.
Learn what it takes to become an avionics technician in the U.S. military.
Learn what it takes to become a helicopter crew chief in the U.S. military.
Learn what it takes to become a drone pilot in the U.S. military.
Learn what it takes to become an information systems technician in the U.S. military.
Learn what it takes to become a motor transport operator in the U.S. military.
Learn about how nature has inspired technological innovations with this book on the similarities between butterfly wings and display technology for digital screens. Integrating both historical and scientific perspectives, this book explains how butterfly wings inspired the invention of new digital display technology. Readers will make connections and examine the relationship between the two concepts. Sidebars, photographs, a glossary, and a concluding chapter on important people in the field add detail and depth to this informational text on biomimicry.