Skid steer loaders are small construction machines that can do many different jobs. They are very useful for working in small places. Follow a skid steer loader as it drills a hole, lifts up a tree, or moves dirt. Blastoff! Series
Did you know a bulldozers blade can be as heavy as an elephant? A bulldozer breaks apart rocks or dirt and uses its blade to clear things out of the way. Students will learn about the different parts of a bulldozer and the various places a bulldozer works. Blastoff! Series
Clear the road for the speeding ambulance! These vehicles need to get to an emergency as fast as possible. Learn about the equipment an ambulance carries and how ambulance workers save lives. Blastoff! Series
When you lose electricity during a storm, a bucket truck may come to the rescue. Bucket trucks help people reach things high up like power lines, trees, or traffic lights. Discover a bucket trucks different uses and how this machine works. Blastoff! Series
Airplanes come in all shapes and sizes, from small to jumbo. Some airplanes can fly as fast as 2,000 miles per hour. Take a first look at the parts of an airplane, and hold on tight for take off! Blastoff! Series
Have you ever wanted to leave your handprint in a patch of wet concrete? You may have wondered how concrete is formed and how it is set down to harden. This introduction offers a glimpse into this process and the giant machine behind it. Blastoff! Series
Have you ever seen a big truck on the highway? That is called a big rig. It transports many of the things we use in our everyday lives. Read about the different types of big rigs and how they transport cargo. Blastoff! Series
Backhoes are powerful machines that help build houses or other structures. The strongest part of a backhoe is its digging bucket, which scoops up dirt and rocks. Young readers will find out how this machine operates and works in this easy introduction. Blastoff! Series
Rivers flow through plains and forests and provide water to plants, animals, and people. Children will learn how rivers begin and end, the parts of a river, and what animals call a river home. Blastoff! Series
Volcanoes are many different shapes and sizes. They can be dormant or active. Students will learn about the different kinds of volcanoes and discover what makes a volcano erupt. Blastoff! Series
Watch out for that big wave! Oceans cover a large part of Earth and support a wide variety of plants and animals. Young readers will learn about the tides, waves, and currents of the ocean as well as what lives beneath the surface. Blastoff! Series
Deserts are vast areas of the Earth with very little moisture. There can be both hot deserts and cold deserts. Students will learn the difference between hot and cold deserts, and how desert plants and animals survive the harsh conditions. Blastoff! Series
Earth has hundreds of thousands of lakes with a wide range of sizes. Young readers will learn about how lakes form, the different kinds of lakes, and what animals call lakes home. Blastoff! Series
Take a climb high into the mountains! This basic introduction to mountains explains the different kinds of mountains, how mountains form, and how people use mountains for recreational activities. Blastoff! Series
The high maneuverability and speed of jet fighters cause pilots to experience g-forces nine times that of gravity! Students will learn about the history, technology, and future of the fastest jet fighters in the world.
Underwater earthquakes, volcanoes, and mudslides can cause tsunami waves that reach land and wreak havoc. Children will learn how tsunamis develop, how they are detected, and their devastating impact on communities. Blastoff! Series
Hurricane winds spin around a central point called an eye. A hurricane's eye usually has calm weather and clear skies. Eager readers will discover how hurricanes form, move, and damage tropical areas. Blastoff! Series
Part airplane and part helicopter, the V-22 Osprey hovers in the air as U.S. Marines jump behind enemy lines. Kids will learn about the V-22 Osprey's vertical take-off and landing, defensive weapons, and the dangerous missions this unique machine performs.
Not a sports bike and not a touring motorcycle, standard motorcycles fit the needs of riders who just want to get around town. Students will learn about these cheap, reliable, and easily customizable motorcycles.
Tennis is a popular recreational sport played by many people, but it is also played professionally in tournaments all over the world. Young readers will learn the basic rules of tennis, the equipment required to play, and the worldwide tournaments where professionals leave it all on the court. Blastoff! Series
Predator drones use cameras and sensors to help the United States Air Force gain valuable information about the enemy. They can also be used for strategic strikes. Readers will find out how predator drones work, what kinds of missions they are sent out to perform, and how a pilot thousands of miles away can safely control one.
Scooters have become a very popular way to get around town over the last fifty years. Students will learn where scooters came from and what kinds of scooters are around today.
Most motorcycles can go pretty fast. However, some are designed to reach incredibly fast speeds! Kids will read about the history of motorcycles, the technology behind the fastest bikes, and what the future holds for the world's fastest motorcycles.
Bullet trains originated in Japan. They are the fastest trains on Earth. Young readers will learn about the history of bullet trains, the technology that makes their high speeds possible, and what bullet trains may be like in the future!
Off-road motorcycles have features that make them safe to ride off the pavement. Students will learn about the variety of off-road motorcycles, the parts that allow them to tackle the tough terrain, and the sporting competitions that use off-road motorcycles.
