As people expand settlement into wilder areas, the impact of wildfires, both naturally occurring and human-set, becomes more destructive. This timely book examines what scientists know about wildfires, whether we can predict them, and how we learn from each event. By studying the destruction they cause, scientists and engineers continue to come up with new and improved technologies to predict and control wildfires and better protect cities, buildings, and people. Case studies and brief bios of key scientists and organizations highlight the information.
Flooding from torrential rain and melting snows can devastate areas where people live. This informative book examines what scientists know about flooding, whether we can predict floods, and how we learn from each event. By studying the destruction they cause, scientists and engineers continue to come up with new and improved technologies to predict severe weather and better protect cities, buildings, and people. Case studies and brief bios of key scientists and organizations highlight the information.
We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can try to minimize their impact on humans. This important book examines what scientists know about earthquakes, whether we can predict them, and how we learn from each event. By studying the destruction they cause, scientists and engineers continue to come up with new and improved technologies to predict earthquakes and make cities, buildings, and people safer. Case studies and brief bios of key scientists and organizations highlight the information.
From conflict-torn Somalia, to the massive Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya, and finally to a new home in Sweden, Fatuma’s family is used to constant change. Still, Sweden's cold winters and difficult language have required a lot of adjustment. There is hope, but also fear. Fatuma’s story gives readers a glimpse of how, even in countries that accept refugees, not everyone is fully accepting.
Baseema’s family was nearly torn apart by the terrorist violence of Boko Haram in her homeland of Nigeria. Forced to flee their farm, they relied on friends of her father for a home and support. Still unable to return, the family moves again to Kano, the second largest city in Nigeria, and struggles to survive. Baseema’s story gives a glimpse of how many refugees rely on extended networks of family and friends and how, with education disrupted, young women are often forced to marry early.
Zahra’s family left Iran because of political persecution and found a new home in Australia. She will never forget her early years as a refugee, from learning English to navigating transportation. But Zahra is now 100 percent Aussie, and keen to finish university and make her mark on her adopted home. The story includes details on how refugees contribute to their new homes culturally, socially, and financially.
Threatened by gangs and everyday violence, Benito’s family flees El Salvador to an uncertain but safer life in Mexico. They are later joined by Auntie Lara, who lost a son to gang violence and joined a migrant caravan heading to the United States. The story is interwoven with details on how violence in countries whose governments no longer function make a safe life impossible, continuing the cycle of refugees heading to Central and North America.
Etienne is a former child soldier from the Democratic Republic of Congo with a secret fear he will never be safe. His father and brother are missing and presumed dead. After he escapes his captors, his mother decides they have lost enough. They are lucky enough to have family in Canada and are reunited with them as refugees. The story is interspersed with facts about the trauma some refugees deal with and the uncertain welcome from countries struggling with opposition to refugees.
Andre's family was resettled in Ecuador after rebels stormed their village in Colombia. Although they were safe, life wasn’t easy and Andre’s father had a hard time finding work. Suffering discrimination in their country of refuge, and with the situation improved in Colombia since the 2016 peace deal, his family makes the decision to return home. There, they work hard to regain their life and are reunited with a brother and son who had been taken by rebels. Readers get vital insight into how some refugees return to their homelands when—and if—it is safe to do so.
Art you can look at and enjoy, such as a painting, is made by combining five basic parts: line, color, shape, space, and texture. Read about how the parts work together to create a great variety of interesting art!
From painting murals to playing in orchestras, artists around the world often combine their ideas and talents together to make art in many different forms. Read about how working together helps create beautiful and unique art!
Read about unusual animal journeys around the world, from wandering saltwater crocodiles to invasive insect species and outbreaks of Australian plague locust. Interesting facts, unexpected outcomes, and human impacts on the journeys are highlighted.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by water, from tremendous upstream journeys by Pacific salmon to the extreme long-distance migration of the humpback whale. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by land, from the millions of red crabs that migrate at the exact same time on Christmas Island to the grueling journey of the pronghorn in North America. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by air, from the incredible migration of the godwit between Alaska and New Zealand to the long-lasting journey of the monarch butterfly across North America. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
In twelve dioramic scenes, discover how warships have changed from the sail and oar power of ancient Greek triremes and 19th century ships of the line to iron warships of the early 20th century and today’s modern aircraft carriers and stealth missile destroyers.
From the Mark I to the powerful turreted tanks of World War Two and the modern missile-firing, troop-carrying light tanks of today’s armies, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how the invention of the tank during World War One changed the face of warfare forever.
From the early human-powered submarines of the American Civil War to the U-boats of both world wars and the modern nuclear-powered missile platforms of the Cold War, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how submarines have become one of the most dangerous weapons of war.
From the first rockets used to fire arrows to modern computer-controlled cruise missiles and wire-guided High Explosive Anti-Tank Missiles, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how rockets and missiles have gradually become the primary weapons of mechanized warfare.
From the wood and canvas biplanes of World War One to the latest vertical takeoff stealth fighters and pilotless drones of the world’s air forces, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how combat aircraft have gradually become the sophisticated stealth machines of today.
From the first observation and medical helicopters of World War Two and the Korean War to the Air Cavalry of Vietnam and the missile-armed attack helicopters of today’s armies, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how helicopters have introduced a new dynamic into the way warfare is waged.
This fantastic journey through the continent of South America helps show how humans affect, and are affected by, the environments in which they live. Readers will gain an understanding of the continent's various landforms, resources, and human activities. Examples featured include walking along the Inca Trail in Peru, riding a cable car in Bolivia, and taking a water taxi in Suriname.
This amazing journey through the continent of North America helps show how humans affect, and are affected by, the environments in which they live. Readers will gain an understanding of the continent's various landforms, resources, and human activities. Examples featured include dog sledding in Greenland, floating on a barge down the Mississippi River, and driving by truck along the Pan American Highway.
This engaging journey through the continent of Europe helps show how humans affect, and are affected by, the environments in which they live. Readers will gain an understanding of the continent's various landforms, resources, and human activities. Examples featured include traveling by train through a tunnel in the Alps, riding a water bus in the canals of Venice, and cycling along the Danube River.
This awe-inspiring journey through the continent of Australia helps show how humans affect, and are affected by, the environments in which they live. Readers will gain an understanding of the continent's various landforms, resources, and human activities. Examples featured include traveling on horseback through the Outback, bushwalking through Kakadu National Park, and flying by seaplane over the Great Barrier Reef.