This up-to-date new book describes the alarming events of 2010 after an oil rig toppled over in the Gulf of Mexico releasing millions of gallons of oil into the water. The largest accidental oil spill in history, it killed untold numbers of wildlife, poisoned over a hundred miles of coastal land, and devastated the commercial fishing and tourism industries in an area still reeling from the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Katrina.
This fascinating book describes the geological makeup and history of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. The biggest hot desert on Earth, it covers parts of twelve countries, more area than the entire United States! The Sahara has oases scattered widely and sand dunes that can reach as high as 600 feet (182m). Readers will learn about the people, plants, and animals such as camels, goats, and fennec foxes that inhabit this desert habitat. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as oil and natural gas, and the unique problems facing this region.
By the time Roberta Bondar became Canada's first woman in space in 1992, she already had careers as a doctor, a scientist, and a professional photographer. Born in 1945 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a town on the border between Canada and the United States, Roberta has had an active career in both countries. Today she is well known for her continuing work on behalf of the planet, writing and appearing on TV and in documentaries, covering Space Shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and shedding new light on the needs of the natural world.
Steve Jobs was a pioneer of the personal computer age. This compelling biography describes his life and career as a visionary entrepreneur who helped usher the world into the digital agein style and comfort. Born in 1955, Jobs grew up tinkering with electronics in the garage with his father. Although he dropped out of college, he would follow his passion for electronics and become well known for founding the computer company Apple. Equally well known for his uncompromising product philosophy, he continued to innovate in the fields of animation, personal electronics, and marketing. Both Jobs and Apple had their share of ups and downs. After an amazing comeback in the 2000s, Jobs was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at the early age of 56 in 2011.
Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist and an intellectual giant of the twentieth century. This fascinating biography reveals Einsteins life story, and how his theories changed the way we looked at the universe. Born in Germany in 1879, Einstein focused his studies on science and mathematics. He won a Nobel Prize in Physics and was instrumental in persuading U.S. President Roosevelt to pursue the development of the atomic bomb in World War II. Einstein published hundreds of research papers, articles, and books and lectured at universities in Europe and the United States until his death in 1955. Einsteins name is synonymous with genius, and, not surprisingly, his brain has been preserved for study.
Politician Al Gore has lent both his voice and his political influence in the fight against global warming. His work and creative energy have earned him numerous forms of public recognition, most notably the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Ed Begley, Jr. is a Hollywood actor, who inspires, entertains, and motivates a new generation of environmental activists, fans, and consumers with his all-encompassing green lifestyle. Whether he is promoting his own line of green products, lending his voice to further environmental awareness and action, or walking the walk of the life he touts in his own solar-powered home, the star of Living with Ed is constantly on the lookout for ways to live more green - and get others onboard in the process.
David Suzuki is a prominent environmental activist. Throughout his adult life, he has been the creative force behind numerous television shows on science and the environment. He has used his voice to advocate for the environment and to take to task political leaders whose action and inaction have been part of the problem behind the global warming crisis.
Rachel Carson was a marine writer, biologist, and ecologist whose work inspired millions to take seriously the danger that human activity poses to the environment. She both revealed the wonders of the natural world and exposed the sinister threat to that world posed by DDT and other pesticides.
The video game is fresh out of the packaging, but what happened before that to get that game into your hands? The Economics of a Video Game takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of a video game. Various links in the economic chain include development of a prototype, pitching the game to a publisher for funding, development of the software by designers and programmers, testing, advertising, trade shows demonstrations, packaging, and distribution.
What happens to your old phone or computer when you need an upgrade? What rights does the worker who built your phone have? This thought-provoking title helps readers discover the answers to these questions and many more. Find out about the links between supply, demand, and labor conditions, and the resources that are needed to build just one computer.
Studies indicate that verbal bullying is more than twice as common as physical bullying. It occurs across all age groups, genders, economic classes, and ethnic groups. Verbal bullying can inflict long-term emotional scars. This informative title examines the causes and consequences of verbal bullying. Readers will learn to identify different kinds of verbal bullying and discover concrete strategies to prevent it.
Studies indicate that approximately four percent of adolescents experience serious depression. Depression and other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder occur across all age groups, genders, economic classes, and ethnic groups. This informative title examines the causes and symptoms of depression and other mood disorders and provides information about treatment options. A chapter on caring for others discusses the difficulties young people encounter living with or caring for siblings or parents who are depressed or have a mood disorder.
An estimated 40,000 children are born with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the United States each year. The impacts on school and family, and social life are immense. FASDs are a group of disorders and conditions that occur in people whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. This useful title gives an overview of the mental, behavioral, and physical impairments of FASD, as well as new research, treatments and methods for managing behavioral issues. A chapter on caring for others addresses children dealing with parents, siblings, or foster siblings with an FASD diagnosis.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe a group of developmental disorders that include autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and others. Many people with these disorders struggle with social interaction and communication. This informative book provides insight into how people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder experience the world around them and promotes understanding and acceptance. A chapter for friends and family discusses how to handle autism spectrum disorder and its effects on siblings and relatives.
This insightful book examines different types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating, and discusses causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Up-to-date information and firsthand accounts shed light on body image and eating disorders that are becoming increasingly common in adolescence. Practical advice on developing a positive self-image is also included.
Italian-born Ettore Bugatti, well known for the beauty of his designs, brought grandeur to the world of automobiles. In 1909 he founded the company that would make the high-performance car that would bear his name. But the car line floundered and the company found itself manufacturing airplane parts in the 1960s. This beautiful book describes the legendary car, model stats, and how the Buggati line has made a comeback in the last decade having been revived by Volkswagen with new models EB 218, Chiron, and Veyron.
Youth gambling has become a serious concern. From online poker and card games, to sports pools and lottery tickets, gambling is more accessible than ever before. This informative and timely book explores the different forms of gambling, reasons why young people gamble, and the dangerous consequences of compulsive gambling. Compelling real-life stories, recent statistics, and research help readers make informed and educated choices about gambling.
This fascinating title chronicles the U.S. bombing of these Japanese cities during World War II. Topics include the development of the atomic bomb, Truman's decision to drop the bombs, and the long-term consequences of this historical event. Primary source accounts present reactions from both sides.
In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter discovered King Tutankhamen's tomb. In addition to unearthing astonishing artifacts, Carters discovery revealed fascinating details about King Tut's life and provided insight into ancient Egyptian culture. Engaging, approachable text and vivid images take readers inside the pharaoh's tomb as they discover ancient treasures and learn how such artifacts shed light on King Tuts reign, his family's dynasty, the mystery surrounding his death, and the theories of King Tut's curse
This captivating title examines the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. and what the remnants of this buried city can teach us today.
The robots of today do more than just heavy lifting. Machines that can sense the world and make decisions are now being used in space, industry, medicine, and the military. This adventurous book follows the development of robots over the past century and describes how modern robots continue to revolutionize different fields making our lives easier, healthier, safer and more exciting.
This gripping title traces the causes, symptoms, and treatment of plague through the height of the Black Death in Europe and into the modern day.
For centuries, exploration of the Arctic has been pursued for its potential value as a commercial sea route. Many expeditions tried in vain to navigate its frozen waterways. This timely book tells the stories of famous expeditions to find a Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific, to map the frozen wasteland, and to be the first to reach the North Pole.
One hundred years after its tragic voyage, the Titanic continues to capture our imaginations. This fascinating title looks at the building, voyage, sinking, and rediscovery of the Titanic.
