Is there some mysterious force of nature that has a sense of humor, causing seemingly unexplained and bizarre things to happen on Earth? Flying omelets and shoals of fish falling out of the sky may have perfectly sensible explanations, but how do we explain the way that twins separated at birth have time and again followed the same path through life? In this intriguing book, scientists use science and chaos theory to try to explain the Cosmic Joker.
Images in stone like those on Easter Island are part of our historical legacy, but were they inspired by creatures from other planets? This gripping book examines the many myths and legends about the ancient past, searching for and finding facts about fascinating sites that include Stonehenge and the lost cities of Tiahuanaco and El Dorado.
Why do aircraft and ships seem to disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? Since the time of Christopher Columbus there have been reports of strange sightings and vessels lost while traveling through the Devils Triangle. Are the legends make-believe, or is there something sinister waiting in the waters of the Bermuda Triangle?
A government is a group of people who provide rules and authority for the society they serve. Readers will learn that there are many different kinds of governments. Examples of governments around the world frame a discussion of why it is important that citizens have a say in who governs them and the decisions that get made. Activities encourage further discussion.
In the search for oil and gas, we have drilled deep beneath the ocean’s surface and the ground to tap into the energy wells trapped there. Today, we need more energy than ever before in our history, but the oil and gas fields may soon dry up. One option being considered is fracking. Rock is fractured underground in order to reach deposits. Discover how people use fracking to harness the before-unreachable supplies of gas and oil beneath Earth’s surface, the challenges of this form of mining, and the controversies surrounding it.
In this exciting title, readers will learn about basic robot components and how they are used to build various robots for different purposes. “Makers and Shakers” sidebars introduce the world’s greatest robot designers and explain how they came to create their exciting inventions. Step-by-step Maker projects let readers put their skills to use as they build amazing robotic creations.
The role of bodyguard or "close protection officer" is highly misunderstood. In action films threats are obvious: ski-mask wearing gunmen fire at the client from a speeding black Suburban. In real life, threats may be harder to assess. If a crowd of unarmed protesters pushes towards the client and blocks access to the client's car and the building he is being escorted to, this poses a threat. The client is caught outside of the two "safe zones" (car and building). However bodyguards have no legal right to use force in a public place unless they or the client is being attacked. The bodyguards will call the police, but they may not arrive for ten to twenty minutes. This interesting new book examines the different types of bodyguard: police, military and civilian; their training; typical roles; the equipment they use; weapons; bodyguards and the law; evasive driving; and life as a bodyguard.
For centuries, falling water has been used in parts of the world to create energy to run grinding stones at mills and irrigation systems for crops. This interesting book shows how the use of this “clean” form of energy, called hydroelectricity, is being expanded to help us build a more sustainable future. Discover how other forms of water-based energy, such as energy from ocean waves and tides, are being harnessed and used to help create electricity to power our homes, offices, and factories.
In this inspired title, readers will discover the elements graphic designers use, such as colors, shapes, fonts, and perspective, to convey their messages. Creative and engaging maker projects help readers use these same elements to create their own graphic design works. “Makers and Shakers” sidebars introduce readers to some of the most innovative graphic designers and their work.
Game design requires many skills including imagination, problem solving, communication, and teamwork. These characteristics make it a natural fit for the Maker movement. From board games to video games, this exciting title introduces readers to the essential basics of game design including game components and systems, prototype design, play testing, and the steps in the iterative design process. “Makers and Shakers” sidebars introduce readers to some of the world’s greatest game designers and innovators. The title also includes engaging, step-by-step Maker projects to put their game design skills to work.
In this highly visual title, readers will find out where fashion trends originate, learn about cutting-edge technologies such as digital prints and smart clothing, and discover how to use up-cycling to create original fashion statements. They will also learn about choosing patterns and textiles, and be instructed on how to do design techniques such as basic sewing, beading, and stenciling. The book includes several imaginative Maker projects to inspire readers to create works of fashion art.
Pounding hooves, the roar of the crowds, muscles tightening, and then - the leap! Experience the excitement and thrill of competitive Steeplechase in the latest book in the Horsing Around series, Steeplechase. You too can be a champion!
In 1974, an inventor named Victor Wouk became a man who could be described as ahead of his time. He had developed a prototype for the hybrid, a car that would become the most credible and commercially successful alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
There are no second places in aerial combat. Fighter pilots have perhaps the most dangerous job of all pilots - engaging other aircraft in order to shoot them down, or flying over enemy territory to drop bombs. Learning to master flying such a complex jet is only part of the job. Ultimately, a fighter jet is no more than a weapons platform, and the pilot must be better than his or her rivals in using the jet's weapons. This book will examine what it takes to become a fighter pilot; what the job is like; the jets and equipment required; and what its like to fly at twice the speed of sound in pursuit of an enemy.
Are you longing to mount up and hit the trail? Trail Riding, the latest book in the Horsing Around series, explores the sport of competitive trail riding from head to tail. Learn the tips, the tricks, the rules and rides -- and most importantly, how to finish - a winner.
Hold on to your cowboy hats and prepare for a wild read! In this book, you'll learn all about the bucking horses, lively livestock, and daring riders of the rodeo world. You'll read about roping, riding, racing, wrestling, and more! You'll also discover the breeds of rodeo horses, how riders handle and care for their animals, and how cattle herding became a rough-and-tumble sport.
Cross Country and Endurance takes readers into the world of cross country and endurance competitions, which test the stamina, riding, and jumping abilities of the horse and rider. The text is clear and easy to read, providing both history and rules of the sport. Exciting, engaging photographs and informative diagrams accompany the text.
For kids into music, this title can’t be beat! From inspiring profiles of key Maker musicians, to learning the components of different musical instruments, readers will discover how music works in harmony with the Maker movement. Several maker projects give readers opportunities to build their own instruments.
In this engaging title, readers interested in animation will learn about the history of this art in motion, and discover who the world’s greatest animators have been and how they came to create their inspiring works. The book includes several imaginative Maker projects to inspire readers to create their own animation. They will be encouraged to choose the style of animation they wish to create and experiment with it to change it into a form that suits their ideas and concepts.
The half-time show is just beginningbut what happened before that to get the Super Bowl on the field? The Economics of the Super Bowl takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of the Super Bowl. Various links in the economic chain include ticket sales, television broadcasting rights, advertising revenue, and contracting with performers for the half-time show, as well as for laborers to set up the stage and sound.
Gangs exist in places all over the world. The United States, however, is believed to have more gangs than any other country in the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding gangs, including how and why young people are lured into gangs and the consequences of gang involvement. Firsthand accounts and current statistics provide an insightful look at this issue.
This interesting book describes the characteristics of a democracy, a political system in which the government's power comes from its citizens. Democratic governments around the world are featured to show examples of direct and representative democracy, how elections work, and the different checks and balances put in place to avoid the so-called "tyranny of the majority."
Technology has given us new ways to connect and converse with others like never before. In fact, by the time you finish reading this sentence more than 193,000 text messages will have been sent! This innovative book explores the often subtle differences between various forms of communication such as active listening, written, oral, nonverbal, and digital communication. Readers will learn about potential communication roadblocks and strategies to overcome them. Motivating activities and challenges, facts and statistics that have impact, and biographical snapshots show how building effective communication skills is essential in all facets of life in today’s complex and connected world.
This innovative title explores the ways that critical thinking can be applied to problem solving in school, work, and social settings. Real-world examples and opportunities for hands-on practice support readers as they learn how to frame, analyze, and synthesize information. Readers are also encouraged to ask questions to clarify points of view, and apply other core skills essential to making complex choices and determining sound solutions.
Creativity and innovation are central to success in the 21st century. This dynamic title provides a comprehensive look at creative processes in a variety of settings. Readers are introduced to various brainstorming techniques and will learn different approaches to help refine and evaluate their ideas. Real-world examples, motivating challenges, and case studies broaden readers’ understanding of this key skill set.
