The ultimate military society is explored in this book on the ancient Spartan civilization. From training methods to the famed Battle of Thermopylae, the heroics and failures of Sparta are uncovered.
In this fascinating title, readers find out about the food supply chain, fair trade, and how our eating habits affect our health. With debate boxes and contemporary case studies, readers also discover the environmental impacts their food purchases have on the planet.
Throughout his life, basketball superstar Earvin “Magic” Johnson has met both challenges and opportunities with perseverance and leadership. Dubbed "Magic," Johnson blazed a spectacular career in basketball. His play with the Los Angeles Lakers as point guard alongside center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as his epic rivalry with the Boston Celtics’ forward Larry Bird, marked a legendary era in the NBA. In 1991, Magic announced he had tested positive for HIV, a virus that can lead to the life-threatening disease AIDS, and was retiring from basketball. Little was known then about HIV/AIDS and its prevention. His declaration shocked the public but succeeded in putting a familiar and much-admired face on a disease that was shrouded in fear and prejudice. Magic Johnson's legacy includes his inspirational work as an advocate for the prevention of HIV and the still-incurable disease AIDS through his own foundation, which provides programs for HIV/AIDS education and prevention, including testing and safe sex practices.
On July 23, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin stepped from their spacecraft onto the alien soil of the Moon - Earth's sister world. Using archival images and explanatory text, this riveting title guides the reader through NASA’s Apollo space program, including the tragic deaths of an entire flight crew and Apollo's ultimate triumph - the first lunar landing in 1969. Maps of the Moon show where Apollo 11's lunar lander Eagle landed and the route taken by the Soviet robot lander Lunokhod 1 in 1970.
This fascinating book describes what scientists discovered about the Moon from the Apollo missions that came after the successful landing in 1969, until the last mission in 1972. A discussion follows of why flights to the Moon stopped, the creation of space stations, such as Skylab, that followed, and what exciting new plans are now being made to revisit the Moon. Maps of the Moon show where astronauts drove in rovers on the surface and what resources can be found on the Moon, from ice to helium.
John Muir spoke, wrote, and lived the wilderness, including taking President Theodore Roosevelt on an overnight trip to the Yosemite Valley. This trip led to Roosevelts signing into law a bill that placed Yosemite under federal control as a national park. Because of this and his founding of the Sierra Club, John Muir is credited as one of the key shapers of the modern environmental movement.
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.
This timely and important title examines the motivations, events, and effects of the terrorist practice of taking hostages. From political bargaining throughout history to current activity by the terrorist group ISIS, readers will consider the reasons that groups engage in hostage taking and learn about the effects it has on victims and their larger communities. Taking the stance of a global citizen, readers will debate whether hostage takers should be negotiated with and how hostage taking could be prevented. Using case studies, debate sidebars, and critical thinking questions, Hostage Takers allows readers to critically explore the media’s coverage of terrorism and hostage situations, exposing them to differing perspectives on how best to deal with these threats now and in the future.
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.
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.
Collaboration skills, or the ability to effectively work with people, are in high demand in today’s connected world. The ability to work with diverse individuals across diverse platforms in our online world is essential in the 21st century. This title explores the skills and practices needed to be a successful collaborator in any situation covering topics such as establishing responsibilities, engineering plans, and becoming socially aware. With a focus on college and career readiness, the title encourages readers to be group members who use active listening, respect, self-direction, and focus to understand diverse perspectives and come to achieve common goals. Students will build collaboration skills for the future through projects, real-world examples of international collaborative achievements, and practicing tips for being effective collaborators in their own increasingly social and digital worlds.
From limiting the working day to eight hours to forming unions and protecting children in the labor force, the rights of workers has long been, and still remains, a fascinating and important topic. This title weaves through the history of workers' rights using engaging primary sources, following multiple perspectives of differing groups including women, children, and immigrants. Readers will gain an understanding of the social and economic conditions under which change was demanded, and learn about the essential movements for better working conditions and the people who led the way. A critical look at the rights of different working groups today encourages readers to explore the steps that still need to be taken to achieve working equality across the globe.
An important addition to any multicultural collection, this title examines the internment of “enemy aliens” in the United States and Canada during the Second World War. With particular emphasis on “yellow peril” and the plight of Japanese-American and Canadian citizens, the book reveals the events, mindsets, and policies leading up to and following the forced removal of thousands of citizens from their homes into internment camps. Using primary sources including real accounts of survivors, the title encourages readers to examine differing perspectives on the events and think critically about the complex relationship between citizenship and diversity in North America. A final chapter considers the lasting effects of internment - and how harmful stereotypes in today’s global climate run the risk of repeating past mistakes.
Readers with a creative flair and an eye for attractive layout can let their creative sides show with this title about the artistic and inventive field of interior design. Readers will explore multiple styles of design, as well as learn about some influential designers and the artistic movements that shaped them. They'll also learn how to make a room design board, how to build a 3-D model of an interior space, and how to dress it to match their own unique style. These tools help them experiment with their own designs and adapt them to suit many kinds of spaces.
This interesting title unfolds the art and science of paper engineering. Readers interested in crafting and designing patterns and structures will be inspired to create "Maker" projects using paper - a medium readily accessible to any classroom or library. Kids will learn about popular trends and possibilities in paper engineering, and how great engineers in many different fields often visualize and create their most amazing projects in paper models first. Readers are encouraged to experiment with their own ideas and create products that are unique to their visions.
From high-powered cameras to smartphones, photography is a popular and accessible interest of many individuals today. This title helps young photographers explore the history of this important art, and the pioneers who innovated and created some of the world’s most notable cameras and photos. Readers will learn about lenses, filters, composition, and lighting. They will also be encouraged to create their own photography projects using different styles and mediums, and changing their photos into forms that suit their ideas and concepts.
The great outdoors is the perfect "Maker" space for exploring possibilities for creativity, problem solving, and innovation. From designing devices to study the natural world to figuring out ways to find food or water outside, this refreshing title inspires readers to come up with Maker projects of their own in their back yards or communities. "Makers and Shakers" sidebars introduce important innovators and their creations to inspire readers to be environmentally aware and involved in the natural world.
This amazing title instructs young readers on how to shape wooden objects based on their own, unique ideas. Kids will explore this exciting and popular field by learning a few basic techniques of woodworking and what tools to use, which they can then experiment with in safe and accessible projects. "Makers and Shakers" sidebars introduce kids to furniture makers and builders and to different styles in woodworking.
The legendary island of Atlantis was said to have incredible buildings, waterways, and art - far advanced for its time. Then, in a day and night, it was destroyed by earthquakes and floods, disappearing forever into the earth. Was this fascinating place myth or reality? This intriguiging book follows the clues in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato to discover the truth.
True or false? In October 1871, a cow kicked a lantern over and sparked a fire that would destroy much of the city of Chicago. The cow tale is likely not the true story, but the damage and death toll of the Great Chicago Fire were very real. This engrossing book explores the causes of the fire, how it spread, and the aftermath of the blaze. It also explains how the mighty city was rebuilt to become one of the most architecturally diverse and original cities in the world.
