The United States Navy uses the Super Hornet to carry out bombing missions and to protect the fleet. Young learners will read about the Super Hornet in action, the history of the Super Hornet, and the weapons and features that make the Super Hornet an effective fighter plane.
The F-117A Nighthawk had technology so advanced for its time that it was kept secret during its first five years of service. Young learners will be fascinated with the history, weapons, and technology behind this incredible aircraft.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been one of the most successful attack fighters in the history of the United States Air Force. Young learners will read about the extraordinary performance and the assortment of weaponry of this classic fighter plane.
Once the backbone of the United States Air Force, the F-15 Eagle was heavily armed for air-to-air combat. Today, newer fighters with better technology are overshadowing it. Students will find out how the weapons and technology used in the F-15 made it a great fighter for many years.
F-35 Lightning IIs are U.S. Air Force strike fighters that battle enemy aircraft to control the skies. Readers will track F-35s on active missions and study the high-tech weaponry and electronics these fighters use.
The EA-6B Prowler's primary mission is to provide protection for strike aircraft, ground troops, and ships by jamming enemy radar and communications. Kids will learn the tools Prowlers uses to complete missions, read about the Prowler in action, and much more.
Enduro motorcycles are used in races where the rider needs to keep a steady pace through many checkpoints, often over very rough terrain. Students will find out how the construction and technology of an enduro motorcycle helps it complete these races.
Dogs begin their life cycle as puppies in a litter. A newborn puppy sleeps for 20 hours a day as it grows! Children will watch a puppy move from a large litter to a loving home as it grows up. Blastoff! Series
Bees begin their life cycle as eggs in honeycomb cells. Every day, a queen bee can lay as many as 2,000 eggs. Young readers will study a bee's growth from egg to grub to pupa to adult. Blastoff! Series
A female butterfly lays eggs on a leaf to begin the butterfly life cycle. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, and caterpillars form chrysalises to change into butterflies. Students will follow a butterfly as it grows from an egg into an adult. Blastoff! Series
The B-52 Stratofortress has been in service for over fifty years. It is a model of consistency for long-range bombers. Readers will explore the technology behind the B-52, the weapons it carries, and the missions it is used to perform.
At $2.2 billion, the B-2 is the most expensive aircraft ever built. Its payload capacity and stealth technology make it very effective in combat. Students will learn about the cutting-edge technology that makes stealth missions possible and the well-trained pilots who carry them out.
Harrier Jump Jets play a major role in the United States Marine Corps. Their ability to vertically take off makes them very valuable. Young readers will explore the technology behind the AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet and learn about the missions it performs.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit is a small, quick reaction force used to immediately respond to any crisis. Readers will explore what makes up a unit, what tasks they often perform, and what tools and vehicles they use to accomplish their missions.
The United States Air Force uses B-1B Lancers as strategic bombers. A B-1B Lancer can carry over 125,000 pounds of bombs! Kids will discover the history of the Lancer, the technology behind it, and how it plays a vital role in the United States Air Force.
Pulleys are simple machines used to lift and move loads. Builders use pulley systems to lift tools or materials. Elevators use pulleys to move up and down. Kids will learn how pulleys make work easier and how they are often part of complex machines. Blastoff! Series
Levers are simple machines that make work easier. There are three different classes of levers. Students will learn what levers are, how the classes of levers differ, and how the construction of levers makes work easier. Blastoff! Series
Screws are simple machines used for many different jobs. The concept of a screw is used in snow blowers, drills, and presses. Kids will learn how screws work and how they are used in complex machines. Blastoff! Series
Wedges are simple machines used to split, lift, or hold an object in place. Children will discover how wedges perform jobs for people and how they make everyday life easier. Blastoff! Series
Ramps are simple machines used for work and play. Workers use them for easy loading and unloading. Skateboarders use them to do tricks. Readers will learn how ramps make work easier and how they are used in everyday life. Blastoff! Series
Get close to the battlefield in one of the most heavily armed gunships in the world. The AC-130 has enough firepower to take out enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. Learn about the history of the AC-130, its weapons and features, and how it supports ground troops in their missions.
We use wheels and axles several times every day. Young readers will learn how a wheel and axle work together, how they make work easier, and how they are used in larger, complex machines. Blastoff! Series
The United States Marine Corps uses the Super Cobra to support Marines and take out enemy vehicles. Loaded with missiles, guns, and rockets, the Super Cobra is a very efficient force on the battlefield. Readers will explore the history of the Super Cobra and how this attack helicopter helps the Marine Corps complete missions.
Named after two soldiers who won the Medal of Honor, the Stryker is an armored combat vehicle that serves many roles in the United States Army. Strykers can carry troops, guns, and missiles. They can also work as ambulances, fire trucks, and reconnaissance vehicles. Discover why the Stryker is going to be a mainstay in the Army for many years.
The Sea Dragon is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It can transport troops and haul cargo. It is also used to detect and blow up mines in dangerous waters. Read about the history of the Sea Dragon, the tools it uses to detect mines, and its role in keeping our waters safe.
