Perhaps no two people in history exemplify the spirit of invention better than brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright. Born in the Midwest in the late 1800s, Orville was exceptionally good at creating mechanical devices, and Wilbur had a genius for ideas. The turn of the 20th century came during an age of invention and technological development. Inspired by a fierce worldwide competition to be the first to invent a machine that could fly and be controlled by a pilot, the Wright brothers tested and refined several prototypes. At last, on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they achieved their pioneering flight. The brothers went on to develop machines and controls that made possible powered, fixed-wing flights and laid the foundation for pilot-controlled aviation as we know it today. They also founded the Wright Company, which built airplanes for the rising new industry of commercial aviation. Had Wilbur not died at the early age of 45, who knows what else the innovative pair might have accomplished.
Engineers design bridges to help solve the challenges of barriers that block the movement of people. Young readers will learn about the steps in the engineering design process and see how different types of bridges suit different types of obstacles. They will also discover what materials are used in construction to make bridges stable. A link to interactive activities online plus an activity in the book allow readers to create bridges that stand up to the forces of extreme weather and natural disasters.
Corvette is often called the Great American Sports Car. This dynamic new title gives an in-depth look at the history behind this great automobilefrom its inception in 1953 to the present. The book includes information about racing, restoration, and technological innovations. Detailed photographs, extensive details, and specs give readers an insiders look at the evolution of one of the worlds most iconic cars.
How are the tallest buildings built? How do the biggest boats get into the water? The crane, also known as a bridge or overhead crane, is the large machine used for these big, tall jobs. Children will learn about the different types and sizes of cranes and how they perform, how a crane is a vehicle, and why the crane provides power that people and animals cannot.
Learn about the Camaro, General-Motors muscle car with four distinct generations of design before 2002. Find out how this classic vehicle has been continually re-invented since its original heydey in the 1960s and '70s. Discover what makes this "pony car" unique with this in-depth look at the history, the legendary models, and the stats.
Vehicles on the Farm takes readers on an exciting tour of the kinds of hard-working vehicles that are found on a farm. This new title uses large, vibrant images and clear text to introduce readers to combines, harvesters, and other common farm vehicles and the important jobs they do.
Young readers will really dig this exciting new title that looks at different kinds of tractors. Tractors at Work uses detailed photographs and decodable text to introduce readers to different tractor models and the kinds of work different tractors can do.
Children will delight in learning about military tanks. Mighty Tanks introduces readers to the different parts that make up a tank and explains how these mighty armored vehicles move over rough terrain.
This high-energy title introduces young readers to different kinds of motorcycles, including superbikes, street bikes, and dirt bikes. This dynamic new book also describes the basic parts and functions of various motorcycles. Decodable text and exciting photographs make this title ideal for young motorcycle enthusiasts.
For kids who love airplanes, it doesn't get any more exciting than fighter jets! Young readers will be fascinated to learn about the different kinds of modern fighter jets, how they operate, and their purpose during wartimeto fight the enemy in the air and control the skies.
Young readers will be amazed by the photos of armored fighting vehicles, or AFVs, in this informative book. Military vehicles protected with plating, such as tanks, artillery, and personnel carriers, are featured along with explanations of how they work and how their armor plating protects them.
Engaging photographs and easy-to-read text combine to give young readers a close-up look at different kinds of helicopters. Hovering Helicopters describes the way a helicopter operates, different kinds of helicopters, and how these amazing machines can go places and do things that other vehicles cannot.
Monster trucks are recreational, sports entertainment vehicles that are pick-up trucks with enormous wheels and suspension. People watch them in races and jumps, or tractor pulls and car-crushing derbies. Kids will learn about the design of this enormous vehicle!
Dynamic photos and simple text explain the different roles helicopters play in the military. Young readers will discover which kinds of helicopters are used by the military for rescue, to carry personnel, and to carry out missions. The special features of each kind of helicopter are described.
What are the machines and vehicles that tear through tough material, then make our roads smooth and safe? Find out about back hoes and pounders, rollers and pavers; the work these vehicles do; how theyre made; and who can use them!
This entertaining book about trucks explains the basics of how trucks work. Topics include big and small kinds of trucks, tires, hydraulic beds that can be raised up, different kinds of fuel, and driving safety. A quiz at the end tests the reader's knowledge.
This fast-moving book about cars uses dynamic photos and interesting facts to explain the basics of how they work. Topics include the engine, steering, going fast and slow, different kinds of fuel, and driving safety. A quiz at the end tests the reader's knowledge.
Find out all about diggers and cranes, from bulldozers and tunnelling machines to the biggest tower cranes. Zoom in, see them up close and discover what makes them work. Then try the quiz to see how much you've learned!
This fast-moving book about motorbikes uses dynamic photos and interesting facts to explain the basics of how they work. Topics include the motor, tires, going fast and slow, steering and countersteering, and driving safety. A quiz at the end tests the reader's knowledge.
Learn all about tractors, from machines that lift, load, pull and push to the latest combine harvesters. Zoom in, see them up close and discover what makes them work. Then try the quiz to see how much you've learned!
Kids love machines that fly! This amazing book explains the basics of how planes and helicopters work. Topics include engines, wings, propellers, fuel, and flying safety. A quiz at the end tests the reader's knowledge.
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.
Ferrari has a celebrated history of producing exceptional automobiles both on the road and on the racetrack. This exciting new title looks at the long history of the Ferrari brand and its creation of championship-winning racecars and luxurious road models. Stunning photographs and thoroughly researched text combine to give readers an in-depth look at different models, engineering, and performance of Ferrari.
Jaguar is one of the most highly revered makers of high-performance and sports cars. The year 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name. This exciting title traces the history behind the automobile with a look at its most celebrated modelsincluding the first Jaguar model, the SS 100, the sleek and stunning E-Type series, and the new XJ model. From the road to the racetrack, Jaguar continues to set the pace for excellence.
This exciting title explores the groundbreaking modes of transportation that have helped define the modern age. From Henry Ford's Model T car to the bullet trains of Japan, students will travel along and learn about the monumental successes and failures that have driven our world ahead.
