Deserts may seem like harsh, uninhabitable places, but actually they support a diverse quantity of plant and animal life. And, they aren't always hot! Deserts serve an important role in Earth's existence, too. Readers learn about hot and cold deserts alike, as well as semi-arid and coastal deserts. From the Horned Lizard to the Saguaro cactus rooted in rich soil, the desert biome will amaze readers.
Perhaps nothing is more frightening than seeing a forest fire rage out of control. Sometimes, however, fires are set intentionally to benefit the environment. Readers will learn what fire is, how it burns, and how fires can both help and harm the areas they affect.
Floods and blizzards may be very different, but they do have some things in common. In this book, readers will discover they have one vital ingredient in common: water. Readers will learn the powerful forces of water as it pertains to floods and blizzards. They also discover that although these two forces of nature can cause difficulties for people, they are nature's way of cleaning up and re-nourishing the land.
Images of an erupting volcano can be mesmerizing. Readers may be surprised to learn that volcanoes erupt every day. Some erupt constantly, while others lie dormant for years or even centuries. Through engaging text and brilliant photos, readers learn what happens beneath the Earth to cause a volcanic eruption and the different structures beneath the Earth that cause new land to form.
Most of the Earth's changes happen over millions of years, but earthquakes can force significant changes to the land in just a few moments. Readers will learn the science of plate tectonics and its role in the development of earthquakes around the globe. They will also learn that not all rocks are created equal. In fact, rocks are all different ages! This book concludes with images of the damage and destruction that earthquakes can cause.
Explore estimation theory and geophysical predictions by learning about seismologists, volcanologists, and meteorologists! This exciting title showcases the importance of predicting and preparing for disasters in order to save lives. Volcanologists test gases on a volcano to predict eruptions! Meteorologists use Doppler radars to predict tornadoes! These data collectors use estimation in order to do this. Readers can use sample problems to practice estimation with the help of easy-to-read text, clear mathematical charts and diagrams, and an accessible glossary. This title encourages children to improve their problem solving and STEM skills.
In this appealing biography, children will read about the fascinating life, theories, and discoveries of Alfred Wegener. From his time in Greenland studying meteorology with hot balloons to his theory of Pangea, readers will be eager to learn more about Wegener's contributions to science and the strides he took towards developing the study of plate tectonics. The easy-to-read text, accessible glossary, helpful index, and intriguing facts work in conjunction with the lively images and captivating lab activity to engage readers from beginning to end!
From thunderstorms to jet streams, storms come in many different forms! Learn about rainstorms, sandstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even blizzards in this thrilling, nonfiction book that features plenty of stunning images, fascinating facts, easy-to-read text, and engaging sidebars. The glossary and index ensures that readers have the tools they need, while the featured hands-on lab activity will leave children captivated and eager to learn more!
Weather happens every day. Sometimes it is wild. Hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes are just some of the wild weather events in the world that have taken many lives and destroyed cities.
What goes on inside the Earth? What is the longest tunnel in the world? Do people really live in caves? Can you live, work, and shop - all underground? Could you really travel to the center of the Earth? Find out about fossils - and the bones of dragons! It's all in here. Then read The Railway Ghost, a story about what happens when the past meets the present - and you are facing death!
Great Journeys looks at some of the greatest journeys ever made - starting with human beings' first great journey 150,000 years ago: leaving Africa. Find out who first discovered America, who reached the South Pole first (and who came second!). Then find out about the great journey to reach the Moon. The fiction story 'The Big Sleep' tells of a man who spends a hundred years asleep in space, on the greatest journey ever.
What is a disaster? Is being ill a disaster? What about 75 million dying in the Black Death? Find out what makes disasters happen before reading The Eruption to learn who to trust when a volcano erupts.
Following the scientific process, this title provides instructions on how to conduct experiments that help students gain a better understanding of the earth's weather.
Discover Resurrection Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Resurrection Bay is one of Alaska's top tourist destinations. Readers will experience its rugged shores and rocky islands, home to sea lions and harbor seals. They will explore the bay's deep coves, where humpback and killer whales thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Resurrection Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Monterey Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay is teeming with a variety of plant and animal life. The bay is also home to an underwater canyon 11,800 feet deep, and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium promotes protection and conservation of marine life. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Monterey Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Massachusetts Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Surrounded by some of America's oldest cities, Massachusetts Bay is home to shipping and fishing, and is a top tourist destination. Explore life in the bay's waters and along its shores, and gain a better understanding of how humans have impacted the bay since the first colonists arrived from England in 1620. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Massachusetts Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Grand Traverse Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay area is home to year-round fishing, fruit orchards, and many animal species. Readers can explore the bay's unique underwater bluffs and riverbeds, formed by fast-moving glaciers. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Grand Traverse Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Chesapeake Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. These four very different systems create a unique environment in and around Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. Readers will experience 200 miles of shoreline teeming with more than 3,600 species of animals and plants. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Chesapeake Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Apalachicola Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Apalachicola Bay is part of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bay is surrounded by four islands, covers 208 square miles, and is one of the most biologically diverse areas of Florida. Its waters are home to many marine animal species, including the endangered West Indian manatee. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide a close-up view of Apalachicola Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
Discover Galveston Bay takes readers to the water's edge, where they will learn about the bay's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Galveston Bay is the largest estuary in Texas, and the Galveston Bay area is home to around half the population of Texas. It also houses the Christmas Bay Coastal Preserve, which is untouched by human activity. Rich in shellfish, including the majority of oysters harvested in Texas, Galveston Bay is one of Texas's most vital geographical areas. Colorful maps, diagrams, and photos provide readers with a close-up view of Galveston Bay. Book is aligned to curriculum standards and includes sidebar, activity, glossary, index, and additional resources.
An exploration of Death Valley National Park, including how its desert landscape was formed, its history of preservation, and tourist attractions such as the historic mansion called Scotty’s Castle.
Explore caves' layers from the dim entrance zone to the damp dark zone. Learn how life survives in caves' inhospitable conditions and how caves' spectacular structures form. Additional features include a diagram labeling each of the layers, Fast Facts, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and further sources for learning.
Offers readers a captivating look into the races between different groups of people to reach the North and South Poles first. Learn about how these explorers handled the extreme weather and why they risked their lives to accomplish their goal. Additional features include a Fast Facts spread, critical-thinking questions, primary source quotes and accompanying source notes, a phonetic glossary, resources for further study, and an index.
Explore the ocean's layers from the sunny surface zone to the pitch-black trenches. Learn about the abundant life around coral reefs, how different species adapted to their environment, and why life on the ocean floor depends on the layers above. Additional features include a diagram labeling each of the layers, Fast Facts, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and further sources for learning.
Students will explore the history of westward expansion with this engaging nonfiction reader. With the Settling and Unsettling the West e-Book, students will examine some of the reasons why people were heading out west, including the gold and silver rushes and the Homestead Act. This informational text also focuses on the westward routes pioneer travelers took, including the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the California Trail. Breathe life into the pages of history with primary source documents that offer significant clues on what life might have been like for the early settlers in the 1800s. Authentic artifacts, including maps, government documents, and other primary sources offer an intimate glimpse of life during this era. Students will build content knowledge across geography, history, and other social studies strands, with content that can be leveled for a variety of learning styles, as well as below-level, above-level, and English language learners. This reader contains text features, including captions, bold print, glossary, and index to increase comprehension and academic vocabulary. A "Your Turn!" activity continues to challenge students as they extend their learning. Aligned to McREL, WIDA/TESOL, NCSS/C3 Framework, and other state standards, this text readies students for college and career readiness.
