Motocross racing has been growing in popularity since the 1950s. The technology and competitions have changed, but the fast-paced action has not. Students will learn about the history of motocross racing, the equipment required to race, and how competition works.
Kiteboarding is one of the fastest-growing extreme sports in the world. The excitement it offers brings new people to the sport every day. Readers will explore kite propulsion, kiteboarding equipment, and the many tricks that skilled kiteboarders perform while catching air.
Riders feel the wind as they reach incredible speeds flying down hills and launching over jumps. Young readers will explore the history of downhill BMX, learn about the equipment needed to compete, and find out how racers give it their all to win a race.
Some people kickbox for exercise, while others kickbox against opponents to win competitions. It takes great skill and discipline to become an elite kickboxer. Students will learn about the basics of kickboxing, the equipment required to participate, and the training required to fight in the ring.
Part airplane and part helicopter, the V-22 Osprey hovers in the air as U.S. Marines jump behind enemy lines. Kids will learn about the V-22 Osprey's vertical take-off and landing, defensive weapons, and the dangerous missions this unique machine performs.
Not a sports bike and not a touring motorcycle, standard motorcycles fit the needs of riders who just want to get around town. Students will learn about these cheap, reliable, and easily customizable motorcycles.
Predator drones use cameras and sensors to help the United States Air Force gain valuable information about the enemy. They can also be used for strategic strikes. Readers will find out how predator drones work, what kinds of missions they are sent out to perform, and how a pilot thousands of miles away can safely control one.
Scooters have become a very popular way to get around town over the last fifty years. Students will learn where scooters came from and what kinds of scooters are around today.
Most motorcycles can go pretty fast. However, some are designed to reach incredibly fast speeds! Kids will read about the history of motorcycles, the technology behind the fastest bikes, and what the future holds for the world's fastest motorcycles.
Off-road motorcycles have features that make them safe to ride off the pavement. Students will learn about the variety of off-road motorcycles, the parts that allow them to tackle the tough terrain, and the sporting competitions that use off-road motorcycles.
Pocket bikes are a specialized form of mini bike built for racing. Readers will learn how riders control these small motorcycles and the challenges they find in competition.
Head out on the highway! Touring motorcycles are made for long, cross-country trips. Readers will discover the technology and unique design that make touring motorcycles ideal for long-distance travel.
Trials bike riding is more about agility and balance than it is speed. This requires a certain type of motorcycle. Young readers will learn how trials bikes are built to suit the needs of their riders.
Soar 90,000 feet above Earth's surface in the majestic U-2 spy plane, which has been a key tool in gathering intelligence over the last 50 years. Students will learn about the history of the U-2 plane, the technology it uses, and what kind of missions this spy plane is sent out to perform.
Top Fuel drivers and their cars race one-on-one in a straight line. Drag racing is one of the most popular forms of auto racing, and Top Fuel dragsters are the fastest dragsters around. Young readers will explore the technology that enables a Top Fuel dragster to travel faster than 330 miles per hour!
High-performance engines make these boats capable of incredible speeds. Young readers will learn how powerboats are designed to reduce wind resistance in their goal of reaching the fastest speed possible.
The MH-53J Pave Low's main mission is to pick up and deploy troops behind enemy lines. It flies low to the ground and uses advanced technology to sneak in undetected. Young learners will find out about these technologies, read about the Pave Low in action, and learn about the crew that makes dangerous Pave Low missions successful.
The M109A6 Paladin is a large, mobile howitzer. It can fire rounds several miles to support ground forces. Readers will learn about the features that make the Paladin successful, how it performs on the battlefield, and common Paladin missions.
The M2A2 is an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) used by the United States Armed Forces. It transports, assists, and protects infantry. Students will learn about the history and technology behind this vehicle that is often on the front lines of battle.
Humvees are versatile vehicles that are able to traverse almost any terrain. They are used to accomplish a variety of missions. Young readers will learn about the development and uses of the Humvee that make it a vital resource for the United States Armed Forces.
When there is a search and rescue mission to be done, the HH-60 Pave Hawk gets the call. Fast and maneuverable, Pave Hawks have several tools to help them locate people in need of rescue. Students will learn about the history of the Pave Hawk and how it executes its dangerous rescue missions.
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.
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 fastest salt flat racers can reach speeds over 750 miles per hour! Students will learn about the salt flats, the history of salt flat racing, and the technology behind some of the fastest land vehicles on Earth.
