In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. Author Rebecca E. Hirsch introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also discover a a spectacular timeline of the history of animal life on Earth. Dive into the stories of these incredible animals and find out how they help scientists piece together evolutionary history.
Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.
Which brilliant men and women have made ground-breaking scientific discoveries over the centuries? This series tracks the great scientific minds from all over the world - from the earliest geniuses who lived thousands of years ago to modern scientists who are advancing knowledge beyond our universe.
From tiny Venus flytraps to giant sequoias, plants come in all shapes and sizes! Readers can construct paper leaves, stems, and blooms with the help of step-by-step instructions in this hands-on title. Additional text teaches readers about each plant, while sidebars offer tips and tricks for becoming origami masters!
Get the facts about the dangers and devastation caused by tsunamis in 12 in-depth chapters that include the Ring of Fire, volcanoes and earthquakes, preparedness, and history’s worst tsunamis. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by tornadoes in 12 in-depth chapters that include tracking storms, the EF-Scale, Tornado Alley, and history’s deadliest twisters. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction of thunder and lightning storms in 12 in-depth chapters that include supercells, tracking storms, myths, and unusual events like thundersnow and fire clouds. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by ice storms in 12 in-depth chapters that include freezing rain, forecasting, and harm to power lines, trees, and animals. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons in 12 in-depth chapters that include the Coriolis effect, hurricane seasons, tracking, and preparedness. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the hazards and damage caused by heat waves in 12 in-depth chapters that include jet streams, heat stroke, urban heat islands, and marine heat waves. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by hailstorms in 12 in-depth chapters that include hailstone size, formation, forecasting, and cloud seeding. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by floods in 12 in-depth chapters with topics on flash floods, monsoons, and infamous hurricanes. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by dust storms in 12 in-depth chapters that include topics on desertification, downbursts, dust devils, and health hazards like Valley fever. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by blizzards in 12 in-depth chapters that include topics on windchill, whiteouts, frostbite, and Nor’easters. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get 12 in-depth chapters on the daring yet dangerous job of fighting forest fires as a smokejumper. Training, equipment, parachute training, and history are all covered. Includes statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus up-to-date news, content feeds, educator resources, and digital ebook version at 12StoryLibrary.com.
Get 12 in-depth chapters on the daring yet dangerous job of a deep sea fisher, including the commercial fishing industry, accidents, rogue waves, and falling overboard. Includes statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus up-to-date news, content feeds, educator resources, and digital ebook version at 12StoryLibrary.com.
Fourteen-year-old Dylan is sent to live with his estranged grandfather, Angus. Basically strangers, the two avoid each other as best they can. One day Dylan discovers a young orca stranded high up on the rocky beach. Dylan runs to tell his grandfather. There’s nothing that can be done, says Angus. The sun is coming up, and soon the orca will die of exposure. But Dylan knows he has to try to save the whale. He collects towels to cover the delicate skin of the orca and begins transporting buckets of water from the ocean below to keep it hydrated. It’s grueling work, and it will be hours before the tide comes back in and the water is high enough for the orca to swim free. Angus is moved by his grandson’s determination and helps as best he can. They both desperately hope that soon the orca will be able to join its family, who have been calling out to it just offshore.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of swans, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these long-necked water birds.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of sharks, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these cartilaginous fish.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of polar bears, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these clear-haired marine mammals.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of monkeys, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these primates.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of lions, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these roaring big cats.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of koalas, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these arboreal marsupials.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of gorillas, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these powerful apes.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of giraffes, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these towering land animals.
