The endless and enormous power of the sun provides life to all organisms on Earth, from the smallest plant to the largest animal. This awesome power is being used today to provide a rich and abundant source of energy in many parts of the world, and to operate machinery and heat and light buildings. Discover how the sun is powering our planet, the technology used to harness it, and what the future of solar power could be.
Our planet’s weather offers some incredible solutions to our growing energy needs, and one of those solutions is wind power. Offshore and onshore wind farms are an increasingly familiar sight in many countries around the world. Wind farms tap into this clean, sustainable, and renewable form of energy. Find out how wind power works, where in the world it is being used, and how this green energy supply could be one answer to the energy problems that face us today.
Beneath Earth’s surface is a boundless source of energy - geothermal energy. Heated by our planet’s red-hot core, hot water and hot rock below the ground on which we walk already provides energy in many parts of the world, from Alaska to Hawaii. Discover the different forms of geothermal energy, how people are harnessing and using this rich supply, and how it could be an important part of our energy future.
Earth's surface is constantly being changed by heat, water, ice, salt, plants, and animals. Sometimes the changes are destructive to human activities such as farming and the building of structures. This interesting title shows the different ways people try to stop or reduce this change in the land. Examples feature such structures as dikes to hold back water and windbreaks, and adding shrubs, grass, and trees to an area of land to prevent erosion. Teacher’s guide available.
Agricultural engineers are in the front line in the challenge to provide a secure food supply for our world. This timely book explores how engineers design methods, as well as machinery for growing and harvesting crops, to make farming more efficient. Real-life examples help students understand key concepts related to this important profession. With an overview of the engineering design process, readers are encouraged to apply the same steps into their own agricultural engineering challenge.
Animals are endangered in many kinds of habitats and for different reasons. This intriguing book looks at why some animals have become endangered due to changes in their habitat. Examples include animals in the Arctic that rely on ice for hunting face the challenge of melting ice due to climate change, the populations of animals born only on particular islands and nowhere else are shrinking, and many kinds of ocean animals are being poisoned by water pollution. Ideas are included to encourage readers to help protect these endangered animals and their habitats.
Deserts - both hot and cold - are home to animals that have adapted to dry conditions. From snakes to oryx, this title features enticing color photographs and engaging text that encourage readers to learn about these fascinating, and growing biomes.
Swamps, bogs, marshes are all wetland biomes teaming with life. Located on every continent except Antarctica, wetlands are diverse and necessary for a healthy planet. Readers will enjoy learning about swamp creatures such as alligators and snakes, and the many kinds of fish and plants that thrive in wetlands.
This engaging title introduces readers to one of the the richest biomes in the world - the rain forest. A special section on this habitat under threat helps readers use their mapping skills to research endangered rainforest animals.
Oceans cover 70 percent of Earth and make up the biggest biome on the planet! This title maps the territories and migration routes of animals in ocean, coral reef, and estuary biomes. Readers are asked to engage in a biome mapping activity to help reinforce understanding of the fragility of these water habitats.
Some of the world’s most interesting animals - lions, cheetahs, and bison - live on grasslands. These fragile ecosystems are often taken for granted and have been nearly wiped out in many places around the world. This colorful book introduces readers to this fascinating but constantly threatened landscape.
Mountains are alpine biomes, which are home to an intriguing number of plants and animals. Some mountain animals, such as the yak, have been adapted for agriculture by humans. This intriguing book soars to new heights with simple-to-understand maps and detailed facts about an often-overlooked biome.
This informative title describes the details of three real case studies of investigative journalism about the environment. Stories include journalists following a trail of electronic waste to Africa, chemical pollution by a company affecting people's health, and unfair use of water resources. Readers will gain an understanding of the research process, the ethical standards journalists must follow, and the perseverance required to confirm a story and affect change.
Read about the things that change outdoors with the season, including the hours of sunlight and the temperature.
Take a captivating journey across the continent of Europe to view the incredible array of plants and animals that live, hunt, and hide in Europe’s distinct habitats. Stunning photographs take you along the vast length of the Danube River, through ancient Caledonian pine forests, up active volcanoes, and across the Alps.
Modern transportation lets us travel farther and faster than ever before, but these developments have come at a cost. This book explores ways we can move around without harming the planet. Case studies show how scientists are working on cleaner fuels and new forms of transportation in order to prevent pollution, which affects people’s health, and greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Find out how we can contribute by changing our own transportation habits.
Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental problems facing our planet. This timely title shows how we can stop plastics from doing further harm. Find out what plastics are, how they are made, and why they are so widely used. Case studies reveal the negative impact of plastics, especially micro beads and single-use plastics, on the oceans and coasts, as well as in our landfills and food chains.
Most of our energy has come from oil, gas, and coal. Find out how we can heat and light our buildings, travel, and power our computers and devices without harming the planet in this resourceful title. Extracting resources damages the environment, and burning them contributes to global warming, harms our health, and pollutes the air and water. Case studies show how scientists are investigating renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, how to make homes and buildings more energy efficient, and how we can use less energy by changing our own behavior.
More than half the world’s population live in cities, and that number is rising. Find out how we can create buildings and cities without harming the environment in this informative title. The growth of cities can lead to overcrowding, pollution from transportation and factories, and the release of greenhouse gases from buildings. Case studies show how scientists, architects, and planners are investigating how to build more energy-efficient houses and more sustainable cities.
Develop your STEAM skills as you design and build your very own biosphere and mini garden. This book contains step-by-step projects that give you clear instructions to make every element a model biosphere and mini garden needs, including a dome, water fountain, and pathways.
Tia’s mom is always telling her not to waste water. But why is this so important? Follow her story and find out why water is precious and what small steps we can all take to help save it.
Molly’s bedroom is a mess and her toys are everywhere. She trips over one of them and hurts her knee, so she decides to sort through her toys to see which ones are worth keeping. Follow her story and find out why Molly's mom won’t let her just throw her toys away, and how we should reuse, repair, and share our things.
Tom and his mom usually drive to school, but they always get stuck in traffic. Follow his story and find out what happens when Tom walks to school, and why walking is so much better for our planet—and ourselves!
Energy powers the things that make our lives easier, safer, and more fun. Read about the Earth-friendly tools that are used to gather energy.
We can all make good choices to do our part to care for Earth. Read about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well choosing items that can be used over and over.
