This colorful book describes the geological makeup and history of the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Covering most of Botswana, as well as portions of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is not a true desert because it receives more than ten inches (250 mm) of rain each year. But the rain drains and evaporates quickly leaving no water on the surface of the red sand. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as springboks, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. Special sections also describe the Kalahari's natural resources, indigenous people, and the unique problems facing this region.
This intriguing book describes the geological makeup and history of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. Temperatures can get very cold and frost and snow are not unusual. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as camels, snow leopards, and bears. The Gobi Desert is also where the first dinosaur egg fossils were found. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as copper and gold, and the unique problems facing this region such as the desert's alarming rate of desertification.
Inspire readers to get wired for knowledge! This informative new title introduces the scientific principles of electricity. Full-color photographs, accessible text, and relatable, real-life examples explain how electricity is created, stored, and moved. Readers learn that electricity can occur naturally or can be produced by batteries or machines. Hands-on activities encourage readers to experience science in a meaningful way.
This entertaining and insightful book will show young readers about the chemical compounds that make up the world around them. Colorful illustrations encourage interest in this vital basic science, giving readers knowledge of the periodic table and the importance of chemical compounds in their lives.
Almost everything around us is a combination of different things. These are mixtures and solutions. Seawater, for example, is a solution of salt and water. The engaging text and vivid illustrations in this book will help readers understand how mixtures and solutions form, and how they apply to everyday life.
This book gives young readers a better understanding of the different states of matter. Through colorful photographs and lively discussions of familiar materials, readers will be drawn in to learn about matters many forms.
Through exciting, familiar examples and engaging illustrations, readers will discover how chemicals react and change. Topics include how chemicals react with one another, chemical changes such as precipitation and oxidation, how catalysts affect chemical reactions, and what everyday events are actually chemical reactions
Young readers will be amazed to learn about the tiny particles that make up everything in the world around them. Colorful illustrations and fun fact boxes will help readers understand how atoms come together to form molecules, the building blocks of everything in the universe.
Did you know that cola is an acid? And your saliva is a base? Young readers will learn about common acids and bases from lemon juice to ammonia. Through vivid examples and exciting illustrations, this book will eagerly explore these important chemical compounds.
This engaging title explains that electromagnetism is the combined power of electricity and magnetism. Detailed images, clearly written text, and opportunities for hands-on learning combine to teach readers the core concepts of electromagnetism and their many applications in everyday lifefrom watching television to using a computer. Readers will learn how to build an electromagnet and perform tests to understand how to increase its strength.
This comprehensive title introduces readers to current electricity and circuitsthe pathways through which electricity flows. Detailed diagrams and supportive text explain the basic components of an electric circuit and the functions of these parts. Through real-life examples and opportunities for hands-on learning, readers understand and construct simple open, closed, parallel, and series circuits.
This informative title introduces readers to the electrical properties of different materials. Readers will learn that conductors are materials that allow the flow of electricity, while insulators are materials that do not allow the flow of electricity. Clear text and relatable, real-world examples help readers understand the importance of conductors and insulators and how each reacts to electric current. Readers will also learn how to perform simple tests to identify materials that are conductors and insulators.
Children see themselves as part of a non-living world of houses, schools and televisions. This intriguing new book explains what a living thing is so that children can make the connection between themselves and other living things, including plants, animals, and insects.
All types of creatures, including insects, mammals, and fish, are covered in this engaging book on the animal kingdom. Young readers will learn all the basics of kingdoms, orders, classes, and species.
What makes birds different from other animals? Do all birds fly? How are the bodies of birds different? Where do they live and how do they build their nests? These questions are answered in this fascinating new book on what makes a bird.
From blood-sucking vampire bats to mango-eating fruit bats, What is a Bat? tackles bat myths and teaches children about their hibernation, reproduction, migration, habitats, and bat communication.
This delightful new book shows children the ways in which mammals are different from other living things. Fascinating examples are featured, from mammals that lay eggs or have a pouch to human beings.
This exciting new book explains the basic concept of the life cycle. Using fascinating examples, the book explores both plant and animal life from seed or egg through birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
Powerful yet shy, bears are solitary creatures remarkable for their size, strength, and adaptable intelligence. What is a Bear? gives children clear insight into the bear family tree, a bears body, how mothers care for their cubs, their diets, and hunting techniques.
Children love horses! Today, there are more than 300 different breeds around the world! What is a Horse? explores the family tree of horses and their equine relatives including their physiology, feeding habits, the birth of a foal, "horse sense", and horses in the wild.
It is essential that scientists design a plan to ensure their experiments are conducted accurately and safely. Readers will learn how to gather materials, and create a step-by-step procedure to test their hypothesis. Readers will become familiar with controls and variables in a scientific setting.
Science engages a curious mind. Questions can come from practically anywhere. Readers will learn why scientists ask questions and how to develop meaningful questions to help guide their scientific experiments.
Science never stops-even when the experiment is complete. Now is the time to make sense of your data. This title teaches young scientists how to analyze, interpret, and communicate the results of their data.
Sharpen your pencils and put on your goggles! It's time to see science in action! This book helps readers hone their observation and recording skills during an experiment. Students will learn how to effectively collect and record data in a journal, as well as organizing data using graphs, charts, and diagrams.
Sometimes a hunch isn't enough. Learn how scientists make educated guesses called hypotheses to test their theories. A hypothesis is the foundation of the scientific method. Readers will learn how to construct a measurable and focused hypothesis to test in an experiment.