The American bison was hunted to near extinction in the 1800s as settlers moved west across what is now the United States. Readers will learn about this animal that is a symbol of the American West and find out what steps were taken to help increase the American bison population.
Readers are introduced the habitat and lifestyle of the American Alligator and learn how the American Alligator is making a comeback from near extinction. Find out how people in the southeastern United States are learning to live with these amazing creatures.
An elephant seal has a thick layer of blubber that keeps it from freezing in cold northern waters. This protective layer of blubber was prized by hunters who killed so many elephant seals that there were fewer than 100 left alive. Discover how government leaders and others took action to save these sea mammals from extinction.
The small golden lion tamarin is known for its brownish-red mane, long tail, and territorial nature. Readers will learn about these creatures and how destruction of their coastal forest habitat almost led to their extinction. Find out how zoos and conservationists have collaborated to save the golden lion tamarin.
Many people are afraid of bats, but like every other living thing they play in important role in nature. Readers will learn about cave dwelling gray bats, how they became endangered, and how government leaders and scientists have teamed up to save these furry, flying creatures.
What is a pandemic? What diseases are likely to cause a pandemic? How can the spread of a disease be stopped? Find out about how a disease reaches pandemic proportions and start thinking about what people can do to stop the spread of deadly diseases.
What causes pollution? How does pollution affect the environment? Why should we care about pollution? Read this book to find out more about the social, environmental, and economic issues related to pollution and what you can do about it.
How many people is too many? What happens when too many people are crowded into too little space? What can be done to control the world's population? Read this book to learn more about overpopulation and start thinking about what can and should be done to address this important issue.
Should scientists manipulate genes to create new varieties of food? Is genetically modified food safe to eat? How can we grow enough food to feed all the world's people? Read this book to find out more about genetically modified foods and what people around the world think about them.
Is human activity causing Earth's to heat up? Is global warming just a natural event? What are the possible effects of global warming? Read this book to learn more about the global warming debate and to start forming your own opinions.
Asian carp have big appetites and can leap out of the water when startled. They were brought to the United States from their native Asian habitats to control algae growth on fish farms. Find out what happened when some of these big, jumping fish escaped and made their way up the Mississippi River.
American mink have beautiful, thick, glossy fur. At one time, many were exported to other countries where farmers raised them for their fur. Find out what happened to native species when fur went out of fashion and many minks were released into the wild.
Cane toads are known for their warty skin and poison glands. They were brought to Australia and other places to help control pests that were harming crops. Learn more about how the cane toad has gone from being farmer's friend to an unwanted pest.
Gray squirrels are known for their bushy tails and hoarding habits. These North American natives were imported to parts of Europe and South Africa as pets, but quickly went from pets to unwanted pests. Learn more about the problems caused by invasive gray squirrels and what can be done to solve them.
Emerald Ash Borers have shiny green bodies and an appetite for ash trees. This native Asian insect hitchhiked to North America and has killed millions of ash trees. Learn more about the emerald ash borer and what is being done to try to stop its spread.
Zebra Mussels are known for their striped shells and clingy habits. These natives of Europe and Asia traveled to North America in by ship. Learn more about why the zebra mussel poses a threat to native animals and the health of North American waterways.
The Florida panther once roamed as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Tennessee. Today, these cats are found in just four counties in southern Florida. How did the Florida panther become one of the most endangered animals in the world? Read this book to find out how hunting and other human activities brought the Florida panther to the brink of extinction. Learn what is being done to help it get on the road to recovery.
The grizzly bear once roamed much of western North America. In the early 1800s, as many as 50,000 grizzly bears lived in the West. As settlers pushed westward, the bears lost much of their habitat. Fewer than 1,000 grizzlies remained in the lower 48 U.S. states when the bear was listed as endangered. Read this book to learn how grizzly bears came close to extinction and find out what is being done to increase their numbers and insure their survival.
Honeybees are known for their familiar buzzing and honey production. Learn how an experiment meant to increase honey production created aggressive Africanized honeybees that have taken over territory and caused big problems for beekeepers, farmers, and anyone unlucky enough to disturb them.
The California condor is the largest bird in North America. Scientists have found condor fossils that are nearly 100,000 years old. As more people settled in the American west, however, condors lost much of their habitat to human development. By 1982, fewer than 25 California condors lived in the wild. Read this book to find out more about California condors, how they came close to extinction, and what people are doing do help make sure condors stay on the road to recovery.
The bald eagle is known to people around the world as a symbol of the United States. In the early 1800s, as many as 100,000 bald eagles lived in the United States. By the 1960s, the familiar bird of prey was nearly extinct. What happened? Read this book to find out how human activity brought the handsome eagle close to extinction. Discover how human efforts helped it fight back and once again become a familiar sight in North American skies.
The Hands on Science series provides students with background on key concepts in Science. Each title includes engaging hands on exercises that bring the concepts to life for kids. Real World Science: Protecting Ecosystems, provides information on natural changes vs. changes brought about by people, wise use of ecosystems, and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Examines the basic concepts of steroids through the lens of the latest scientific studies and finding. Provides tools for evaluating conflicting and ever changing ideas.
Examines the basic concepts of drug abuse through the lens of the latest scientific studies and finding. Provides tools for evaluating conflicting and ever changing ideas.
Examines the basic concepts of obesity through the lens of the latest scientific studies and finding. Provides tools for evaluating conflicting and ever changing ideas.
