Kristina Lyn Heitkamp

This book explores how electric vehicles work and are developed, highlighting their history, potential role in slowing climate change, as well as the debates and challenges related to electric vehicles that remain today. The book also includes a table of contents, two infographics, informative sidebars, two Case Study special features, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Voyager level, aligned to reading levels of grades 5-6 and interest levels of grades 5-9.

This book explores how electric vehicles work and are developed, highlighting their history, potential role in slowing climate change, as well as the debates and challenges related to electric vehicles that remain today. The book also includes a table of contents, two infographics, informative sidebars, two Case Study special features, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Voyager level, aligned to reading levels of grades 5-6 and interest levels of grades 5-9.

Taking a cue from notable scientists such as Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall, project-based learning in field investigations invites students to explore science outside the classroom. One way to inspire readers' excitement and curiosity about science is to empower them with the tools to find real-world answers to big questions. A field investigation is a scientific research process that involves a systematic collection of data from the environment that contributes to a better understanding of science concepts in the natural world. Twelve hands-on projects with subjects correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards, including field investigations in physics, life sciences, and engineering design.

Once on the fringe, fake news has become mainstream. From bogus social media accounts to Russian troll factories, phony news muddies the social and political discourse, and is a threat to our democracy. This high-interest book defines fake news and reveals the people behind the spread of disinformation. This text directly correlates with state journalism standards about developing media literacy. Readers will also glimpse the future of fake news and the alarming technologies used to make it, such as face-morphing technology. This book will help readers navigate the messy world of fake news.

In 2015, 941 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in the United States, an increase of 3 percent from the previous year. With anti-Semitism on the rise, many are unsure how to safely respond to bigoted bullying. Some remain silent, while others feel immobilized. This guide will prepare and empower readers to break the cycle of hate and confront anti-Semitism. Included in the text are tools and resources to recognize, safely confront, and report discrimination. Special features include a Myths and Facts section that confronts anti-Semitic stereotypes and 10 Great Questions to Ask a School Official when reporting an incident.

In 1957, more than six thousand products made with the chemical pesticide DDT were available. Farmers used DDT for pest control on their food crops. Consumers used wallpaper laced with the pesticide to keep bugs at bay. Scientists and the government all considered DDT safe, until a thoughtful and brave woman dared to question the indiscriminate and excess use of the synthetic chemical. Rachel Carson was a writer and marine biologist. The publication of Carson's Silent Spring sounded an alarm that initiated the modern environmental movement. Carson's biography of civic courage will inspire and motivate socially conscious readers.

Water covers almost 75 percent of Earth's surface. People, plants, and animals all need water to live. Through accessible language and engaging images, readers will follow the flow of water through the water cycle. Using real-life examples, readers will identify water cycle steps such as evaporation from puddles and condensation found in clouds or fog. The text also shares opportunities to observe the powerful movement of water. Sidebars offer further information, such as questions that invite readers to consider water use in everyday life and the many human-related activities that affect the water cycle.

Energy is everywhere. Introduce young readers to mechanical energy with this visually engaging text. Mechanical energy is defined through accessible language, explaining basic concepts such as potential and kinetic energy. Learn how mechanical energy has been harnessed in inventive ways over the course of history. Readers discover different sources of mechanical energy and how it can be transformed through real-world examples. The text also shares opportunities to observe and measure mechanical energy in the classroom and beyond, and it features questions that encourage the reader to investigate the topic further.

This title is a guide for makers who want to revolutionize their sewing game. Readers will learn the difference between mechanical, electronic, and digital sewing machines and how these machines work in conjunction with other machines in a Fab Lab. There's plenty of information about careers available to digital sewing machine operators and about what education and projects can help them gain the necessary skills. And readers can check out the sources in the back to continue learning about digital sewing machines even after they're done reading this book.

East Africa's Rift Valley has proven a rich source of information about our distant ancestors. Fossil finds there, including the famous Lucy and Turkana Boy, have permanently altered our understanding of how modern humans evolved. Readers will learn about the other hominins--such as the species "Homo erectus" and the genus "Australopithecus"--who help fill out the human family tree. The engaging text explains how archaeologists' discoveries of bones, tools, early art, evidence of hearths, and other evidence has furthered our understanding of the origins of modern humans. A timeline helps readers understand the chronology of the topic.

East Africa's Rift Valley has proven a rich source of information about our distant ancestors. Fossil finds there, including the famous Lucy and Turkana Boy, have permanently altered our understanding of how modern humans evolved. Readers will learn about the other hominins--such as the species Homo erectus and the genus Australopithecus--who help fill out the human family tree. The engaging text explains how archaeologists' discoveries of bones, tools, early art, evidence of hearths, and other evidence has furthered our understanding of the origins of modern humans. A timeline helps readers understand the chronology of the topic.