Louise A. Spilsbury

Katrina, Nina, Mitch, and Camille. These deadly hurricanes earned their names through monstrous devastation. This versatile volume gives readers a comprehensive understanding of the science behind hurricanes, how we categorize their high-speed winds, and how we measure the scale of their destruction. Photographs of the ten most catastrophic hurricanes since the 19th century will amaze readers while simultaneously demonstrating connections between STEM, geography, and history curricula. An informative map shows where these catastrophic hurricanes occurred, and critical thinking questions allow readers to assess their understanding of the topic.

The rainforest habitat is incredibly diverse--so diverse that scientists are discovering new species of plants and animals all the time In this book, readers journey deep into the rainforest with many kinds of scientists and learn about what they study, their methods, and recent discoveries. Full-color photographs show researchers and their tools and technology up close, from sun-protective gear to infrared cameras. The main content also touches on important STEM curriculum content, including conservation and features of this amazing habitat.

Maglev trains sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it's yet another scientific marvel that engineers have made a reality. These superfast trains float above their rails, darting from place to place at remarkable speeds. This book explores how maglev trains work, the science behind the magnets at work, and the history of maglev technology. From train technology first developed in Germany to the fastest maglev trains in the world, readers will love learning about this rapidly developing mode of transportation.

Dehydration, freezing night temperatures, scorpions...these are just some of the dangers that await those traveling through the desert. With preparation, anyone can survive, but what if something goes wrong? This book introduces readers to the desert ecosystem in an inventive, fascinating way; through its perils. Real-life tales of those who have survived the hardest parts of desert living encourage readers to be prepared when visiting an area with little water, lots of sun, and quicksand. Full-color photographs accompany each story, while multiple-choice questions help readers assess each scary situation.

Climbing a mountain takes bravery and training even without considering the dangers that could await climbers. Lighting strikes, avalanches, sheer cliffs, and terrible cold can all be life-threatening, and readers hoping to trek high in the mountains need to know how to handle them Through real-life survivor stories and supplemental fact boxes about each danger, readers are introduced to what it's like to travel in the mountains. Preparation and caution are emphasized, but instructions on what to do should a disaster occur are clear and understandable. Full-color photographs and multiple-choice questions engage readers further with this exciting and suspenseful topic.

Those lost in the rainforest have a lot to be worried about. From sudden rainstorms to disease-carrying insects, there are a lot of dangers that need to be considered. However, readers of this book will be prepared Through detailed descriptions of how to build shelter, gather food and water, and how to handle the possibility of wild animals, readers learn about the rainforest ecosystem and how to use it well. Survival stories of real people add a captivating element to the main content, and full-color photographs let readers travel deep into the rainforest without getting lost.

To reach certain places on Earth, we must cross miles of open water. Whether by plane or boat, there's always a chance of disaster, and the ocean is a dangerous place to be alone without transport. Readers learn what to do should they be left in open water or stranded on an island, including how to get food and water. True stories of those who have survived shipwreck exemplify the courage and resourcefulness needed in scary situations. Readers use their critical-thinking skills to answer multiple-choice questions about similar situations as they learn about the ocean ecosystem, including its hidden dangers.

Every day, robots become a bigger part of our lives. From the robots vacuuming our homes to self-scanning machines at the supermarket, robots do jobs faster than humans and often with fewer mistakes. This book takes a look at the amazing developments in robotic technology, from the early days of robots to the varied landscape of robotics we see today. Readers will learn the differences between robots being developed to look just like humans and the complex thinking machines designed to play chess or build cars, and explore the potential future robots have to change the world.

White-water rafting and other river trips are fun adventures. They can go very wrong when a boat tips or a sudden storm hits. This book teaches readers about the river environments they may encounter and how to deal with their potential dangers. Real survival stories of life-threatening situations make these dangers real to readers, while offering important information on how to find food, deal with injury, and more should a bad situation occur. Multiple-choice questions and their answers ask readers to use their critical-thinking skills about surviving in the river environment while full-color photographs show them the ecosystem up close.

Is it a bird, a plane, or maybe even a drone flying overhead? This amazing book tackles the history of drone technology and where future development will take these exciting aircraft. Known mostly for its use in the military as surveillance equipment or even in combat, these pilotless flying machines are now used all over the world by ordinary people who love remote controlled vehicles. Today, drones of all shapes and sizes can achieve amazing things, even if it's just taking photos or some video in someone's backyard. This book investigates the complicated role drone technology plays in our modern lives, and what future development will mean for our privacy and safety.

Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized the way people communicate. Readers will enjoy this book about Bell's life and his impact on the world. The text follows Bell's early life and work, with an emphasis on his experiments in sound transmission. Readers will learn all about early telephones and how they worked, as well as a few of Bell's other inventions. Authentic photographs and fascinating content bring Alexander Graham Bell to life. This is the perfect supplement for social studies and STEM curricula.

Hot days, cold nights, and constant dryness: welcome to life in the desert This fascinating biome is home to diverse plants, animals, and insects whose ability to survive in such a harsh environment will fascinate readers. Important life science concepts such as adaptation and survival are taught through age-appropriate language. Readers learn about desert creatures' interdependent relationships and how each creature plays an important role in keeping its ecosystem balanced. Readers also learn how human intervention can harm desert biomes, which are identified through a simple yet informative global map. Colorful photos complement this information-rich science text

Robert Goddard changed the face of air and space travel forever when he launched his invention--the first liquid-fueled rocket. This book introduces readers to Goddard's early days, from the moment he set his eyes to the vast sky and the space beyond, to his first explosive experiments. Readers will learn about the technology behind Goddard's first rockets and how they affected the design and use of later rockets. This is a high-interest approach to introducing important STEM topics, as well as history. Readers will love paging through the authentic photographs and exploring the information-rich text and timeline for a deeper understanding of this exciting biography.

Without Johann Gutenberg, the way we read, write, and distribute printed information would be completely different. Readers will take a close look at the life of the man who invented the printing press, an invention that revolutionized publishing. This book takes readers through Gutenberg's early years as a goldsmith, and how they led to his invention of a moveable type machine. Engaging and information-rich text is paired with vivid photographs and a timeline to make this a dynamic read, one that supports both STEM and history curricula in an accessible way.

Sound produces some of the greatest joys in our lives. From the music we love to the mere sound of laughter, the vibrations our ears pick up play a major role in our life experience. This book shows readers just what sound is, how it travels, and how our ears understand the sounds that surround us all. Innovative flowcharts throughout the book give readers a fun alternative to plain text, showing the science of sound with vibrant colors and interesting fact boxes.

The Wright Brothers took to the sky over a hundred years ago to prove that people could fly. Readers will enjoy reading about the Wright brothers as they developed the airplane. The book follows the brothers as their idea developed into a design, and as that design was constructed, tested, and improved. Readers will learn about how the Wright brothers' invention of airplanes affected the world and how it still impacts us today. Authentic photographs bring the story of the Wright brothers alive, as engaging text packs information and fun into the narrative. This book is a great addition to STEM and history curricula, and promises to be a whirlwind read.

The Wright Brothers took to the sky over a hundred years ago to prove that people could fly. Readers will enjoy reading about the Wright brothers as they developed the airplane. The book follows the brothers as their idea developed into a design, and as that design was constructed, tested, and improved. Readers will learn about how the Wright brothers' invention of airplanes affected the world and how it still impacts us today. Authentic photographs bring the story of the Wright brothers alive, as engaging text packs information and fun into the narrative. This book is a great addition to STEM and history curricula, and promises to be a whirlwind read.

Emergency medical technicians are heroes on the move. As first responders, they have to stay calm and act quickly. They also need to operate complex equipment and do everything they can to save lives, all while under extreme pressure. Readers will get a glimpse at the exhilarating life of this heroic career, learning what it takes to be an EMT and what a typical day is like. This information-rich text covers training, specializations, certifications, and the steps necessary for getting involved in this career that counts. Readers will learn about the risks and rewards of being an EMT and are encouraged to think about if they, one day, could join their community's team of heroes. Fact boxes, sidebars, and helpful infographics provide opportunities for additional learning.

Swimming is a fun but dangerous activity. Lifeguards help us stay safe while having fun, thanks to their special life-saving skills and first-aid training. Readers learn about these community heroes and explore a typical day in the life and the requirements needed to perform this job. The text explores lifeguarding equipment, how lifeguards respond in an emergency, and the characteristics a person must have to be good at this job. Readers are encouraged to think about if this career is right for them, and are provided with the information needed to pursue lifeguarding in the future. Age-appropriate language, colorful photos, fact boxes, sidebars, and infographics make it fun to learn about this exciting career.

Search and rescue pilots do a tough and dangerous job. They fly into risky situations and put their lives on the line to save others. Search and rescue pilots must be team players, trustworthy, and brave. Readers will learn this and more as they are introduced to these community heroes. Readers get a glimpse at a day in the life of a search and rescue pilot and the requirements one must meet to become one. The text covers flying techniques, specialized equipment, and tasks such as search missions, sea rescue, and flying into combat zones. Readers can evaluate the risks and rewards of this career to determine if they want to pursue this heroic job one day. Fascinating photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes supplement the text's information-rich content.