New Releases by Jennifer Swanson

The team behind the bestselling Atlas Obscura presents a kids'' illustrated STEM-oriented exploration of the world''s most interesting technologies, inventions, and scientific discoveries. Following up on the New York Times bestselling Atlas Obscura Explorer''s Guide for the World''s Most Adventurous Kid, with more than 200,000 copies in print, here is a globe-spanning history of invention like no other. This illustrated and STEM-oriented exploration of the planet''s 94 most interesting inventions and scientific discoveries sends middle-grade readers on an unforgettable trip around the planet and across time. Each spread focuses on a world-changing technology and how it led to or influenced the tech or discovery on the next page. Starting with the very first invention, fire, readers will spelunk the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa for evidence of humankind''s earliest control of flames, then learn how fire is necessary to create another essential tech: glass, including the modern-day glass bridge in Zhangjiajie, China, that offers a crystal-clear (and terrifying!) view of the chasm 1,300 feet below. As you gaze at comets through telescopes, create unbreakable codes, zap space garbage with lasers, and break supersonic records in the world''s fastest car, gorgeously illustrated scenes will transport readers across continents and centuries into a world of wonder and discovery.

Today’s teens may travel to the Moon in their lifetimes. This primer on what to know for a future in space combines technology and science with law and policy for a fascinating look at a very timely subject. For teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette—the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict. The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism. It provides details about the Artemis missions and plans for the Gateway space station, and so much more. It challenges young readers to think about the decisions that need to be made in the years ahead to ensure that space exploration remains an exhilarating and peaceful activity. And the final chapter provides guidance on careers in the space industry—being an astronaut is only one of many exciting paths to pursue. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Acclaimed science writer Jennifer Swanson brings readers along with a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here—namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.

"A picture book biography of engineer Raye Montague, who revolutionized the way the navy designed ships by developing her own comprehensive computer program"--

A whistle-stop tour of the most amazing features and places on planet Earth, illustrated with LEGO models, including tips for budding LEGO builders Explore our amazing planet-and learn to build the most incredible things on Earth! There is so much to see on planet Earth. From the rainforest canopy to the deepest depths of the Pacific Ocean, discover plants, animals, and the geological features that make up our planet. Travel the continents and look inside volcanoes, mountains, geysers, and much more. Visit the Amazon, check out the world''s tallest waterfall, and explore the most incredible places on the planet without leaving home. With more than 100 LEGO models to inspire you, what on Earth will you build?

Have you ever wondered how astronauts stay healthy in space? What if an astronaut gets sick on the space station? Does snot run in space? This fascinating photo-illustrated look at space and medicine explores how scientists and physicians study astronauts in space, how they help keep them safe, and what we''ve learned about the human body through space exploration. Questions from real kids and answers form from astronauts, along with photos from NASA, combine for an out-of-this-world exploration of health.

Animals use camouflage to help them stay safe and find food. Can you find the animals hiding in their environment?

Every footprint--from the physical to the digital and the permanent to the fleeting--leaves a mark on Earth telling a story of the past, the present, or the future.

¿Alguna vez has intentado encontrar formas de resolver un problema en tu comunidad? Wangari Maathai trabajó para resolver una crisis ambiental y ayudar a las personas al mismo tiempo. Cuando Maathai era joven, era inusual que las niñas en Kenia fueran a la escuela, pero ella estaba decidida a aprender más sobre la ciencia y la naturaleza. Al crecer, se dio cuenta de que se talaban demasiados árboles. Maathai sabía que la pérdida de bosques era mala para la salud del medioambiente y de las personas. Inició el Movimiento Cinturón Verde, que educaba a las mujeres en las aldeas rurales y les pagaba por cada árbol que plantaban. El programa ayudó a plantar millones de árboles y trajo dinero a las aldeas. Por su trabajo con el medioambiente y los derechos humanos, Maathai se convirtió en la primera mujer africana en recibir el Premio Nobel de la Paz. Have you ever tried to come up with ways to solve a problem in your community? Wangari Maathai worked to solve an environmental crisis and help people at the same time. When Maathai was young, it was unusual for girls in Kenya to go to school, but she was determined to learn more about science and nature. As an adult, she noticed that people were cutting down too many trees. Maathai knew that forest loss was bad for the health of the environment and people. She started the Green Belt Movement, which educated women in rural villages and paid them for every tree they planted. The program helped plant millions of trees and brought money to the villages. For her environmental and human rights work, Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

This book explains what solar energy is and how it is harnessed and used. The text discusses the history of the technology as well as need for solar power and how it could change our world.

Why does a football spiral? How do some athletes jump so high? The answer is science! The Secret Science of Sports helps kids better understand concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math through the sports they love to play and watch. Every sport -- from baseball to basketball, to football and soccer, to wrestling, tennis, and lacrosse -- involves a bit of science, technology, engineering, and math. You can''t throw a ball without Newton''s Law of Motion, and you can''t calculate a player''s stats without math. And every type of sports equipment -- a helmet, cleats, shoulder or knee pads -- were designed with the latest engineering and technology. The Secret Science of Sports breaks down normally difficult STEM concepts like forces of motion, gravity, algebra, and even neuroscience, in a language kids can -- and will want to -- understand. Divided into sections like chemistry, biology, physics, technology, and more, this handy guide uses examples from sports like soccer, baseball, softball, football, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and others to explain important STEM concepts for kids ages 8 to 12. They''ll learn how to use math to calculate a batter''s average, why a tennis racket is shaped the way it is, how biology affects athletic performance, the aerodynamics behind competitive swimsuits, and much more. With dozens of original, captivating illustrations to engage young readers, kids will have fun while learning about key STEM ideas that will prepare them for years of schooling to come.

Rewild your life! With metal corners and 448 full-color, highly illustrated pages, OUTDOOR SCHOOL: ROCK, FOSSIL, AND SHELL HUNTING is an indispensable tool for young explorers and rock collectors. Make every day an adventure with the included: - Immersive activities to get you exploring - Write-in sections to journal about experiences - Next-level adventures to challenge even seasoned nature lovers No experience is required—only curiosity and courage. This interactive field guide to rocks, fossils & shells includes: - Digging, chiseling, hammering, and wading for rocks and minerals - Identifying rocks & minerals by location, texture, color, shape, and size - Determining between rocks, geodes, and space rocks - Finding fossils and setting up a dig site - Searching and snorkeling for shells - Storing and displaying your collection And so much more!

Chemistry? No problem! This Big Fat Notebook covers everything you need to know during a year of high school chemistry class, breaking down one big bad subject into accessible units. Learn to study better and get better grades using mnemonic devices, definitions, diagrams, educational doodles, and quizzes to recap it all. Including: Atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures The periodic table Quantum theory Bonding The mole Chemical reactions and calculations Gas laws Solubility pH scale Titrations Le Chatelier''s principle ...and much more!

Discover more than 40 examples of technology influenced by animals, meet some of the scientists and the story behind their inventions, and learn about some of the incredible creatures who have inspired multiple creation

In the late 1930s, times were desperate. The world found itself at war again, less than twenty years after the first World War had ended. No one could quite believe it. And no one wanted it. The leaders of every country involved were left with no choice. They had to try to end the war as fast as possible, using whatever means they could. That meant coming up with secret operations meant to deceive, deflect, and confuse their enemies. Poison the cattle that the Germans eat? Deliberately float a corpse dressed up as a spy across the water to have it wash up on Germany''s shore? Create a unit of top secret commandos with a license to kill? These were all real tactics attempted with the ultimate goal of defeating Hitler. In this off-center look at history, readers will be captivated by the classified and covert efforts made by each side as they tried to gain the upper hand and win the war. Restricted access is lifted to give the reader a peek into the top secret operations of the daring men and women who fought the war under a cloak of secrecy.

Jump in the driver''s seat for this entertaining, STEM-filled tour of the history of car production and the science and engineering that makes cars safe. Cars take us to work. To school. To soccer practice. To the grocery store and home again. Can you imagine a world without them? It''s not so easy! One of the reasons we can use cars so much in our everyday lives is because they are safe to drive. But that hasn''t always been the case. If it weren''t for the experiments conducted over decades that involved all kinds of crash test volunteers―dead, alive, animal, or automated―cars as we know them might not be around. And then how would you get to school? Filled with historical photographs, graphics and humorous illustrations, this nonfiction book from science educator and award-winning author Jennifer Swanson will appeal to lovers of all things that go and readers who are interested in getting under the hood and seeing how things work.

Gabby the Goose Gets a Glimpse of Goodnessis the sixth of a series of nine character traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Reaching out to entertain a young audience with jumping jerboas to clumsy giraffes, your child will also grow to admire and understand good examples of behavior. Not only will this series stretch the boundaries of imagination, but will help in the formative years to build a strong foundation for a healthy future.

The differences and similarities between the deep ocean and outer space.

Have you ever tried to come up with ways to solve a problem in your community? Wangari Maathai worked to solve an environmental crisis and help people at the same time. When Maathai was young, it was unusual for girls in Kenya to go to school, but she was determined to learn more about science and nature. As an adult, she noticed that people were cutting down too many trees. Maathai knew that forest loss was bad for the health of the environment and people. She started the Green Belt Movement, which educated women in rural villages and paid them for every tree they planted. The program helped plant millions of trees and brought money to the villages. For her environmental and human rights work, Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Information and photographs about dolphins"--

Explore real stories and facts with American Girl BeForever character Nanea about that fateful Sunday morning in 1941 when Japanese planes executed a surprise attack on the American base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Illustrations.

Readers will be surprised to find out that their poop is good for building things. They''ll learn how animals use poop to construct nests, homes, and even fences. People mold it into bricks for houses and plop it on fences for support. It''s biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and can add a bit of spice to any home construction project. This book meets NGSS Standards for grades 3 to 5 for STEM curriculum.

Most scientists agree that Earth is warming rapidly. Glaciers are melting and rising seawaters are submerging islands and coastal cities. In the coming decades, millions will likely have to escape extreme weather caused by climate change. Some scientists say we need to act faster and with radical new technologies—now—to save our planet. They propose geoengineering, or "engineering Earth," to reset our global thermostat. Ideas include thickening clouds with chemicals to reduce the amount of sunlight and pulling carbon dioxide from the air with machines. However, critics say that geoengineering could backfire and create even worse weather. Is geoengineering too risky? Or is it our best hope of survival?

The late fifteenth century was alive with dreams of world exploration. As the first Portuguese adventurer to sail from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, Bartolomeu Dias was one of the most important. His voyage around the tip of Africa, past the Cape of Good Hope, paved the way for future explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Columbus. Follow along with Bartolomeu as he battles huge storms, rough seas, dwindling supplies, and even a near mutiny on a historic trip that resulted in opening seagoing trade routes for all of Europe and Asia.

Peppi the Penguin Plans to Pursue Peace is the third of a series of nine character traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Reaching out to entertain a young audience with jumping jerboas to clumsy giraffes, your child will also grow to admire and understand good examples of behavior. Not only will this series stretch the boundaries of imagination, but will help in the formative years to build a strong foundation for a healthy future.

Love to work with animals? Want to study them in the wild? Wish you could become a zookeeper? Become a zoologist! Zoology is the study of everything having to do with animals, including how and why they look, act, and behave in their environments and with other animals. As a zoologist, you might go on an expedition to Africa to study how elephants solve problems. You could take care of tigers at a zoo. You might even study how climate change can affect underwater creatures. In Zoology: Cool Women Who Work With Animals, readers ages 9 to 12 are inspired by stories of women who have made great strides in a field that requires commitment, courage, and creativity to pursue. Many of you have heard of the famous zoologists Charles Darwin, Jack Hanna, and Steve Irwin, but do you know Terri Irwin, Dian Fossey, and Rachel Carson? For many decades, female zoologists have been defining the field by advancing the global environmental movement while researching and advocating for all species of animals. Zoology: Cool Women Who Work With Animals introduces readers to three women in the field of zoology who are making an impact and inspiring the next generation of zoologists. Stephanie Kim is a graduate student in Canada studying different species of birds. Elise Newman works as a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Dr. Erin Seney is a sea turtle researcher with the University of Central Florida. Nomad Press books in the Girls in Science series supply a bridge between girls’ interests and their potential futures by investigating science careers and introducing women who have succeeded in science. Compelling stories of real-life zoologists provide readers with role models that they can look toward as examples of success. Zoology: Cool Women Who Work With Animals uses primary sources, essential questions, and knowledge connections to encourage both boys and girls to explore the animal world while being inspired to ask what role they might play in the field of zoology.