New Releases by Steve Tomecek

The act of communicating is not just a human trait. All animals and insects use some type of communication to help them get food, find mates, and protect their territory.

Is it true that heat waves can make roads break apart? Yes! When it''s extra hot, the materials that roads are made of will swell and start to crack. Really high temperatures can even melt the pavement.

Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it! Is it true that heat waves can make roads break apart? Yes! When it’s extra hot, the materials that roads are made of will swell and start to crack. INSIDE, YOU ́LL FIND: • How heat waves and droughts happen, why they happen, and an account of the most devastating ones in recent history; • A hands-on activity, a timeline, photos, diagrams—and what you can do if a heat wave or drought happens; • Surprising TRUE facts that will shock and amaze you! This new set in the ongoing A TRUE BOOK series will answer all of kids'' questions about nature''s most dangerous and destructive disasters! With an engaging layout, and spectacular photos, illustrations, diagrams and infographics, the past, present and future of extreme phenomenon happening on Earth will be explained. Readers will discover causes and consequences, as well as the cutting-edge science developed through the centuries to forecast them. First-hand accounts will bring science to life, and a special section will teach kids how to prepare for these extreme events.

Find out how unique Planet Earth really is in this eye-catching book of comparisons

Did you know the moon is considered a natural satellite? Or that its gravity affects ocean tides on Earth? This book explores the closest celestial body to Earth and the ways in which the moon and Earth affect each other. Chapters introduce topics including the moon''s origin, its makeup and phases, the first people to walk on its surface, and the moon''s role in both lunar and solar eclipses.Planets and stars, moons and galaxies! The universe is a vast and mysterious place with much to explore. And there''s no better way to make amazing discoveries about space than with this reimagined series. With the latest NASA imagery, the classic structure and features of A True Book, and lively text, the titles in Our Universe bring the awe of the cosmos directly to readers. Students will come away with a wealth of knowledge about the incredible celestial bodies in our universe.This series covers Next Generation Science Standards core ideas including "The Universe and its stars" and "Earth and the solar system."

Where do diamonds come from? What makes gems sparkle? How did Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon form? Find answers to these questions and many more in this rockin'' reference book. Welcome to the amazing world of rocks and minerals! Let''s start at the very beginning, with an introduction to the origin of our rocky planet, then move on to explore the world of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. You''ll discover how they form, what makes them unique, and most importantly, how to identify them in your own backyard. Complete with the origin and description of some of the most important rock-forming minerals, readers will discover how some of the most beautiful and precious stones on the planet are created by the Earth itself. Each chapter includes dozens of profiles of amazing rocks and minerals, fun facts, sidebars, photo galleries, and more. At the end of the book readers will get to meet a real geologist and learn just what it''s like to dig in the dirt for a living. Thematic spreads cover topics such as birthstones, cool crystals, digging for diamonds, and more. And, of course, amazing photography and colorful graphics add visual awe to the lively text. Fans of other National Geographic Kids Ultimate "pedias" in the same series--Dinopedia, Bugopedia, Reptileopedia, Oceanpedia, Predatorpedia, and Weatherpedia--will want to add Ultimate Rockopedia to their must-have list.

Discusses the big, bright ball of gas shining in the sky.

Brief text explores how soil is formed, its layers, and its importance as a natural resource that living things need to survive.

Come and explore the world under your feet with the Dirtmeister and friends! Part graphic novel, part fun guidebook, this very cool, rocky journey introduces both eager and reluctant readers to the basic geologic processes that shape our Earth. Clear and concise explanations of the various geologic processes reveal the comprehensive science behind each fascinating topic. Fun facts and simple DIY experiments reinforce the concepts while short biographies of important scientists inspire future geo-scientists.

This book examines the issues of global warming and climate change.

Work is a critical part of life on Earth. People are constantly at work building structures, hauling freight, creating new products in factories, growing food on farms, and more. To accomplish all of this work, we''ve invented machines that need power to make them run and energy systems operated by wind, water, steam, electricity, and fuel to create this power. Work, Power, and Machines investigates the scientific principles behind work and traces the development of machines from ancient hand tools to the more complex devices used today.

Examines the evolution of plate tectonic theory from its beginnings as a wild idea of drifting continents to its acceptance as the main concept that drives geology today.

Targeted to rock-crazy kids, this bold book is more energetic, more visually exciting, and more fun than enything else on the market--and with more information, too! -- publisher.

Learn about the uses of man-made materials in everyday life.

A survey of the earth''s astounding variety of rocks and minerals and the fascinating ways people have transformed them into usable materials.

For hitting the game-winning run to running a record-breaking race, science is involved in every aspect of playing sports. Sports illustrates the scientific principles involved in sports such as soccer, football, gymnastics, and skateboarding, as well as why it''s important for athletes to stay in good physical shape. Twenty-five hands-on activities explore such topics as finding the "sweet spot" of a bat and why hitting a ball there gives you the best chance of hitting a home run, in addition to how Newton''s Laws of Motion can explain the way a skateboard works. This title is perfect for those curious about how science is involved in sports and for athletes looking to scientifically gain a competitive edge.

Science plays a big role in how we create and use the tools and machines that help us in our daily lives.

A whimsically illustrated survey of the earth''s rocks and minerals explores some of the many ways they have been transformed into usable materials from talcum powder to silver jewelry, in a reference complemented by a bonus activity suggestion.

Food explores some of the scientific principles involved in the production, preparation, and preservation of food. Discover why food is a form of stored solar energy and how everything you eat can really be traced back to the sun. Learn how cooking food involves some rather complex chemical reactions and how even something as simple as making ice cream depends on the laws of physics. Hands-on activities help bring the science of food to life, with topics ranging from why food tastes the way it does to how acids and bases produce chemical changes in food as you make cheese and marinate meat.

Examines some of the scientific principles involved in sculpture, painting, photography, and architecture, and provides scientific activities and experiments that demonstrate those principles.

Introduces readers to facts and myths about the moon.

Concepts include how simple and compound machines lift things up, roll things along, turn things around, and help your own body work.

Describes the force of electromagnetism and how it works.

This comprehensive resource contains everything teachers need to teach a full year of science and more! Includes background information, standards-based mini-lessons with easy teacher demonstrations, and engaging hands-on investigations. Topics cover rocks and minerals, the solar system, animal adaptations, the human body, matter, forces and energy, and so much more! For use with Grades 3-6.