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Common to all matter and its smallest and most fundamental unit, the atom determines the properties of a substance and how it responds to other materials and stimuli. Dividing the atom further reveals several smaller particles whose activity forms the heart of nuclear physics. Readers will discover the structure of the atom as well as the ways in which its electrons, protons, and neutrons facilitate both radioactivity and nuclear reactions, both of which have been crucial to technological advancements since the 20th century. -
This book dramatically explains the constant and epic battle between predator and prey, and the ways each adapts to its position on the food chain. There is an engaging section devoted to our place in the food chain, the environmental responsibilities of being at the top, and the consequences of over-fishing or over-harvesting. -
Powerful and determined, the sea turtle lives a fascinating life. Its life journey begins when its mother travels thousands of miles to lay her eggs on a beach. Then it travels back to the ocean as a hatchling to start a life of its own. Readers will explore all the stages of a sea turtles life and learn how people can help them survive. Vivid photographs show these wonderful reptiles in great detail. -
Readers learn about real-life case studies involving stem cell research, the sources of stem cells, ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells, and stem cells' promising possibilities for medical use in bone marrow transplants, treating leukemia, and rebuilding injured organs. Legal issues and rulings around the world are also examined. The volume includes sidebars that provide expert viewpoints on the stem cell research debate, as well as fact boxes and summary boxes that highlight the key points in each chapter. -
This book will give students an understanding of the history of flight right up to the technology and scientific discoveries that allow us to fly planes as large as todays super jumbo jets. How are airplanes designed so they can operate safely? What is the future of flight? All of these questions and more will be answered as students take a look at super jumbo jets, inside and out! -
Presents a general history of the cultural and social aspects of the ancient Maya and Aztec empires up to the arrival of Spanish conquerors, in a book that also provides readers with instructions for creating such related craft projects as a feather fan, a mosaic mask, a codex, and a miniature pyramid temple. -
Calculating and manipulating the unknown has been the enterprise of the field of algebra since its earliest inception in Babylon and ancient Egypt. Trigonometry draws on principles presented in algebra and uses angle measurements to elaborate on geometric calculations. Essential to further mathematical and scientific study, both algebra and trigonometry provide crucial tools in managing variables and understanding the relationships between them. This volume presents the fundamentals of these fascinating areas of mathematics while chronicling their respective histories. -
The increasing power of mobile communications devices has reached the point where they now act as a pocket-sized computer. With this much power, a wide range of downloadable applications, and always-available Internet access, the ability to use todays smartphones for productivity and schoolwork has huge potential. This book examines the uses, applications, and relative strengths and weaknesses among these devices. It also reveals how mobile devices can be used to find information related to communication, research, school work, and even fun and games. The reader will discover the latest techniques for gathering information on-the-go, in the form of digital photos, text, audio, and video, using mobile devices. They will also learn how to use those same mobile devices to organize, retrieve, and relay the information they have gathered to friends, family, study partners, and teachers. The book also includes the latest guidelines for proper digital and cell phone etiquette and security, Myths and Facts, and 1 Great Questions to Ask an IT Specialist -
What is your carbon footprint? Readers can find out inside this book. Energy comes from many different sources, but some of them are quickly depleting. Readers explore the different ways to replace fossil fuels, such as solar energy and hydropower. They even discover small steps they can take to make themselves more energy efficient, such as walking or riding a bike to school. -
What does it mean to be a good citizen? It means being helpful and following the rules. Readers discover that they can do their part to make their communities better one small action at a time. Colorful photographs show kids being the best citizens they can be at school, at home, and with their friends. -
Today there are more than 1.1 billion Muslims in the world. Even in the wake of this enormous growth, many of the practices established by Muhammad remain intact today. By adhering to the Qur’an, Muslims observe a rich cultural tradition that bridges the past, present, and future worlds in a community of the faithful.
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This book gives students an in-depth look at how large telescopes work. The wonder and awe of space and the scientific instruments we use to study it both come shining through in this fascinating book. Full-color diagrams and illustrations will help students visualize how the technology of telescopes works. Students will learn about the creation of mirrors 26.2 feet wide and telescope teams that work together to create a telescope as powerful as if it had a mirror the size of Earth! -
Some of the most famous animals in history have been horses. From George Washingtons trusty Arabian, Magnolia, to the fictional stallion Black Beauty, horses have played an important part in historical events, books, television shows, and movies for many years. Readers will discover important facts about some of the worlds most important and beloved horses. Photographs of the horses and their owners help illustrate these amazing and beautiful animals. -
Tacos, enchiladas, tortillas, and even huevos rancheros are not unusual items in many American restaurants. Mexican food is loved all over the world, but Mexicos kitchens hold much more than these dishes. Some surprising ingredients and fascinating cultural facts are in store for readers and fledgling chefs. Mexicans use prickly pear cactus, plantains, and even chocolate in their meals. A salsa recipe at the end of the book gives young cooks a chance to create their own fiesta! -
Since the terrible events of 9/11, more attention than ever has been paid to the threats and challenges posed by terrorists. Weinberg explains who the terrorists are, where they came from, what motivates them, and what, if anything, can be done to stop them. It provides a fascinating insight into how terrorist 'cells' operate and what they might do in the future. Leonard Weinberg is Foundation Professor of Political Science at the University of Nevada. He has also served as a consultant to the United Nations Office for the Prevention of Terrorism and was a recipient of the 1999 Thornton Peace Prize. -
Great Expectations is Charles Dickens's thirteenth novel. It is his second novel, after David Copperfield, to be fully narrated in the first person. Great Expectations is a bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age novel, and it is a classic work of Victorian literature. It depicts the growth and personal development of an orphan named Pip. The novel was first published in serial form in Dickens's weekly periodical All the Year Round, from 1 December 1860 to August 1861. In October 1861, Chapman and Hall published the novel in three volumes.Dickens originally intended Great Expectations to be twice as long, but constraints imposed by the management of All the Year Round limited the novel's length. The novel is collected and dense, with a conciseness unusual for Dickens. According to G. K. Chesterton, Dickens penned Great Expectations in "the afternoon of [his] life and fame." It was the penultimate novel Dickens completed, preceding Our Mutual Friend.It is set among the marshes of Kent and in London in the early to mid-1800s. The novel contains some of Dickens most memorable scenes, including its opening, in a graveyard, when the young orphan Pip is accosted by the escaped convict, Abel Magwitch. Great Expectations is a graphic book, full of extreme imagery, poverty, prison ships ("the hulks"), barriers and chains, and fights to the death.Upon its release, Thomas Carlyle spoke of "All that Pip's nonsense." Later, George Bernard Shaw praised the novel as "All of one piece and consistently truthfull." Dickens felt Great Expectations was his best work, calling it "a very fine idea," and was very sensitive to compliments from his friends: "Bulwer, who has been, as I think you know, extraordinarily taken by the book."Great Expectations has a colourful cast that has entered popular culture: the capricious Miss Havisham, the cold and beautiful Estella, Joe the kind and generous blacksmith, the dry and sycophantic Uncle Pumblechook, Mr. Jaggers, Wemmick with his dual personality, and the eloquent and wise friend, Herbert Pocket. Throughout the narrative, typical Dickensian themes emerge: wealth and poverty, love and rejection, and the eventual triumph of good over evil. Great Expectations has become very popular and is now taught as a classic in many English classes. It has been translated into many languages and adapted many times in film and other media. -
Gymnasts are among the strongest athletes in the world. They leap, tumble, flip, and fly through the air with finesse. Readers interested in gymnastics will discover what it takes to become a gymnast, as well as the different gymnastic events they can participate in. Photographs of gymnasts and gymnastic apparatuses show readers what its like to join the team.