New Releases by Steve Tomecek

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.

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."

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

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

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.

Describes how rocks and minerals are formed by geological processes, and how they're used in our lives.

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.

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.

Introduces readers to facts and myths about the moon.

Introduces stars and what they are made of, how they shine, their positions with relation to earth, and more.

Contains twenty-five standards-based activities designed to teach students in grades four to eight key concepts in physical, Earth, and life science, featuring lessons in static attraction, the force of atmospheric pressure, the germination rates of different seeds, and similar topics.

45 technological touchstones are described and illustrated.

Brief text explores how soil is formed, its layers, and its importance as a natural resource that living things need to survive, in an addition to an early science discovery series which combines important scientific information with kid-friendly illustrations. Teacher's Guide available.

Defines electricity, discusses how it can produce heat and light, and tells of the many scientists who have contributed to our understanding of electricity.

Teaching electricity is exciting, easy, safe, and fun with lessons such as Charge It!, which uses a balloon and plastic wrap to teach about static electricity; Go With the Flow, about conductors and insulators; and Stuck On Electromagnets, a journey into electricity and magnetism. includes background information on the history of electricity, questions to guide students' learning, extension activities, and reproducible data sheets. Linked to the National Science Standards. Grades 306.