Mariel Bard – författare

Amphibian fossils tell us a great deal about the frogs, toads, salamanders, and other amphibians that lived on Earth thousands and millions of years ago. With every turn of the page, young fossil enthusiasts will be delighted to see photographs of amphibian fossils and learn how they formed. The text was designed to work hand-in-hand with the photographs and diagrams to provide a comprehensive treatment of this essential elementary science concept. This book also contains sidebars and fact boxes for additional chances to learn.

Our planet contains a great deal of heat under its surface. Scientists have learned how to tap into this heat and use it as an alternative energy source. This book brings students inside Earth for an up-close look at how geothermal energy is created, harnessed, and used to power our world. Early elementary science curriculum is made highly-accessible and fun through full-color photographs and images. An emphasis on STEM topics addressed in the Next Generation Science Standards makes this the perfect resource for students looking to learn more about the science and engineering behind geothermal energy.

Air moves in large bodies called air masses. When two air masses bump into each other, the place where they meet is called a front. This is where weather often occurs. This fact-filled book explores air masses and fronts using age-appropriate text and full-color photographs. Students will learn where air masses form, how they move, and what happens when they meet. Different types of fronts and the weather they cause are also covered in detail. Primary sources add depth and provide students with real-life examples of air masses and fronts in action.

One of the single greatest leaps forward in human healthcare happened because of an accident in a laboratory. This serendipitous event was the result of a summer vacation in Scotland and an unattended experiment. Dr. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, one of the first antibiotics, in 1928 when he noticed that mold had gotten into a petri dish and it had prevented bacteria from growing. This book explores Fleming''s accidental discovery, the science behind antibiotics, and the dawn of the era of antibiotics.

Deep underground, below the bustling streets of cities big and small all around the world, subway trains shuttle passengers to their destinations. From the world''s oldest subway in London, built in 1847, to the extremely busy Tokyo subway with over 200 stations, subways have been and continue to be a huge part of the daily lives of millions of people. This lively volume explores the engineering marvels of subway systems, which have a history as surprising as the twists and turns of a subway''s tracks.

High above our heads, orbiting Earth, are huge technical wonders called satellites. These instruments do so much for us, from helping our cars navigate through GPS to informing meteorologists'' predictions of the weather. Making these satellites is no small feat, and they are very expensive. A typical satellite can take several years to build and costs nearly millions of dollars. This STEM-connected volume explores the complex engineering required to build, test, launch, and analyze satellite systems in use today, and includes a look into where this fascinating technology is headed in the future.

No longer are sports played only on a field or in an arena. Professional gaming leagues are gaining worldwide recognition for their exciting competitions and star players, most of whom rose to fame through online streaming. From the first video game tournament held in 1972 to today, gaming has come a long way. Major sports organizations, like the NBA and MLS, are sponsoring their own eSports leagues. This attention-grabbing volume dives into the rise of online games, the gamers who play them, and how gamers make a living as full-time streamers. Also discussed are online privacy best practices.

Our solar system would fall apart without the sun. Its gravity is what keeps planets and other celestial bodies moving in orbit. The sun also plays a big role in Earth''s weather, climate, and seasons. We wouldn''t know of this if we hadn''t spent a lot of time over hundreds of years studying the sun. Your young explorers will head to the yellow dwarf star that is our sun with satellites, probes, and through high-powered telescopes. They''ll discover what the amazing information missions to and around the sun have taught NASA and space scientists around the world.

Elected officials have a duty to represent and advocate for the values of those who elected them. Most politicians align themselves with one of two political parties: Republican or Democratic. But did you know that the Republican Party used to support big government spending and the Democratic Party favored small government? In many ways, the parties we know today have completely changed sides. But why? This book explores the history of the Republican and Democratic Parties, while presenting situations in which the two disagreed and times when they put their differences aside for the sake of the nation.

Establishing accurate self-perception can help children, teachers, and parents identify not only areas of excellence but also areas in need of more attention. This book guides young readers in establishing healthy self-perception by identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Through a series of real-life examples, such as keeping a journal, seeking and accepting feedback, and exercising critical thinking regarding beliefs and values, readers are given the tools they need to learn about themselves in constructive and positive ways.