Frank Carlson Library

Readers may never expect that they might free fall to Earth, but if they have ever dived into a pool, that's exactly what they've done. This book shows readers how Newton's three laws of motion affect divers, skydivers, and mountain climbers' movements. Readers discover who uses gravity, who works against it, and all other forces that contribute to a successful dive or climb. After reading this book, readers can decide if they will ever be interested...

Most of the Earth's changes happen over millions of years, but earthquakes can force significant changes to the land in just a few moments. Readers will learn the science of plate tectonics and its role in the development of earthquakes around the globe. They will also learn that not all rocks are created equal. In fact, rocks are all different ages! This book concludes with images of the damage and destruction that earthquakes can cause.

Floods and blizzards may be very different, but they do have some things in common. In this book, readers will discover they have one vital ingredient in common: water. Readers will learn the powerful forces of water as it pertains to floods and blizzards. They also discover that although these two forces of nature can cause difficulties for people, they are nature's way of cleaning up and re-nourishing the land.

This book will be a hit with both thrill seekers and with those who prefer to stay safely on the ground. After an introduction to Newton's three laws of motion, readers learn the mechanics of various amusement park rides including roller coasters, Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and gravity rides. They learn how to measure motion, and how kinetic and potential energy apply to their favorite rides.

Hurricanes plague the tropics from June through November. Some years bring just a handful of storms. Other years, meteorologists run out of names because there are so many. Readers learn how and where these storms form and the dangers they pose to the land and people who live in Gulf and Atlantic coast regions.

A pond may seem quiet and subdued, but this unique ecosystem is filled with active life cycles. Students learn what distinguishes a pond from other bodies of water, the plant and animal life within it, and how their life cycles contribute to the pond itself.

The need for speed is the motivating factor in this engaging book. Readers learn the history of travel from the very slow to the supersonic and beyond, including everything in between. They learn and discover the factors that influence motion for all types of vehicles: land, air, and water alike. They also learn different ways to measure speed and read about energy uses for different vehicles. With greater speed comes greater risk. Readers learn how...

As far as dangerous weather goes, tornadoes may be the most fierce and powerful of storms. Readers will learn how and where tornadoes hit, and how people protect themselves from life-threatening winds. While most people run away from tornadoes, storm chasers actually run after these swirling masses! Readers will be highly engaged from cover to cover as they learn the science behind these storms.

Readers learn all about wetlands and their complex interactions with plants and animals in this colorful title! Although wetlands don't necessarily need to be covered in water all year long, most areas are pretty wet. Whether they are freshwater or tidal, they play a key role in the health of the Earth. They provide homes for many different kinds of plants and animals that are well adapted for the soggy conditions.

Readers will be amazed to discover that every time they climb onto bicycles and ride like the wind, they are defying gravity! This Spanish-translated book explains the physics and history behind bicycles, skateboards, and surfboards. Readers learn what happens from the simplest movement of rolling forward to more complex tricks and stunts of jumping and spinning. Readers will never look at bikes, skateboards or surfboards the same way again.