Books in Core Concepts series

When we think of nuclear physics, we often think of the fraught issues of nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons. However, nuclear physics has many other practical applications, including in the fields of nuclear medicine, materials engineering, and geology and archaeology. The history of nuclear physics is full of fascinating figures--Rutherford, Geiger, Bohr, Einstein, Oppenheimer--and highly dramatic experiments, triumphs, and utter tragedies. Capturing both the promise and the peril of this most fascinating science with compelling, comprehensible text and full-color photos and explanatory visual aids, this volume introduces readers to the most transformative science of the modern era.

Hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful, tiniest birds in nature. They are the only creatures that can fly forward, backward, sideways—even upside down! Their hearts beat anywhere from 500 to 1200 times every minute; their wings flap as many as 52 times per second; and they breathe up to 600 times per minute. This fact-and-photo-filled nonfiction 8x8 will leave readers astounded by the smallest bird in America!Hummingbirds covers the concepts Animals and Nature.

Have you ever ridden a Ferris wheel? You go up, up, up and can see for miles! But when the inventor of the Ferris wheel, George Ferris, first pitched the idea, everyone thought he was crazy. A 250-foot bicycle wheel that goes around and around and carries people in train cars? Can't be done, they said. But George proved them wrong. Read about how George's hard work, courage, and imagination created one of the most famous fair rides today.George Ferris, What a Wheel covers the concepts Imagination and Problem Solving.