Books in Checkerboard Science Library: What's It Like Out? series

This book breaks down concepts relating to what causes wind, as well as where certain winds blow and why they occur there. Readers will learn how the sun heats the earth unevenly, causing air pressure differences, or gradients, how the Coriolis effect influences wind patterns, how helpful winds spread pollen and turn turbines for wind power, and how scientists use anemometers, wind socks, and weather vanes to measure wind direction and speed. Chapters explain large wind systems such as Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, trade winds, polar easterlies, prevailing westerlies, the intertropical convergence zone, the doldrums, and the horse latitudes. Monsoon winds, land and sea breezes, mountain breezes, Santa Ana and Chinook winds, wind shear's effect on tornado formation, and how pressure differences and the Coriolis effect help hurricanes form are also discussed. Clear, helpful diagrams, full-color photographs, bold glossary words, and an index support this easy-to-read, engaging text.

This book introduces how different types of precipitation form and the dangers and benefits they provide. Readers will learn how fast-moving molecules escape bodies of water through evaporation, how air rises, how the dew point affects condensation and the formation of clouds, and how cloud droplets grow and become heavy enough to fall as precipitation. Other chapters highlight raindrop shapes, hailstorms and the layers that form when hail circulates in strong updrafts, the difference between sleet and freezing rain, and snowflake formation with a sidebar on snowflake shapes. Measuring precipitation using rain gauges and snow courses, how water moves across the earth from the ocean to clouds to the ground and back again, accompanied by a diagram of the hydrologic cycle, and precipitation extremes, including flash floods and droughts, are also discussed. Clear, helpful diagrams, full-color photographs, bold glossary words, and an index support this easy-to-read, engaging text.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Groovy Gems introduces readers to what gems are and how they form, including mineral gems and organic gems. Chapters discuss crystal systems, imitation and synthetic gems, cultured pearls, how gems are used, and their importance throughout history. Sidebars introduce birthstones, precious metals, and conflict diamonds. Full-color photographs of brilliant diamonds, pearls, geodes, star sapphires, and more will draw in readers while the easy-to-read text breaks down complex concepts. A colorful world map of where gems are found spreads across two pages and an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Box elder bugs are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the box elder bug's world to life, introducing readers to a box elder bug's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the box elder bug's red eyes to the X on its wings. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place box elder bugs within the order Hemiptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of box elder bugs, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From resting on box elder trees to overwintering in your house, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Walking sticks are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life photos bring the walking stick's world to life, introducing readers to a walking stick's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the walking stick's long legs to its wings. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place walking sticks within the order Phasmida. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of walking sticks, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From northern walking sticks to tropical walking sticks, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Mighty Minerals introduces readers to what minerals are, how they form, and how we use them today. Chapters discuss how to identify minerals, including color, luster, streak, fracture, hardness, specific gravity, magnetism, and fluorescence. A colorful diagram of the rock cycle furthers understanding of mineral formation and an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Full-color photographs will draw in readers while the easy-to-read text and helpful diagrams break down complex concepts. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Centipedes are some of the world's most fascinating bugs! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the centipede's world to life, introducing readers to a centipede's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the centipede's poisonous fangs to its many legs. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place centipedes within the class Chilopoda. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of centipedes, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From house centipedes to tiger centipedes, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Super Soils introduces readers to what makes up soil, from humus and plants and animals to water and air. Chapters discuss how weathering, erosion, parent material, decay, bacteria, organic matter, climate, and time contribute to soil formation. Soil engineering comes to life with a real-world example, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Easy-to-read text and helpful diagrams break down complex concepts, such as soil horizons. Readers will also learn about composting and the importance of conservation of this vital natural resource. And, an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Full-color photographs, glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Beetles are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the beetle's world to life, introducing readers to a beetle's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the beetle's antennae to its elytra. The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place beetles within the order Coleoptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of beetles, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From ladybugs to dung beetles, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

These exciting books teach young readers about farms, and about life as a farm family. Children will learn about different kinds of farms. They will read about families working with the seasons, the 4H club, county fairs, and rodeos.-- Supports geography, science, and social studies curriculum-- Full-color photos and maps enhance the text-- Table of contents, glossary, index, and internet sites

Lice are some of the world's peskiest insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life photos bring the louse's world to life, introducing readers to a louse's diet, habitat, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the louse's chewing or sucking mouthparts to its large abdomen. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place lice within the order Phthiraptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider how lice impact our daily lives, including prevention and treatment. From head lice to body lice or crab lice, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these troublesome creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Flies are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life photos bring the fly's world to life, introducing readers to an fly's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the fly's compound eyes to its wings. The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place flies within the order Diptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of flies, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From houseflies to robber flies, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.