Earth Under Construction!

Earth's landscape is constantly changing, but some geological events have more explosive effects than others. This daring book introduces readers to the power of volcanoes, one of nature's most mesmerizing and disruptive features. Readers will discover how volcanoes form and why they erupt so dramatically. They'll learn about the most infamous volcanoes that have shaped Earth, from Mount Vesuvius's destruction of Pompeii in 79 CE to the disastrous 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Vivid photographs and graphic organizers expand upon key science concepts introduced in this accessible text. Interesting sidebars provide easy-to-understand sections of information, engaging developing readers with fascinating facts.

Everything is connected on Earth, even if we can't see it right away. Biogeology is the study of the important and sometimes weird relationships between living things and the Earth itself. Young readers might know how beavers dam rivers to make ponds, but they probably don't know about the hungry bacteria that eat rocks to make sparkly minerals like pyrite. This fun, fact-filled volume reinforces essential science concepts with surprising examples and eye-catching art. Young scientists are also introduced to the causes and effects of climate change.

Earthquakes are among the heaviest hitters in the world of natural phenomena that shape our planet. Not only can they cause massive amounts of damage on their own, they can also cause other disasters, such as tsunamis and avalanches. Daring readers will learn how and why earthquakes occur. They'll encounter key science concepts such as the tectonic plates theory and the Richter scale. Graphic organizers and interesting sidebars summarize difficult concepts into easy-to-comprehend sections while vivid photographs capture readers' attention.

Look out below! Landslides and mudslides are some of the most dangerous forces in nature. In seconds, these roaring rivers of earth and rocks can uproot trees, flip cars, and destroy whole neighborhoods. Readers of this action-packed book will learn many earth-shattering facts, such as that a mudslide can move at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Diagrams explain how and why these natural disasters happen. Amazing archival photographs and sidebars give an up-close look at historic landslides and mudslides from the past.

Have you ever noticed how some continents seem like they could fit together like puzzle pieces? That's because millions of years ago they did. This exciting book dives deep to explain the action-packed science of tectonic plates. Colorful maps point out where to find the Earth's major and minor tectonic plates. Dramatic photographs and vivid diagrams show what happens when they collide. Curious readers will love this high-interest take on geology because even when standing still, the ground beneath our feet is slowly on the move.

Weathering and erosion have helped shaped many of Earth's most famous landforms, from the Grand Canyon to the Cliffs of Moher. Readers will get an in-depth look at how these fascinating processes are able to transform the surfaces of the world. Eye-catching photographs and stimulating sidebars help readers develop a deeper understanding of the informative narrative. Explanatory graphic organizers reinforce key concepts and support important aspects of elementary science curricula, including the Next Generation Science Standards.