Germs and Disease

Lice, fleas, and tapeworms are just some of the creepy crawly parasites readers are introduced to in this detailed guide to an important biology topic. As the main text explores the basics of parasites and their relationships to their hosts, full-color photographs show these creatures in detail. Graphic organizers and sidebars add to this informative reading experience, and critical thinking questions allow readers to dive deep into the world of parasites. The age-appropriate text explains important science concepts, such as the relationships between organisms, and a helpful glossary of biology terms aids in vocabulary building.

Biological warfare, or germ warfare, is a frightening concept, but readers are able to focus on facts rather than fear with the help of this objective guide to a challenging topic. From examples of germ warfare throughout history to the most modern ways of preventing a bioterrorism attack, readers are given essential information to help them see how science concepts are connected to military strategy and historical and current events. In addition to the accessible main text, sidebars expand on important concepts, and graphic organizers help visual learners. Full-color photographs and critical thinking questions also add to this reading experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised important questions about how we fight germs: How do vaccines work? Can wearing a mask really stop diseases from spreading? How do diseases spread in the first place? These questions aren't new, but they're an important part of life today. And readers discover the answers to them in this detailed look at the fight against germs. The objective main text is supplemented with sidebars, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs. In addition, readers find critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter to help them develop informed opinions about this important issue.

Some bacteria are helpful, while others can make us very sick. Readers learn the difference in this engaging and educational look at a popular biology curriculum concept. The clear main text is paired with full-color photographs that take readers under the microscope to see various kinds of bacteria up close. Graphic organizers add another helpful visual element, and sidebars expand on important topics. Readers are challenged to think critically about what they've learned with questions at the end of every chapter. They're also shown a number of ways to protect themselves from bacteria that can cause disease.

In the time of COVID-19, it seems everyone is talking about viruses. But what is a virus, and how does a virus spread? Readers find the answers as they explore this comprehensive introduction to a basic biology curriculum concept. The fact-filled main text is paired with graphic organizers and full-color photographs, and detailed sidebars provide additional information about various viruses and the diseases they cause. In addition, readers are presented with a series of questions after each chapter to help them think critically about this topic and how it affects their lives today.

There are many more kinds of fungi and molds than just the mushrooms you find on pizza or the mold you discover if food goes bad. They're important parts of ecosystems around the world, but they can also cause diseases. Readers explore their harmful effects through objective text that aims to inform rather than intimidate. Sidebars add fun facts, and full-color photographs illustrate this important part of life science. Visual learners are aided by graphic organizers that break down essential information, and critical thinking questions encourage readers to develop their own opinions and to back them up with relevant facts.