Real-Life Scientific Adventures

Ferdinand Magellan was a famed Portuguese explorer. His voyage, launched in 1519, led to the discovery that the globe could be circumnavigated by sea. Although Magellan himself did not survive the incredible journey that led to this discover, his contributions to the scientific understanding of Earth's surface were inestimable. This dynamic and thorough history of Magellan's expedition will intrigue readers and impart to them a greater knowledge of important social studies and science topics.

When Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, 530 million viewers watched Commander Neil Armstrong and pilots Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin leave Earth with bated breath. This book relates the significant parts of that momentous journey, including the first color TV transmission to Earth, and the 21 hours, 36 minutes that Armstrong and Aldrin spent on the moon's surface. Bourgeoning scientists will be enthralled by this captivating history of the Apollo 11 adventure, which incorporates key social studies and science concepts.

This fascinating text details the incredible journey of Lewis and Clark through the Louisiana Territory, an expedition that would prove to be one of the most important chapters in American history. Readers will follow Lewis and Clark as they paddle up the Missouri River, ride over the Bitterroot Mountains, and observe the remarkable landscape that surrounds them. Critical aspects of social studies and science curriculum are related through the chronicle of this grand adventure.

On May 28, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary made history by climbing the highest mountain on Earth: Mount Everest. He was the first man to stand on top of this daunting peak. Readers will enjoy the story of Hillary and his guide Tenzing Norgay as they tackled the most demanding climb in the world. Starting with Hillary's interest in climbing as a teen, readers will learn all about the preparation, planning, and hard work that made this exciting climb possible, as well as the history of this magnificent mountain.

Roald Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer, the first man to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911, and a hero of the age of Antarctic exploration. Before his death in 1928, Amundsen was the first man to travel the Northwest Passage by ship, and one of the first to cross the Arctic by air. This absorbing book communicates the details of Amundsen's dangerous expedition and the weight of his contributions to polar exploration.

On December 27, 1831, the HMS Beagle set sail from Plymouth harbor. On board were a crew of 73 men, Captain Robert Fitzroy, and a young naturalist named Charles Darwin. The expedition lasted almost five years, during which time Darwin kept extensive field journals collecting important scientific data that would inform his later discoveries. The exciting account of Darwin's voyage is sure to captivate readers and the enlightening subject matter will support their developing awareness of social studies and science concepts.