Rocks & Fossils

From towering mountains that rise above the surrounding land to hardened magma, the natural world is made up of thousands of different kinds of rock. How do rocks get their different shapes and unique colors? What are the three main rock types? And how have humans throughout history used rocks? Extraordinary photos and real-world examples invite readers to explore rock types, while an encyclopedic-entry-style format makes the text approachable and highly browsable. Final comprehension questions engage readers to check what they have learned to reenforce comprehension.

From magma hardening to sediments pressing together and pressure forcing changes deep underground, the natural world is made up of thousands of different kinds of rock that are constantly forming and changing. What are the three main rocky types? And how do they take shape? Discover the rock cycle. Extraordinary photos and real-world examples invite readers to explore the rock cycle, while an encyclopedic-entry-style format makes the text approachable and highly browsable. Final comprehension questions engage readers to check what they have learned to reenforce comprehension.

From the preserved remains of prehistoric life to ancient footprints and coprolites, the world is full of fossils that give us a look into the past. How do fossils form? What can they tell us about Earth's many mysteries? And why are they left behind even after the death of their ancient specimens? Discover the steps paleontologists take to find and preserve fossils, and how the rocky remains can help us understand the evolution of life. Extraordinary photos and real-world examples invite readers to explore fossils, while an encyclopedic-entry-style format makes the text approachable and highly browsable. Final comprehension questions engage readers to check what they have learned to reenforce comprehension.

From beautiful crystals with the energy to power electronic devices to amazing gemstones incorporated into religious practices across different cultures, the natural world has of thousands of different kinds of crystals and gemstones. How do these hidden treasures form deep underneath Earth's surface? And what physical characteristics and traits do scientists use to classify them? Discover the composition behind famous crystals and gemstones, where they are found, and what they are used for. Extraordinary photos and real-world examples invite readers to explore crystals and gemstones, while an encyclopedic-entry-style format makes the text approachable and highly browsable. Final comprehension questions engage readers to check what they have learned to reenforce comprehension.