Hormigas (Ants)

Many insects hatch from eggs and molt several times as they grow bigger. Others, such as butterflies, undergo a complete metamorphosis. A common science curriculum topic, insect life cycles may be confusing because of these differences. However, this book breaks down these cycles into easy-to-understand steps in both accessible language and colorful diagrams readers can turn to for review again and again. The most important vocabulary needed to talk about insect life cycles is further explained in fact boxes and an extended glossary.

A koala rests comfortably in an Australian eucalyptus forest, penguin families gather on icebergs of Antarctica, an alligator protects her young in its mouth, a hippopotamus teaches her baby the art of bathing, and an elf owl peeks out of its cactus nest. These captivating images, taken by some of the world's leading wildlife photographers, introduce young children to similarities that exist between the animal world and their own. Photographs of animal habitats from all over the world teach young readers that all living creatures live in special places they call home. And by seeing animals...

Until just over 150 years ago, northern Mexico extended thousands of kilometers farther than its current border with the United States. Many different indigenous groups flourished in that region before the Conquistadors arrived. What we know about their lives and customs is the result of archeological discoveries and the chronicles of the first Spanish priests and soldiers that had contact with them.

Imagine traveling at half the speed of a jet plane without ever leaving the ground! Students will discover the technology that makes such speeds possible, from special tracks and safety precautions to aerodynamically designed trains. What are the limits to the speed of trains? What imposes those limits? Students also will read about the future of passenger train travel, from flying trains to trains that use huge magnets to levitate inches or centimeters off the track. Some trains safely reach speeds of more than 200 mph!

Have you ever wondered where inventors get some of their ideas? This answer may surprise you: sometimes the inspiration comes from plants! Learn how some tiny plants have made a huge difference in the world.