A Project Guide to Reptiles & Birds


Book Description

Scientists have long debated the relationship between birds and reptiles. After all, there are some physical similarities between the species, from the eggs they both lay to the scales that can be found on their bodies. But what about the differences? Birds have feathers and are warm-blooded. Reptiles slither, crawl, and creep and are cold-blooded. Scientists study these similarities and differences by observing and experimenting, and now you can too. Whether you try the experiments and activities in this book for fun or for a science fair project, you’ll get an up-close and personal view of these two incredible types of animals. Are they related? You be the judge!




A Project Guide to Mammals


Book Description

Mammals have spread to almost every habitat on the planet and can be found on land, in the sea, and in the air. What do these animals have in common with each other and us? How do they adapt to their environments? Which mammals live near you? Scientists answer such questions through observation and experimentation—and so can you. You can create a system to classify mammal groups, compare and contrast other mammals’ body systems with your own, discover how mammals overcome seasonal challenges such as snow, set up an observation station to watch the mammals in your neighborhood, and conduct a scientific census to determine their numbers. Whether for a school science fair or just for fun, these projects will help you better understand the diverse, magnificent creatures that are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.




New Mexico's Reptiles and Amphibians


Book Description

New Mexico is home to 165 species and subspecies of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Some are ubiquitous and others are localized. If you want basic and reliable information on the lizard in your backyard or the snake you encountered on a hike in the mountains, this handy field guide is invaluable. Both complete and concise, it includes species accounts, maps, photographs, and black-and-white drawings to help you identify the species you have encountered. In addition to basic taxonomy and a glossary, the authors have included suggestions on field protocol and legalities, as well as useful information about the various herpetofauna habitats in the state.




The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior


Book Description

Provides basic information about the biology, life cycles, and behavior of birds, along with brief profiles of each of the eighty bird families in North America.




A Project Guide to the Solar System


Book Description

From ancient times, people have wanted to learn about the sky. The stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies have been observed for centuries, and theories have changed as the equipment used has improved. Though we now know that the Sun is the center of our solar system, and planets and other objects move around it, we still have a lot to learn. What is a comet made of? Why is Pluto now called a dwarf planet? What causes a solar eclipse? A lunar eclipse? This book will help you answer these questions and more. Whether you try the experiments and activities in this book for fun or for a school project, you’ll discover why so many people are fascinated by our solar system.




A Project Guide to Sound


Book Description

Babies crying, school bells ringing, cars roaring by, the ding signaling that a new text message has arrived . . . sounds are all around us, but how are they made? And how do we hear them? Sounds are created when air vibrates, and we hear them because our ears are specially developed to funnel in and process those vibrations. Through the activities and experiments in this book, you’ll take a hands-on look at how sounds are made and how they are heard. From salt drums to xylophones and sonic booms, you’ll have fun making music and noise—and learning a little along the way!




A Project Guide to Light and Optics


Book Description

What do CDs, lamps, lasers, and microwave ovens all have in common? They all use the power of light and optics! From ancient times when scientists puzzled over the effects of the Sun on Earth to today, where scientists and engineers use lasers to make precise cuts in metal, people have been fascinated by light and optics. In this book, you’ll delve into this incredible subject and learn how light can bend and bounce. You’ll understand how scientists use light to send data from one side of the world to the other. And, you’ll have fun discovering new things to do with flashlights and mirrors. These experiments and activities can be used as a starting point for science fair projects, or you can do them just for fun. Either way, you’ll find out a lot about the properties of light!




Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest


Book Description

It's possible to safely see fascinating wildlife—if you know what to look for and where, and if you understand what you see—whether you are far from civilization or right in your own backyard. Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest includes illustrated descriptions for more than 180 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates most common in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, northern California, Idaho, and western Montana. With more than 460 photographs, hundreds of scale drawings, and more than 90 distribution maps. This book belongs in every pack and is a must-have for nature lovers of all ages and skill levels.




National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Birds of North America


Book Description

Presents information about 160 North American bird species, including facts about physical features, voice, habitat, food, and a map indicating the regions in which each species can be found.




A Guide to Wildlife Sounds


Book Description

Book has remarkable close-up photos of 100 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects found east of the Great Plains in North America with information about habitat, appearance, behavior and also a CD recording of commons songs, calls, or other sounds for each.