Mirages and Other Marvels of Light and Air


Book Description

The fabled oasis in the desert mirage is just one example of the strange things that can happen when light hits the air in certain atmospheric conditions. This captivating volume takes a closer look at mirages and similar phenomena, explaining to elementary readers that there is much more to these natural optical illusions than meets, or doesn't meet, the eye. Topics covered include refraction, the difference between superior and inferior mirages, green flashes, and the famous Fata Morgana castle in the sky mirage. Vocabulary boxes identify key terms, while Think About It and Compare and Contrast questions prompt critical thinking about optics and light.




Crystals


Book Description

Gemstones and snowflakes represent some of our most memorable and alluring interactions with crystals, but crystals form many different materials, come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and can grow in several different ways. This inviting volume examines the science behind crystal formation, clearly explaining to an elementary audience the difference between the types of bonds that hold crystals together and elucidating the melting, freezing, and dissolution processes that yield crystalline structures. Readers are also guided through the process of growing their own crystals at home. Vocabulary, Think About It, and Compare and Contrast boxes round out the engaging narrative.




Organisms That Glow


Book Description

Whether they glimmer to attract prey, to ward off predators, or for another reason entirely, glowing organisms are some of the most mesmerizing wonders of nature. This stunning volume introduces elementary readers to bioluminescence and biofluorescence, using accessible language to explain how and why various organisms make their own light. Vibrant images allow readers to journey through woods haunted by fox fire, soar high with fireflies that punctuate a summer night's sky, and dive deep to view the myriad creatures that illuminate the ocean's depths. Boxed text encourages critical thinking about Earth's incredible biodiversity and the behaviors and chemistry of living things.




Lightning and Other Wonders of the Sky


Book Description

Introduces wonders of earth's atmosphere, including auroras, mirages, trade winds, dust storms, acid rain, meteor showers, sundogs and a host of other meteorological phenomena.




Auroras


Book Description

Auroras, the dancing lights that most often grace the night skies of the North and South Poles, look like magnificent kaleidoscopes of light and color to the naked eye. This absorbing volume breaks down this breathtaking phenomenon, using it to introduce elementary readers to the basics of magnetism and atmospheric science. The narrative carefully explains how the Earth's poles and atmosphere affect solar wind and describes how similar dazzling displays are visible on other planets. Vivid images capture the wonder of the northern and southern lights, while boxed terms and guiding questions nurture a deeper curiosity about our atmosphere.




Wonders of the Air


Book Description

This second book in a four-book series exploring the elements, Wonders of Nature: Natural Phenomena in Science and Myth, looks at the wonder of air from both a scientific and mythical perspective. Intended for teachers and librarians to use with students in intermediate and middle school grades, the book looks at natural phenomena that occurs in the air around us—such as rainbows, snow, tornadoes, lightning, and thunder—through ancient myth, and details the explanations of modern-day science. With this interdisciplinary approach, students will be encouraged to appreciate the magic in both myth and science, and to understand the commonality of human experience with nature over time. Each book contains eight myths, each from a different culture, and accompanying scientific explanation to use with students. Included are bibliographies; recommended Web sites; ideas for field trips, student projects, discussion, and activities; and illustrations and diagrams that will enhance student interest. Grades 4-8.




Color and Light in Nature


Book Description

We live in a world of optical marvels - from the commonplace but beautiful rainbow, to the rare and eerie superior mirage. But how many of us really understand how a rainbow is formed, why the setting sun is red and flattened, or even why the sky at night is not absolutely black? This beautiful and informative guide provides clear explanations to all naturally occurring optical phenomena seen with the naked eye, including shadows, halos, water optics, mirages and a host of other spectacles. Separating myth from reality, it outlines the basic principles involved, and supports them with many figures and references. A wealth of rare and spectacular photographs, many in full color, illustrate the phenomena throughout. In this new edition of the highly-acclaimed guide to seeing, photographing and understanding nature's optical delights, the authors have added over 50 new images and provided new material on experiments you can try yourself.




Why the Sky is Blue & Other Wonders of the Earth


Book Description

Answers questions about the earth, weather, plants, and animals.




Popular Mechanics


Book Description