Therese Shea

Anthropologists, scientists who study humans and their ways of life, are continually finding and interpreting artifacts left by our earliest ancestors. They have helped us understand our origins as well as the intriguing cultures that developed as humans spread across Earth. This volume is a concise introduction to this diverse and fascinating field. Readers will learn of the various branches of anthropology, including archaeology and biological anthropology,...

Much myth has been made in subsequent centuries over the nomadic Mongols, who, under the unified leadership of the khan, established a massive empire spanning the Asian continent in the 13th century. This title follows the life of Genghis Khan, from humble beginnings through his rise to power and, ultimately, the transfer of his authority to mighty successors such as Kublai Khan. The reader will glean key points of interest, from the Golden Horde...

The modern period of history is often considered to have begun with the Renaissance, one of the rare periods of genius in the world's history. This volume traces the Renaissance from its beginnings in Italy in the fourteenth century to its spread across the rest of Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Along with the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman writing, the Renaissance represented a new age in the fields of science, literature,...

Given the vastness of the universe, it is not difficult to imagine the possibility of life-even intelligent life-beyond Earth. Yet whether any extraterrestrial beings have ever made contact with us and if any evidence of this contact exists, remains widely debated. Evaluating tales of alien encounters and UFO sightings with a critical eye, this absorbing volume considers the possibility of extraterrestrial life by carefully separating scientific fact...

Water that lurks beneath the Earth's surface is usually far easier to ignore than the water that covers it-until that water bursts forth above ground as geysers and hot springs. This engaging volume explains to young readers where this water comes from and its relationship to volcanic activity underground. They will also learn where on Earth these spectacular eruptions are found, how geothermal energy can be harnessed for our use, and much more. Striking...

Planes, trains, and automobiles-these are just some of the many achievements of mechanical engineering. This volume will show readers that they do not have to know complex equations to appreciate the impact the field has had on the world. Accessible text introduces young readers to the machines and engines that power the devices, vehicles, and appliances they encounter on a daily basis. Boxes explain important terms and concepts of mechanics and encourage...

The crustacean subphylum can be broken down into decapods, amphipods, copepods, and other types. This title offers readers from grades one through four comparisons between the needs and roles of different crustaceans, which will allow readers to understand the subphylum's importance. Readers will recognize and expand their knowledge about familiar species like the lobster and the shrimp, while being introduced to the likes of the wood louse and zooplankton....

Cell phones and GPS gadgets abound, but there is no substitute for learning the tried and true method of using an atlas. In this concise volume, readers learn how atlases came to exist and how they have evolved over the years. Exercises and fact boxes throughout the book engage readers in hands-on activities to familiarize them with using an atlas and its features. This instructive volume supports Common Core Standards (such as using glossaries and...

The wild, plundering lives of the Vikings have been fodder for stories and myths for centuries. The terror and destruction they allegedly caused has filled books, movie screens and more. But there is more to this rich culture than these tales often portray. This book illuminates the facts about the rich Viking culture, revealing their lives beyond warfare, such as their art, craft, and trade. Readers will also find myths clarified, with stories from...

"The Dead Sea might sound like a scary place to cool off on a hot day, but many people flock to its waters. The Dead Sea got its name because its salty waters can kill any fish or plants that try to live in it. However, scientists have just recently found a kind of bacteria that live on the seafloor. Readers will find out that some truly spooky things happen around this Middle Eastern lake, like sinkholes opening around its coastline! They'll also...