What is renewable energy? Why is using it good for the earth? Questions such as these are answered in this stimulating text supporting an essential elementary science curriculum topic. Young readers learn renewable energy is generated from renewable natural resources, including sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. This accessible text also delves into how young people can make simple changes in their lives to help fight climate change...

Earth's geography might seem unchanging, but it's changed greatly over the years. Some of the most obvious changes have taken place on Earth's coastlines, where the consequences of human activities are seen in a number of ways. This book explores the different ways Earth's coastlines have changed and why these changes have taken place. Through fact boxes and sidebars, readers will also learn about how people can help prevent these changes from continuing....

Earth is constantly changing. However, over the last several decades, human activity has accelerated these changes around the world. Mountains, for example, may seem permanent and unchanging, but they are just as fragile as Earth's other environments. Written according to state and national STEM standards, this book explores the impact that humans have on mountain environments, from the creation of roads and ski slopes to the use of explosives to...

Humans have used resources from their environment for food and shelter for millions of years. Over time, however, human activities have extensively impacted Earth's ecosystems. Rain forests are one of a number of ecosystems on Earth that have been negatively affected by human activities. This book explores the different ways humans have impacted the plants and animals that call rain forest environments home. Full-color photographs depict harmful human...

More than half the world's population live in cities, and that number is rising. Find out how we can create buildings and cities without harming the environment in this informative title. The growth of cities can lead to overcrowding, pollution from transportation and factories, and the release of greenhouse gases from buildings. Case studies show how scientists, architects, and planners are investigating how to build more energy-efficient houses...

"Modern farming allows us to buy almost any kind of food at any time of the year. But this convenience comes at a cost. This important book shows how we can farm and grow food without harming the planet. Case studies show how scientists are investigatingways to prevent the problems modern farming creates, including pollution from chemicals used for growing crops, clear cutting of rainforests to make space for grazing and farmland, and contributing...

The Internet gives us information at our fingertips and puts us in touch instantly with anyone in the world. It reduces our need to use paper or travel long distances to meet, but its growth has come at a cost. Find out how we can stay connected without harming ourselves or the planet in this insightful look at the Internet and social media. Case studies reveal the environmental impact of producing and discarding the computers and other devices we...

Roads and highways connect small towns, major cities, and even entire countries to each other. In early history, roads used to be paths made by animals and then were adapted to suit human needs. Today, our roads and highways are paved with asphalt and concrete, among other building materials such as gravel and sand. Creating roads and highways requires swaths of land to be cleared and leveled, and may even require sections of mountains to be taken...