How Do Solar Panels Work?

by Richard Hantula and Debra Voege

Published 1 September 2009
Among recent concerns about the use of nonrenewable fuels such as oil and coal, scientists have been trying to discover alternative ways of making energy and electricity available. Sunlight is a free, unlimited resource that hits the Earth with more energy in an hour than the people of the world use in a year. The colorful ""How Do Solar Panels Work?"" reveals how researchers are working on ways to harness the power of sunlight through solar panels and delves into the science behind these panels.

How Do Plants Get Food?

by Barbara J Davis and Debra Voege

Published 1 September 2009
When people get hungry, they eat a meal. All animals and plants need water and sustenance to survive and grow. Animals get their energy from eating food, but plants have a different method. ""How Do Plants Get Food?"" exposes how plants get food and make energy through photosynthesis. Real-world examples are colorfully shown with full-color photographs and illustrations.

How Do Islands Form?

by Christina Wilsdon and Debra Voege

Published 1 January 2009
There are hundreds of islands on Earth, from the isle of Manhattan to the island chain of the Philippines. However, these islands did not appear overnight. It often took thousands or millions of years for them to form. ""How Do Islands Form?"" uncovers the science of island formation, showing the science of real-world occurrences through full-color photographs and illustrations sure to captivate young readers.

In recent years, there has been much concern about the world's reliance on nonrenewable resources, such as oil. Scientists are attempting to decrease our dependency on oil - something cars require to work. Hybrid cars, which run on alternative energy sources like sunlight, corn, and biofuels, may be the key to using less oil. ""How Do Hybrid Cars Work?"" discusses how these machines work, the science behind the energy they make, and what the use of hybrid cars means for the planet. Full-color photographs and illustrations keep young readers enthralled in the science behind hybrid cars.

If you go outside on a windy day, you realize just how strong air can be. It can lift a kite high in the sky and grab onto a balloon and carry it away. But even when the air is calm, you can feel its strength and resistance when you move. ""How Do Aircraft Fly?"" reveals the science behind air pressure and flying everything from hot-air balloons to helicopters to jet aircraft through eye-catching full-color photograph and illustrations, as well as through textual explanations of real-world examples.

Cell phones have changed the way people live, work, and communicate with each other. Since the first handheld phone was created in 1973, cell phones have only increased in popularity. ""How Do Cell Phones Work?"" delves into the science behind cell phones and the reasons for their popularity, from their portability to unique features, with full-color photographs and illustrations.

When you walk into a room and flip a light switch, a lightbulb turns on, illuminating the area. But how does one small switch do such a large job? This title enlightens readers about the science behind electricity and circuits through full-color illustrations and photographs.

The Moon is very far from Earth. Yet, scientists have been able to get satellites, shuttles, and other spacecraft into space and a few manned spacecraft to land on the Moon. ""How Does a Spacecraft Reach the Moon?"" reveals the science behind propulsion and the energy it takes to get large craft into space. Colorful photographs and illustrations, complemented by real-world examples, will ignite young readers' interest in space and the vehicles humans use to visit there.

Nearly every home has a refrigerator to keep foods tasty and safe to eat. But how does this handy kitchen appliance keep foods cool? ""How Do Refrigerators Work?"" explains the science behind the workings of a refrigerator, its history in the household, and how energy and pressure are used to keep foods cool. This science guide is colorfully illustrated to capture young readers' attention.

When you step into a full bathtub, you learn a lot about displacement of water. As your body sinks into the tub, the water moves out of the way. But water is also pushing up on you as you enter into it. ""Why Do Ships Float?"" reveals the science behind buoyancy and why objects float, even if they are large cruise or military vessels. Colorful photographs and illustrations will enthrall young readers on this voyage through science.