Spotlight On Physical Science

What are atoms? We can't even see them, so how do we know they are real? This book introduces readers to the concept that atoms are everywhere and that everything is made up of them. Readers will learn the history of atomic theory, from early Greek philosophers through John Dalton and Niels Bohr and on to current researchers in the field. Students will encounter high-tech tools such as the atomic force microscope and discover how scientists and engineers solve atomic problems. Colorful photographs and diagrams help make complex scientific concepts more accessible to elementary readers.

What do a rusting bike, a growling stomach, and a crackling campfire have in common? They are all the result of chemical reactions! Chemicals are constantly reacting in our bodies and all around us. Chemical reactions can be natural, like respiration and photosynthesis, or human-made, like the reactions in fertilizer and fireworks. This book simplifies chemical reactions with clear explanations and explosive examples. Primary sources show how scientists and engineers have studied and harnessed the power of chemical reactions. Their bold achievements will inspire readers to look for the extraordinary ways chemical reactions shape our world and future.

This physical science volume addresses mixtures and solutions and the technology involved with creating and studying them. Readers will learn about the methods that chemistry pioneers used to arrive at an understanding of the nature of mixtures. Readers will learn how to distinguish mixtures from solutions. Historical examples and contemporary examples from the fields of pharmacology and microelectronics will promote interest and understanding. Diagrams and colorful photographs of scientists at work will help make complex scientific concepts easier for elementary readers to understand.

Everything we can see and touch is matter, even things we can't see and touch is matter. We can tell the difference between the different kinds of matter through each one's properties, such as density, magnetism, and conductivity. Knowing about these properties and matching the right materials with the right jobs is essential for today's scientists, engineers, and inventors. Informative photographs and stimulating sidebars enhance the accessible narrative, allowing readers to connect significant science concepts to their practical applications. From constructing kitchen equipment that won't burn our hands to engineering spacecraft that will protect astronauts, future scientific thinkers will be inspired by this volume.

What happens when you enter a room and flip the light switch? Why does a cell phone battery run down? This book focuses on electricity, electric currents, and electrical technology. Readers will learn where electric currents come from. They'll discover some of the early pioneers in the field of electricity, including André-Marie Ampère and Alessandro Volta. Students will learn how inventors such as Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla helped bring electricity into homes. Fascinating modern developments in computing and medicine will help readers see that electricity is essential. Colorful photographs and diagrams help make these complex scientific concepts more manageable for elementary readers.

A rainbow is just one example of light in action. Light is a fundamental component of life on Earth, but how does it work? Light is unique in physical science because it doesn't completely conform to either a wave model nor a particle model. Readers will discover that light is a form of energy and they'll learn aspects of light such as reflection and refraction. This challenging physical science concept is made easier to understand by age-appropriate language and real-life examples, such as the science behind photography and eyeglasses.

Sound is more than just the things we hear. It's made up of sound waves or vibrations that travel through air, water, and even solid objects. Readers will learn how sounds are created and about the kinds of sound waves, the properties of sound, and the scientific laws of sound. They'll also discover how we produce music and speech and how we hear. Primary sources and full-color photographs aid readers in understanding this complex physics topic.

Why do objects fall toward the ground? What makes electric lights go on when we flip a switch? How do magnets work? The answers to these questions and many more become clear when you understand how electromagnetic force and gravitational force operate. This book looks at these forces and presents key concepts in an accessible way. Important theories and applications are presented in simple, age-appropriate language. Full-color photographs and primary sources provide readers with additional information.

Everything in the universe is on the move! Motion plays a big part in our world, even when we cannot see or feel it. Young readers will discover the laws of motion and learn how they affect everything we do. From the action of sports to the thrill of amusement park rides and from the movement of the planets to the motion of the waves, students will learn why things speed up, slow down, change direction, or stop. This book introduces the revolutionary ideas of scientists such as Isaac Newton and Galileo and shows how science applies to everyday events.

What makes it possible for plants to grow? What makes it possible for you to move your arm to raise your hand in class? What makes it possible for your house's lights to turn on? The answer is energy! Energy is the capacity for doing work. This book focuses on the different types of energy, including potential, kinetic, thermal, electrical, chemical, and nuclear. Readers will learn about properties of energy, how energy is measured, and major sources of energy. Primary sources show energy in action. This book will captivate young scientists.

The ringing notes of an electric guitar, the ripples after you've thrown a rock in the water, even the way a microwave oven cooks your food. These are all examples of what waves can do. A wave is one way that energy travels through space and matter. This book simplifies complex physical science topics so young readers can understand them more easily. Real-life examples of how people use waves for science, art, and more help readers see how waves are all around us.

Heat is a form of energy that people are very familiar with. Heat makes our homes warm in winter and it helps us prepare food for dinner. Heat can also be dangerous, such as when a fire destroys a home or forest. Readers will learn the physics behind the transfer of heat from one object to another, whether it's the sun warming our world or a stove burner heating water. Readers also explore how a change in temperature can change the characteristics of matter. The manageable text is paired with eye-catching images and primary sources to support reader comprehension.