Grade 4 Energy

Homes and businesses around the world have solar panels to harness the sun's energy for electricity. But even more remarkably, NASA powered an airplane using solar power in 2001! Achievements in renewable energy are encouraging as the world's reserves of oil, natural gas, and coal continue to be depleted. Readers will learn the state of nonrenewable resources on Earth in addition to information about the renewable energy technology that will power cars and homes in the future. Discussion of greenhouse gases and climate change provide readers with basic knowledge about the changing needs of Earth. Detailed sidebars and fact boxes augment science and social studies information, offering readers both pros and cons of solar, wind, and water energy, among others. Colorful photographs will further engage readers with these important topics as they begin to form opinions using their new knowledge.