Shockwave social studies

Offers a brief overview of the complexities of the English language, describing why words have different meanings, how idioms are created, why spelling is so difficult, and what differences exist between English-speaking countries.

Teaches comprehension strategies and vocabulary through a study of how the blind are able to achieve amazing feats and skills despite their disability.

Teaches comprehension strategies and vocabulary through a study of extreme sports.

Photographs, illustrations, and simple text provide facts and statistics on the earth's environment and the impact of human activity.

Examines the art of Native Americans in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico including weaving and pottery, jewelry and baskets.

Reviews the history of salt, examines salt-related beliefs and legends, identifies places where salt is found, discusses battles over salt supplies, and looks at how salt is harvested, the benefits of salt use, and the salt trade. Considers the question of whether it is ethical to buy things made by children.

Examines Leonardo da Vinci's achievements in science and art, discussing his dissections of human bodies and his resulting drawings; his study of hygiene and sanitation; his secret notebooks; and his masterpiece paintings.

Examines a number of places around the world that have serious water problems resulting in either severe droughts or flooding, and describes the ways in which scientists and engineers are attempting to solve and control the world's water resources.

Explores the history of immigration in the U.S., discussing the processing of immigrants at Ellis Island, the lives of immigrants in New York City in the early twentieth century, refugees, and immigration laws.

Explores the history, social life, customs, and geography of New Orleans and discusses Hurricane Katrina. Includes a glossary and an index.