Nonfiction Science

Pirates have long lived in the realm of romance and fantasy, symbolizing risk, lawlessness, and radical visions of freedom. But at the root of this mythology is a rich history of pirate societies—vibrant, imaginative experiments in self-governance and alternative social formations at the edges of European empire. David Graeber explores how the proto-democratic, even libertarian practices of the Zana-Malata—an ethnic group made up of mixed descendants of pirates who settled on Madagascar at the beginning of the eighteenth century—came to shape the Enlightenment project.

This essay comes from the NPR series This I Believe, which features brief personal reflections from both famous and unknown Americans. The pieces that make up the series compel listeners to rethink not only what and how they have arrived at their beliefs, but also the extent to which they share them with others.

What looks like a sea horse covered with leaves? It’s the sea dragon! Learn all about this real-life dragon that lives in the ocean off the coast of southern Australia. Life science curriculum links are covered throughout. Critical thinking questions using the common core are also included.

Discover what a grizzly bear has in common with a jaguar. Find out what sets a grizzly bear apart from an armadillo. Listeners will compare and contrast key traits of grizzlies - their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle - to traits of other mammals. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, listeners will make connections and draw conclusions about what makes this animal a mammal and how mammals are alike and different from each other.

Click and his friends wish to live in their favorite tree like the friendly squirrels. They decide to build a treehouse—but first they must collect the necessary materials and learn what tools they'll need for the job! They find a hammer, saw, level and measuring tape. What safety tools with they need to build their treehouse?

Discover the world of sound in this charming nonfiction tale. Young science fans will learn how sound is created through vibrations that vary in pitch and volume and much more!

A study into the customs and practices of indigenous peoples in the Americas, Montaigne delves into the concept of ‘civilisation’, contrasting the behaviour of so-called ‘barbarians’ with Western society. He challenges the idea that European values are superior, understanding the practices of the Tupinambá people and arguing that the horrors inflicted by the soldiers of Portugal on their enemies at the time are – in many ways – far worse. It remains a persuasive and compelling argument for cultural relativism. This audiobook edition is expertly narrated by Malk Williams.

Moths aren’t like other insects. These creatures are truly magnificent! Listeners will learn about 12 different species of moths, each of which have unusual and unexpected colors and patterns. Information about life cycles, habitats, and body parts is included.

Bite, chew, grind! Sharp beaked triceratops is hungry. With giant horns and a shield-like neck frill, this gentle giant can put up a fight. Learn more about this massive dinosaur in Triceratops: Three Horned Giant.

How do you know you have the right answer to a problem? Prove it! Listeners will learn the importance of finding patterns, recording facts, making observations, and more.

It’s the late 1960s, and two lovers converge on an arid patch of earth in South India. John Walker is the handsome scion of a powerful East-Coast American family. Diane Maes is a beautiful hippie from Belgium. They have come to build a new world - Auroville, an international utopian community for thousands of people. Their faith is strong, the future bright.

What does it take to be a STEM genius? Check out these exciting, highly listenable profiles of a dozen contemporary women who are on the cutting edge of scientific research.

Mary Anning grew up on the south coast of England in a region rich in fossils. As teenagers, she and her brother Joseph discovered England’s first complete ichthyosaur. Poor and uneducated, Anning would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists ever, though in her time she supported herself selling by fossils and received little formal recognition. Her findings helped shape scientific thinking about extinction and prehistoric life long before Darwin published his famous work on evolution.

Do you know what it takes to run a farm? Gail Gibbons uses her signature combination of clear and informative wording to explore life on a farm throughout the year. Kids will hear the work required to take care of various kinds of animals, as well as indoor chores necessary to maintain the farm. Telling how activities change from one season to the next, Gibbons explains how farmers deal with weather and use machines to grow crops which become our food.

Vier Mädchen und ein Zauberwald. Willow hat von ihrer Großtante Alwina einen Wald geerbt. Und noch mehr: Alwina hat Willow auch ein windschiefes Häuschen hinterlassen und ihre Hexenkraft. Doch ob Willow dieses Erbe wirklich annehmen möchte? Und dann soll sie auch noch drei Mädchen finden, die ebenfalls die Gabe des Hexens in sich tragen. Nur wo? Und vor allem wie? Zum Glück ist Willow nicht allein: Der treue Fuchs Rufus weicht nicht von ihrer Seite.

First scientists thought it was for balance, but the tail helps the kangaroo to be able to move the fore and hind legs together. Trivia helps to inform and educate people. Experts say trivia aids to keep the mind sharp and engaged, a plus for all occupations and people from all walks of life that require no amount of energy. Knowing Obscure Facts Is Good for Our Mental Health.

You know the song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” Sing along with new words that explain how our five senses help us explore the world.

Do you know why goats have rectangular eyes? Or why horses sleep standing up? Or if llamas are ticklish? After listening to this book you will!

Auto racing is all about aerodynamics. Racecars use two different forces, lift and drag, to fly around the track. Find out how the cars use these forces, and then “fly” your own racecar with a fun experiment!

Director Solomon gives a guided tour of Star City Planetarium, where he explains such things as what equipment is used in a planetarium show and what some of the different objects in the night sky are.