How did life evolve on Earth? Why did the dinosaurs die out? These and other basic questions about our planet are answered in Earth. Kids interested in the Earth will love this colorful unit, which investigates the composition of our planet and the intricate relationship between living things and their environment. The Earth, for kids, is also brought to life with fun diagrams and projects like erosion tests.

Then it's time to dig deeper: Between the time life first appeared on earth over 3.5 billion years ago, and the emergence of modern humans 200,000 years ago, a lot has happened! Five mass extinctions, shifting tectonic plates, and giant meteors crashing into the Earth are just a few of the "earth shattering" events in our planet’s history. Find out what makes our planet tick, and explore the layers of the atmosphere, as well as the water cycle that keeps us alive. Get a perspective on our place in the Universe with an overview of the solar system, and learn how time is measured and why seasons change. These facts about Earth, for kids, have never been timelier: Get the scoop on what goes into an ecological footprint, and discover why Americans leave bigger footprints than anyone else – and why that’s not a good thing.