About the Book

A fascinating, full-color introduction to the earth science happening over our heads, packed with STEM experiments and science-minded research projects that invite kids ages 12 to 15 to explore the wonderful world of meteorology through real-world connections!

Take a look out your window. What's the weather like today? Has it changed much from morning to afternoon? What is the difference between weather and climate? In The Science of Weather and Climate: Rain, Sleet, and the Rising Tide, middle schoolers learn the science behind why it snows, how wind is formed, what makes one region hot and dry and another region cold and damp, plus lots more! By studying the atmospheric sciences of meteorology and climatology, kids learn to connect the weather they experience on a daily basis in their town with the changing conditions across the entire planet. - The activity in our atmosphere plays a critical role in our lives and in the health of our planet. Today's weather determines what clothes you wear and what you are going to do after school, while the local climate influences what kind of car your parents drive, what kind of house you live in, and--believe it or not--what foods you eat!

- Readers learn that the difference between weather and climate is a difference in measurement--weather is measured on a daily, even hourly basis, while climate is observed across decades and even centuries. As the planet warms, these changing climate conditions cause a rise in extreme weather events across the planet and create the need for a new understanding of how human behavior affects the atmosphere and, eventually, our own environments.

- Science-minded STEM activities such as creating your own barometer, testing the effects of air pressure, and tracking the effects of uneven heating on the earth's surface encourage young readers to think like scientists while critical thinking exercises, essential questions, fascinating facts, links to online resources, and more encourage readers to explore this incredible planet.

About the Inquire & Investigate Earth Science set and Nomad Press

The Science of Weather and Climate: Rain, Sleet, and the Rising Tide is part of a set of three Inquire & Investigate Earth Science books that explore the earth, the atmosphere, and everything in between. The other titles in this series are Rocks and Minerals: Get the Dirt on Geology and The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide.

Nomad Press books in the Inquire & Investigate series integrate content with participation, encouraging readers to engage in student-directed learning. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad's unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

About the Author: Julie Danneberg is a recently retired middle school teacher who has worked as both a special education and literacy teacher. She is the author of several award-winning children's books, including the perennial best seller, First Day Jitters (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2000). Julie has a BA in Education and a MA in Educational Psychology. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and when she is not hiking and biking, she is reading and writing.

Michelle Simpson is a Professional Canadian illustrator. She graduated from Sheridan College with a BAA in illustration and now works as a freelance illustrator. Michelle has written and illustrated Monsters In My House and Night Festival. She has also worked as a concept artist for children's tv shows Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate: Season 2, and Tee and Mo. Most of her inspiration comes from nature and folklore.