Catherine A Welch

True or False? Benjamin Banneker used a telescope and mathematics to predict a solar eclipse. True! In 1789, Banneker calculated when the moon would pass between the earth and sun. And he did it without any formal math or science training. As a young boy, he worked on the farm owned by his father, who was a freed slave in Maryland. He helped to survey and plot out the site for the U.S. capital city, Washington, D.C. He also published several almanacs...

It was September 14, 1814, and America and Great Britain were at war. Francis Scott Key watched from the deck of a British ship, where he was being held captive, as cannons exploded around them. After 25 hours, the fighting ceased and Key peered through the clearing smoke, looking for some sign as to the outcome of the battle. Was the American flag still flying? His wartime experience inspired Key to write a poem, which was later set to music and...

Cyrus McCormick patented and manufactured the reaper, an important 19th century invention that dramatically improved the efficiency of wheat farming. While McCormick did not invent the reaper solely by himself, he did refine and popularize it. His company eventually became the International Harvester Company.

"Tells about a variety of polar plants, how they are used, why they are in danger, and how they are being protected"--Provided by publisher.

Explores the experiences of Japanese American children who were moved with their families to relocation centers during World War II, looking at school, meals, sports, and other aspects of camp life.

Examines the personal life and photographic career of the woman who served as a photojournalist for the magazine "Life" during World War II and the Korean War.

"Introduces the connection between force and motion and describes the effects of air resistance, mass, and gravity"--Provided by publisher.