Skills
Introduction
UNIT 1: Today's Travelers
Chapter 1 A Family Sees America Together
A Family Sees America Together
An American family travels across the country in a van. They want
to see all 50 states and meet different people of the United
States.
Courtney's Texas--Big History, Big Cities, Big Hearts
The daughter of the family writes in her journal every day. She
describes the places and the people. Today, she writes about Texas.
Chapter 2 Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer Vacations
Many people like to take a vacation to relax. But some people use
their vacations to do something different: they do volunteer work
to help others.
Who Volunteers?
Many different kinds of people are volunteers. Some are young
college graduates; others are senior citizens. But they all enjoy
the work!
UNIT 2: Family Life
Chapter 3 How Alike Are Identical Twins?
How Alike Are Identical Twins?
Identical twins are not very common. Scientists study them to
understand their differences and similarities.
Diary of a Triplet Father
This father has triplets/In his diary, he describes his busy life
with his three children.
Chapter 4 The Search for Happiness Through Adoption
The Search for Happiness Through Adoption
People adopt children for different reasons. However, they all love
their adopted children and want a happy life together.
Diary of an Adoptive Mother
A woman is adopting a child from another country. In her diary
she writes about her feelings, her hopes, and her dreams.
UNIT 3: Technology in Our Everyday Lives
Chapter 5 Laptops for the Classroom
Laptops for the Classroom
Some American universities give their students laptop computers
to use for school work. Students can study anywhere!
Banking at Home
Many people can do all their banking without going to the bank.
Instead, they can use their computers at home.
Chapter 6 A New Way to Go
A New Way to Go
New scooters can take you anywhere. They are faster than walking,
and they save energy, too.
Young Inventors
Young people use their imagination to make new, useful inventions.
They can also win money for college at the same time.
UNIT 4: Healthy Living
Chapter 7 The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
Everyone knows that smoking is unhealthy. Now, we also know that
the smoke from other people's cigarettes is dangerous to people who
don't smoke.
Smoking Facts and Figures
Why do people start to smoke? How old are people when they smoke
for the first time? Here are some key questions and their interesting
answers.
Chapter 8 A Healthy Diet for Everyone
A Healthy Diet for Everyone
What food is good for you? Some food can help you stay healthy, but
some food can make you sick. Do you know which kinds of food
to eat?
Why Do I Eat When I'm Not Hungry?
Sometimes people eat for other reasons besides hunger. However,
there are steps you can take to avoid eating when you're not hungry.
UNIT 5: International Scientists
Chapter 9 Alfred Nobel: A Man of Peace
Alfred Nobel: A Man of Peace
The world remembers Alfred Nobel for different reasons. He wanted
to be remembered as a peaceful man.
Choosing Nobel Prize Winners
It is a great honor to win a Nobel Prize. Different groups decide who
the winners will be. Nobel Prize winners receive something else, too.
Chapter 10 Marie Curie: A Twentieth-century Woman
Marie Curie: A Twentieth-century Woman
This great scientist was a very modern woman. She was the first
female to receive the Nobel Prize.
Irene Curie
The daughter of the famous scientists continued her mother's work
and also won a Nobel Prize.
UNIT 6: The Earth's Resources and Dangers
Chapter 11 Oil as an Important World Resource
Oil as an Important World Resource
Oil is one of the world's most useful natural resources. People use it
in many different ways.
The DO IT Homestead
The Collins family of Utah use only solar energy to live. They run
their home and their farm using energy from the sun.
Chapter 12 How Earthquakes Happen
How Earthquakes Happen
Earthquakes can be deadly, and scientists cannot predict them.
We should understand them and learn how to protect ourselves
in an earthquake.
A Survivor's Story
An elderly woman who lived through the Kobe, Japan earthquake
describes this frightening event.
Word List