Answering intriguing questions such as Why does the largest river system in North America meander across the middle of the continent? and How does such a system relate to the rugged Rocky Mountains? , this fun-filled book delves into the majestic Great Plains region. The chapters concisely clarify the interrelated subjects of terrain, climate, and the great movements of the earth itself while illustrating the important changes that are still occurring in the area’s rivers, lakes, plains, and unpredictable weather. Brimming with fascinating facts, educational sidebars tell how earthquakes in New Madrid, Missouri caused waves to go upstream in the Mississippi River; why and how tornadoes form; and how invasive species are threatening the Great Lakes and what people are doing about it. Young readers can explore further with hands-on experiments and projects that include panning for gold, creating a tornado, engineering a flood, and making a profile of the local soil. "Another in the really informative and engaging Build It Yourself non-fiction activity series. Interesting 'did you know' boxes, sidebars, and illustrations complement the 15 thought-provoking activities. Enjoy!" — Dig magazine (November 2012) Cynthia Light Brown is the author of Amazing Kitchen Chemistry Projects You Can Build Yourself , Discover National Monuments , Explore Rocks and Minerals! , Geology of the Desert Southwest , and Geology of the Pacific Northwest . She is a founding partner and vice president of Clover Leaf Environmental Solutions with 21 years of experience as an environmental consultant specializing in pollution prevention, toxicology, and risk assessment. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.