Gareth Stevens Vital Science books are designed to help prepare students for NCLB science testing by reinforcing key concepts across the science curriculum. The six volumes in Earth Science use clear language and a variety of photographs, illustrations, and diagrams to help students understand the properties of rocks, soils, water, gases, and fossils. Weather, biomes and ecosystems, and earth's core and crust are also covered, making this a comprehensive and indispensable resource.