People have been using ships to sail the world's oceans for thousands of years, but after the Industrial Revolution, they were able to make ships much bigger and faster. Today, cargo ships carry goods all around the world, cruise ships sail international waters at a leisurely pace, and military ships patrol their country's borders. This volume explores the science that goes into designing various kinds of ships as well as their environmental impact. Graphic organizers help readers visual complex topics, and a list of questions at the end of each chapter encourages them to think through the reasons behind certain design choices.