Books offering science projects, both for the budding chemist or for the science fair are always in demand. The two volumes reviewed would be a good addition to meeting that demand. Both devote the first chapter to the chemical makeup of the book’s topic, then move on to various experiments and projects moving from simple to complex. Both offer glossaries, indices, and further reading, as well as Web sites. Cartoon-like illustrations, and colorful covers also lend appeal to these books. Students will learn how they can make both slime and silly putty. This could provide middle schoolers entertainment for a rainy day. These books would be best used by average science students, and could help them explain the states of matter and polymers. During the time preceding the science fair, these books could be very valuable. Recommended. -
Library Media Connection
November/December 2004
An introduction offers a short explanation of inorganic chemistry and then discusses the materials required for the more than 25 experiments presented. Since many of the items are not likely to be found in the home, readers are provided with a list of supply companies. Readers are also encouraged to call upon their science teachers and utilize school equipment, such as Bunsen burners, graduated cylinders, rubber tubing, manganese dioxide, potassium iodide, and various sizes of flasks. Students are encouraged to expand on the ideas in order to create unique projects of their own. A brief explanation of the scientific method and a discussion of safety are included. The information is dry but includes bits of intriguing historical documentation. The text is clear and concise and includes many questions to be considered for further research. Simple black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. A solid addition to any collection. -
School Library Journal
February 2005
Introduction
Chapter 1: Identifying Substances
1.1—Separating the Components of a Mixture
1.2—Separating by Chromatography
1.3—Using Density to Identify Liquids
1.4—Using Density to Identify Solids
1.5—The Density of Pennies, New and Old
1.6—Identification by Melting
1.7—The Melting and Freezing Temperature of Water (Ice)
1.8—The Boiling Temperature of Water
1.9—Using Solubility to Identify Substances
Chapter 2: Conservation of Matter
2.1—Does Weight Change When Water Freezes?
2.2—Lavoisier and a Chemical Law
2.3—Paper Clips, Washers, “Chemical Formulas,” and Laws of Nature
Chapter 3: Some Chemical Reactions and Their Reaction Speeds
3.1—Rusting of Iron
3.2—What Fraction of Air Is Oxygen?
3.3—Preparing and Testing Oxygen
3.4—The Rate at Which Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposes
3.5—Factors Affecting the Rate of a Reaction
Chapter 4: Energy in Chemical and Physical Changes
4.1—The Energy (Heat) Needed to Melt Ice
4.2—The Energy (Heat) Needed to Boil Water
4.3—The Heat of Condensation
4.4—Energy Changes During Physical and Chemical Changes
4.5—A Chemical Reaction: Reactants, Products, and Energy Changes
Chapter 5: Acids, Bases, Ions, and an Electric Cell
5.1—Ions and Electric Current
5.2—Identifying Acids and Bases
5.3—Indicator Papers and Sticks
5.4—Neutralization
5.5—pH, a Measure of Hydrogen Ion Concentration
5.6—Building an Electric Cell
Appendix: Science Supply Companies
Further Reading and Internet Addresses
Index