The periodic table of the elements is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of passion, adventure, obsession, and betrayal. These tales follow carbon, neon, silicon, gold, and all the elements in the table as they play out their parts in human history. The usual suspects are here, like Marie Curie (and her radioactive journey to the discovery of polonium and radium) and William Shockley (who is credited, not exactly justly,...

With carbon we access heat, light and mobility at the flick of a switch, while silicon enables us to communicate across the globe in an instant. Yet our use of the Earth's mineral resources is not always for the benefit of humankind-our relationship with the elements is one of great ambivalence. Uranium is both productive (nuclear power) and destructive (nuclear bombs); iron is the bloody weapon of war, but also the economic tool of peace; our desire...

"In the spirit of 'A short history of nearly everything, ' an energetic and wide-ranging book of discovery and discoverers, of exploitation and celebration, and of superstition and science, all in search of the ways the chemical elements are woven into our culture, history, and language"--Provided by publisher.

Is it science? shows the scientific method at work. Each volume in the series explores a branch of modern science or a major scientific mileatone, comparing and contrasting it with an older idea that has been proved wrong or fails to meet the standrads of science.

An introduction to chemical elements and organic compounds.

Describes the scientific method and offers instructions for conducting such experiments as growing crystals and extracting iron from breakfast cereal.

From balloons to pennies to water, science is at work all around us! Elements at Work introduces young readers to a physical science concept. A high-impact design and engaging visuals help bring this important concept to life as readers learn all about elements in the real world. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Applied to STEM Concepts of Learning Principles.

"From the table to the lab to our bodies, this interesting and informative book introduces young readers to the element sodium. Easy-to-understand explanations, colorful illustrations, and examples children can relate to make this a fun way to learn about one of Earth's most abundant elements. Historical information gives the subject context, while discussions of the common uses of sodium, such as in soap making and food preservation, keep it relevant."--...