The Elements; Ingredients of the Universe

by Ellen Johnston McHenry

An introduction to chemistry for ages 9 to 14. This is a full curriculum and includes both an 80-page student text and a100-page teacher's section providing patterns and instructions for a wide variety of games, crafts, activities, songs, skits and experiments. The writing style is warm and engaging and often includes whimsical humor and cartoons. The topics covered include the structure of atoms, how atoms bond (covalent, ionic, metallic), electron orbitals and shells, the octect rule, the history of the Periodic Table, and an overview of each family group on the Periodic Table (metals, non-metals, noble gases, alkali metals, etc.). After using this curriculum, the student is ready to tackle high school chemistry without fear. (The book is also available as a digital product on the author's www.ellenjmchenry.com.)

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2013

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid basic intro to chemistry. L gave it a 2 and K a 3.5. I give it a 3 (good, worth it for us to have used) but the style was a little too silly and the projects a little 'meh' for this to be a home run. This chemistry major was also a little annoyed at some of the factual oversimplification of the science. My kids might just be a little too experienced for this text. Still, I bought McHenry's botany book and we'll start that next week.