Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table

by Isabel Thomas, Sara Gillingham (Illustrator)

A graphically stunning, comprehensive introduction to the chemical elements that make up our universe for ages 8-14

This artful and accessible guide to the periodic table — the ultimate reference tool for scientists worldwide — names all 118 chemical elements and helps young readers understand the remarkable ways we have learned to use them.

Graphically stunning layouts feature each element's letter symbol and atomic number, exploring its attributes, characteristics, uses, and interesting stories behind its discovery. Complete with a comprehensive introduction, conclusion, and glossary, this is the perfect introduction to chemistry for inquisitive minds.

Wrapped in a double-sided jacket, with the illustrated periodic table printed on the underside, Exploring the Elements is jam-packed with 240 pages of information, including:

– A comprehensive introduction explaining what elements are and the design and purpose of the periodic table
– Each of the 118 elements is visually presented with its respective letter symbol and atomic number, as well as a map of where it’s located in the periodic table
– Additional details showing where each element is found in the universe (from food on our plates to the center of a star), its unique properties, atomic diagram, secret chemistry, and working examples of how it’s used or changing the world
– Plus an index, glossary and suggested reading and additional references and Resources

Both a gift book and a practical book, Exploring the Elements is for teachers and librarians, parents and grandparents, the home bookshelf and classroom bookshelf, science enthusiasts and budding scientists of all ages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Picture Books, Chemistry, Stem

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 18, 2020

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabel Thomas and her illustrator, Sara Gillingham, have forged a handy reference book for teenagers (not children.) The book is well organized, explains the periodical table, breaking it into manageable sections. There is a great deal of information packed into this colorful book: fun facts, how elements got their name, how they are used or impossible to find in nature, etc. However, after awhile, things begin to blend together (not the elements), but the facts and details become overwhelming.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I'd had this during my high school chemistry classes. At the time, I felt as if I'd been thrown into the stoichiometry deep end with only the vaguest of conceptual life rafts. The way this book breaks down how elements are related and connected to each other...how they were discovered and what they're used for...even the brief mention at the end of why elements are reactive/non-reactive and how they bond with other elements...all of this would've been a welcome conceptual framework as I began diving deeper into the subject.

There are a few typos and some entries where the symbols describing the element contradict the text (e.g., the symbol indicates the element is a strong conductor while the text says it's non-conductive), but overall, this is a vivid, engaging, and very thorough introduction to the periodic table and the elements. It made me want to try a chemistry class again...maybe this time it wouldn't feel as if I were beating my head against a brick wall.

[Henrik Brynildsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superfin oversikt over alle grunnstoffene i periodesystemet! Litt om historien og de fysiske egenskapene og mye om bruksområdene i dag og i fremtiden.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and very thorough book about all of the elements on the periodic table. Kiddo (almost 10) LOVED it. I personally found it interesting but rather dry, but kiddo swore it was an excellent bedtime story.

Most of the elements get an entire page dedicated to them, with paragraphs of text about their historical uses and properties and discovery. Toward the bottom of the periodic table it turns to having a few per page and they each get a paragraph or two.

Like I said it is very dry and you have to really be a science nerd to love it I think, but if your kiddo does love science then I highly recommend it.

[Kim Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple award-winner, many accolades, I can say this in one cool book kids in STEM and chemistry will LOVE!

If this book had been available when I took chemistry... I may have liked chemistry a tad bit more! #ExploringTheElements @Phaidon #InteractiveBooks #STEM #ChemistryLove #BookLove #ElementLove @ChildressInk #GiftBooks #TeacherGifts #Holiday2020

[cooldash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great "coffee table" book for non-chemists, though oversimplified. Covers all 188 known elements and includes a basic explanation of the period table, electron structure, and bonding. Colourful and accessible enough that older kids who love science might love it. Found a couple slight errors, but then, this is definitely not a rigorous science book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AWESOME!

I did not have any chance to study elements and chemistry in school, so I found this a fascinating and easy-to-understand intro. Visually appealing and informative--highly recommended!

I will read this again for sure.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good breakdown, where a lot of things either make sense, or where you start understanding where to look for answers. There probably are some things that could be explained better, but this format and length is practical and not overwhelming.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very informational and has great resources for introducing students to chemistry and the periodic table.

[Capn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! Where has this book been all my life?! The DETAIL! Even the inside of the dustjacket is printed (periodic table, what else?)!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative!

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. I read every word, believe it or not. Things have certainly changed since I sort-of learned the periodic table 30 years ago. lol

[briz]

Gorgeous reference book. Cleared up some very basic confusion I have about chemistry (VERY. BASIC. my chemistry education is 1 class, 20+ years ago, that I can safely say went totally over my head).

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic and engaging way to get kids interested in chemistry. Wonderful info graphics. I was so impressed

[Simon Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful graphic design. I learned a surprising amount too.

[Leonardo Fabrizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

molto utile, mi ha fatto sapere molte più cose sulla chimica 🧪