THE CHEMISTRY OF EVERYDAY ELEMENTS

by John Csiszar

Yes, that soda can is made from aluminum. But did you know your car is also packed with this vital element? Or that every airplane flies thanks to aluminum? Inside, find out more about this shiny metal, how it was developed into useful products, and how it might be used in the future. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jane P. Gardner

The charcoal from last night’s barbecue is clearly made of carbon. But so are you, in many ways. And so is just about every life-form on Earth. Inside, read about one of the most important elements in our world. Learn how carbon, being key in the issue of climate change, impacts just about every part of our lives and planet. Carbon is in what we eat, but it’s also in products that enrich our lives—everything from bicycle parts to car tires to plastics of every kind. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Kathryn Hulick

Glinting, glorious, glamorous—gold! This valuable element has fascinated people for thousands of years. Inside, read about how it helped conquer far-off lands, enchanted kings and commoners, and funded empires. But also find out how it helps your cell phone work, creates solar energy, helps astronauts . . . and more! Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jane P. Gardner

Up, up, and away! Everyone knows about the lifting power of helium. But do you know how helium really works? And did you know that helium is a limited resource on Earth . . . that might run out someday? Inside, find out more about this famous element and its many uses far beyond party balloons. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Kathryn Hulick

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It is literally “star stuff,” created at the beginning of the universe. On Earth, it plays a vital role in nearly all forms of energy that power our world. Without hydrogen, we could not have natural gas or sunshine or steel—or some of the world’s most terrible weapons. Inside, find out more about this amazing, versatile, and vital element. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Mari Rich

Everyone knows that we need oxygen to breathe and live, but oxygen has many other important roles in our lives. Oxygen powers the fires that run factories and cars . . . oxygen is part of giving plants life and energy . . .oxygen sends rockets to the stars where oxygen was born. Inside, become an oxygen expert even as you use oxygen with each breath you take. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jane P. Gardner

Silicon has been part of the elements of Earth for millions of years, but only in the past 100 or so has it truly been essential. Silicon is the building block for nearly every electronic device. Imagine a world without silicon and you imagine a world without cell phones, computers, or tablets. Silicon also blends with other elements to make plastics that are in thousands of products. Inside, read about this famous, yet little-known, element. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Mari Rich

Shining, sparkling, seductive—silver! This precious metal has been used as money for thousands of years, while also being formed to create stunning jewelry. But beyond those well-known uses, silver plays a huge role in industries of all sorts. Inside, read about this versatile element and you will be amazed at how much silver is part of your life. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jane P. Gardner

The Periodic Table is the road map to the elements of the universe. Learning how to read and understand it opens up the world of chemistry—and the world that chemistry helps create. Inside, read about how the table was created and how it continues to grow. Learn the secrets of its organization as well as meet some of the people who put their stamp on it. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jane P. Gardner

Humans have used this famous radioactive element to create amazing and positive energy . . . and also to create terrible destruction. Uranium has potential for being a world-changing element, but it comes with dangers. Inside, read about the discovery of this useful element and about how scientists are working to harness its great power. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.