Calcium and Magnesium: Vol 3 (Elements S.)

This attractively designed 15-volume set covers the 34 key elements most frequently encountered by fifth-through tenth-grade students in physical and life science classes, among them hydrogen, helium, neon, radon, sodium, iron, zinc, and chlorine. Each volume is 56 pages long. Yellow-bordered pages at the front and back of each volume list the contents; show shell diagrams of the volume's element(s); display the periodic table through element 109; discuss equations; define technical terms; and provide a master index. Every page seems to have some type of diagram or illustration, all in striking color except for a few black-and-white photographs and prints. Both the main and secondary texts are in easy-to-read fonts. Many terms are defined in the upper right-hand corner of a page so a reader need not flip pages to a glossary in another location.

Each element is discussed in terms of its natural form, its physical properties, its interaction with other elements, and its use throughout history. Chemical reactions and step-by-step experiments form the basis for many diagrams and pictures. In discussing spontaneous combustion under Oxygen, a caution to reproduce the experiment only under teacher supervision is included. Many of the discussions lend themselves to disciplines other than chemistry. For example, Sodium talks about saline drips, and Mercury about mercury poisoning, including a reference to the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. Aluminum looks at recycling; Carbon at polymers and plastics; Uranium at nuclear topics. Calcium, Copper, Silver and Gold, and Silicon provide information for geology reports.

While it does not cover as many elements as A Guide to the Elements [RBB D 1 96], this set will definitely be a favorite at element report writing time. Its coverage of the most frequently researched elements is in easy-to-understand language with many useful diagrams and illustrations. School and public libraries should consider buying a set for reference and one for the circulating collection. It's sure to catch the attention of budding scientists and their teachers.