Chemical Engineering and Chain Reactions (Engineering in Action)

Chemical engineers are involved in developing things we use daily including cleaning supplies, fuels, and medicines. This book gives readers insight into this fascinating profession, including information on new environmentally-friendly technologies. Readers explore fundamental chemistry concepts including the states of matter and mixtures and solutions. Readers are then guided through the steps of the Engineering Design Process to complete a chemistry-related design challenge.

Books in the Engineering in Action series provide broad introductions to their respective fields in a colorfully illustrated, large-format package. A typical, rather crowded double-page spread presents a specified topic and illustrates it with two or three small photos. (Example: one ongoing theme running through many of the books is an engineer’s approach to problem solving and collaborating on projects.) The main text is augmented with related information in boxes designed to look like yellow sticky notes. While job possibilities in the field are discussed, educational requirements for various careers are not. Each book includes a design challenge that leads readers through the steps of a project such as creating a sound track, fire extinguisher, desalination device, or periscope. After introducing pioneers in the field, Chemical follows the engineering process from idea to production. Solid information for engineering-minded students. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan