Metals (Everyday Material Science Experiments)

Provides instructions for a variety of experiments that illustrate the chemical and physical properties of metals

Gr 5-8--Two books that explore basic properties of metals, plastics, and polymers. Each volume contains 16 simple demonstrations that require little preparation and utilize household or easily obtained materials. Unfortunately, many of the projects lack any gee-whiz qualities and several are found in more interesting presentations in other books. Moreover, each demonstration stands alone without suggestions for additional exploration. Instead the authors concentrate on the science underlying each demonstration, often focusing on molecular descriptions and introducing sophisticated scientific terms. These explanations are far better than those found in many similar titles, but, combined with the relatively unsophisticated demonstrations, make it difficult to determine the target audience. For example, picking up nails (in Metals) with a magnet leads to discussion of ferromagneticism and magnetic domains. Full-color and black-and-white illustrations show project details as well as molecular structures. Additional.

Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC

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