Chemistry: Investigate the Matter that Makes Up Your World

Reviews

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, April 2017
"Hands-on projects engage students in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, engineering, technology, STEM-STEAM, and more . . . My son's concise review: "cool!"

Publishers Weekly
"A timeline that stretches from the speculated existence of atoms by the Greek philosopher Democritus to the 2010 discovery of the element ununseptium greets readers at the beginning of this addition to the Inquire and Investigate series. Mooney offers a thorough overview of what chemistry is and why it matters, in chapters exploring atoms, states of matter, compounds, chemical reactions, and more. Sidebars define terms and explain concepts like density and scientific notation; reader-directed questions and QR codes that link to online resources provide opportunities for outside discussions and investigation. Comics sequences featuring an adult scientist and three students offer breaks from the extensive information provided, while the dozen or so experiments let readers learn about condensation, test for acidic and basic properties, and create a battery from a lemon." Read the entire review online.

SWON Libraries Consortium
"Let me tell you a story... Once upon a time, I managed to survive two full years of AP Chemistry.  This remains one of the most challenging times in my academic career.  Some how I passed but that was due in part to my best friend and lab partner, a patient and dedicated teacher and my own 'never give up' attitude to persevere even what I hardly knew what to do next.

That being said, I wish I'd had an available text like, Chemistry: Investigate the Matter that Makes Up Your World. The text is colorful, engaging and concise while appealing to multiple types of learners through visuals, text and additional activities.  Recommended for purchase in public and school libraries for grades 6-9. This text would also be a stellar classroom resource for many teachers."

School Library Connection
". . . This is a unique reference resource for upper elementary through high school students that want to learn more about the subject. Recommended."

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA Recommends)
"Chemistry is a short but sweet book that packs a powerful punch of learning about matter on every page...What was really magical about the book is the interconnection from one topic to another! Each chapter leads seamlessly into the next one, building off of the previous concept. Topics include atoms, elements and the Periodic Table, states of matter and how they change, compounds, mixtures and solutions, chemical reactions, acids and bases, and radioactivity. Once I began reading it I couldn't stop, because I could immediately envision how to use this book in my 6th grade classroom, yet still be able to give it to the 8th grade science teacher to use with her students. There are comic strips, key questions/problems to solve, side bar notations, QR codes, and activities to do in each chapter. Chemistry is a very readable, motivating, and highly interactive resource designed to promote a love of learning about the world of matter for any middle school student."

School Library Journal - March 2016
"This title introduces readers to the wonders of chemistry and its far-reaching effects on our lives, from the carbonation in soda to nuclear reactions. A time line at the beginning of the book highlights scientific discoveries from the introduction of the idea of matter in the form of particles by Democritus in 460 BCE to the discovery of a new element in 2010. Each chapter explains an aspect of chemistry such as atoms, states of matter, compounds, and reactions. An "Inquire and Investigate" section in each chapter offers problems to solve and experiments to try. QR codes placed throughout lead to primary sources on the Internet. Those with a science bent will find the information easily accessible and concise, while those with little interest will be drawn to the colorful graphic illustrations and highlighted sidebars. The experiments provided will inspire and encourage further discovery of the world of science. VERDICT: An additional purchase where science materials are in demand."

Brandon S. Chance, M.S., CCHO Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Office of Risk Management, Southern Methodist University
". . . a fantastic book and a great starting point to introduce young, budding scientists to the world of chemistry. The topics are explained very well and the experiments are easy for parents and their children to do together."