over 6 years ago
Yvonne Mannion
Topic: An introduction to terms and concepts relating to chemistry
Summary: This book provides a very basic introduction to chemistry. It is broken down into eight chapters, plus an introduction, index, and glossary. The chapters are further identifiable by color coding. Each section within a chapter has a combination of text and cartoonish illustration, with key concepts identified by bulleted lists.
While some of the chapters have irreverent titles, such as “Nasty Boys” and “Obnoxious Organics,” they contain quite a bit of information in a limited amount of space. The text is written in first person, from the point of view of whatever is being discussed. Each section generally contains one page of text, containing scientific terminology written in an informal style, with a full page illustration following. The illustrations are designed for enjoyment and engagement as opposed to being strictly informational. For example, on pages 22 to 23, the Periodic Table talks about himself, and is illustrated as a smiling table, complete with legs and a strange little man standing on it.
Strengths/Weaknesses: This book would be a fun supplement for a student studying chemistry. While the style is fun and informal, quite a bit of complex vocabulary is introduced. While this is good, there is not much room for depth. The book is visually appealing, with it’s clearly laid out text and whimsical illustrations. However, while entertaining, the illustrations don’t add much conceptually.
Illustrations: The illustrations are fun to look at, but are not particularly helpful for concept development. Each concept has a related illustration in which that concept is personified. For example, melting point is portrayed as a smiling, singing, apparently melting candle, with a thermometer sticking out of the top.
Target Audience: Upper elementary to middle school aged chemistry students.
Curriculum Ties: This book would be a fun addition to a chemistry or science teacher’s classroom library. It could be used as an introduction or review of concepts, as a supplementary material.
Personal Critique: I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to classroom teachers. While the scientific vocabulary is advanced, it is embedded in simple, playful text. The illustrations are fun and approachable, and the format is appealing, making it a less intimidating option for those science-phobic students.
Summary: This book provides a very basic introduction to chemistry. It is broken down into eight chapters, plus an introduction, index, and glossary. The chapters are further identifiable by color coding. Each section within a chapter has a combination of text and cartoonish illustration, with key concepts identified by bulleted lists.
While some of the chapters have irreverent titles, such as “Nasty Boys” and “Obnoxious Organics,” they contain quite a bit of information in a limited amount of space. The text is written in first person, from the point of view of whatever is being discussed. Each section generally contains one page of text, containing scientific terminology written in an informal style, with a full page illustration following. The illustrations are designed for enjoyment and engagement as opposed to being strictly informational. For example, on pages 22 to 23, the Periodic Table talks about himself, and is illustrated as a smiling table, complete with legs and a strange little man standing on it.
Strengths/Weaknesses: This book would be a fun supplement for a student studying chemistry. While the style is fun and informal, quite a bit of complex vocabulary is introduced. While this is good, there is not much room for depth. The book is visually appealing, with it’s clearly laid out text and whimsical illustrations. However, while entertaining, the illustrations don’t add much conceptually.
Illustrations: The illustrations are fun to look at, but are not particularly helpful for concept development. Each concept has a related illustration in which that concept is personified. For example, melting point is portrayed as a smiling, singing, apparently melting candle, with a thermometer sticking out of the top.
Target Audience: Upper elementary to middle school aged chemistry students.
Curriculum Ties: This book would be a fun addition to a chemistry or science teacher’s classroom library. It could be used as an introduction or review of concepts, as a supplementary material.
Personal Critique: I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to classroom teachers. While the scientific vocabulary is advanced, it is embedded in simple, playful text. The illustrations are fun and approachable, and the format is appealing, making it a less intimidating option for those science-phobic students.
