Explore Atoms and Molecules! (eBook)

Janet Slingerland studied engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Drexel University. She has written many science books for children, including The Secret Lives of Plants!, which was named a Top 40 YA nonfiction book by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association. Janet lives in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.Matt Aucoin hold's a master's of fine art degree from the Center for Cartoon Studies and teaches drawing to preschool-aged children. He is the illustrator of Explore Predators and Prey! With 25 Great Projects for Nomad Press. He lives in Windsor, Vermont.

• Timeline

• Introduction: Atoms and Molecules Matter

Point a Masterpiece

Piecing It Together

Is Air Really Matter?

• Chapter 1: Atomic Arrangement

Plate Some Helium

Spinning Oxygen

Magnet Magic

• Chapter 2: Elementary

Color Code the Periodic Table

Describe It!

Element Catcher

Element Superhero

• Chapter 3: Atoms Get Happy

Electron Dance

Make Electrons Spin

Puzzling Atoms

Marsh-Molecules

• Chapter 4: Mixing it Up

Find-It Mix

What’s In the Ink?

Chemical Hunt

Finding the Solution

• Chapter 5: Changeable Materials

States In a Bag

Frozen

How Slow Can It Go?

• Chapter 6: Getting a Reaction

Penny Chemistry

Baking Soda Popper

Sweet Reaction

Elemental Mad Lib

GlossaryMetric ConversionsResourcesEssential QuestionsIndex

School Library Connection

Utilizing inquiry-based methods to approach the conceptualization of atomic and molecular structure and behavior, Slingerland expands readers’ knowledge with spot-on, age-appropriate content. Information and instruction are divided up into well-organized chapters that include unique and engaging project activities. The projects help the reader understand scientific concepts and visualize the “invisible” subjects of study through activities based in a multitude of disciplines. In addition to engaging project experiments, scannable QR codes instantly link readers to enriched content online. Important vocabulary and keywords are boldly highlighted and defined in sidebars on each page. Each chapter sharpens critical thinking by including engaging questions that lead the reader to consider and discuss particular elements of the information provided. Text design, graphs, charts, and illustrations all work together to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them. The content can be weighty at times, but the book’s layout and design keeps the tone from getting bogged down. Cartoonish illustrations and brightly colored page layouts also help to engage younger and reluctant readers by cutting down the intimidation factor. If you are looking for an engaging addition to your collection that can be enjoyed on its own or as a supplement to curriculum, then look no further. This title promises to beef up your STEM collection in an approachable, fun way. Highly Recommended