Exploring the World of Chemistry: From Ancient Metals to High-Speed Computers

I purchased these books for my top 4 students in 5th grade chemistry. In my estimation the subject presentation is appropriate up to the 10th grade. The chapters are given in historical order, starting with ancient times. The lessons are fairly short, maybe 4 pages or so, and are at about a 4th grade reading level. We are finishing the chapters in two 45-minute classes with about 30 minutes of homework each day. Each chapter has its own set of questions to highlight the most important information. We cut out the answer keys with little impact to the integrity of the book. I would not consider this book to be adequate on its own for teaching chemistry, not even at the fifth grade level. As a supplement, it is exceptional.

This is the only science book that I have ever picked up and just read straight through! I have taken college chemistry and other science courses, as well as having taught jr. high and high school general science and biology--and I have learned things from this book that I had never known before. Mr. Tiner very gently, in a narrative style, begins with elements which were apparent to ancient man--iron, copper, gold, silver--and describes their properties, history, and uses. He then progresses through the periodic chart introducing the elements, and even the sources of their names. The chapters are brief and interesting, and by the end of the chapters, you have been introduced to the chemical and physical properties of the elements, as well as to the scientist or scientists who discovered them. I plan to use this book as the introduction to each chapter in my children's high school chemistry course. It will make the course much more interesting, as well as to help them see the relevence of chemistry to their own lives. Thank you Mr. Tiner!!! (By the way, this book does not attempt to be a stand-alone, high school chemistry course. It would be excellent for the introduction to chemistry part of a high school level general science course, though.)