Everyday Chemistry

This book provides an introduction to chemistry in simple language, perfect for a Middle School student. After a basic grounding in the subject, the book moves on to bite-sized discussions of different aspects of chemistry, each with fun, hands-on activities so the student can see chemistry in action. Using substances and chemicals that are readily available around the home, each activity includes detailed instructions, as well as clear explanations of the expected results.

Some of the topics covered are:

The chemistry of burning

Using oxygen for bleaching and making rust

How carbon dioxide puts out fires

Testing acids and bases

How soap works

The gases we breathe

Making crystals

Using electricity to get hydrogen and oxygen from water

Colored flame tests

Accompanied by two learning guides that steer the student through the book--one for the first part of the book, and one for the second part. The learning guide includes additional activities to help the student apply what is being learned.