Review of THE JOY OF CHEMISTRY: A Quick Study Guide for Kids and Beginners to Learn Chemistry
Author: Nervana Elkhadragy, Ph.D.
This charming little book is intended to introduce kids to
chemistry. It does so partly by anthropomorphizing atoms in a fashion sometimes
cuddly, sometimes wrong. Chapter 1 sets the tone, “How Are Particles Similar to
People?” The book’s title is appealing, as are the chapter titles, despite their
simplification.
Unfortunately, simplification runs the risk of error.
For example, the answer to a Chapter 2 question, “Which one
is easier to smell from a distance, hot or iced coffee?” is given as, “Diffusion
occurs faster at a warmer temperature because particles have more kinetic energy,
and thus move faster. That’s why we all enjoy the smell of freshly brewed
coffee.” More nearly correct is that the temperature of the hot coffee produces
a higher vapor pressure in the aromatic constituents, which then diffuse in the
air at the same rate due to the air temperature, as do the aromatic components
from cool coffee. “Freshly brewed coffee” smells better than stale coffee for
other reasons as well.
Even so, questions and answers at the end of each chapter
are generally a plus for reinforcing the lessons. A shortcoming is that each answer is
introduced with an exclamation about how well the student has already answered
it, such as, “Nice explanation!” Condescending?
Dr. Elkhadragy’s making particles into people requires us
to extend a poetic license to the author for sentences such as, “Particles are
like individuals. They think and make wise decisions.” Too cute to be true.
Similarly, drawing an analogy between the solar system and
an atom produces “electrons are tiny particles that orbit the nucleus at a very
high speed.” Too simple by far. The discussion later becomes more sophisticated
with the introduction of the concept of electron shells. All in all, the description
of the atom is mostly true and informative.
Next, we have compounds, “in which two or more elements decide
to make a deal, hold a contract, and stay together.” Too folksy for my taste. I
awaited details of the divorce.
A former science teacher myself, I enjoyed the description of the periodic table, not an
easy thing to describe clearly and succinctly. One can easily remember that the
specific groups of atoms had particular characteristics, like people in certain
neighborhoods.
The book has an excellent discussion of the relative
reactivity of the various kinds (groups) of elements.
It is easier to understand compound formation once one
knows that atoms have “goals,” one of which (except for hydrogen and lithium) is
to have eight electrons in the outermost shell. Group VII elements will tend to
gain single electrons and become negative ions. Groups I, II, and III metals
tend to give up electrons and become positive ions. Figure 6 has an atom preparing
part with an electron.
Ionic and covalent bonding are well described once one gets
past the idea of an atom’s “wanting.”
In sum, this well-written and well-edited book makes a
painless introduction to essential aspects of chemistry. However, before using
it in one’s classroom, consider how suited it is to the age of one’s students. Perhaps
middle school students are the appropriate cohort.
P.S. The author has informed me that an upcoming revision will
be addressing some of these concerns, in which case I will likely be happy to
add another star to this review.
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