I barely remember learning the periodic table - and not because I'm that old. It just didn't interest me. But Richard D. Duncan's Elements of Faith Vol 1: Faith Facts and Learning, Lessons from the Periodic Table is an intriguing book, terrific both for jr. high and high school aged homeschoolers and parents who want to "add on" to what their kids are learning in school.The first section of the book (which covers hydrogen to tin) devotes two pages to each element. In various boxes on the page, we learn basic data about the element, are given an analysis of the it, some review questions, and a Christian devotional section. Believe it or not, the author does a nice job integrating biblical stories and quotes. For example, in the section on water, he first quotes Genesis 1:2 ("And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.") Later, he speaks on living water and discusses several biblical passages related to that theme. There is even a prayer at the bottom of the page that reads in part: "Heavenly Father, thank You....for the enjoyment we can receive from even the simplest of Your gifts, water itself. Give me the gift of living water, so that my soul will be satisfied..." And thus, the first section of the book combines both the science you'd find in a secular textbook and a biblical message.
The second part of the book offers 10 experiments related to the elements, the answers to the review questions, a glossary and index, and a periodic table.
What I Like: This book is unique and quite well done. The science is solid, and the addition of biblical wisdom adds a fun and useful element not found elsewhere. I also appreciate the inclusion of experiments (as well as the safety cautions included with them).
What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: Jr. High to High School
Publishing Info: New Leaf, 2008; ISBN: 978-0890515471; paperback, $14.99
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1 comment:
This sounds like a really cool book!
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