Additional information
by Ellen Johnston McHenry (Author)
Carbon Chemistry is an introduction to organic chemistry for ages 10-15. It is intended as a follow-up to "The Elements" by the same author, but can be used independently if the student has some basic knowledge about atoms, molecules, and the Periodic Table. The first section is a student booklet of nine chapters, covering topics such as the structure of a carbon atom, hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, functional groups, soaps, plastics, rubber, nylon, carbon dioxide and monoxide, calcium carbonate and limestone, the carbon cycle, radioactive carbon (carbon-14), and quarks. Despite the "heavy" nature of the topics, the text is light, easy-to-read and even humorous in many places. There are review questions at the end of each chapter, plus some review word puzzles. The second half of the book is a teacher's guide that provides additional activities including games, songs, recipes, lab experiments, skits, crafts, and even a dance.
