Jamie Jack
Good Study Companion for Chemistry Students If you are familiar with books by DK, you know that they are colorful, straightforward guides about any subject. This book is just like that. Each topic in the book is done on a single page with colorful photographs and illustrations that help provide a good overview of the page's topic. The subjects range from the basics of chemistry, like elements, bonding, and states of matter, to slightly more complex ones, like the math of chemistry (moles, anyone?), organic chemistry, and chemistry of the Earth. I'm surprised that this is targeted at middle school as well as high school. Many concepts seem beyond what would be taught in a middle school class. Even though this book is said to be for grades 6-10, I think it would not only be an ideal companion to a high school class but also for a beginning college chemistry course (especially if you are new to chem classes). You could use it to flip through a few pages to grasp the essence of a topic before you plunge into the deeper textbook reading. Doing such provides a mental framework upon which to hang other facts and minutiae that will be read in a full textbook. I think books like this, too, help students who might struggle with the concepts of chemistry will find the simple breakdowns and colorful graphics helpful to deeper understanding.