The Chemistry of Everyday Elements

Silicon has been part of the elements of Earth for millions of years, but only in the past 100 or so has it truly been essential. Silicon is the building block for nearly every electronic device. Imagine a world without silicon and you imagine a world without cell phones, computers, or tablets. Silicon also blends with other elements to make plastics that are in thousands of products. Inside, read about this famous, yet little-known, element. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

Humans have used this famous radioactive element to create amazing and positive energy . . . and also to create terrible destruction. Uranium has potential for being a world-changing element, but it comes with dangers. Inside, read about the discovery of this useful element and about how scientists are working to harness its great power. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

Up, up, and away! Everyone knows about the lifting power of helium. But do you know how helium really works? And did you know that helium is a limited resource on Earth . . . that might run out someday? Inside, find out more about this famous element and its many uses far beyond party balloons. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

Everyone knows that we need oxygen to breathe and live, but oxygen has many other important roles in our lives. Oxygen powers the fires that run factories and cars . . . oxygen is part of giving plants life and energy . . .oxygen sends rockets to the stars where oxygen was born. Inside, become an oxygen expert even as you use oxygen with each breath you take. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

The charcoal from last night's barbecue is clearly made of carbon. But so are you, in many ways. And so is just about every life-form on Earth. Inside, read about one of the most important elements in our world. Learn how carbon, being key in the issue of climate change, impacts just about every part of our lives and planet. Carbon is in what we eat, but it's also in products that enrich our lives—everything from bicycle parts to car tires to plastics of every kind. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

Shining, sparkling, seductive—silver! This precious metal has been used as money for thousands of years, while also being formed to create stunning jewelry. But beyond those well-known uses, silver plays a huge role in industries of all sorts. Inside, read about this versatile element and you will be amazed at how much silver is part of your life. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day.

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