Consumer Chemistry Projects for Young Scientists

Grade 7-12-- A fine title containing experiments that examine the chemistry of such common consumer goods as food, cosmetics, detergents, soil, antacids, and fibers. Students will gain some sense of what the various ingredients listed on labels do and do not do in these products. Most of the projects require special chemicals or equipment and therefore are best performed with a science teacher's assistance in classroom labs or as science fair entries. Experiments are clearly detailed and many include illustrations of how to arrange the equipment. Black-and-white photographs depict multiethnic male and female students using proper laboratory techniques. Safety procedures are well explained, and warnings about potentially dangerous chemicals or steps are clearly boxed at the beginning of relevant experiments. A section on special laboratory techniques, such as titrations and water baths, is an excellent addition. Although details about the various chemical reactions are lacking, a bibliography directs readers to more sophisticated texts. --Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC
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