Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements
Science Comics Series
on Goodreads (126)
What’s inside...
Step out of your element with Science The Periodic Table of Elements, the latest volume of First Second's nonfiction graphic novel series! A book of fun chemistry experiments has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Mel can use her knowledge of the periodic table to put an end to a maniacal madman's evil schemes. The periodic table helps us quickly understand the 118 elements, those tiny substances that make up everything in the world. By using the periodic table, we can recognize how these building blocks behave, find trends and patterns in the universe, and make predictions about elements that haven’t been discovered yet. Join us in learning about the periodic table, and maybe the next big discovery will be yours!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dmitri Mendeleev
Pepe
Discussion points
What elements from the periodic table do you find most interesting and why?
How do you think understanding elements can help us in everyday life?
Can you think of a fun experiment that we could do at home using the knowledge from this book?
Which element stories surprised you the most or sparked your curiosity?
How do you think the discovery of new elements changes the way scientists view the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate elements to common household items, such as explaining how sodium and chlorine combine to make table salt, to make concepts more graspable.
Encourage your child to draw or create a visual representation of an element or a chemical reaction to deepen their understanding.
Discuss the historical significance of the periodic table and how it has evolved over time to show the progress of scientific discovery.
Use stories or anecdotes from the book as a starting point for deeper discussions on how elements affect various aspects of life and technology.
Perform simple safe experiments at home to practically understand the properties of different elements (e.g., observing rust formation on iron).
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the building blocks of matter
Explanation: The book explores the periodic table and breaks down how each element functions, helping children comprehend complex scientific concepts in a simplified manner.
Real-World Application: This knowledge lays a foundational understanding of chemistry which can inspire curiosity about how everyday objects are made and encourage further exploration into science subjects.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the role of science in daily life
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and narratives, the book demonstrates how elements interact in both natural and engineered environments.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their interactions with various materials and substances, cultivating a deeper appreciation for the sciences in daily life contexts.
Example Lesson: Developing critical thinking skills
Explanation: By presenting information about the elements in an engaging story form, the book challenges young readers to think critically about science and its implications.
Real-World Application: This can enhance problem-solving skills and enable children to apply logical reasoning to academia and beyond.
Example Lesson: Encouraging exploration and discovery
Explanation: The comic book format with vibrant illustrations invites children to delve deeper into the world of science, making learning enjoyable and impactful.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of adventure towards learning, prompting children to engage in more science-related activities and experiments outside the classroom.