Elements of Faith: Vol 1: Hydrogen to Tin [Paperback]

Richard Duncan (Author)

Book Description

Series: Elements of Faith | Publication Date: October 29, 2008

Elements of Faith, Vol. 1 examines the first 50 elements of the Periodic Table and finds meaningful insights and spiritual applications in each of them. A look at the elements can teach many lessons, from the awesomeness of God's creation to the dedication of many God-fearing scientists who have been so influential in the history of science. Add activities, quizzes, and a treasure trove of helpful information, and you have a one-of-a-kind resource every student needs!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Duncan is a professional engineer with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (1981). He has spent most of his career in the fields of water treatment and environmental engineering.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group (October 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890515476
• ISBN-13: 978-0890515471
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #471,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Periodic Table Made Easy, November 19, 2008

By 

Robert Parrish (Green Forest, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elements of Faith: Vol 1: Hydrogen to Tin (Paperback)

I'm not a homeschooler, but our daughter and her husband are. Daily they take on the heroic challenge of teaching the 3 Rs, plus social adaptation, to our 3 grandchildren. There are tons of excellent resources for homeschooling parents - websites of all sorts, homeschool consultants, support groups for homeschoolers, co-ops and conferences.

One of the most fascinating books I've have discovered for homeschoolers is the new Elements of Faith, Volume 1 by Richard D. Duncan. Not being a brilliant student myself and struggling forever with the Periodic Table of the Elements, I find this workbook both engaging and easy to use. From H to Sn (that's hydrogen to tin for the non-chemists of us - the first 50 elements), Duncan presents intriguing facts about each element, a discussion of the element's importance in the history of science and in everyday life, a life lesson based on the unique qualities of each element, a short quiz, and an inspirational application putting spiritual insights into practice.

In the back of the book there's a glossary for parents struggling with terminology, plus the essential answers to quizzes. Elements of Faith, Volume 1 is recommended for sixth to eighth grades, but interesting enough that I might just put it beside my recliner for occasional reading.

I'm even looking forward to Volume 2.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like a science devotional!, December 29, 2010

By 

Lisa K - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elements of Faith: Vol 1: Hydrogen to Tin (Paperback)

Shortly after Elements of Faith arrived at our house, it disappeared. In some households, that's cause for alarm. In this household it means the book is a "hit". Numerous times I found my 12 year old, 9 year old and even my hubby smuggling this book off my shelf. When I finally got my turn to read it, I could see why. It's THAT good!


Cracking the book open, I was amazed to find a science devotional. I've never seen anything like it!!

Elements of Faith - Volume I covers the first 50 elements of the periodic table. Richard Duncan does a great job blending the sections together over each two-page spread covering name, symbol, atomic number and weight with a corresponding scripture verse.

Breaking down the pages even further:

The Data section - which includes facts about the element and its' discoverer.

The Analysis section - which includes where the element is naturally occurring and unique qualities of this element.

The Reaction section - which gives a biblical application. For example: Hydrogen = Living Water.

In addition is a Quick Quiz and finally a Response section where a real application is given and a prayer to pray.

Also included are 10 experiments that cover Hydrogen & Oxygen, Carbon & Helium, Boron, Fluorine & Calcium, Sodium & Chlorine, Calcium, Iron, Nickel, Copper, Zirconium.

This book is informative, educational and very well written. It could easily be used as a devotional on its' own OR alongside an upper-elementary/Middle school chemistry study. Scripture is used throughout to help the reader understand how the bible supports science.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, Fun, Useful, September 23, 2009

By 

itsjustme (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elements of Faith: Vol 1: Hydrogen to Tin (Paperback)

I barely remember learning the periodic table - and not because I'm that old. It just didn't interest me. But Richard D. Duncan's Elements of Faith Vol 1: Faith Facts and Learning, Lessons from the Periodic Table is an intriguing book, terrific both for jr. high and high school aged homeschoolers and parents who want to "add on" to what their kids are learning in school.

The first section of the book (which covers hydrogen to tin) devotes two pages to each element. In various boxes on the page, we learn basic data about the element, are given an analysis of the it, some review questions, and a Christian devotional section. Believe it or not, the author does a nice job integrating biblical stories and quotes. For example, in the section on water, he first quotes Genesis 1:2 ("And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.") Later, he speaks on living water and discusses several biblical passages related to that theme. There is even a prayer at the bottom of the page that reads in part: "Heavenly Father, thank You....for the enjoyment we can receive from even the simplest of Your gifts, water itself. Give me the gift of living water, so that my soul will be satified..." And thus, the first section of the book combines both the science you'd find in a secular textbook and a biblical message.

The second part of the book offers 10 experiments related to the elements, the answers to the review questions, a glossary and index, and a periodic table.

What I Like: This book is unique and quite well done. The science is solid, and the addition of biblical wisdom adds a fun and useful element not found elsewhere. I also appreciate the inclusion of experiments (as well as the safety cautions included with them).

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Kristina Seleshanko
Managing Editor
Christian Children's Book Review