The Story of Oxygen (First Book) [Library Binding]

Karen Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1996 | Age Level: 10 and up | Series: First Book

Presents young readers with facts and information about the element oxygen, exploring basic concepts in chemistry while delving into the fields of biology, geology, history, physics, and environmental science to discuss oxygen's role in the universe.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?Fitzgerald begins by introducing the element oxygen as a fire-breathing dragon, and then moves in neat chronological order to reveal its scientific properties. The author introduces the early scientists who made substantive contributions to the understanding of this element, among them Empedocles, Mao-Khoa, Leonardo da Vinci, Joseph Priestly, and Antoine Lavoisier. She concludes with a chapter on the critical role of oxygen in the processes of respiration and metabolism in animals as well as its curious role reversal in plant photosynthesis. In discussing the damaging process of oxidation, Fitzgerald outlines the role of free radicals in the body and their connection to immune-system damage and to gene mutation. She tells also of the role of oxygen in ozone and the potential hazards of damage to the ozone layer. Colorful illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts support and enhance the text. All in all, this is a complete and informative overview that should be an effective resource for students in life- and earth-science courses as well as chemistry.?Sylvia V. Meisner, Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. The discovery of oxygen and its role as the life-giving gas are the subjects of this book. Fitzgerald uses the mythical fire-breathing dragon to represent oxygen, relating the story of oxygen to the story of fire. Along with discussing the historical developments associated with the discovery of oxygen and the oxidation process, she explains how an understanding of oxidation contributed to the development of modern chemistry. She continues with a look at the role oxygen plays in photosynthesis, in human metabolism, and in the atmosphere. This work is simple as far as myth and history are concerned, but the explanation of the chemistry behind the myth is overwhelming by comparison. Plenty of illustrations, in black-and-white and color, are included. Periodic table; glossary; source list. Ilana Steinhorn

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 63 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531202259
• ISBN-13: 978-0531202258
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,728,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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