Elements of Faith: Vol 1: Hydrogen to Tin (Paperback)

~ Richard Duncan (Author)
Key Phrases: mine safety lamp, appropriately dispose, noble gasses, Heavenly Father, Sir Humphry Davy, Washington Monument (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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!

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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,211 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 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)

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.

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

By	itsjustme (USA) - See all my reviews

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

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Homeschoolers and Hands On Parents, March 30, 2009

By	Pastor Matt (Portsmouth, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Rick Duncan has done the Church a great service by contributing a fun book for teaching the periodic table and important important passages from Scripture as well. Highly recommended.