Atoms are composed of a central nucleus, containing positively-charged protons and neutrally-charged neutrons. Smaller, negatively-charged electrons travel around the nucleus in layered orbits called shells.

Metals have had such an impact on civilization that we name some eras for the discovery of specific metals: the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. In this program, learn about the characteristic and properties of metals, as well as the appearance of metals throughout history. We’ll explore prehistory; metals and tools; the first metals to be discovered; advantages of metal as compared to stone, wood, and bone; pure metals; alloys; heavy metals; iron;...

14-year-old Zoë is an acrobat. She lives with her parents in a Dutch circus and the aerial silks are her favorite discipline. She practices often. She climbs high into the silks which hang down from the top of the circus tent. Her favorite tricks are the ‘drops.’ Zoë wraps herself into the silk so that when she lets herself fall, the cloth catches her just above the ground. She falls because of gravity. Zoë wants to know more: how does gravity...

In part one of this program, chemistry authorities, including "Helium Man" and two janitors, lay down the law-Boyle's Law, Graham's Law, and Dalton's Law. They also present the Kinetic Molecular Theory and the Ideal Gas Equation and elaborate on partial pressures and the difference between diffusion and effusion. Part two investigates kinetic energy; ion-dipole, dipole-dipole, and London dispersion forces; hydrogen bonds; phase diagrams; and vapor...

In the hideout, Chlorine is trapped in Carbon’s buckyball, and Gold is put behind bars. When released, Ethanol takes him on a guided tour of the completed Project D. It’s a giant DNA molecule, which will bring Planet Earth to life. Gold’s final attempt at destroying the molecule has little effect. Carbon’s heavies throw Gold and Chlorine into some aqua regia—and the pair finally bond.

What do fireworks, a fried egg, and a rusting truck have in common? They all involve chemical reactions. This program illustrates the mechanics of chemical reactions in five sections: Chemical Reactions (reactants and products, state changes, diatomic elements and molecules, Law of Conservation of Mass); Chemical Bonding (Octet Rule, ionic and covalent bonds); Types of Chemical Reactions (synthesis and decomposition reactions, single and double displacement...

Discusses the history of the periodic table of the elements, includes biographies of major figures in the field of chemistry, and provides information on each element.

Packed with stunning photography, Eyewitness The Elements explores the building blocks of our universe. Become an eyewitness to the fascinating world of chemical elements, in this picture-led reference guide that will take you on a visual tour of their many different properties and uses. Children will be mesmerized by where each element comes from and what it is used for, like how precious gold protects astronauts in space. This unique, beautifully...