Science Book Club: The Disappearing Spoon

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean in an engaging book that tells the story of the periodic table.  You will be surprised at the amazing ways each element has influenced history, war, finance, medicine, and more!  

This class is a great chance for young science fans to read and discuss a fantastic book.  In this class, we will meet over 6 weeks to talk about The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean (Young Readers Edition).  Learners will need to own their own copy of the book and will complete reading on their own in between our meetings (about 30 pages each week).  Our discussion will include a bit of science background about what we read about, and then a guided discussion of what learners discovered each week.  Learners may be asked to complete extra research projects in between classes; those who would like to can share their findings.

This book is accessible to all levels of scientific background.  Anyone with an interest can join, whether you already know a great deal or are just starting to learn about atoms and elements.  I also welcome all styles of participation.  While the class will be strongly based on discussion, I also am happy to have learners in the class who wish to listen and take a quieter role.  

The topics listed below are based on the five parts of the book.  

Class 1: Introduction and Some Scientific Background
Class 2: Making The Table
Class 3: Making Atoms, Breaking Atoms
Class 4: Mistakes and Rivalries
Class 5: The Elements of Human Character
Class 6: Element Science Today and Tomorrow

Please note that each learner will need to purchase a copy of the book, and bring it to each class.