The Happy Atom Story 4
Read A Fantasy Tale Learn Basic Chemistry Book 4
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
After Dark Activities
Chapter 6
Night was approaching. The rest of the people, in small groups began making their way down the well worn path through the woods to the lake. There, they too searched for the perfect spot to view the fireworks display. Guy’s group had a great spot.
The sun decided to give everyone a special treat before the fireworks began. They all agreed that tonight’s sunset with its hues of orange, purple and aqua was so beautiful. The sun seemed to have personally painted the sky to celebrate Guy’s special day.
As they watched that giant orange ball slipping below the horizon, Guy recalled how the sun creates the heat and light needed for life to exist on earth. The intense heat of the sun causes the electrons to move away from the nucleus of the atoms, allowing the freed nuclei to float around and collide. It’s these colliding nuclei that create a nuclear fusion and produce the sun’s heat and light. Guy took one last look as the sun slipped below the horizon.
Everyone had finally arrived and had just settled on their picnic blankets when it became completely dark. Twinkling stars began to dot the darkened sky. Professor Terry pointed out the silvery light of the moon reflecting off the rippled surface of the lake. Guy spied the barge in the middle of the lake, the launch-site for this evening’s fireworks.
Soon strains of the 1812 Overture alerted the crowd that the fireworks were about to begin. Everyone’s eyes watched as three missiles shot silently high into the black sky, finally erupting into a dazzling red umbrella that lit up the night sky. Guy thought to himself, that’s Strontium at work entertaining us now. He remembered visiting Strontium on 2nd Street when he turned the bonfire red with some of his powder .Before he finished that thought, a green missile made a zigzag path right through the red umbrella and cascaded into a thousand emerald green crystal like rain drops making their way towards the lake. Guy recognized that this was Copper in action showing off his pure green color. Professor Terry leaned over and said to Guy, “To be exact that was Copper II, a non-halide. In your high school chemistry class you’ll learn about Copper I, a halide that displays a beautiful bluish green flame.” Next came a series of fireworks displays in rapid succession. Guy recognized each for the element producing its color: Sodium’s yellow, Calcium’s orange, Potassium’s lavender and Barium’s special apple green. What a display of color!
The music continued its uplifting melody bringing another dimension to the entertainment. Now, another missile made a zigzag path high into the night sky dazzling everyone with its bright, white light. Guy couldn’t help exclaiming. "This is Magnesium shining his light on us so we can see how much everyone is enjoying themselves.” After that the fireworks continued to explode in the night sky each bringing about different effects––some whistling, some zooming, some glowing, others doing whatever. They all thrilled the crowd. As usual, the best was saved for last. The fireworks display ended with a wild burst of color and explosions as the 1812 Overture brought the celebration to an end.
The Happy Atom Story Ends
Chapter 7
As Professor Terry sat there, taking in the now peaceful surroundings, she was filled with contentment thinking of a summer well spent. She and the Happy Atoms had taught Guy what she believed were the most important principles of basic chemistry. Guy has a good foundation to build on when he continues his study of chemistry in high school, thought Professor Terry.
Guy leaned back on his blanket, delighting in the night sky which had started him on his journey into the world of chemistry. He gazed at the sky intently searching for his favorite constellations and imagining the planets whirling around in space. Guy smiled at the blinking stars. The stars smiled back at Guy and whispered to him, “Guy, chemistry has taught you a lot of our secrets but you have just begun. We have so many more secrets to share with you. Just remember you can study chemistry for a lifetime and forever be fascinated.”
Guy returned to the cabin with his parents, his mind replaying all those happy memories of Periodic Table Land, Wish Star and the Happy Atoms. This was the best summer of his life.
THE END
OR
RATHER
A SUCCESSFUL BEGINNING
TO
UNDERSTANDING
THE PRINCIPLES
OF
CHEMISTRY
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Guy, Professor Terry and Sodium welcome you to BOOK 4 of the Happy Atom Story series. This book drops you into the lives of the Chemical families in Periodic Table Land. The Polyatomic Ions become Superhero Counselors who set up Clubhouses on each street in the land to help the elements solve their day to day problems. These Polyatomic Ions soon learn to form compounds and become happy just like the elements who became Happy Atoms. The cheerleaders from each of the Chemical families lead you in a chant that will help you forever remember the formulas and charges for all the Polyatomic Ions. Professor Terry uses her chemical journal to teach Guy how to write and balance chemical equations for each type of chemical reaction: Synthesis, Decomposition, Single Displacement and Double Displacement Reactions. The lesson on Balancing Equations takes place in Guy’s mountain cabin where the little elements appear with tiny seesaws to allow Guy to see the difference between Balanced and Unbalanced equations. The big finale is a Labor Day parade and celebration where all the characters who featured in Guy’s basic chemistry education, parade in front of the stage where Guy is honored for his achievements in learning Chemistry. The grand firework display by the lake is put on by Magnesium, Strontium, Copper and all the little elements who cause flames to be colorful. The story ends as it began with Guy enjoying the night sky and Wish Star dropping by to say goodbye. As Guy returns to the city to begin the school year, he brings lasting memories of his adventures in the fantasy world of Periodic Table Land. He learned basic Chemistry and so will YOU! Read, Enjoy and Learn!
About the Author
Irene P. Reisinger has 26 years of teaching experience, nineteen spent teaching basic chemistry in a middle school. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Fordham University receiving the university’s gold medal for the graduate with the highest honors in Chemistry. She received her Master’s in Science Education from New York University while working as a chemist on a medical research team at NYU Medical Center. Mrs. Reisinger possesses a rare combination of talent: a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, a deep understanding of the middle school student, and the imagination needed to change solid basic chemistry into a fantasy tale. She created The Happy Atom Story one day when her students were not getting the lesson taught traditionally. The story was widely recognized at her middle school for its success in helping students learn chemistry. Her colleagues, especially the special education teachers, urged her to publish her story. In retirement she found the time.