Subtitled "Faith Facts and Learning Lessons from the Periodic Table," this book covering the first 50 elements is a clever science/Bible hybrid. Each two-page spread starts by picturing the particular element nomenclature from the periodic table with its name, a nickname given the element by the author, and an appropriate Bible verse.

These mini-units or chapters are broken up into five small sections on the pages: "Data," which lists several facts; "Analysis," which is a few paragraphs elaborating on the element; and "Reaction," where the devotional part comes in. Here the author returns to the opening Scripture passage and expands on it. Then there is a "Quick Quiz," a few short questions about the information that has been given, and lastly "Response," which often contains an application and prayer. All quiz answers are in the back of the book.

Elements of Faith also has ten experiments after the formerly described main part of the book, for example "Generating Carbon Dioxide," "Displacement of Helium," and "Using Electroplating to Coat a Quarter with a Thin Layer of Copper." A warning accompanies all of the experiments: "This experiment requires adult supervision." Unlike many juvenile science projects, these are real live experiments providing useful observations.

There are no specifics included on how to use this book; however, it is pretty self-explanatory. This book is well suited to junior and senior high students who are familiar with the elements on some level. There is a lot of terminology that will be unfamiliar unless one has some exposure to the elements.

Elements of Faith would be a wonderful accompaniment to one's chemistry studies, giving the student a broader knowledge of and greater appreciation for the elements.

Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, May 2009