Books

This is a collection of print resources. A separate collection of Online Resources is also available.

Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public

Home construction and building materials

Why Things Break : Understanding the World by the Way It Comes Apart. Eberhart, Mark E. 1st ed. Harmony Books, 2003. 256 pp. ISBN 1400047609. (HS, G)
Chemistry is used to explain why various everyday materials break in different ways.
Structures : Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down. Gordon, J. E. Da Capo Press, 2003. 424 pp. ISBN 0306812835. (HS)
Discusses how various structures and materials lead to success or failure in building.
Hammers, Nails, Planks, and Paint : How a House Is Built. Jackson, Thomas Campbell, and Randy Chewning. (Read with Me Paperbacks). Cartwheel Books, 1994. unpaged ISBN 0590446428. (E)
Step-by-step description of how a house is built.
Glass / Metal / Wood. (Materials). Oxlade, Chris. Heinemann Library, 2002. 32 pp. ISBNs 0431127239 / 0431127220 / 0431127204. (E)
Three books that use excellent photographs with simple text to describe materials.
The Art of Construction : Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers and Architects. Salvadori, Mario George, et al. 3rd ed. Chicago Review Press, 1990. 149 pp. ISBN 1556520808. (I, HS)
Explains how various structures are built and instructions on building models using household materials.
Skyscrapers / Houses (How Are They Built). Stone, Lynn M. Rourke, 2002. 48 pp. ISBN 1589521390. (E, I)
These two titles in the series discuss design and construction of skyscrapers and houses.

Conservation and recycling in the home

What to Do When Your Mom or Dad Says — “Turn Off the Water and Lights!” (The Survival Series for Kids). Berry, Joy Wilt, and Bartholomew. Living Skills Press, 1984. 48 pp. ISBN 0941510239. (E, I)
Discusses electricity and water conservation in the home.
Recycle! : A Handbook for Kids. Gibbons, Gail. 1st ed. Little, Brown, 1992. unpaged ISBN 0316309710. (E)
Explains recycling and gives examples of products made from recycled aluminum, glass and plastic.
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Recycle. Montez, Michele. Earth Works Press, 1994. 144 pp. ISBN 1879682001. (I, HS)
Explains recycling activities for home and school.
Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff. Smith, Heather, and Joe Rhatigan. Lark; Chris Lloyd, 2004. 144 pp. ISBN 1579905161. (E, I)
Project descriptions for making decorative and useful items out of paper, glass, and other household trash.

Household products

Clean & Green : The Complete Guide to Nontoxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping. Berthold-Bond, Annie. 1st ed. Ceres Press, 1990. 162 pp. ISBN 0960613838. (I, HS)
How to Clean Practically Anything. Kippel, Edward. 4th, updated ed. Consumer Reports Books, 1996. 212 pp. ISBN 0890438439. (HS, G)
These two books provide homemade formulations as alternatives to commercial cleaning products.
Consumer Chemistry Projects for Young Scientists. Newton, David E. (Projects for Young Scientists;). Franklin Watts, 1991. 112 pp. ISBN 0531110117. (I, HS)
Simple chemistry experiments using household products.
The Complete Guide to Household Chemicals. Palma, Robert J. Prometheus Books, 1995. 325 pp. ISBN 0879759836. (I, HS)
Chemical Composition of Everyday Products. Toedt, John, Darrell Koza, and Kathleen Van Cleef-Toedt. Greenwood Press, 2005. (I, HS)
Compendia of descriptions of common household chemicals and formulations.
CD’s, Super Glue, and Salsa : How Everyday Products Are Made. UXL, 1995. 288 pp. each ISBN (set) 0810397919. (I, HS)
Two-volume compendium of manufacture of several common products.
Stars beneath Your Bed : The Surprising Story of Dust. Sayre, April Pulley, and Ann Jonas. 1st ed. Greenwillow Books, 2005. unpaged ISBN 0060571888. (E)
Explains the definition, origin and composition of dust.
Science Fun with a Homemade Chemistry Set. Wyler, Rose, and Pat Ronson Stewart. J. Messner, 1987. 48 pp. ISBN 0671555758. (I, HS)
Variety of chemical experiments that can be performed using simple materials.

Home safety

Home Fire Drills / Smoke Alarms. (Fire Safety). Raatma, Lucia. Bridgestone Books, 1999. 24 pp. each ISBNs 0736801952 / 0736801960. (E)
Safety at Home. (Safety First). Raatma, Lucia. Bridgestone Books, 1999. 24 pp. ISBN 0736800611. (E)
Beginners’ guides to home safety practices and products.
Facts on Asbestos and Radon. Taylor, Ron. Gloucester, 1990. 32 pp. ISBN 0749601248. (I)
Guide to two hazardous substances found in some homes.

Copyright © 2006 American Chemical Society