Metalloids
Sometimes acting as metals and sometimes as nonmetals, the metalloids may be the strangest and most useful group of elements on the periodic table. Segments in this program include Exploring Metalloids (properties of the metalloids); Boron: Pyrotech...
Chemistry: Material World Series - Good Vibrations
This program focuses on the particle theory of matter and how it helps to explain: 1) the behavior of solids, liquids and gases; 2) changes of state; 3) melting points and boiling points, using the example of train tracks to explain expanding metals...
The halogens
The halogens is the only group that contains elements representing all three familiar states of matter at standard temperature and pressure. Segments in this program include Exploring the Halogens (properties of the halogens); Fluorine: The Painless...
The actinide series
Most elements in the actinide series were created artificially; only thorium and uranium are found in nature. Segments in this program include "Exploring the Actinide Series" (properties of the actinides); "Uranium: Stealth Boomer" (the use of urani...
Chemical reactions
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, diatom...
Alkaline earth metals
Almost as unstable as alkali metals, soft and silvery alkaline earth metals react easily with water. Segments in this program include Exploring Alkaline Earth Metals (properties of the alkaline earth metals); Calcium: Building Bones (the relationshi...
Metals
On the periodic table, three-quarters of all the elements are classified as one sort of metal or another. Divided into five sections, this program provides a thorough overview of metals: Metals in Our World (includes iron, lithium, magnesium, mercur...
The Hidden Order: Chemistry and the Elements, from John Dalton to Henry Moseley
At the beginning of the 19th century, 55 elements had been discovered, and although scientists had no idea how many more they might yet find, they already had a suspicion that there was some sort of unifying pattern behind them all. This program cha...
Other metals
The group known as "other metals" contains some of the most widely used elements in the world. Segments in this program include Exploring Other Metals (properties of the other metals); Aluminum: Providing Power (the many uses of aluminum, the most a...
Nonmetals
Only 18 elements are generally considered nonmetals, yet nonmetals make up the bulk of the crust, atmosphere, and oceans of the Earth. Segments in this program include Exploring Nonmetals (properties of the nonmetals); Hydrogen: Fuel of the Future (...