Caveman Chemistry - ACS Publications - American Chemical Society

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Chemical Education Today

Book & Media Reviews Caveman Chemistry: 28 Projects, from the Creation of Fire to the Production of Plastics by Kevin M. Dunn Universal Publishers: Parkland, FL, 2003. 424 pp. ISBN: 1581125666. Price: $29.95 Reviewed by Michael S. Matthews

In Caveman Chemistry, Kevin Dunn presents a historically oriented hands-on introduction to chemistry and chemical technology that is tremendously entertaining. Among books that successfully combine entertainment with learning, Caveman Chemistry has few peers. Perhaps Gurstelle’s Backyard Ballistics (1) is similar in attitude, and Muir’s classic How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive (2) is comparable in tone. The observant reader also may recall From Caveman to Chemist (3), a similar title that inspired Dunn in developing this work. Caveman Chemistry would be ideal as a supplemental text in an honors chemistry class or interdisciplinary seminar, for stand-alone use in a course for non-chemistry majors, or especially as an enrichment resource for gifted secondary students. It would also be a wonderful introductory text for those studying the history of technology or experimental archaeology. In light of the mediocrity of writing in many contemporary science textbooks, especially at the public school level, Dunn’s distinctive voice and wide-ranging yet intense delivery add to this book’s strong appeal. The book begins quite literally with caveman technology: the first two chapters cover making fire and knapping stone tools. Having long been interested in these technologies myself, I can attest to the level of detail and care that Dunn has taken to guide the beginner toward successful outcomes. Both tasks seem straightforward enough, yet in practice are far from easy to achieve. Dunn’s black-and-white photos are clear and well composed, and his useful tips increase the odds of reaching a successful outcome on the first try. Dunn utilizes multiple strategies to hold the reader’s interest. He integrates historical descriptions with modern ones, and combines literary themes with scientific ones. The book’s most striking aspect may be the manner in which these themes are combined, an almost stream-of-consciousness approach that is seldom found outside of literary fiction. The introduction flows seamlessly from quoting A Midsummer Night’s Dream to explaining the book’s structure. Each chapter thereafter begins by quoting diverse yet relevant sources, ranging from the Bible to seemingly inscrutable medieval texts on alchemy. After the introductory quotation, narrators—ranging from the biblical Job to the four alchemical elements—relate the quotation to the chapter’s topic. These narrators speak in first person, often without introducing themselves, and they even debate points with one another. This structure allows Dunn to vary his tone as if writing a novel, which in a sense, he has. The reader’s interest is piqued by the introductory quotation, then the narrators’ discussion adds detail and 490

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heightens expectations. When the author’s own voice emerges to present the chapter’s empirical content, the reader is ready to listen. Dunn’s own distinctive and humorously cynical tone is always evident, even though he reserves his own voice primarily for quantitative content. The overall effect can be disorienting on first reading, but it certainly keeps the reader actively engaged. Within this unique format there are plenty of real chemistry lessons. Caveman Chemistry presents unit factor analysis, the mole, and stoichiometry, and even ventures to instruct the reader in the difficult process of balancing redox equations. To aid learning, Dunn incorporates mnemonics and short poems. Perhaps most importantly, in light of the interest this book will likely find among non-chemists, Dunn explicitly supports the development of science literacy through integrated discussions of the role of observation, the rules of evidence, and the scope and nature of scientific theory. A potential criticism of this book is that a few parts might offend some readers or their parents. Some examples are decidedly ‘earthy’—such as how to ferment one’s own urine, in the chapter on natural dyes—although such examples are clearly relevant to the chemical technology in question. Dunn emphasizes both humor and learning, and the mature student should have little difficulty coping with cute statements like “urine (you’re in) for a treat” (p 148). This humor is a vital part of the book’s appeal, and I would be sad if it were restrained for mere political correctness. Students and teachers alike will appreciate Caveman Chemistry. Students will be pleased with the book’s moderate price and unique presentation. For instructors familiar with hands-on learning this book will not be difficult to teach, even though the particular skills involved may be new. Most activities utilize readily available materials such as “our old friend, that twenty-first century gourd, the 2-liter soft-drink bottle” (pp 148–149), and therefore many procedures can be conducted outside of the traditional laboratory. The necessary chemicals often may be obtained locally, and an appendix lists supplies and suppliers for the few exceptions to this rule. Additional teaching information and much of the content of Caveman Chemistry is available at http:// www.cavemanchemistry.com/ (accessed Jan 2004). Educators can request free access to the PDF book, and both students and instructors can use the site forums to discuss the book with those using it elsewhere. Grading can be as simple as pass or fail, and the instructor can allow students to repeat activities outside of class time until they pass. As Dunn states about fire, “either you have brought a red-hot glowing ember into the world or are content to live in darkness” (p 17). Each lesson leads to a product of some kind and, as with most laboratory activities, students are successful or are not, depending on how carefully they follow the directions. For those wishing to incorporate additional grading criteria, each chapter has Research and Development and Quality Assurance sections that serve as study guides for quizzes or tests. Recurring prompts and an explanatory appendix support the use of a laboratory notebook, which could also be graded. Safety is emphasized throughout, and genuinely hazard-

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ous information is not spelled out but is presented as an exercise for the reader. As Dunn relates, “it would be irresponsible to encourage the public to engage in dangerous and destructive activities. So I will stop short of giving the formula [for gunpowder]… if you are lazy or evil-minded, let me suggest that you will find more practical information elsewhere” (p 209). Other apparently less-controversial content, such as the information about fermentation and distillation, might offend some conservative readers even without the influence of the author’s particular brand of humor. The author’s adaptation of Biblical characters as narrators may also prove controversial, giving some a reason to shun this book without even reading it. But as Dunn relates in the Prologue, this book is not for everyone. If you prefer, keep your head in the sand when Caveman Chemistry comes near. For everyone else, this may be just the fun book you have been waiting for.

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Literature Cited 1. Gurstelle, William; Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars and More Dynamite Devices; Chicago Review Press: Chicago, 2001. 2. Muir, John; Gregg, Tosh; How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot, 18th ed.; John Muir Publications: Santa Fe, NM, 1999. 3. Salzberg, Hugh W. From Caveman to Chemist: Circumstances and Achievements; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1991.

Michael S. Matthews is with the Duke University Talent Identification Program, Durham, NC 27701; mmatthews@ tip.duke.edu

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