Silicon has been part of the elements of Earth for millions of years, but only in the past 100 or so has it truly been essential. Silicon is the building block for nearly every electronic device. Imagine a world without silicon and you imagine a world without cell phones, computers, or tablets. Silicon also blends with other elements to make plastics that are in thousands of products. Inside, read about this famous, yet little-known, element. Some students might think chemistry is something only scientists care about. But chemistry is literally a part of all of our lives every day. This series introduces you to elements that help you live, thrive, drive, eat, fly, communicate, and more. Chemical elements are much, much more than labels on a chart—they are the building blocks of everything you experience. This series will make chemistry come alive in your life. Plus: Read the special section that connects these vital elements directly to you and your body! Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.