The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What is Kean’s purpose in writing The Disappearing Spoon?

A) To inspire the reader by including stories and odd facts to explain elements.

B) To entertain the reader by describing fascinating aspects of the periodic table.

C) To create an exhaustive study on the periodic table to provide information.

D) To persuade the reader to develop a deeper understanding of the elements.

2. What is the origin of atoms?

A) They are formed by gravity.

B) They have always existed.

C) They come from outer space.

D) They are formed in labs.

3. According to Sam Kean, what is one way elements have created social upheaval in economies?

A) Elements have been used in construction to spur urban development.

B) Elements have been used in agriculture to increase crop yield, displacing farmers.

C) Technological advancements containing elements have created new job opportunities.

D) The discovery of elements has caused farmland abandonment and famine.

4. Which element is referred to in the title of the book The Disappearing Spoon?

A) Gallium

B) Titanium

C) Copper

D) Iron

5. Where does much of the funding for science come from?

A) Taxes

B) Political representatives

C) Military budgets

D) Sponsorship

6. What solutions proposed by scientists create greater accuracy in measurement?

A) Using a central location to recalibrate measurement copy prototypes.

B) The use of measurements in nature to define measurement tools.

C) Reducing biases in measurement by minimizing environmental factors.

D) The recalibration of copy prototypes of an original.

7. What elements might be used for their antibacterial qualities in public spaces?

A) Uranium and plutonium

B) Stainless steel and silver

C) Copper and brass

D) Gadolinium and sulfur

8. Which of the following is a result of benefits derived by scientific discovery during warfare?

A) Nuclear power plants

B) Batteries

C) Zyklon B

D) Fire alarms

9. What best describes the concept of “sneaky” elements in The Disappearing Spoon?

A) Sneaky elements are misunderstood elements that are inappropriately used.

B) Sneaky elements act like other elements, deceiving humans.

C) Sneaky elements generally behave as expected.

D) Sneaky elements serve as substitutes for other elements without consequence.

10. What best describes the reason behind Linus Pauling’s failure to recognize the structure of DNA?

A) Unrecognized brilliance

B) Poor interpersonal skills

C) Lack of support from peers

D) Excessive pride

11. What would be the result of consuming too much silver?

A) It will turn the skin gray-blue.

B) It will do permanent damage to organs.

C) It will kill good and bad bacteria.

D) It will result in decreased mental capacity.

12. What observation best explains Kean’s description of scientific discovery?

A) It infrequently changes due to the fact-based nature of science.

B) There were few scientific discoveries until World War I.

C) It is often evolving and changing, sometimes with dire consequences.

D) There will be fewer discoveries in the future because most have been discovered.

13. What best describes how cultural factors might have an impact on scientific research?

A) They can determine the accuracy of the scientific method.

B) They may prevent individuals from working off scientific recommendations.

C) They can influence the validity and reliability of scientific discoveries.

D) They may cause individuals to reject science that has not been fully developed.

14. What best describes the impact of scientific discovery of the elements on art?

A) They have provided alternative ways of viewing the world.

B) They have been used directly in artistic pieces.

C) They have created new tools for artists to use in their work.

D) They have served to inspire artistic endeavors and artistic tools.

15. Which of the following best illustrates the novel’s theme The Unpredictability of Scientific Success?

A) Spartans used sulfur as chemical warfare against the Athenians.

B) Dr. Maria Goeppert-Mayer overcame bias against women in science.

C) Louis Pasteur used untested chemicals on patients, risking their lives.

D) Jack Kilby developed the integrated circuit to replace transistors.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What is Kean’s strategy for familiarizing individuals with the periodic table? Do you think it is effective?

2. How does Kean represent the effect of mining minerals on economies and conflict?