"A Conceptual Introduction to Chemistry" by Bauer/Birk/Marks offers today's student a fresh perspective to the introduction of chemistry. This new textbook offers a conceptual approach to chemistry by starting first with macroscopic phenomena, and then presenting the underlying microscopic detail. Each chapter opens with a real-life scenario that helps students connect abstract chemical concepts to their own lives. The math found in "A Conceptual Introduction to Chemistry" is introduced on a need-to-know basis, with "Math Toolboxes" ending each chapter, in support of the math skills required in that chapter.

LABORATORY INQUIRY IN CHEMISTRY teaches you the skills you need to easily complete your laboratory investigations. Each investigation begins with a scenario that puts a real-life spin on the problem at hand, provides you with a sense of why the project is relevant, and creates a scenario that is comparable to what chemists face in the real world. Completing experiments is easy with a list of goals, materials, reagents, guidelines, and hints found at the beginning of each investigation.