Science has made astounding progress in the chemistry lab, making way for many of our modern comforts and technological advancements. Chemists study matter at its most basic level by looking at the molecules that make up the universe around us. From this level, they are able to combine these molecules in new and innovative ways to create some of the miracles of our modern world, like space-age materials and breakthrough medications. This program explains the basics of molecules, atoms, and elements in order to demonstrate how chemistry applies to our daily lives. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, computers, transportation, and progress toward a cleaner environment are all possible because of important steps taken by chemists.

Originally released by TMW Media Group, 2008. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 08, 2015.

Building Blocks of Matter (1:40); --Basic Elements and Atoms (2:24); -- Chemistry Addresses Our Basic Needs (5:09); -- Chemistry Improves Our Lives (3:08); .