Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust. It is used for everything from soda cans to cars, planes, rockets, and in construction. In the 1800s, scientists learned how to extract aluminum from rocks so it could be put to practical use. This book tells the fascinating story of aluminum's history, explains the properties of the element and its components, and provides students with resources to learn more about aluminum and how it is mined, recycled, and used in our society.