This winter we are diving into the study of Chemistry, and we have compiled a list of our favorite resources to share with you!
Of course, our favorite hands-on resource is our 12-week Chemistry Bundle. If you’re new to us, our science bundles include a Parent Guide chock full of discussion starters to help you guide the conversation, scientific background to read aloud, connections to Scripture, and, of course, instructions for fun, and easily achievable, hands-on projects. Our bundles also include Student Lab Notebook, where students can hypothesize, record data, and interact with Scripture.
Our Chemistry Student Lab Notebook also includes a full color Periodic Table and a blank Periodic Table, perfect to reference throughout the entire study.
This is easily the most cost-effective resource, since our 12-week bundle includes everything you will need for a meaningful dive into Chemistry for just $1.25 per week! In addition, all of the scientific content has been reviewed for clarity and accuracy by Dr. Jennifer Hawk, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Converse College.
Here are some of the other general Chemistry resources that we love! Our 12-week Chemistry Bundle includes additional resource ideas that match-up specifically with each week for additional help!
Books
“The Illustrated Dictionary of Chemistry,” by Usborne Books. Styled as an encyclopedia for Chemistry, this title is a good reference book to keep on the shelf for when those deeper wondering questions arise.
“My First Book About Chemistry” by Donald M. Silver and Patricia J. Wynne. Geared toward a younger audience, this may be a good addition for those just dipping in their toes. Silver and Wynne’s books include great black and white illustrations, so they can double as a meaningful coloring book to keep hands busy during read alouds.
“The Kid’s Book of the Elements: An Introduction to Every Known Atom in the Universe,” by Theodore Gray. Theodore Gray is well-known as the go-to author for accessible Chemistry study. His original adult-focused “Elements” is also deep, fun, and engaging, if you’re willing to overlook some of the only-slightly-adult humor. Gray’s book “Reactions” takes a similar style, and could be a really fun addition for your children who love the drama of Chemistry.
“Your Guide to the Periodic Table,” by Gil Arbuthnott. Colorful and zesty, this kids’ focused guide highlights fun facts about each element.
Usborne’s “Lift the Flap Periodic Table” A favorite among moms, this colorful title is a great introduction to Chemistry and the Periodic Table. An excellent resource to have on the shelf for reference during your hands-on activities.
“Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton Revealed,” by Mary Losure. Written in narrative format, this title goes beyond a picture book biography, but isn’t too far out of reach for the middle grades. Perfect for your 11-14 year old.
“Who Was Marie Curie” Another title in the popular “Who Was” series focusing on internationally recognized chemist Marie Curie.
“Marie Curie,” by Henry Holt. A beautifully illustrated picture biography, this book tells the story of Marie Curie and her quest for radium in an accessible, but meaningful way. A great family read aloud for all ages.
Websites
Interactive simulation games: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/chemistry
Element math game: https://education.jlab.org/elementmath/
American Chemical Society’s resource page for teachers: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/k-8.html
Television Shows/Documentaries
“The Mystery of Matter: The Search for the Elements,” PBS series available on Amazon Prime
Magic SchoolBus, various seasons and episodes regarding chemistry topics. Our Chemistry Bundle includes an additional resource section for each week, providing the specific topic matchups.
“Street Science,” available for free streaming on sciencechannel.com
Tactile
Board game: Quick Six. Free download available at: https://ellenjmchenry.com/quick-six/?fbclid=IwAR3wtlrZr27zDxYdiodkG_pSI-lmBY0ykQSGPJaNeGtT6E-nSC2iGiEZKJA
Board game: Periodic: A Game of the Elements. Designed for your middle grade and older students.
Board game: React! The Organic Chemistry Game, available at reactgame.com
Organic Chemistry Model Kits. There are many organic chemistry model kits on Amazon, but the WISH kit is one of the most cost-effective, and includes enough pieces to really experience building molecules.
Merka Learning Kit, Periodic Table. This kit includes four posters and a set of flashcards for each element on the Periodic Table.
Periodic Table playing cards, available on teachersource.com
Photographic Card Deck of the Elements, by Theodore Gray. Another Theodore Gray product that gets wonderful reviews. He also has a smaller magnetic version of this kit that is half the price.
Usborne’s Periodic Table Puzzle. A great review game reinforcement.
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