Chemistry

I don’t think I’ve mentioned how much we’re enjoying chemistry this year. We follow The Well-Trained Mind’s recommendation of four-year science and history cycles. This year’s science cycle is chemistry. The word “chemistry” can certainly be intimidating, but choosing good materials and being sure to have f-u-n is making chemistry turn into nothing more than pure joy this year.

We’ve just finished Unit 1 from Christian Kids Explore Chemistry. I’ve waited to say much about it because I really wanted to be sure it was working before I made any comments. I’m so glad to report that it is working! After one unit (five lessons, I think) my children have already been introduced to some very big concepts (biochemistry, elements, mixtures, compounds, periodic table) AND they are understanding it! The book seems to move slowly, but I’m finding out that it’s very deliberate – to concrete the concepts before moving on. And concrete it has – both of my big kids scored 100% on their unit test. )

My children like experiments that “wow” them. Christian Kids Explore Chemistry hasn’t quite done that – yet anyway. So I’ve got a few books around the house with easy chemistry experiments for them to try on their own. Solids, Liquids and Gases, Soda Bottle Science: 25 Easy, Hands-on Activities, Amazing Kitchen Chemistry Projects You Can Build Yourself, and Janice VanCleave’s Chemistry for Every Kid.

Earlier this week, we completed a periodic table scavenger hunt created by Makita. The purpose was to help my children become familiar with the elements and their symbols – and what a fun way to do it. Thanks, Makita!

Now that I know I really like what we’re doing for chemistry, I’ll try to share more of our activities. I think we’re making protons during the next lesson!