Science hooks kids. Let's face it, that is pretty amazing. So, as the adults in their lives, we need to nurture that initial excitement and sense of awe. Science makes it easy for us. You've seen the myriad of science experiments we've done over the years with electricity, chemistry (we really like magic sand, for example), magnetism, friction, and so much more.

Well, as my boys are headed into middle school (gasp!) the science learning gets even better with physics and chemistry coming screaming into the picture, particularly when my husband brought a few amazing chemistry books into our home library. 

This post provides an introduction to teaching kids about chemistry and with that context a review of a Montessori-Inspired Chemistry Printables Bundle, a perfect addition to your child's science learning. 

Chemistry for Kids Resources & Ideas

Chemistry Books for Kids

Not sure where to start with chemistry? Time and time again books are one of THE best ways to engage a child in any topic and these visual books will set your child ablaze with questions and curiosity. 

Molecules: The Elements and Architecture of Everything

Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe

Reactions: An Illustrated Exploration of Elements, Molecules, and Change in the Universe

Montessori Inspired Chemistry Printables

While I am beginning to put together a summer learning of chemistry, my friend, Renae, over at Every Star is Born, invited me to help promote her chemistry product. Perfect timing. Plus, this promotion is 75% off the typical price until June 4th.

{Learn more about the bundle here.}

In brief, I adore every piece of material in this set. Yes, I received the bundle for review but these opinions are 100% my own. I wouldn't participate if I didn't find this product useful and effective in teaching kids chemistry. This science bundle should be an essential part of your home or classroom learning environment.

So, let me break it down for you.

#1 – The bundle is over 300 pages and ideal for a wide age range from 3 to 12 years old.

#2 – Five sections make up the bundle including 1) chemistry for preschoolers, 2) introduction to chemistry, 3) atoms printables pack, 4) a periodic table of elements pack, and a 5) molecules printables pack.

#3 – June 4th (that is tomorrow) marks the last day you can purchase the bundle at 75% off the normal price.

Chemistry for Preschoolers Pack

• Introduces chemistry using numbers, colors, sizes, patterns, and measurement
• Includes chemistry lab nomenclature and description cards
• Provides opportunities to learn colors through reading and writing activities

{Buy Now}

Periodic Table Pack

• Includes resources for all 118 elements
• Introduces elements using true to life images, symbols, and descriptions
• Provides syllable counting cards to help with pronunciation of each element

{Learn More}

Atoms Printable Pack

• Introduces more than 20 atoms by electrons, protons, and neutrons
• Encourages children to create atoms using controls provided
• Expands to allow for the creation of all atoms with templates

Introduction to Chemistry Pack

• Provides easy to understand nomenclature and description cards for chemistry vocabulary terms
• Teaches symbols for various types of dangerous chemicals
• Includes beautiful images to help young children understand terms

Buy the Chemistry Bundle Now

Molecules Printables Pack

• Introduces 24 molecules using ball and stick models
• Provides Lewis Dot Diagrams for each molecule
• Can be used with an Organic Chemistry Model Kit

Don't miss this fantastic chemistry printables pack opportunity!

Chemistry Sets for Kids

• Organic Chemistry Model Kit
• Creative Chemistry Crystals & Slime Science Kit for Kids
• Happy Atoms Magnetic Molecular Modeling Introductory Set
• Chemistry Junior Experiments & Reactions Science Lab Kit

Videos to Introduce Chemistry to Kids

What Is An Atom?

Periodic Table Song for Kids

Chemical Elements & Compounds, Periodic Table, States of Matter

The Most Amazing Chemical Reactions

Cool Science Experiments for Kids & Adults

Resources for Teaching Science to Kids

• Why Asking Simple Opened Ended Questions Matters
• Books for Learning Science with Kids
• 9 Fantastic Ways to Help a Child with Science Thinking
• Chemistry Printables Bundle

Wondering what to do with dry ice? This post includes three easy & cool dry ice experiments to introduce children to the amazing science behind this awesome substance! My sons are almost six and four and a half years old. Both are obsessed with science. At this point what I am introducing basic science concepts. My main goal is to ignite a desire to learn more. I want my children to ask questions and to want to do the “next” thing.

One additional goal at this juncture is to introduce the idea of scientific thinking and design. 

Quite simply asking the child:

• What is the plan?
• What do you think might happen?
• Why?
• What could/should we do next?
• How would it change if we did xyz?

SAFETY TIP: Don't handle dry ice directly with your hands because it is really, really cold and will burn skin on contact. Therefore, use tongs or heavy duty gloves. Above all else, you can't play with dry ice. 

Check out these Science Activities

Compare and Contrast

You need two bowls, regular ice, and dry ice. We order groceries from Amazon Fresh. They always provide bags of dry ice in our cooler items. Place a bit of regular ice in one bowl and a bit of dry ice in the other bowl. Set a timer for ten, fifteen, and then sixty minutes. Observe what happens to the ice in each bowl. 

TIP: Use a large short storage container as a base for this activity, or take it outside!

Warm Water & Dry Ice

You need a bowl or wide-mouthed jar or vase. Use your tongs to place a chunk of dry ice into the container.  Use a measuring cup, or simply a drinking glass, with warm water. Pour the warm water into the container with dry ice. Watch what happens, examine, and take notes. If the “smoke” is dying down, simply add more warm water.

What is Dry Ice? 

Dry ice is the solid form (frozen) of carbon dioxide. It turns into a carbon dioxide gas instead of a liquid as it breaks down.  Carbon Dioxide is the major gas in our planet's atmosphere. When dry ice “melts”, it turns directly into carbon dioxide gas. Dry ice sublimates, which means it breaks down directly into gas rather than a liquid form. Sublimation occurs at the rate of 5-10 pounds per a 24 hour period in a cooler or ice chest!

What is the Temperature of Dry ice?

A block of dry ice has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees. For this reason, many people and companies use the substance to keep products cold. 

Where Can I Purchase Dry Ice?

Pick up pieces of dry ice with tongs to protect your skin.

Warm Water, Dish Soap, & Food Coloring

Check out this dry ice bubble!! We used the same approach as above but added a few drops of dish soap and food coloring to make our dry ice bubble. The result is simply amazing to watch.

In this science experiment, dry ice does not turn into a cloud of gas. Instead, the soap bubbles trap the cloud resulting in a great effect that kids love! The dry ice bubbles burst either on their own or with the help of little hands, allowing the cloud to escape.

This version of the science experiments using liquid dish soap to make a dry ice bubble was by far my favorite.

Other Dry Ice Experiments

• Use really hot water
• Put dry ice into a balloon (you will need to use the pellets or break the block of ice)
• Use ethanol & freeze a flower
• Use a plastic cup, plastic wrap, & rubber bands to make smoke rings

Resources for Further Science Learning

• Steve Spangler Stem Lab 
• 9 Fantastic Ways to Help a Child with Science Thinking

Check out these AMAZING Dry Ice Experiments

Marnie