The Elements: Ingredients of the Universe

by Ellen J. McHenry

A basic chemistry course designed for grades 3-7.

80 pages, pdf or paper spiral-bound

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Amy Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome introduction to chemistry for (labeled as) 4-8th graders, but I think it's best for the upper end of that age range. It really helped order my mind and helped me understand chemistry, and I think I'll start with this as my beginning explanations on chemistry. I compared with Real Science 4 Kids, World of Science, and Durrell Dobbins' chemistry section in The Rainbow (for 7th-8th graders). This is my favorite, with RS4K coming in 2nd or used interspersed with this one. The Rainbow is more in depth and covers some different topics, so I'm very glad that I have The Elements to start with. I'll probably have Caleb go through The Elements and RS4K with Colin, and then start Caleb on The Rainbow by himself, midway through his 7th grade year. The Rainbow starts with physics, then chemistry, so Caleb will get chemistry again the beginning of 8th grade; but they are different enough that I think it will be good to both review, learn more, and have an excellent foundation laid by Ellen McHenry.

2024: This time I did the elements with my two seventh graders and my third grader tagged along, but I don’t know how much he got. We used the updated version this time. Some chapters were removed and put into her unit on food and digestion (I think?) I’m going to have my seventh graders go on now with her next unit on carbon chemistry which is longer and more in depth than this introductory class on the periodic table. I still loved it!! Great science curric!