Kitchen Chemistry

Name: Kitchen Chemistry
Brand: My Father's World

by My Father's World

ScienceGrades K–5

Kitchen Chemistry: Experiment-Based Introductory Science Resource

Kitchen Chemistry is a reformatted version of Jill Frankel Hauser's Super Science Concoctions, designed as a hands-on science resource for grades K-5. The curriculum features 34 experiment-based lessons using common household materials to introduce basic chemistry concepts through discovery learning.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking an informal introduction to chemistry concepts through household experiments, particularly those following unschooling approaches or wanting to spark initial interest in science

Evaluation Criteria

6 concerns · 1 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum introduces basic chemistry concepts but at a very introductory level without systematic depth building.

Covers concepts like acids/bases, density, surface tension, and polymers, but 'concepts are taught at an introductory level' and 'students aren't expected to master all the vocabulary at this introductory level'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support provided beyond basic experiment instructions and explanations.

Includes 'four pages of introductory information, including an explanation of the scientific method' but relies heavily on parents to 'supervise experiments, read and discuss information' without extensive pedagogical guidance

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum follows a discovery-first model with minimal direct instruction component.

Students 'observe and discover scientific principles that are explained in the lessons' after experiments, with explanations provided reactively rather than through systematic direct instruction

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of retrieval practice or systematic review mechanisms in the curriculum design.

No mention of review activities, quizzes, or cumulative practice; 'there are no charts or recording pages in the book' for tracking learning

Hands On IntegrationConcern

The curriculum is entirely built around hands-on experiments but lacks explicit instruction to support the activities.

Each lesson 'begins with a fun, hands-on experiment' and scientific principles are 'explained in the lessons' after discovery, with parents expected to 'read and discuss information from the book'

Scientific VocabularyConcern

Scientific vocabulary is introduced but without systematic instruction or expectation of mastery.

Vocabulary words like 'colloids, aerosols, emulsions, and thixotropy are introduced gently' but 'students aren't expected to master all the vocabulary at this introductory level'

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

Limited alignment evidence, though some chemistry concepts align with elementary science standards.

Covers some appropriate chemistry topics like 'molecules and solutions, phase changes, chemical changes' but no explicit standards alignment mentioned

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com