Our Montessori Bookshelf: Captivating Chemistry

Oct 16, 2023

In our Twin Parks Montessori classrooms, students are able to study every fascinating thing under the sun (and beyond!). Montessori children are encouraged and supported to explore the world, not the inside of a textbook. 


That being said, there is structure to the Montessori learning environments as we provide the room for young people to explore everything they can about the universe. In their quest to understand the world (past and present), children might find themselves in the realms of astronomy, physics, meteorology, geology, and chemistry. 


We thought we’d share a few books that support a child's fascination with the world of chemistry. While these books may be more appropriate for elementary ages and up, your younger children might also enjoy and be inspired by a few of them, as well.




Every Day, Chemistry

By Julia Sooy, Illustrated by Bonnie Pang


This picture book takes us on a little journey through a child’s day and how chemistry is part of just about everything we do. Younger children will enjoy this book’s engaging illustrations, while also taking in foundational information that will inform their elementary years. Older children can benefit from the big picture context of how chemistry doesn’t just happen in a laboratory, and is rather an essential aspect of life. The last few pages of the book provide some easy to access explanations about the difference between chemical reactions and physical changes. 


The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present

By Liz Lee Heinecke


More than just a random collection of science experiments, this book offers a thoughtful expedition through time, highlighting 25 chemists from ancient history through today. Moving in historical order, each overview of a chemist is accompanied by a lush illustration and fascinating facts, as well as a step-by-step way to have a hands-on experience with the concept or their work. This book is a must have for kids who both love history and science!


Women in Chemistry

By Mary Wissinger, Illustrated by Danielle Pioli


We want our children to ask questions about this world, and this book encourages just that! A girl’s question, “What is the world made of?” takes us along a path of inquiry that artfully weaves in women’s contributions to chemistry, foundational information about matter to ribosomes, and ultimately the power of curiosity. This book not only serves as an excellent introduction to chemistry, but also way to center female scientists!


If you explore any of these books with your children, let us know what you think! We also invite you to schedule a virtual Information Session to see how children at Twin Parks Schools learn about advanced concepts in a way that appeals to their interests and curiosity. 

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