Let’s Learn About Chemistry with Stephanie Ryan
Can learning chemistry be fun?
Stephanie Ryan, PhD thinks so, and her book “Let’s Learn About Chemistry” has me convinced that teaching chemistry doesn’t have to be boring. The independently published book is available in digital and board book format on Amazon, and is an original and creative approach to science and STEM learning designed for young children.
This book is unlike any other kid’s STEM book I have seen before.
“Let’s Learn About Chemistry” goes miles to helping kids think in a real life way about how different types of elements behave. Ryan’s unique play and learn approach presents the material in a fun and interactive game of “Which of these things is not like the other?”
This unique children’s STEM book covers a multitude of basic principles of chemistry in a way that kids can understand. Including…
Types of Change
Identifying chemical and physical changes
States of Matter
Children learn to identify solids, liquids and gases
Types of Mixtures
The difference between soluble and insoluble mixtures
Different Levels of viewing the Physical Properties of Matter
Children learn the difference between macroscopic, microscopic, and submicroscopic and symbolic levels.
I know, that seems like a lot…
With all of that science info, you’d think this book would be an overwhelming wealth of information for your child. But when it comes to teaching kids about chemistry, Stephanie Ryan knows what she is doing.
The book is formatted as a game. Remember the old Sesame Street song “one of these things is not like the other?”
That game is put to use here as kids choose which image in a set of visuals does not match the others. This use of visual learning demystifies the otherwise complex concept of chemistry, making it more learner friendly for kids as young as preschool.
Granted, any child is going to stumble on words like “submicroscopic”, but Ryan has a solution for that as well. The text breaks the big words down to syllables for kids to get a better hang on the words. Vocabulary words are highlighted in bright colors, making it easier for parents reading with their kids to focus on the importance of these words and their definitions.
Overall, I was very impressed with the content of “Let’s Learn About Chemistry”. As somebody who’s first choice has never been science, the book really surprised me as well as aided in explaining chemistry concepts to my son.
Stephanie Ryan also took some time to answer some questions for The Book Badger Blog.
Here is what she had to say:
What inspired you to write about chemistry specifically?
I’m a chemist by training and it always shocks me when people shut down or say they hated chemistry when I tell them my background. Like, how can chemistry be awful? It (along with physics, math and biology) help explain the world around us. How could you not find it at least somewhat useful or interesting?
Do you have a favorite science experiment that you like sharing with kids?
This is a tough one because there are so many to choose from. What I like to do as an educator is find a way to tie what we want them to learn into their daily lives. For example, I was co-author of the Chemistry in Context 10th Edition lab manual , and I developed an experiment that looks at accuracy and precision of different measurements, using lots of different kinds of measurement tools like you’d find at home or in the lab.
I think often we scientists take for granted how difficult concepts that seem obvious to us are for non-experts. Simple activities can help bridge that gap. I love a measurement activity that my advisor and I published in graduate school using M&M’s to teach about proportional reasoning, nutrition, and measurement. My dissertation work builds off this having students think about concentration in terms of painting a house and then in terms of chemistry concentration. Another favorite of mine is building a density column .
What is your favorite thing about science?
I love that science helps us explain the world around us. It is a tool that helps us answer questions! And it is accessible by anyone.
Do you have a favorite children’s book? Are there any other writers you admire?
This is tough. As a kid, I remember “The Monster at the End of this Book” being one of my favorites along with “Are You My Mother?”. My mom tells me that I drove my grandmother insane wanting to read “Are You My Mother?” so often that she’d hide it before my visits. As a parent? I LOVE “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”, “Brown Bear Brown Bear”, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” etc. We also have a soft spot for “Paddington” because our son was born in London. I admire Chris Ferrie, Cara Florance , Ruth Spiro and Jill McDonald as early STEM writers!
Do you have plans for more books?
When I wrote this book, I also stepped out similar layouts for a “Which of these is not like the other?” game in different disciplines. I also have a cute story drafted about carbon and hydrogen holding hands to bond. None are illustrated but they are at least written down on paper! I also have an idea for a book for parents and teachers.
You can find out more about Stephanie Ryan PhD on her website, www.letslearnaboutscience.com, or follow her on Instagram @letslearnaboutscience .
A huge thank you to Stephanie for taking the time to chat with us about “Let’s Learn About Chemistry”. I do hope you check out the book, which is now available on Amazon.
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