Nomenclature

This comprehensive science video provides a detailed exploration of the geological building blocks of our planet: minerals, crystals, and gemstones. Hosted by Kylie, the lesson begins by distinguishing between these three often-confused terms, explaining that rocks are mixtures of minerals, while minerals are the building blocks that form crystals. The video establishes the five strict scientific criteria for a substance to be considered a mineral: it must be naturally occurring, solid, inorganic, have a fixed chemical formula, and possess an ordered crystalline structure. Viewers are guided through specific examples, such as why wood and sugar are not minerals (organic) while salt and quartz are. The content delves deep into mineral classification, introducing the eight major mineral groups: native elements, sulfides, oxides, phosphates, sulfates, carbonates, halides, and silicates. For each group, the video provides clear definitions, chemical compositions, and real-world examples like pyrite (fool's gold), turquoise, and quartz. The lesson also explores how crystals form through cooling lava, hardening liquids, or evaporation, and categorizes them by their geometric shapes, such as cubic, hexagonal, and triclinic structures. Ideal for Earth Science curriculums, this video serves as an excellent foundation for geology units. It bridges the gap between basic rock identification and introductory chemistry by explaining atoms, molecules, and chemical formulas in an accessible way. Teachers can use this resource to explain complex classification systems, discuss the difference between organic and inorganic matter, or introduce the geometry of natural structures. The video concludes with a look at gemstones and a demonstration of raw vs. polished specimens, encouraging students to start their own collections.

This comprehensive 52-minute video serves as an extensive introduction to K-12 chemistry, covering the fundamental building blocks of the subject. The video begins by touring the periodic table, identifying key groups like alkali metals and halogens, and explaining the charges associated with different columns. It distinguishes between atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds before diving into the crucial skill of nomenclature—teaching viewers how to name ionic and molecular compounds using prefixes and Roman numerals.

This video provides a comprehensive exploration of the biological importance of water, bridging the gap between molecular chemistry and macroscopic biological functions. It begins by contrasting the diverse life of the Amazon Rainforest with the sparse life of the Sahara Desert to illustrate water's critical role in ecosystems. The narrator then zooms in to the molecular level, explaining the chemical structure of water ($H_2O$), the difference between elements and compounds, and the concept of polarity, using magnets as an analogy for how positive hydrogen and negative oxygen atoms interact.

This fast-paced and humorous educational video explores the biogeochemical cycles of two essential nutrients: Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Hosted by Hank Green, the video breaks down how these elements move through the biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, explaining why they are critical for life despite often being difficult for organisms to access. The content contrasts the atmospheric abundance of nitrogen with its biological scarcity due to strong chemical bonds, while highlighting phosphorus's unique cycle that notably lacks an atmospheric component. Key themes include the vital role of bacteria in nitrogen fixation, the chemical structure of nutrients (like the triple bond of N2), and the symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms. The video also covers the geological timescales of the phosphorus cycle and introduces the significant impact humans have had on these cycles through the invention and overuse of synthetic fertilizers. It connects chemistry to biology by explaining how these elements build DNA, RNA, proteins, and ATP. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent anchor for units on ecology, biochemistry, or environmental science. It effectively bridges the gap between atomic chemistry and macroscopic ecosystems. The clear visual aids and analogies help demystify abstract processes like nitrification and sedimentation, making it a powerful tool for explaining limiting nutrients and preparing students for discussions on human environmental impact and eutrophication.

This educational video from Sci Kids explores the fascinating food science behind a classic Halloween treat: candy corn. Hosted by Jessi and her puppet friend Sam, the video breaks down the manufacturing process and ingredients list of candy corn to answer the question: "Is there actually corn in candy corn?" The hosts investigate how field corn is processed into corn starch and corn syrup, effectively connecting agricultural products to the processed foods students see on store shelves. The video covers several key scientific themes, including states of matter, chemical changes, and the biological origins of common ingredients. Viewers learn about the difference between sucrose and glucose, how gelatin acts as a structural agent derived from animal collagen, and the surprising source of the shiny coating on many candies—shellac, which comes from the secretions of lac bugs. The narrative frames these potentially "gross" facts as cool scientific discoveries about how we minimize waste and use natural resources. For educators, this video serves as an engaging hook for lessons on food science, chemistry, or Halloween-themed activities. It provides a practical application for learning about mixtures, solutions, and reversibility of states of matter (melting and solidifying gelatin). It also offers opportunities for discussions about where our food comes from, reading nutrition labels, and critical thinking about how raw materials are transformed into manufactured goods.

This educational video bridges the gap between basic chemistry and biology by explaining how the microscopic world of atoms and molecules powers living organisms. It begins with the familiar phrase "you are what you eat" to introduce the concept that our bodies are constructed from the atoms found in our food. The video uses clear visual models to explain fundamental concepts including atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, and the formation of molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. The content progresses to explain chemical reactions as the mechanism that rearranges atoms—similar to reassembling LEGO bricks—transforming food molecules into body structures and energy. It distinguishes between reactants and products, demonstrates the conservation of atoms during reactions, and visually balances a chemical equation for the formation of water. The narrator emphasizes that while molecules change, the atoms themselves remain constant during biological processes. Finally, the video explores the role of energy in biological systems, explaining how breaking chemical bonds releases energy for life processes while other reactions, like photosynthesis, absorb energy. This resource is highly valuable for teachers introducing biochemistry or the flow of matter and energy in ecosystems, as it concretizes abstract concepts using relatable examples like apples, nutrition labels, and building blocks.

This educational video introduces young students to the fundamental scientific concepts of "objects" and "materials." The presenter, Jesse, guides viewers from using general language like "things and stuff" to precise scientific vocabulary. By examining everyday items like a toy car, a glass bowl, and a pencil, he clearly distinguishes between the object (what the item is) and the material (the substance it is made of, such as metal, glass, wood, or rubber). The video uses clear visual text overlays to reinforce these key vocabulary words. The central theme explores the properties of matter and classification. The video moves beyond simple identification to the skill of sorting and categorization. Jesse demonstrates different ways to sort a collection of items—by function or size—before showing that sorting by material is a useful scientific method. He groups items into plastic, metal, and wood categories, helping students visualize how different objects can share the same material composition. For the classroom, this video serves as an excellent hook for a unit on matter or physical properties. It models inquiry-based thinking and provides a structured approach to observation. Teachers can use the video to launch hands-on activities, such as classroom scavenger hunts where students identify objects made of specific materials, or sorting stations where they classify physical items. The content naturally encourages students to ask questions about the world around them and observing the physical makeup of their environment.

This educational video explores the critical topic of indoor air pollution, revealing the surprising fact that indoor air quality is often significantly worse than outdoor air. The video breaks down the primary sources of indoor pollutants, categorization them into visible particles like dust and smoke, chemical compounds like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and hidden hazards such as mold, carbon monoxide, lead, and asbestos. It explains the scientific composition of these pollutants and how they become airborne and affect our respiratory systems. The content delves into the health implications of poor indoor air quality, noting that humans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. It provides a historical case study on lead paint regulations to illustrate how scientific evidence leads to public health protections. The video connects these concepts to human biology, specifically how pollutants trigger asthma, allergies, and other health issues over long periods of exposure. Designed for students, the video emphasizes practical application by offering actionable strategies to improve air quality. It covers ventilation techniques, smarter consumer choices regarding cleaning products and paints, and preventative habits like removing shoes and using exhaust fans. The host encourages students to become "scientists" in their own homes by identifying potential hazards and making simple changes to create a healthier living environment.