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Chemistry

SequencesLessonsMaterialsVideos
  1. Science & Engineering

Chemistry

SequencesLessonsMaterialsVideos
SequencesLessonsMaterialsVideos

Atomic structure, quantum models, and periodic trends establish the fundamental nature of matter. Stoichiometry, gas properties, and equilibrium constants facilitate quantitative analysis of chemical reactions and molecular interactions.

Science & EngineeringLife ScienceLiving ThingsAnimalsPlantsBody SystemsTraitsAdaptationsCellsEcosystemsHeredityGenes to TraitsCell DivisionPhysicsComparing MaterialsShapes and PropertiesMagnetsMagnetismLightSoundLight and SoundMatterStates of MatterChanges of StateMixturesPhysical and Chemical ChangeHeating and CoolingHeat and Thermal EnergyEnergyForce and MotionElectrical CircuitsAtoms and MoleculesPeriodic TableMotion in One DimensionMotion in Two DimensionsScalars and VectorsForces and Laws of MotionCircular Motion and GravityMomentum and ImpulseWork, Energy, and PowerWavesElectromagnetic WavesGeometric OpticsElectricity and MagnetismSimple Harmonic MotionThermodynamicsNuclear PhysicsEarth Science & AstronomyWeatherWater CycleRocks and MineralsFossilsEarth's FeaturesEarth's ResourcesEarth's StructureWeather and ClimateEarth EventsFossils and Geologic TimePlate TectonicsHuman ImpactsAstronomyChemistryUnits and MeasurementAtomic StructurePeriodic TrendsChemical BondingNomenclatureMolecular StructureIntermolecular ForcesThe MoleStoichiometryProperties of GasesSolutionsChemical ReactionsBalancing EquationsEnergy ChangesRates of ReactionsEquilibriumAcids and BasesQuantum ModelBiologyClassificationCell StructureThe Chemistry of LifeBiomoleculesCellular TransportCell EnergyCell Growth and DivisionDNAProtein SynthesisMeiosis and Sexual ReproductionPatterns of InheritanceMulticellular OrganismsEvolutionEcologyBiodiversityComputer ScienceAlgorithms and Computational ThinkingProgramming LanguagesComputing SystemsNetworks and InternetData AnalysisCybersecurityAI and Machine LearningSoftware Design and DevelopmentBlockchainEngineering & AIDesigning ExperimentsEngineering PracticesDesign ThinkingEngineering Design ProcessMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringMaterials and StructuresCAD and 3D DesignRoboticsArtificial Intelligence BasicsVibe CodingMachine LearningAI Ethics and SocietySystems ThinkingEntrepreneurship & InnovationEntrepreneurial MindsetBusiness Idea DevelopmentBusiness Plan BasicsMarketing & Customer DiscoveryFinancial Management for Startups
Units and MeasurementStandardized SI and customary units, conversion techniques, and precision in data collection. Equips students with dimensional analysis skills and the ability to use measurement tools accurately.
Atomic StructureFundamental particles including protons, neutrons, and electrons within the nucleus and orbital shells. Examines atomic numbers, isotopes, and electron configurations to explain elemental properties and chemical behavior.
Periodic TrendsAtomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity patterns across periods and groups. Examines how effective nuclear charge and electron shielding dictate elemental properties and reactivity.
Chemical BondingExamines the formation of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds through valence electron interactions. Connects electronegativity and molecular geometry to predict substance properties and reactivity.
NomenclatureSystematic rules for naming chemical compounds and biological organisms. Establishes standardized identification protocols to ensure consistent communication across scientific disciplines.
Molecular StructureLewis structures, VSEPR theory, and molecular geometry. Connects bonding patterns to chemical properties and physical behavior.
Intermolecular ForcesExamines hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Connects molecular polarity to physical properties like boiling points, solubility, and phase changes.
The MoleFundamental units for measuring substance amounts using Avogadro’s constant. Equips students with conversion skills between mass, particles, and molar volume for stoichiometric calculations.
StoichiometryQuantitative relationships between reactants and products using balanced chemical equations. Develops skills in mole-to-mass conversions, limiting reactant analysis, and theoretical yield calculations.
Properties of GasesKinetic molecular theory and the physical relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature. Applies gas laws to predict molecular behavior and calculate changes in state across varying conditions.
SolutionsChemical properties of solutes and solvents, including concentration measures like molarity and mass percent. Examines factors affecting solubility and the behavior of colligative properties.
Chemical ReactionsPrinciples of stoichiometry, reaction types, and thermodynamic properties of molecular interactions. Identifies patterns in chemical changes and predicts products using balanced equations.
Balancing EquationsFundamental techniques for applying the law of conservation of mass to chemical reactions. Strengthens ability to adjust coefficients while identifying reactants and products in stoichiometric calculations.
Energy ChangesExothermic and endothermic reactions, enthalpy changes, and the law of conservation of energy. Examines bond energies and calorimetry to quantify heat transfer in chemical processes.
Rates of ReactionsCollision theory and activation energy principles used to explain chemical kinetics. Examines how temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalysts influence the speed of chemical reactions.
EquilibriumReversible reactions and the balance between forward and reverse reaction rates. Addresses Le Chatelier's principle, equilibrium constants, and the impact of temperature, pressure, and concentration changes.
Acids and BasesProperties of pH levels, hydrogen ion concentrations, and neutralization reactions. Examines chemical indicators, titration methods, and Bronsted-Lowry theory.
Quantum ModelMaps electron probability distributions through atomic orbitals and wave-particle duality principles. Defines quantum numbers and energy quantization to explain atomic structure beyond the Bohr model.
Video
Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

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.

The Organic Chemistry TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor

52mins 9s

Video
Why We Study Chemistry in Biology

Why We Study Chemistry in Biology

This video serves as an engaging introduction to a biology unit focused on the chemistry of life. The host, Bea, addresses the common student question of why chemistry is being taught in a biology course, explaining that understanding the living world requires knowledge of the chemical building blocks that make up organisms, food, and DNA. The video outlines the scope of the upcoming unit, promising to start at the atomic level and work upward through the levels of biological organization to the biosphere. Key themes include the interdisciplinary connection between biology and chemistry, the hierarchy of life (from atoms to biospheres), and real-world applications of these concepts. The video explicitly connects abstract chemical concepts to familiar items like the Periodic Table of Elements and nutrition facts labels on food packaging. It introduces the idea that fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are chemical substances that play vital roles in living things. For educators, this video is an excellent hook to launch a unit on biochemistry or macromolecules. It provides a clear rationale for interdisciplinary learning and helps students visualize the scale of biological study. While the video mentions specific accompanying PDF notes for a proprietary course, the core content is universally applicable for introducing the relevance of chemistry in biological sciences. It sets the stage for lessons on atoms, molecules, and the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

2mins 58s

Video
Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

12mins 23s

Video
Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

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.

The Organic Chemistry TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor

52mins 9s

Video
Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

15mins 32s

Video
How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

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.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s

Video
How Candy Corn Is Made and What's Inside It

How Candy Corn Is Made and What's Inside It

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.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

7mins 28s

Video
How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

14mins 25s

Video
Learning About Objects and Materials

Learning About Objects and Materials

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

7mins 38s

Video
Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 10s

Video
How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic and exciting science experiment: inflating a balloon using a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. The video breaks down the experiment step-by-step, making it easy for young learners to follow along, while simultaneously explaining the underlying scientific principles. It uses clear analogies, such as baking cookies, to simplify complex ideas like chemical changes. The video explores key chemistry themes including the definitions of "reactants" and "products," and the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. It visually demonstrates how mixing a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) creates a new substance—a gas (carbon dioxide)—which fills the balloon. The content encourages observation and critical thinking by asking students to predict what might happen if variables are changed. This resource is highly valuable for elementary classrooms as an introduction to chemistry and the scientific method. It provides a safe, accessible, and dramatic demonstration of abstract concepts. Teachers can use this video to anchor lessons on states of matter, to model how to set up an experiment, or as a hook for a unit on chemical reactions. The clear definitions and visual aids make it an excellent tool for building scientific vocabulary.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 25s

Video
How to Think Like a Scientist: The Scientific Method Explained

How to Think Like a Scientist: The Scientific Method Explained

This educational video introduces students to the Scientific Method, presenting it as a structured way to investigate the world and solve problems like a detective. The host breaks down the process into five clear steps: stating a question, gathering information, forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through experimentation, and analyzing results to draw conclusions. The video uses a relatable and engaging example—investigating how bubbles are formed—to demonstrate each step in practice, making abstract concepts concrete for young learners.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

13mins 15s

Video
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks demonstrate how to make homemade ice cream using basic kitchen ingredients and the power of chemistry. The video guides viewers through a hands-on experiment that transforms liquid cream into solid ice cream without using a freezer, relying instead on a chemical reaction between ice and salt. The content focuses heavily on the scientific concepts of states of matter and freezing point depression. It explains in accessible terms why salt is added to ice (similar to salting icy roads in winter) and how this process lowers the freezing temperature of water. The video uses clear animations to visualize how melting ice draws heat away from the cream mixture, allowing it to freeze rapidly. This video is an excellent resource for elementary science classrooms as it combines a fun, edible reward with rigorous scientific inquiry. It provides a perfect practical application for lessons on phase changes, temperature, and following procedural texts. Teachers can use this video to introduce thermodynamics or simply as a guide for a beloved classroom activity that reinforces measuring skills and observation.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 10s

Video
Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

This educational science video provides a comprehensive introduction to solutions, solubility, and the molecular properties of water. Through a blend of clear animations and a guided laboratory experiment, the presenter explains the relationship between solvents and solutes, using lemonade as an initial analogy to define these terms. The video delves into the chemistry of water, illustrating how its polar nature and hydrogen bonds allow it to act as a universal solvent for other polar substances, while repelling nonpolar substances like oil. Key themes include the definitions of mixtures and solutions, the distinction between polar and nonpolar molecules, and the scientific method. The video breaks down the atomic structure of water molecules to explain *why* dissolving happens, visualizing how positive and negative charges interact. It then transitions into a practical demonstration, walking students through a four-part experiment testing salt, pepper, sugar, and oil to determine their solubility in water. For the classroom, this video serves as an excellent bridge between theoretical chemistry concepts and practical application. It models proper lab safety and experimental procedure, including hypothesis generation and observation. Teachers can use the built-in pause points to facilitate class discussions, allowing students to make predictions before seeing the results. The content is ideal for introducing unit on matter, mixtures, or basic chemistry.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

13mins 58s

Video
Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

This educational video explores the fundamental scientific principle of the Conservation of Mass. Through engaging visuals and clear examples, the host investigates whether matter can ever truly disappear or be created from nothing. The video distinguishes between physical changes (like dissolving sugar in tea) and chemical changes (like baking a cake), explaining how matter behaves in each scenario. It specifically addresses the common misconception that when something dissolves or evaporates, it is gone forever. The content breaks down complex terminology into accessible concepts, defining key terms such as reactants, products, and physical versus chemical changes. It uses a concrete experiment—weighing sugar and water before and after mixing—to provide empirical evidence that mass remains constant even when visible properties change. The narrative connects everyday observations, like a glass of water evaporating or sugar dissolving, to the broader scientific law that mass is never made or lost. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing the particle nature of matter and the law of conservation of mass. It provides a ready-made demonstration that can be replicated in the classroom and offers clear definitions of vocabulary essential for upper elementary and middle school science curricula. The visual proof provided by the digital scale reading serves as a powerful anchor for students grappling with abstract concepts of invisible matter.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 9s

Video
Solving Mysteries with the Metric System

Solving Mysteries with the Metric System

This engaging episode of Crash Course Kids, hosted by Sabrina Cruz, introduces students to the scientific method of identifying matter through observation and measurement. Using a relatable narrative about tripping over an unknown object in the dark, the video guides viewers through an investigation to solve a "Measurement Mystery." It transitions from qualitative observations to quantitative data collection, emphasizing the importance of standard units. The video explores key themes such as the properties of matter (specifically length, width, height, and mass) and the International System of Units (Metric System). It explains why standard units like meters, centimeters, and grams are necessary for accurate scientific communication, contrasting them with non-standard units like "jellybeans." The distinction between simply observing an object and measuring it to gather specific data is a central focus. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook for units on the physical properties of matter, measurement, or the metric system. It models scientific inquiry by asking a question ("What is this thing?"), gathering evidence through measurement, and using that evidence to draw a conclusion. The video is particularly useful for transitioning students from using non-standard measurement to using rulers and scales with precision.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 45s

Video
Understanding the Metric System and Scientific Measurements

Understanding the Metric System and Scientific Measurements

This video provides a comprehensive introduction to scientific data collection and measurement using the metric system. It begins with a humorous scenario involving a baking mishap caused by confusing unit conversions, effectively illustrating the need for a standardized system of measurement. The host then clearly defines data and distinguishes between the two primary types: qualitative (descriptive qualities like color or texture) and quantitative (numerical values like height or count), providing vivid examples from nature for each. The core of the video breaks down the metric system, explaining the three base units—grams for mass, meters for length, and liters for volume—and how prefixes like kilo-, centi-, and milli- are used to scale these units based on powers of ten. The video details specific tools and techniques for measurement, including using digital balances for mass, rulers for length, and graduated cylinders for volume. It places special emphasis on proper laboratory techniques, such as reading the meniscus at eye level when measuring liquids. Finally, the video covers the concepts of accuracy and estimation in scientific measurement. It demonstrates how to interpret measurements that fall between the markings on a tool and stresses the importance of selecting the appropriate instrument for the task. This resource is an excellent primer for upper elementary and middle school students preparing for laboratory work, as it establishes the vocabulary and practical skills necessary for conducting precise scientific investigations.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 51s

Video
How to Make Your Own Watercolor Paints

How to Make Your Own Watercolor Paints

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks teach viewers how to create their own watercolor paints using common kitchen ingredients. The video transforms a simple art project into a science experiment, demonstrating how baking soda, cornstarch, vinegar, and food coloring can be combined to create functional art supplies. The step-by-step tutorial guides children through the measuring and mixing process, highlighting the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda along the way. Beyond the chemistry of making the paint base, the video explores fundamental color theory. It reviews primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and demonstrates how to mix them to create secondary colors (green, orange, purple). The visual demonstration clearly shows the color mixing process in an ice cube tray, reinforcing the concept that new colors are born from combining existing ones. This video is an excellent resource for early elementary classrooms as it bridges science, art, and math. Teachers can use it to introduce states of matter (solids, liquids, and gas bubbles), practice measurement skills, and teach color theory. It promotes hands-on learning and creativity, showing students that they can be 'makers' who engineer their own tools for expression rather than just consumers.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 17s

Video
How to Calculate Percent Error and Absolute Error

How to Calculate Percent Error and Absolute Error

This educational video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on how to calculate percent error and absolute error, essential skills for analyzing data in science laboratories. The narrator uses specific examples involving the density of aluminum and iron to demonstrate the difference between measured (experimental) values and accepted (actual) values. The video breaks down the mathematical formulas required, showing how to handle absolute values and convert decimals to percentages. Key themes include data analysis, scientific measurement, and mathematical applications in science. The video distinguishes between simple "error" (which can be positive or negative) and "percent error" (which is always positive due to absolute value). It walks viewers through substituting values into the formula: |Measured - Actual| / Actual × 100%, emphasizing the importance of order of operations and correct calculator usage. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent flipped classroom tool or post-lab support for chemistry and physics students. It allows students to self-pace their learning of error analysis, a concept often struggled with in early laboratory courses. The clear handwriting and spoken explanations make abstract formulas concrete, helping students understand not just how to plug in numbers, but what the resulting percentage actually represents regarding the accuracy of their experiments.

The Organic Chemistry TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor

6mins 26s

Video
Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

In this engaging general science lesson, host Justin breaks down the fundamental concept of matter, explaining that almost everything in the universe—from squirrels to water bottles—is made of it. The video simplifies abstract physical science concepts by defining matter through two main criteria: having mass and taking up space (volume). Through clear visual examples and animations, students learn to distinguish between objects with different masses and volumes, understanding that size doesn't always equal mass. The lesson explores key themes including the definitions of mass versus volume, the distinction between matter and non-matter (like ideas and light), and the physical properties of gases. A significant portion of the video demonstrates that air is indeed matter through a practical balloon experiment, addressing a common student misconception. It concludes by zooming in to the microscopic level, introducing atoms as the basic building blocks of all matter. This video is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school science classrooms introducing physical science. It includes built-in pause points for student reflection and note-taking, making it ready-to-use for direct instruction. Teachers can use the comparative examples (like the bowling ball vs. beach ball) to spark classroom debates about density and mass, while the segment on atoms provides a perfect segue into more advanced chemistry topics.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 40s

Video
How Everyday Materials Are Made and Used

How Everyday Materials Are Made and Used

This comprehensive educational video provides a detailed exploration of common materials found in our everyday world, including wood, paper, rubber, metal, ceramics, glass, fabric, and plastic. It systematically breaks down each material category, explaining where it originates—whether from natural sources like trees and minerals or synthetic sources like fossil fuels—and how it is processed into usable forms. The narration clearly connects raw materials to the finished products students encounter daily, demystifying the manufacturing processes behind items like tires, windows, and clothing. Key themes include the relationship between a material's physical properties and its function, such as why metal is used for bridges while glass is used for windows. The video delves into specific characteristics like durability, flexibility, transparency, and conductivity. Significantly, it also addresses the environmental impact of material choices, contrasting sustainable forestry practices with the ecological challenges posed by single-use plastics and the importance of recycling. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for physical science units on matter and its interactions. It supports classroom applications ranging from basic sorting and classification activities for younger students to more complex discussions about sustainability, engineering design choices, and the lifecycle of products for older elementary students. The clear visual examples and structured format make it easy to pause and discuss specific sections, facilitating deep learning about why engineers and designers choose specific materials for specific jobs.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

10mins 7s

Video
Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

This energetic animated music video provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of matter, setting fundamental physical science concepts to a catchy, rhythmic beat. Through a cast of colorful animated characters and clear visual diagrams, the song defines matter as anything that has mass and takes up space, distinguishing it from forms of energy like light and sound. The video breaks down the composition of matter into atoms and molecules, visualizing protons, neutrons, and electrons in a way that makes abstract atomic theory accessible to young learners. The content covers several critical curriculum standards, including the three primary states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the phase changes between them (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation). It progresses to more advanced topics by distinguishing between physical changes—where the substance remains the same, like tearing paper—and chemical changes—where new substances are formed, illustrated by rusting locks, burning wood, and cooking food. The lyrics also introduce key properties used to describe matter, such as mass, volume, density, and texture. For educators, this video serves as an excellent engagement hook or review tool for units on physical science. The repetitive nature of the chorus helps reinforce the definition of matter, while the specific visual examples provide concrete anchors for difficult vocabulary. It successfully bridges the gap between simple observation (what things look like) and scientific explanation (molecular structure and chemical reactions), making it a versatile resource for upper elementary and middle school science classrooms.

Have Fun TeachingHave Fun Teaching

4mins 29s

Video
Mastering the Scientific Method with Ice Cream

Mastering the Scientific Method with Ice Cream

This engaging educational video breaks down the six core steps of the scientific method using a relatable and delicious analogy: melting ice cream. The narrator guides viewers through the history of scientific inquiry before diving into the modern framework used by scientists to understand the natural world. By transforming a simple observation about messy, melting ice cream into a rigorous experiment, the video demonstrates how to move from curiosity to concrete data collection and analysis.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

12mins 31s

Video
Phase Changes, Energy, and Heating Curves

Phase Changes, Energy, and Heating Curves

This educational video explores the relationship between thermal energy and phase changes in matter. It begins by observing natural phenomena like the water cycle to introduce the concept that energy from the sun drives phase transitions. The narrator then delves into the molecular level, explaining how attractive forces hold molecules together and why energy is required to separate them during phase changes like melting and boiling. The video uses clear visuals and heating curve graphs to demonstrate why temperature remains constant during a phase change despite the continuous addition of heat. The content covers key thermodynamic concepts including Latent Heat of Vaporization and Latent Heat of Fusion. It provides specific numerical values for water (2,256 J/g for vaporization and 334 J/g for fusion) and compares these to other substances like Helium and Ethanol. The video explains that condensation is a warming process because combining molecules releases energy, a counter-intuitive concept for many students illustrated through the example of a sweating glass of iced tea. This resource is highly valuable for chemistry and physics classrooms as it bridges conceptual understanding with mathematical application. It walks students through three distinct practice problems involving calculating the energy required for phase changes using both unit analysis and the formula q = m x L. The step-by-step problem solving, attention to significant figures, and real-world examples make complex thermodynamic principles accessible and practical for learners.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

11mins 33s

Video
Mastering Metric Measurements: A Hands-On Lab

Mastering Metric Measurements: A Hands-On Lab

This educational video serves as a comprehensive, guided laboratory tutorial on taking scientific measurements using the metric system. Hosted by Caroline, the video walks students through the practical application of measuring three fundamental properties of matter: mass, length, and volume. The lesson is designed to be interactive, encouraging students to pause the video to perform their own measurements using household items alongside the presenter, or to record the data provided on screen if materials are unavailable. The narrative is framed by a relatable hook involving baking cookies, emphasizing the real-world importance of precision.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

15mins 50s

Video
What Is Matter? Solids, Liquids, and Gases Explained

What Is Matter? Solids, Liquids, and Gases Explained

Host Sabrina Cruz introduces students to the fundamental scientific concept of matter in this engaging Crash Course Kids episode. The video breaks down the core definition of matter as anything that has weight and takes up space (volume), moving beyond simple definitions to provide concrete examples and demonstrations that make abstract concepts tangible for young learners. The content explores the three primary states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—providing familiar examples for each. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to proving that invisible matter, specifically air (gas), is indeed matter. Through two clear experiments, the host demonstrates that air has volume (it fills a balloon that then won't fit in a small box) and weight (a balloon filled with air weighs more than an empty one on a balance scale). This video is an excellent instructional tool for introducing physical science units in elementary classrooms. It effectively addresses the common misconception that gases aren't "real" matter because they are invisible, provides a clear definition of volume suitable for young students, and models the scientific method through simple, replicable experiments.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 31s

Video
Thermal Energy and Temperature Scale Conversions

Thermal Energy and Temperature Scale Conversions

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to thermal energy and its relationship to temperature. It explains that thermal energy is essentially the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules moving within a substance; the faster they move, the higher the temperature. The host uses real-world examples, such as a solar power plant and boiling water, to illustrate these concepts visually before diving into the microscopic level to show molecular motion. The video details the three primary temperature scales used in science and daily life: Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. It compares their key reference points—the freezing and boiling points of water—and introduces the concept of absolute zero, the theoretical point where all molecular motion ceases. The distinction between these scales is clarified to help students understand why different systems are used in different contexts. Finally, the video transitions into a practical math tutorial, guiding students through the algebraic formulas needed to convert temperatures between these scales. Step-by-step examples demonstrate how to solve for unknown variables using the conversion equations, including proper attention to significant figures. This makes the video highly useful for physical science, chemistry, and physics classrooms where unit conversion is a fundamental skill.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

11mins 26s

Video
What Is Matter? Defining Mass and Volume

What Is Matter? Defining Mass and Volume

This engaging educational video provides a clear and age-appropriate introduction to the concept of matter for elementary students. It begins by answering the fundamental question "What is matter?" by connecting it to everyday sensory experiences—things we can see, touch, smell, and taste. The narration guides students through identifying common examples of matter, from toys and water to the air we breathe and even pets, making abstract concepts concrete and relatable. The video delves into the specific scientific properties that define matter: mass and volume. Through clear visual demonstrations, such as a balance scale comparing two different balls and water being poured into a glass, students learn that mass is the amount of "stuff" in an object and volume is the space it takes up. Uniquely, the video also explicitly teaches what is *not* matter—illustrating concepts like rainbows, light, sound, thoughts, and feelings—helping students distinguish between physical substances and abstract phenomena. Teachers can use this video as a foundational hook for a unit on physical science. It serves as an excellent tool for sparking classroom discussions about the physical world and setting the stage for hands-on activities involving weighing objects or measuring liquids. The clear definitions and contrasting examples (matter vs. non-matter) provide a solid framework for addressing common student misconceptions about air, light, and emotions in the context of science.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

2mins 13s

Video
How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids guides young learners through the popular hands-on experiment of making slime, transforming simple household ingredients into a fun scientific investigation. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on combining school glue, baking soda, and contact solution to create the stretchy substance. Beyond just a recipe, the video emphasizes safety and the importance of specific chemical components like boric acid in the activation process. The content delves into introductory chemistry and physics concepts, specifically focusing on states of matter and molecular structures. Through clear animations, the video illustrates how glue molecules act like long chains that slide past one another in liquid form, but become "tangled" when the activating ingredients are added. This visual analogy helps students grasp the complex concept of polymerization and cross-linking in an age-appropriate way. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for lessons on matter, chemical reactions, and procedural writing. It connects abstract ideas about molecules to a tangible product students can touch and manipulate. The video encourages scientific inquiry by asking students to predict changes, observe physical properties (viscosity, stickiness), and compare the slime's behavior to both solids and liquids, making it a perfect launchpad for a STEM lab activity.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 32s

Video
Choosing the Right Materials: Properties of Matter

Choosing the Right Materials: Properties of Matter

This educational video introduces students to the scientific concept of materials and their properties through engaging storytelling and practical examples. Using the familiar fairy tale of "The Three Little Pigs," the host explains how specific properties like mass, malleability, and hardness determine why certain materials (like brick) are better suited for specific tasks (like building a strong house) than others. The video breaks down complex vocabulary into easy-to-understand definitions supported by visual aids and comparisons. The lesson expands beyond the fairy tale to introduce an engineering challenge: building a raft to cross a river. This scenario introduces more advanced properties such as density and solubility. Students watch a demonstration comparing how metal, styrofoam, and concrete behave in water, leading to a discussion about density and buoyancy. The host emphasizes how engineers use these properties to make decisions, such as designing rockets that are both sturdy and lightweight. In the classroom, this video serves as an excellent foundation for units on matter, engineering design, or environmental science. It not only teaches scientific vocabulary but also introduces the concept of trade-offs, noting that while styrofoam is good for floating, it is man-made and harmful to the environment because it takes centuries to decompose. This invites discussions about sustainability alongside engineering utility.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

11mins 10s

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Video
How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

This educational video explores the geological origins and unique properties of diamonds, distinguishing them from ordinary rocks. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video explains that diamonds are actually crystals made of carbon, formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. It uses accessible analogies, such as building blocks, to demonstrate how atomic arrangements affect material strength. The narrative covers the timeline of diamond formation, noting that most formed billions of years ago—long before dinosaurs existed. It details the specific conditions required for their creation, including depths of around 150 kilometers underground, and explains how violent, deep-source volcanic eruptions brought them closer to the surface where they could cool and eventually be discovered by humans. For educators, this video serves as an excellent resource for Earth Science units covering rocks and minerals, geological processes, and states of matter. It introduces concepts like crystalline structure, the element carbon, and the layers of the Earth in a way that is comprehensible for elementary students. The video also touches on practical applications of diamonds beyond jewelry, such as in industrial cutting tools, linking science to real-world technology.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 33s

Video
Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

12mins 23s

Video
The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the science behind common table salt, bridging the gap between cooking and chemistry. The host, Jessi, and her robot rat friend, Squeaks, begin by preparing a vegetable pie, using the cooking process as an analogy for scientific experimentation. They introduce salt not just as a seasoning, but as a crystal structure that is essential for human survival. The video visually demonstrates what salt crystals look like up close and explains the difference between the large crystals found in nature and the crushed grains we use in food. The content covers key scientific themes including the properties of crystals, the process of dissolving (solubility), and basic chemistry concepts like elements (sodium and chloride). It also delves into biology and nutrition, explaining how saliva dissolves salt and how the body separates it into sodium and chloride ions. The specific functions of these elements—such as providing energy, aiding heart function, moving muscles, and transmitting brain signals—are broken down into age-appropriate explanations. For educators, this video serves as an excellent multidisciplinary resource connecting physical science (matter and solutions) with life science (human body systems). It provides a practical, real-world context for abstract concepts like chemical bonding and nutrient absorption. The video also touches on health education by discussing moderation, explaining the negative effects of consuming too much salt, such as dehydration and heart strain, making it a well-rounded tool for elementary science and health curriculums.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 23s

Video
Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

15mins 32s

Video
How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

This video introduces students to the fascinating world of materials science, focusing on how scientists create new materials with specific properties from existing natural resources. It begins by reviewing fundamental definitions of matter and properties before diving into a compelling case study: the creation of diamonds. The host explains that while we cannot create matter from nothing, we can manipulate existing matter—specifically carbon—to transform it into something completely different with new utility. The narrative compares natural diamonds, formed deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure, with synthetic diamonds created in laboratories. It details the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process, illustrating how soft graphite (the same material found in pencils) is transformed into the hardest material on Earth. This provides a clear, visual example of how rearranging atoms changes a material's physical properties, such as hardness and transparency. For educators, this video bridges the gap between geology and chemistry, demonstrating real-world applications of scientific principles. It highlights how humans use science to solve practical problems—like the scarcity and cost of natural diamonds for industrial cutting tools. The content encourages students to view everyday synthetic objects, such as plastics and rubber, as engineered solutions designed for specific purposes.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 42s

Video
Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

This comprehensive educational video explores the fundamental role of carbon as the building block of life and its significant impact on the Earth's climate. The narrator, Bee, takes viewers on a journey from the swampy forests of the Carboniferous period to the molecular structures that make up our bodies, explaining why carbon's unique chemical properties make it essential for biological complexity. The video uses accessible analogies, such as comparing atoms to Legos, to demystify concepts like chemical bonding, electron sharing, and molecular diversity. The content bridges the gap between chemistry and environmental science by tracing the lifecycle of carbon from ancient plant matter to fossil fuels like coal. It explains the chemical process of combustion and how burning these fuels releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The video provides a clear, scientific explanation of the greenhouse effect, distinguishing between the natural warming that makes Earth habitable and the accelerated warming caused by human activity. Teachers can use this video to support units in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It effectively connects abstract concepts like atomic structure and covalent bonding to tangible real-world issues like energy consumption and climate change. By integrating the history of the Earth with modern scientific challenges, the video encourages students to think critically about sustainable energy solutions and the importance of ecological balance.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

17mins 20s

Video
The Story of Plastic: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact

The Story of Plastic: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of plastics, exploring their origins, scientific properties, everyday uses, and environmental impact. It begins by situating plastic within the broader context of materials science, distinguishing it as a synthetic material derived from fossil fuels like oil. The narration explains the manufacturing process where oil is transformed and molded into the versatile items we use daily, from packaging to electronics.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 44s

Video
Why Bubbles Are Always Round

Why Bubbles Are Always Round

Join Jessi and Squeaks the Robot Mouse in this engaging exploration of the science behind soap bubbles. The video breaks down the physical properties of bubbles, explaining that a bubble is essentially a "sandwich" of water trapped between two layers of soap. Through clear animations and demonstrations, Jessi illustrates how water particles are naturally attracted to one another, creating a force that pulls water together into droplets—a phenomenon known as surface tension (though explained here through particle attraction). The video delves into specific scientific concepts regarding molecular attraction and geometry. It explains that while water alone pulls together too tightly to form bubbles, adding soap reduces this attraction just enough to allow the water to stretch into a thin film. A key segment of the video features an experiment with a diamond-shaped wand to investigate whether the shape of the wand dictates the shape of the bubble, introducing students to the geometric principle that bubbles always form spheres because the surface tension pulls inward equally in all directions. This resource is an excellent tool for early elementary science classrooms. It seamlessly connects abstract concepts like particle physics and molecular attraction to a familiar, fun activity. Teachers can use this video to introduce the scientific method (specifically making predictions), explore states of matter, demonstrate surface tension, or launch a hands-on unit about liquids and gases. The clear distinction between the wand's shape and the resulting bubble's shape provides a perfect anchor for discussions about forces and geometry.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 20s

Video
How Candy Corn Is Made and What's Inside It

How Candy Corn Is Made and What's Inside It

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.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

7mins 28s

Video
How Soap Works to Get You Clean

How Soap Works to Get You Clean

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the chemistry behind personal hygiene, specifically answering the question of how baths, soap, and water work together to clean our bodies. The host, Jessi, uses a question from a viewer to explain fundamental scientific concepts like solubility, mixtures, and molecular structures in a way that is accessible to young children. The video transitions from a simple question about bathing to a hands-on demonstration of why oil and water do not mix naturally. The content covers key scientific themes including how the human body gets dirty (sweat, salt, and natural oils), the definition of "dissolving," and the unique properties of soap molecules. Through clear animations, the video visualizes how soap acts as a bridge between water and oil, having one end that bonds with water and another that bonds with oil. This helps explain the mechanical process of washing away dirt that water alone cannot remove. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing basic chemistry and health concepts. It provides a scientific justification for hygiene habits, moving beyond "because I said so" to "here is how it works." It can be used to spark experiments about solubility, density, and mixtures, or to anchor health lessons about bacteria and body care. The clear visual metaphors make abstract molecular concepts concrete for elementary students.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 27s

Video
How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

14mins 25s

Video
How to Organize Matter by Its Properties

How to Organize Matter by Its Properties

This energetic science video introduces students to the fundamental concepts of matter, emphasizing how materials can be organized and classified based on their physical properties. Using a relatable analogy of social groups, the host explains that just as friends share common interests, materials share common characteristics called properties. The video breaks down the hierarchy of matter from atoms to molecules to substances, establishing a clear scientific vocabulary for young learners. The content covers key chemistry definitions including matter, molecules, atoms, substances, and elements. It uses the water molecule as a primary example to demonstrate how substances are uniform in composition regardless of quantity. The core of the video features a practical investigation where everyday objects found in a backpack—like a candy bar, safety pin, and paperclip—are tested for properties such as transparency, reflectivity, and magnetism to demonstrate how scientists classify materials. This video is an excellent resource for introducing the scientific method of classification in the classroom. It transitions from abstract definitions to concrete observations, allowing teachers to easily replicate the "backpack investigation" with their own students. It bridges the gap between atomic theory (what things are made of) and observable physical properties (how things behave), making it a perfect launchpad for hands-on labs about density, magnetism, or conductivity.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 32s

Video
How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids guides young learners through the popular hands-on experiment of making slime, transforming simple household ingredients into a fun scientific investigation. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on combining school glue, baking soda, and contact solution to create the stretchy substance. Beyond just a recipe, the video emphasizes safety and the importance of specific chemical components like boric acid in the activation process. The content delves into introductory chemistry and physics concepts, specifically focusing on states of matter and molecular structures. Through clear animations, the video illustrates how glue molecules act like long chains that slide past one another in liquid form, but become "tangled" when the activating ingredients are added. This visual analogy helps students grasp the complex concept of polymerization and cross-linking in an age-appropriate way. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for lessons on matter, chemical reactions, and procedural writing. It connects abstract ideas about molecules to a tangible product students can touch and manipulate. The video encourages scientific inquiry by asking students to predict changes, observe physical properties (viscosity, stickiness), and compare the slime's behavior to both solids and liquids, making it a perfect launchpad for a STEM lab activity.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 32s

Video
Exploring Winter: Seasons, Snow Science, and Animal Adaptations

Exploring Winter: Seasons, Snow Science, and Animal Adaptations

This comprehensive winter-themed compilation from SciShow Kids, hosted by Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks, explores the science behind the winter season through five distinct segments. The video covers a wide range of topics, starting with the astronomical reasons for Earth's seasons and moving into the meteorology of snowflake formation. It also delves into the physics of building stable snowmen and the biology of animal adaptations, specifically how Arctic animals change their coats to survive and hide in the snow. finally, it discusses practical ways humans can help local bird populations during the freezing months. Key themes include Earth Science (axial tilt and orbits), meteorology (crystallization and water vapor), engineering (balance and stability), and biology (adaptation, camouflage, and hibernation). The video uses clear animations to illustrate abstract concepts like the Earth's hemisphere tilt and the hexagonal molecular structure of ice, making them accessible to young learners. It connects these scientific principles to familiar winter activities and observations, such as playing in the snow and watching wildlife. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for a broad 'Winter' unit or can be segmented for specific science lessons. It explains why seasons occur without misconceptions, introduces geometry through nature via snowflakes, and encourages engineering thinking through snowman construction. The segment on animal adaptations provides concrete examples of camouflage and survival strategies, while the final section promotes environmental stewardship by teaching students how to support local wildlife.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

16mins 10s

Video
Explaining Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Through Song

Explaining Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Through Song

This high-energy educational music video serves as a memorable mnemonic device for mastering the complexities of gas behavior in high school chemistry. Set to a catchy parody rhythm of Falco's 'Rock Me Amadeus,' the song systematically breaks down the Kinetic Molecular Theory, explaining how gas particles move, collide, and interact with their containers. It distinguishes between 'ideal' and 'real' gases, highlighting the specific conditions—high temperature and low pressure—under which real gases behave ideally. The content covers essential chemistry concepts including Avogadro's Hypothesis (equal volumes contain equal molecules at the same temperature and pressure), the definition of a mole (6.02 x 10^23), and the mathematical relationships found in Boyle's, Charles', and Gay-Lussac's laws. It visualizes abstract ideas through diagrams of molecular motion and clearly displays the formulas for calculating changes in pressure, volume, and temperature, culminating in the Combined Gas Law. Teachers can use this video as an engaging hook to introduce a unit on gases or as a powerful review tool before an assessment. The lyrics provide a verbatim checklist of the assumptions of the Kinetic Molecular Theory, making it an excellent resource for 'decoding the text' activities where students identify scientific principles hidden within the rhyme. The humor and rhythm help solidify abstract facts, such as the conditions for ideal gas behavior, into long-term memory.

Mark RosengartenMark Rosengarten

3mins 8s

Video
Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

Chemistry Basics: Periodic Table, Naming Compounds, and Atomic Structure

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.

The Organic Chemistry TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor

52mins 9s

Video
How Earth Recycles: The Four Key Cycles of Matter

How Earth Recycles: The Four Key Cycles of Matter

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of how matter cycles through the Earth's systems, emphasizing the concept of Earth as a "closed system." It begins by posing a thought-provoking question about population growth: if Earth doesn't gain new matter, where do the materials for new life come from? The host then explains the difference between elements and compounds before diving into four specific biogeochemical cycles: the Carbon Cycle, the Nitrogen Cycle, the Phosphorus Cycle, and the Water Cycle. Key themes include the law of conservation of matter, the interaction between Earth's spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere), and the specific biological and chemical processes that drive these cycles. The video details complex processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, nitrogen fixation, mineralization, nitrification, and weathering, breaking them down with clear visuals and definitions. This resource is highly valuable for middle and high school science classrooms studying ecology, earth science, or chemistry. It effectively connects abstract chemical concepts to real-world phenomena, such as how plants grow, how clouds form, and what our bodies are made of. Teachers can use this video to introduce the concept of nutrient cycling or to review specific vocabulary related to ecosystem dynamics.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

14mins 5s

Video
How Static Electricity Makes Balloons Stick

How Static Electricity Makes Balloons Stick

This engaging science video introduces young learners to the concept of static electricity through a classic and accessible experiment: sticking a balloon to a wall. Hosted by Jessi from SciShow Kids, the video demystifies what looks like a magic trick by explaining the underlying scientific principles. It breaks down complex ideas about matter and atomic structure into simple, age-appropriate terms, using the concepts of "positive" and "negative" opposites to explain attraction. The video explores key themes including forces, the properties of matter, and the behavior of charged particles. It uses clear analogies, such as comparing static attraction to magnets, and provides visual representations of invisible particles to help students grasp abstract concepts. The narrative moves from a demonstration to an explanation of particle transfer caused by friction, defining static electricity as an imbalance of positive and negative charges. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook for units on forces, matter, or weather (lightning). It provides a safe, replicable classroom experiment that requires minimal materials. The clear visual models of positive and negative charges offer a concrete way to discuss atomic theory at an elementary level without getting bogged down in complex terminology like protons and electrons, making it highly effective for early elementary science instruction.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 12s

Video
Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

In this engaging general science lesson, host Justin breaks down the fundamental concept of matter, explaining that almost everything in the universe—from squirrels to water bottles—is made of it. The video simplifies abstract physical science concepts by defining matter through two main criteria: having mass and taking up space (volume). Through clear visual examples and animations, students learn to distinguish between objects with different masses and volumes, understanding that size doesn't always equal mass. The lesson explores key themes including the definitions of mass versus volume, the distinction between matter and non-matter (like ideas and light), and the physical properties of gases. A significant portion of the video demonstrates that air is indeed matter through a practical balloon experiment, addressing a common student misconception. It concludes by zooming in to the microscopic level, introducing atoms as the basic building blocks of all matter. This video is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school science classrooms introducing physical science. It includes built-in pause points for student reflection and note-taking, making it ready-to-use for direct instruction. Teachers can use the comparative examples (like the bowling ball vs. beach ball) to spark classroom debates about density and mass, while the segment on atoms provides a perfect segue into more advanced chemistry topics.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 40s

Video
Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

12mins 23s

Video
How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

This educational video explores the geological origins and unique properties of diamonds, distinguishing them from ordinary rocks. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video explains that diamonds are actually crystals made of carbon, formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. It uses accessible analogies, such as building blocks, to demonstrate how atomic arrangements affect material strength. The narrative covers the timeline of diamond formation, noting that most formed billions of years ago—long before dinosaurs existed. It details the specific conditions required for their creation, including depths of around 150 kilometers underground, and explains how violent, deep-source volcanic eruptions brought them closer to the surface where they could cool and eventually be discovered by humans. For educators, this video serves as an excellent resource for Earth Science units covering rocks and minerals, geological processes, and states of matter. It introduces concepts like crystalline structure, the element carbon, and the layers of the Earth in a way that is comprehensible for elementary students. The video also touches on practical applications of diamonds beyond jewelry, such as in industrial cutting tools, linking science to real-world technology.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 33s

Video
How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

This engaging science video introduces students to the fundamental concept that all matter is made of tiny building blocks called particles. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video uses clear analogies and animation to explain that while we see large objects like people, devices, or dogs, they are actually composed of microscopic particles that determine how the object looks and behaves. The video breaks down the three primary states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—by visualizing how the arrangement and movement of particles differ in each state.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 50s

Video
Exploring Electrical Energy and Static Electricity

Exploring Electrical Energy and Static Electricity

This engaging educational video introduces students to the fundamental concepts of electrical energy, beginning with the atomic structure of matter. Through a mix of live-action humor and clear animated diagrams, the host explains how the movement of subatomic particles—specifically electrons—creates the electricity that powers our daily lives. The video breaks down complex physics concepts into digestible segments, covering the differences between protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how their charges interact to create energy.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

10mins 47s

Video
What Is Matter? A Musical Science Lesson

What Is Matter? A Musical Science Lesson

This high-energy animated music video serves as an engaging introduction to the fundamental concepts of matter for elementary students. Through a catchy pop-rock song performed by a diverse band of cartoon characters, the video defines matter as anything that has mass and takes up space. It moves beyond simple definitions to introduce the microscopic structure of matter, explaining that it is composed of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. The content effectively differentiates between matter and non-matter, specifically addressing forms of energy that students often confuse with physical objects. By visually and lyrically contrasting matter with light, sound, heat, and wind, it helps clarify abstract distinctions in physical science. The video utilizes clear, colorful graphics—such as atomic models and diagrams of molecules—to visualize these invisible concepts alongside everyday objects like cheese and ice cubes. Teachers can use this video as a hook to start a unit on physical science or as a review tool to reinforce vocabulary. Its musical format aids in memorization, making definitions of 'mass', 'volume', and 'atoms' stickier for young learners. The video naturally bridges the gap between observing the world (everything you see and touch) and understanding the underlying scientific structure (atoms and elements), providing a springboard for lessons on density, states of matter, or atomic theory.

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1min

Video
Exploring the Building Blocks of Life: Matter, Atoms, and Elements

Exploring the Building Blocks of Life: Matter, Atoms, and Elements

This educational video bridges the gap between biology and chemistry by exploring the fundamental building blocks of life. The host, B, introduces the concept that all living things—including humans—are made of matter, just like non-living objects. The video breaks down complex microscopic concepts into understandable segments, starting with the definition of matter and its states (solid, liquid, gas) within the human body, then zooming in to the atomic level to explain the structure of atoms, and finally categorizing these atoms into elements using the Periodic Table.

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10mins 28s

Video
Why We Study Chemistry in Biology

Why We Study Chemistry in Biology

This video serves as an engaging introduction to a biology unit focused on the chemistry of life. The host, Bea, addresses the common student question of why chemistry is being taught in a biology course, explaining that understanding the living world requires knowledge of the chemical building blocks that make up organisms, food, and DNA. The video outlines the scope of the upcoming unit, promising to start at the atomic level and work upward through the levels of biological organization to the biosphere. Key themes include the interdisciplinary connection between biology and chemistry, the hierarchy of life (from atoms to biospheres), and real-world applications of these concepts. The video explicitly connects abstract chemical concepts to familiar items like the Periodic Table of Elements and nutrition facts labels on food packaging. It introduces the idea that fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are chemical substances that play vital roles in living things. For educators, this video is an excellent hook to launch a unit on biochemistry or macromolecules. It provides a clear rationale for interdisciplinary learning and helps students visualize the scale of biological study. While the video mentions specific accompanying PDF notes for a proprietary course, the core content is universally applicable for introducing the relevance of chemistry in biological sciences. It sets the stage for lessons on atoms, molecules, and the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems.

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2mins 58s

Video
Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

This comprehensive educational video explores the fundamental role of carbon as the building block of life and its significant impact on the Earth's climate. The narrator, Bee, takes viewers on a journey from the swampy forests of the Carboniferous period to the molecular structures that make up our bodies, explaining why carbon's unique chemical properties make it essential for biological complexity. The video uses accessible analogies, such as comparing atoms to Legos, to demystify concepts like chemical bonding, electron sharing, and molecular diversity. The content bridges the gap between chemistry and environmental science by tracing the lifecycle of carbon from ancient plant matter to fossil fuels like coal. It explains the chemical process of combustion and how burning these fuels releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The video provides a clear, scientific explanation of the greenhouse effect, distinguishing between the natural warming that makes Earth habitable and the accelerated warming caused by human activity. Teachers can use this video to support units in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It effectively connects abstract concepts like atomic structure and covalent bonding to tangible real-world issues like energy consumption and climate change. By integrating the history of the Earth with modern scientific challenges, the video encourages students to think critically about sustainable energy solutions and the importance of ecological balance.

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17mins 20s

Video
How Fossils Form and How Scientists Date Them

How Fossils Form and How Scientists Date Them

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of paleontology, focusing on the formation, discovery, and dating of fossils. It begins by defining fossils as the remains or traces of once-living organisms and explains the specific, rare environmental conditions necessary for fossilization to occur, such as rapid burial in sediment, ice, or amber. The video differentiates between body fossils (bones, soft tissue) and trace fossils (footprints, nests), giving students a clear understanding of the diversity of the fossil record. The content then delves into the two primary methods scientists use to date these discoveries: relative dating and absolute dating. It explains relative dating through the Law of Superposition and the use of index fossils like trilobites to establish chronological order in rock layers. It then introduces the more complex concept of absolute dating, using animations to demonstrate radioactive decay, isotopes, and half-lives. Specific examples using Carbon-14 and Potassium-40 are provided to show how scientists calculate specific ages for fossils ranging from thousands to billions of years old. For educators, this video is a valuable tool for bridging biology and earth science concepts. It effectively simplifies the abstract mathematics of radioactive half-lives into visual models that are easier for students to grasp. The video includes built-in learning goals, practice problems, and real-world examples (such as cyanobacteria and woolly mammoths), making it a self-contained lesson on geological time and the evidence for evolution.

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13mins 37s

Video
Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

This energetic animated music video provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of matter, setting fundamental physical science concepts to a catchy, rhythmic beat. Through a cast of colorful animated characters and clear visual diagrams, the song defines matter as anything that has mass and takes up space, distinguishing it from forms of energy like light and sound. The video breaks down the composition of matter into atoms and molecules, visualizing protons, neutrons, and electrons in a way that makes abstract atomic theory accessible to young learners. The content covers several critical curriculum standards, including the three primary states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the phase changes between them (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation). It progresses to more advanced topics by distinguishing between physical changes—where the substance remains the same, like tearing paper—and chemical changes—where new substances are formed, illustrated by rusting locks, burning wood, and cooking food. The lyrics also introduce key properties used to describe matter, such as mass, volume, density, and texture. For educators, this video serves as an excellent engagement hook or review tool for units on physical science. The repetitive nature of the chorus helps reinforce the definition of matter, while the specific visual examples provide concrete anchors for difficult vocabulary. It successfully bridges the gap between simple observation (what things look like) and scientific explanation (molecular structure and chemical reactions), making it a versatile resource for upper elementary and middle school science classrooms.

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4mins 29s

Video
How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

This video introduces students to the fascinating world of materials science, focusing on how scientists create new materials with specific properties from existing natural resources. It begins by reviewing fundamental definitions of matter and properties before diving into a compelling case study: the creation of diamonds. The host explains that while we cannot create matter from nothing, we can manipulate existing matter—specifically carbon—to transform it into something completely different with new utility. The narrative compares natural diamonds, formed deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure, with synthetic diamonds created in laboratories. It details the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process, illustrating how soft graphite (the same material found in pencils) is transformed into the hardest material on Earth. This provides a clear, visual example of how rearranging atoms changes a material's physical properties, such as hardness and transparency. For educators, this video bridges the gap between geology and chemistry, demonstrating real-world applications of scientific principles. It highlights how humans use science to solve practical problems—like the scarcity and cost of natural diamonds for industrial cutting tools. The content encourages students to view everyday synthetic objects, such as plastics and rubber, as engineered solutions designed for specific purposes.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 42s

Video
How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

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.

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14mins 25s

Video
What Is Matter? Properties and States Explained

What Is Matter? Properties and States Explained

A high-energy, animated musical video that defines matter and explores its fundamental properties through a catchy rock song. The video utilizes colorful characters and clear diagrams to explain abstract physical science concepts like mass, volume, and atomic structure in an accessible way for elementary students. The content covers the definition of matter (anything that has mass and takes up space), its composition (atoms, molecules, protons, neutrons, electrons), and the distinction between matter and energy forms like light and sound. It concludes by introducing the three primary states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Teachers can use this video as an engaging hook to start a unit on matter, a mnemonic device to help students memorize definitions, or a review tool. The clear visuals distinguish between tangible matter and intangible energy, addressing a common conceptual hurdle for young science students.

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1min

Video
The Matter Song: Properties, States, and Changes

The Matter Song: Properties, States, and Changes

A high-energy, pop-rock educational song that provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific concept of matter. The video features a static visual while the lyrics deliver a dense stream of scientific definitions, examples, and distinctions, covering everything from atomic structure to phase changes. The song breaks down complex chemistry topics into rhyming verses that are easy for students to memorize and recall. The content moves systematically through key topics: defining matter (mass and volume), atomic composition (protons, neutrons, electrons), states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), phase changes (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation), and the difference between physical and chemical changes. It explicitly addresses misconceptions by listing things that are not matter, such as energy forms like light and sound. This resource is an excellent tool for auditory learners and can serve as an engaging hook to start a unit or a mnemonic device for review. Teachers can use the lyrics as a text for close reading to unpack vocabulary like "oxidation," "density," and "substance," or use the song's structure to organize a series of lessons on the properties and changes of matter.

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4mins 33s

Video
The Building Blocks of Matter: Exploring Particle Physics

The Building Blocks of Matter: Exploring Particle Physics

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to particle physics, delving deeper than the standard model of protons, neutrons, and electrons to explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The narrator guides viewers through the "particle zoo," explaining how protons and neutrons are actually composite particles made of quarks, while electrons belong to a different family called leptons. The video clarifies the distinction between fermions (matter builders) and bosons (force carriers), offering clear analogies to explain how forces operate at the subatomic level. Key themes include the structure of the atom, the Standard Model of elementary particles, and the four fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetic, strong nuclear, weak nuclear, and gravitational. The video breaks down complex concepts like fractional charges in quarks, the pairing of leptons with neutrinos, and the role of particle accelerators in discovering new particles like the Higgs boson. It also addresses current gaps in scientific knowledge, such as the hypothetical nature of the graviton. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between basic chemistry/physics concepts and advanced modern physics. It uses clear graphics and simple math (adding fractions for quark charges) to demystify abstract concepts. The content is valuable for high school physics and chemistry classrooms to deepen students' understanding of matter, introduce the concept of fundamental forces, and spark interest in contemporary scientific research.

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12mins 40s

Video
Explaining the 4 Phases of Matter: From Ice to Plasma

Explaining the 4 Phases of Matter: From Ice to Plasma

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of the four primary phases of matter: solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. Using a combination of real-world examples (like diamond, water, and hot air balloons) and particle-level animations, the narrator explains the unique properties of each phase concerning density, shape, volume, and atomic structure. The video specifically highlights how atomic neighbors behave in each state and introduces the concept of plasma as a "soup" of separated nuclei and electrons. Beyond just defining the states, the video details the phase changes that occur between them, introducing terminology such as melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, ionization, and deionization. It establishes the relationship between temperature and phase changes, providing specific data points for water and plasma. The narrator also addresses density trends across the phases and notes important exceptions, such as water ice being less dense than liquid water. This resource is highly valuable for middle and high school science classrooms as it connects abstract particle theory with observable phenomena. The clear visuals of molecular arrangements help students conceptualize the difference between the states of matter. The video includes built-in retrieval practice, asking students to pause and recall information, which supports long-term retention of these fundamental physics and chemistry concepts.

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8mins 19s

Video
Understanding the Strange World of Quantum Mechanics

Understanding the Strange World of Quantum Mechanics

This engaging video introduces students to the fundamental and often counterintuitive principles of quantum mechanics. Through clear narration and helpful analogies, it breaks down complex topics such as wave-particle duality, the observer effect, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and energy quantization. The video uses visual demonstrations, like the double-slit experiment and car speedometer analogies, to make these abstract concepts accessible to high school students. Key themes include the strange behavior of subatomic particles, the difference between continuous and quantized energy, and how observation fundamentally alters quantum systems. The video also explores practical applications of these theories, explaining how quantum mechanics allows us to determine the composition of stars through spectroscopy, improves television displays with Quantum Dots (QLED), and powers the future of quantum computing. Ideally suited for high school physics and chemistry classrooms, this video bridges the gap between theoretical science and real-world technology. It provides a solid conceptual foundation for understanding atomic structure and modern technology, making it an excellent resource for introducing a unit on modern physics or electron configurations.

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10mins 18s

Video
How Fossils Form and How Scientists Date Them

How Fossils Form and How Scientists Date Them

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of paleontology, focusing on the formation, discovery, and dating of fossils. It begins by defining fossils as the remains or traces of once-living organisms and explains the specific, rare environmental conditions necessary for fossilization to occur, such as rapid burial in sediment, ice, or amber. The video differentiates between body fossils (bones, soft tissue) and trace fossils (footprints, nests), giving students a clear understanding of the diversity of the fossil record. The content then delves into the two primary methods scientists use to date these discoveries: relative dating and absolute dating. It explains relative dating through the Law of Superposition and the use of index fossils like trilobites to establish chronological order in rock layers. It then introduces the more complex concept of absolute dating, using animations to demonstrate radioactive decay, isotopes, and half-lives. Specific examples using Carbon-14 and Potassium-40 are provided to show how scientists calculate specific ages for fossils ranging from thousands to billions of years old. For educators, this video is a valuable tool for bridging biology and earth science concepts. It effectively simplifies the abstract mathematics of radioactive half-lives into visual models that are easier for students to grasp. The video includes built-in learning goals, practice problems, and real-world examples (such as cyanobacteria and woolly mammoths), making it a self-contained lesson on geological time and the evidence for evolution.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

13mins 37s

Video
The Building Blocks of Matter: Exploring Particle Physics

The Building Blocks of Matter: Exploring Particle Physics

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to particle physics, delving deeper than the standard model of protons, neutrons, and electrons to explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The narrator guides viewers through the "particle zoo," explaining how protons and neutrons are actually composite particles made of quarks, while electrons belong to a different family called leptons. The video clarifies the distinction between fermions (matter builders) and bosons (force carriers), offering clear analogies to explain how forces operate at the subatomic level. Key themes include the structure of the atom, the Standard Model of elementary particles, and the four fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetic, strong nuclear, weak nuclear, and gravitational. The video breaks down complex concepts like fractional charges in quarks, the pairing of leptons with neutrinos, and the role of particle accelerators in discovering new particles like the Higgs boson. It also addresses current gaps in scientific knowledge, such as the hypothetical nature of the graviton. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between basic chemistry/physics concepts and advanced modern physics. It uses clear graphics and simple math (adding fractions for quark charges) to demystify abstract concepts. The content is valuable for high school physics and chemistry classrooms to deepen students' understanding of matter, introduce the concept of fundamental forces, and spark interest in contemporary scientific research.

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12mins 40s

Video
Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

This educational video explores the fundamental scientific principle of the Conservation of Mass. Through engaging visuals and clear examples, the host investigates whether matter can ever truly disappear or be created from nothing. The video distinguishes between physical changes (like dissolving sugar in tea) and chemical changes (like baking a cake), explaining how matter behaves in each scenario. It specifically addresses the common misconception that when something dissolves or evaporates, it is gone forever. The content breaks down complex terminology into accessible concepts, defining key terms such as reactants, products, and physical versus chemical changes. It uses a concrete experiment—weighing sugar and water before and after mixing—to provide empirical evidence that mass remains constant even when visible properties change. The narrative connects everyday observations, like a glass of water evaporating or sugar dissolving, to the broader scientific law that mass is never made or lost. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing the particle nature of matter and the law of conservation of mass. It provides a ready-made demonstration that can be replicated in the classroom and offers clear definitions of vocabulary essential for upper elementary and middle school science curricula. The visual proof provided by the digital scale reading serves as a powerful anchor for students grappling with abstract concepts of invisible matter.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 9s

Video
How Chemical Reactions Conserve Mass

How Chemical Reactions Conserve Mass

This engaging video explores the Law of Conservation of Mass specifically through the lens of chemical changes. Using Lego bricks as an accessible analogy, the host demonstrates how atoms (represented by blocks) are merely rearranged rather than created or destroyed during reactions. This visual metaphor helps bridge the gap between abstract atomic theory and observable phenomena. The video moves from theory to practice by conducting a "gross" but effective experiment mixing vinegar and cream to create curds. It introduces critical scientific vocabulary including reactants, products, and chemical changes, while teaching students how to identify evidence of reactions such as temperature shifts, bubbling, or light. The host also addresses the tricky concept of conserving mass when gases are produced, referencing closed systems like balloons. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent anchor for units on matter and chemical reactions. It directly addresses Next Generation Science Standards regarding conservation of matter (5-PS1-2 and MS-PS1-5). The combination of a concrete model (Legos) and a wet lab demonstration makes it perfect for visual learners and provides a clear framework for students to design their own investigations into mass conservation.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 53s

Video
How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

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.

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14mins 25s

Video
Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

This educational science video provides a comprehensive introduction to solutions, solubility, and the molecular properties of water. Through a blend of clear animations and a guided laboratory experiment, the presenter explains the relationship between solvents and solutes, using lemonade as an initial analogy to define these terms. The video delves into the chemistry of water, illustrating how its polar nature and hydrogen bonds allow it to act as a universal solvent for other polar substances, while repelling nonpolar substances like oil. Key themes include the definitions of mixtures and solutions, the distinction between polar and nonpolar molecules, and the scientific method. The video breaks down the atomic structure of water molecules to explain *why* dissolving happens, visualizing how positive and negative charges interact. It then transitions into a practical demonstration, walking students through a four-part experiment testing salt, pepper, sugar, and oil to determine their solubility in water. For the classroom, this video serves as an excellent bridge between theoretical chemistry concepts and practical application. It models proper lab safety and experimental procedure, including hypothesis generation and observation. Teachers can use the built-in pause points to facilitate class discussions, allowing students to make predictions before seeing the results. The content is ideal for introducing unit on matter, mixtures, or basic chemistry.

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13mins 58s

Video
How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

How Diamonds Form and Why They Are So Strong

This educational video explores the geological origins and unique properties of diamonds, distinguishing them from ordinary rocks. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video explains that diamonds are actually crystals made of carbon, formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. It uses accessible analogies, such as building blocks, to demonstrate how atomic arrangements affect material strength. The narrative covers the timeline of diamond formation, noting that most formed billions of years ago—long before dinosaurs existed. It details the specific conditions required for their creation, including depths of around 150 kilometers underground, and explains how violent, deep-source volcanic eruptions brought them closer to the surface where they could cool and eventually be discovered by humans. For educators, this video serves as an excellent resource for Earth Science units covering rocks and minerals, geological processes, and states of matter. It introduces concepts like crystalline structure, the element carbon, and the layers of the Earth in a way that is comprehensible for elementary students. The video also touches on practical applications of diamonds beyond jewelry, such as in industrial cutting tools, linking science to real-world technology.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 33s

Video
Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

Identifying and Classifying Minerals, Crystals, and Gemstones

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.

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12mins 23s

Video
Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

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.

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15mins 32s

Video
The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the science behind common table salt, bridging the gap between cooking and chemistry. The host, Jessi, and her robot rat friend, Squeaks, begin by preparing a vegetable pie, using the cooking process as an analogy for scientific experimentation. They introduce salt not just as a seasoning, but as a crystal structure that is essential for human survival. The video visually demonstrates what salt crystals look like up close and explains the difference between the large crystals found in nature and the crushed grains we use in food. The content covers key scientific themes including the properties of crystals, the process of dissolving (solubility), and basic chemistry concepts like elements (sodium and chloride). It also delves into biology and nutrition, explaining how saliva dissolves salt and how the body separates it into sodium and chloride ions. The specific functions of these elements—such as providing energy, aiding heart function, moving muscles, and transmitting brain signals—are broken down into age-appropriate explanations. For educators, this video serves as an excellent multidisciplinary resource connecting physical science (matter and solutions) with life science (human body systems). It provides a practical, real-world context for abstract concepts like chemical bonding and nutrient absorption. The video also touches on health education by discussing moderation, explaining the negative effects of consuming too much salt, such as dehydration and heart strain, making it a well-rounded tool for elementary science and health curriculums.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 23s

Video
The Story of Plastic: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact

The Story of Plastic: Properties, Uses, and Environmental Impact

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of plastics, exploring their origins, scientific properties, everyday uses, and environmental impact. It begins by situating plastic within the broader context of materials science, distinguishing it as a synthetic material derived from fossil fuels like oil. The narration explains the manufacturing process where oil is transformed and molded into the versatile items we use daily, from packaging to electronics.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 44s

Video
How Chemical Potential Energy Powers Our World

How Chemical Potential Energy Powers Our World

This educational video provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to chemical potential energy, defining it as the energy stored within the bonds of atoms and molecules. It distinguishes this form of energy from elastic potential energy, explaining that energy is released when chemical bonds are broken during reactions. The video uses high-quality visuals to illustrate abstract concepts, making the physics and chemistry accessible to students.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 30s

Video
Understanding Metals: Properties, Extraction, and Alloys

Understanding Metals: Properties, Extraction, and Alloys

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to metals as a material, exploring their origins, physical properties, and widespread applications in daily life. It begins by contextualizing metals within the broader category of materials that make up our world, before diving into the specific lifecycle of metals—from extraction in mines to purification and shaping. The narrative breaks down complex physical science concepts into accessible explanations, supported by high-quality footage of industrial processes like smelting, casting, and manufacturing. The content focuses heavily on the specific physical properties that make metals unique, introducing key scientific vocabulary such as "malleability," "ductility," and "conductivity." It uses clear visual demonstrations to explain these terms, showing how metals can be hammered into sheets or drawn into wires without breaking. The video also introduces the concept of alloys, explaining how mixing metals (like copper and tin to make bronze) can create new materials with enhanced strength or resistance to corrosion. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent anchor for units on matter, chemistry, or earth science. It effectively bridges the gap between raw geological resources and finished human-made products, helping students understand the "why" behind material selection in engineering and construction. The clear definitions of specific properties make it particularly useful for vocabulary building in physical science curriculums.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 2s

Video
How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

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.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s

Video
How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Diamonds

This video introduces students to the fascinating world of materials science, focusing on how scientists create new materials with specific properties from existing natural resources. It begins by reviewing fundamental definitions of matter and properties before diving into a compelling case study: the creation of diamonds. The host explains that while we cannot create matter from nothing, we can manipulate existing matter—specifically carbon—to transform it into something completely different with new utility. The narrative compares natural diamonds, formed deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure, with synthetic diamonds created in laboratories. It details the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process, illustrating how soft graphite (the same material found in pencils) is transformed into the hardest material on Earth. This provides a clear, visual example of how rearranging atoms changes a material's physical properties, such as hardness and transparency. For educators, this video bridges the gap between geology and chemistry, demonstrating real-world applications of scientific principles. It highlights how humans use science to solve practical problems—like the scarcity and cost of natural diamonds for industrial cutting tools. The content encourages students to view everyday synthetic objects, such as plastics and rubber, as engineered solutions designed for specific purposes.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 42s

Video
Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

Exploring Carbon: Life's Building Block and Climate Changer

This comprehensive educational video explores the fundamental role of carbon as the building block of life and its significant impact on the Earth's climate. The narrator, Bee, takes viewers on a journey from the swampy forests of the Carboniferous period to the molecular structures that make up our bodies, explaining why carbon's unique chemical properties make it essential for biological complexity. The video uses accessible analogies, such as comparing atoms to Legos, to demystify concepts like chemical bonding, electron sharing, and molecular diversity. The content bridges the gap between chemistry and environmental science by tracing the lifecycle of carbon from ancient plant matter to fossil fuels like coal. It explains the chemical process of combustion and how burning these fuels releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The video provides a clear, scientific explanation of the greenhouse effect, distinguishing between the natural warming that makes Earth habitable and the accelerated warming caused by human activity. Teachers can use this video to support units in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It effectively connects abstract concepts like atomic structure and covalent bonding to tangible real-world issues like energy consumption and climate change. By integrating the history of the Earth with modern scientific challenges, the video encourages students to think critically about sustainable energy solutions and the importance of ecological balance.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

17mins 20s

Video
Exploring Properties of Matter Through Lunchbox Science

Exploring Properties of Matter Through Lunchbox Science

This engaging science video explores the physical properties of matter using everyday lunch items as relatable examples. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video introduces and defines four specific properties: hardness, malleability, conductivity, and magnetism. It explains each concept clearly with visual definitions and comparative examples, demonstrating how scientists use these properties to describe and classify different types of matter. The video breaks down complex vocabulary like "malleability" and "conductivity" into understandable segments. It uses side-by-side comparisons—such as a rock vs. slime for hardness, or a metal bottle vs. a plastic bottle for conductivity—to make abstract concepts concrete. The narrative emphasizes that properties are useful for comparing matter, showing that some materials possess certain traits strongly while others do not possess them at all. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent introduction or review of physical science concepts for upper elementary students. It models scientific investigation by asking questions and testing hypotheses (e.g., "Which is harder: bread or an apple?"). The video's structure, which moves from definitions to a "lunchtime investigation" application phase, provides a perfect model for classroom lab activities where students can test materials found in their own environment.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 37s

Video
How Clay Becomes Ceramic: Properties and Uses

How Clay Becomes Ceramic: Properties and Uses

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to ceramics as a material, tracing their journey from natural geological origins to advanced technological applications. It begins by situating ceramics among other common materials like wood and metal, defining them as substances made from natural sources like clay. The video explains the geological process of how igneous rock breaks down over millions of years to form clay, and how this malleable substance is transformed through high heat in a kiln to become hard, durable ceramic.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 2s

Video
How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

How Molecules and Chemical Reactions Power Life

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

14mins 25s

Video
How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

How to Make Slime and Understand States of Matter

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids guides young learners through the popular hands-on experiment of making slime, transforming simple household ingredients into a fun scientific investigation. Hosted by Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks, the video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on combining school glue, baking soda, and contact solution to create the stretchy substance. Beyond just a recipe, the video emphasizes safety and the importance of specific chemical components like boric acid in the activation process. The content delves into introductory chemistry and physics concepts, specifically focusing on states of matter and molecular structures. Through clear animations, the video illustrates how glue molecules act like long chains that slide past one another in liquid form, but become "tangled" when the activating ingredients are added. This visual analogy helps students grasp the complex concept of polymerization and cross-linking in an age-appropriate way. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for lessons on matter, chemical reactions, and procedural writing. It connects abstract ideas about molecules to a tangible product students can touch and manipulate. The video encourages scientific inquiry by asking students to predict changes, observe physical properties (viscosity, stickiness), and compare the slime's behavior to both solids and liquids, making it a perfect launchpad for a STEM lab activity.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 32s

Video
Improving Materials: From Steel to Smartphone Glass

Improving Materials: From Steel to Smartphone Glass

In this engaging episode of Crash Course Kids, Sabrina Cruz explores the fascinating world of materials science, specifically focusing on how humans have learned to improve existing materials throughout history. The video bridges the gap between ancient innovations and modern technology, demonstrating that the quest to make things stronger and more useful is a timeless human endeavor. By defining what materials and properties are, the host sets a foundational understanding before diving into complex applications of chemistry and engineering. The content covers two primary examples of material improvement: the historical transition from iron to steel and the modern engineering of Gorilla Glass for smartphones. Viewers learn how adding charcoal to iron created a harder metal for tools and weapons, and how a chemical bath allows large potassium ions to replace small sodium ions in glass, creating a tension that strengthens the material against cracks. This juxtaposition helps students understand that innovation is an ongoing process of modifying physical properties. This video is an excellent resource for science classrooms exploring the properties of matter, chemistry, and engineering design. It connects abstract chemical concepts (like ion exchange) to tangible objects students use daily (smartphones), making science personally relevant. Teachers can use this video to introduce the role of a Materials Scientist, discuss the history of technology, or launch experiments on material strength and durability.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 37s

Video
Exploring Dissolving and Solutions with Skittles

Exploring Dissolving and Solutions with Skittles

This educational video introduces elementary students to the scientific concepts of dissolving and solutions through engaging, simple experiments. Hosted by a young presenter in a virtual laboratory setting, the video breaks down the abstract chemistry of how substances like sugar interact with water. It explains the molecular process of dissolving in student-friendly language—describing how water molecules surround and break apart particles of a substance—and defines key vocabulary such as "dissolving," "mixture," and "solution." The core of the video features two visual demonstrations. First, the host uses a sugar cube and food coloring to show that even when a solid disappears in water, it is still present, just spread out evenly. Second, the famous "Skittles Experiment" is performed, creating a vibrant visual representation of dissolving as the sugar and dye from the candy run into the center of a plate of water. The video concludes with an interactive 5-question multiple-choice quiz to test viewer comprehension immediately after the lesson. For educators, this resource is a perfect introduction to a unit on States of Matter or Mixtures and Solutions. It provides a clear, correct definition of dissolving that combats the misconception that substances "vanish." The experiments demonstrated are low-cost, safe, and highly visual, making them ideal for classroom replication. The built-in quiz allows for instant formative assessment, making this a complete mini-lesson package ready for immediate classroom use.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 7s

Video
How Volcanoes Work: Magma, Hotspots, and Eruptions

How Volcanoes Work: Magma, Hotspots, and Eruptions

This comprehensive geography video explores the science of volcanoes, positioning them as "windows into the center of the Earth." It moves beyond simple eruptions to explain the complex geological systems that create them, detailing the difference between endogenic (internal) and exogenic (external) forces. The video breaks down how scientists predict eruptions using gas monitoring and satellite data, and maps where volcanoes occur, distinguishing between those at plate boundaries and mysterious "hotspot" volcanoes driven by mantle plumes. The content dives deep into the chemistry of geology, explaining how the composition of magma determines the shape and explosiveness of a volcano. It contrasts "mafic" lavas that create broad shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa with "felsic" lavas that build dangerous stratovolcanoes like Mount Rainier. Furthermore, it introduces advanced concepts linking volcanic activity to global climate patterns, specifically exploring the hypothesis that glacial cycles (Milankovitch cycles) influence underwater volcanic eruption rates. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for units on plate tectonics, earth systems, or climate science. It provides clear visual models for abstract concepts like viscosity and subduction. It helps students move from observing volcanoes as mere natural disasters to understanding them as integral parts of the Earth's recycling system, offering opportunities for lessons on data analysis, chemical composition, and the interconnectedness of Earth's spheres.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

12mins 44s

Video
How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

This episode of Crash Course Ecology dives deep into the complex nature of pollution, challenging the common misconception that it is simply trash or synthetic chemicals. Hank Green explains that pollution is fundamentally about substances—whether natural or synthetic—existing in the wrong place or at the wrong concentrations. The video explores how human activities disrupt Earth's natural biogeochemical cycles, specifically looking at how overloading the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles leads to climate change and massive aquatic dead zones.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s

Video
Is It an Acid or a Base? Testing Household Items

Is It an Acid or a Base? Testing Household Items

This educational video demonstrates a classic science experiment suitable for elementary and middle school students: testing the pH levels of common household substances to determine if they are acids or bases. Using litmus paper as an indicator, the presenter tests four distinct liquids—window cleaner, lemon juice, vinegar, and a baking soda solution—providing a clear visual representation of chemical properties. The video explores key themes of chemical classification, observation, and data recording. It introduces the concept of litmus paper as a tool that changes color in reaction to pH levels, establishing the rule that acids turn the paper red while bases turn it blue or green. The segment concludes by synthesizing the findings into a clear data table, modeling how scientists organize their results. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook or demonstration for units on matter, chemistry, or the scientific method. It provides a safe, replicable experiment that allows students to see abstract chemical properties manifested through observable color changes. The clear pacing and visual reinforcement make it ideal for introducing the vocabulary of "acid" and "base" before students conduct their own hands-on investigations.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

2mins 51s

Video
How Chemical Reactions Make Old Pennies Shiny Again

How Chemical Reactions Make Old Pennies Shiny Again

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks explore the chemistry behind cleaning dirty pennies. After discovering a collection of lucky pennies that have become dull and grimy, the duo decides to conduct a scientific experiment to see which household liquids work best to restore their shine. They test five different substances—dish soap, cola, lemon juice, vinegar and salt, and ketchup—while guiding viewers through the scientific method, including setting up materials, making predictions, and observing results. The video introduces key chemistry concepts in an accessible way for young learners. It explains that pennies are made of copper and that the dull coating is copper oxide, formed when copper reacts with oxygen in the air. The core lesson focuses on how acids (found in lemons, vinegar, and cola) react with and dissolve the copper oxide, revealing the shiny metal underneath. It also explains why non-acidic solutions like soapy water fail to clean the oxidation. This video is an excellent resource for introducing the scientific method and basic chemical reactions in early elementary classrooms. It models how to set up a controlled experiment and encourages critical thinking by asking students to predict outcomes before revealing the results. The experiment uses safe, easily accessible household materials, making it perfect for a hands-on classroom activity or a home assignment that connects science to everyday life.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 15s

Video
How Weathering and Erosion Shape the Earth

How Weathering and Erosion Shape the Earth

In this dynamic episode of Crash Course Geography, host Alizé Carrère explores the powerful forces that break down the Earth's surface: weathering and erosion. The video distinguishes between these two critical processes, explaining that weathering is the breakdown of rock in situ, while erosion is the transport of that material. Viewers are taken on a journey from the towering Himalayas to the microscopic interactions of atoms, illustrating how mountains are leveled over millions of years through mechanical, chemical, and biological means. The content dives deep into specific mechanisms of weathering. It covers mechanical processes like frost action (freeze-thaw cycles) and salt crystal growth, which physically pry rocks apart. It then transitions to chemical weathering, explaining oxidation (rusting) and carbonation, detailing how acidic water dissolves limestone to create vast cave systems and karst topography. The video concludes by examining biological weathering and the unique ecosystems found within caves. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between chemistry and geography. It visually demonstrates abstract concepts like acid-base reactions in a real-world geological context. The clear analogies—such as a rusting bicycle representing oxidation or bursting pipes representing frost wedging—make complex geological processes accessible. Teachers can use this resource to explain the rock cycle, soil formation, and the interconnectivity of Earth's spheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere).

CrashCourseCrashCourse

11mins 25s

Video
Beyond Polar Bears: How Climate Change Impacts Global Ecosystems

Beyond Polar Bears: How Climate Change Impacts Global Ecosystems

This educational video provides a comprehensive look at the ripple effects of climate change beyond the common imagery of melting ice caps and polar bears. It explores how rising temperatures and atmospheric changes are devastating diverse ecosystems, from the chemical structure of our oceans to the stability of forests and the survival of specific species like koalas. The narrative connects human activity, such as deforestation and carbon emissions, to the breakdown of essential natural systems. Key themes include ocean acidification and its impact on coral reefs, the role of forests as carbon sinks (and how drought and fire compromise this), and the specific biological threats to wildlife. The video details how koalas suffer from dehydration due to drying eucalyptus leaves and heat stress, while also touching on the decline of amphibians, birds, and pollinators. It emphasizes the concept of a "domino effect" where the loss of one species disrupts entire food webs. For educators, this resource serves as a powerful tool to teach systems thinking and environmental science. It moves beyond general awareness to explain specific mechanisms of harm, such as how CO2 prevents coral from building calcium carbonate structures. It provides excellent visual evidence for discussions on biodiversity, conservation, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth, making it suitable for biology, ecology, and environmental studies units.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 30s

Video
Observing a Giant Cell: The Naked Egg Experiment

Observing a Giant Cell: The Naked Egg Experiment

This concise science demonstration uses a common chicken egg to visualize and understand the properties of a cell membrane. By dissolving the hard outer shell of the egg using vinegar, the video reveals the flexible, semi-permeable membrane underneath, providing a rare macroscopic view of a biological structure usually only visible through a microscope. The video guides viewers through the chemical process of removing the calcium carbonate shell and then examines the physical properties of the exposed membrane. The video explores key biological and chemical themes, specifically the structure of animal cells and the reaction between acids and bases. It highlights that bird eggs are essentially giant single cells, making them perfect models for classroom study. The interaction between the vinegar (acetic acid) and the eggshell (calcium carbonate) serves as a dual lesson in cell biology and chemical reactions, demonstrating how distinct substances interact to alter physical properties. For educators, this video is an excellent hook or demonstration tool for units on cell biology or introductory chemistry. It transforms the abstract concept of a "cell membrane" into a tangible, observable object. Teachers can use this video to introduce the differences between plant and animal cells (specifically the lack of a cell wall in animal cells), discuss the protective functions of biological structures, or set up a hands-on "Naked Egg" experiment in the classroom to further study osmosis and diffusion.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 54s

Video
How to Make a Naked Egg with Chemistry

How to Make a Naked Egg with Chemistry

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic kitchen science experiment: creating a "naked" egg. The video guides viewers through a multi-day process where a raw egg is submerged in vinegar to dissolve its shell, leaving behind only the delicate membrane. The experiment continues by placing the now shell-less egg into corn syrup, demonstrating how water moves in and out of the egg through the membrane, causing it to dramatically shrink.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 47s

Video
Understanding Outdoor Air Pollution: Primary and Secondary Types

Understanding Outdoor Air Pollution: Primary and Secondary Types

This educational video explores the complex topic of outdoor air pollution, breaking it down into two main categories: primary and secondary pollutants. The narrator, Caroline, uses a personal anecdote about receiving an air quality alert to frame the lesson, guiding viewers through the scientific reasons behind such alerts. The video defines and provides examples of primary pollutants like particulate matter, harmful gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), before explaining how secondary pollutants like acid rain and ground-level ozone are formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere. The content covers key environmental science themes including atmospheric chemistry, the sources of pollution (such as fossil fuels, wildfires, and consumer products), and the distinction between beneficial stratospheric ozone and harmful ground-level ozone. It also touches on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the health impacts of smog and particulate matter, making abstract environmental concepts concrete and relatable. For educators, this video serves as an excellent core resource for units on ecology, human impact, or environmental chemistry. It uses clear visual metaphors—like the "pollution cake"—to explain complex chemical processes, making it accessible for middle and high school students. The built-in pause points for reflection and prediction allow teachers to easily incorporate active learning, checking for understanding as the lesson progresses.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

8mins 32s

Video
Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

15mins 32s

Video
Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

This educational science video provides a comprehensive introduction to solutions, solubility, and the molecular properties of water. Through a blend of clear animations and a guided laboratory experiment, the presenter explains the relationship between solvents and solutes, using lemonade as an initial analogy to define these terms. The video delves into the chemistry of water, illustrating how its polar nature and hydrogen bonds allow it to act as a universal solvent for other polar substances, while repelling nonpolar substances like oil. Key themes include the definitions of mixtures and solutions, the distinction between polar and nonpolar molecules, and the scientific method. The video breaks down the atomic structure of water molecules to explain *why* dissolving happens, visualizing how positive and negative charges interact. It then transitions into a practical demonstration, walking students through a four-part experiment testing salt, pepper, sugar, and oil to determine their solubility in water. For the classroom, this video serves as an excellent bridge between theoretical chemistry concepts and practical application. It models proper lab safety and experimental procedure, including hypothesis generation and observation. Teachers can use the built-in pause points to facilitate class discussions, allowing students to make predictions before seeing the results. The content is ideal for introducing unit on matter, mixtures, or basic chemistry.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

13mins 58s

Video
Why Bubbles Pop and How to Make Them Stronger

Why Bubbles Pop and How to Make Them Stronger

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids!, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks explore the science behind one of childhood's favorite pastimes: blowing bubbles. After enjoying some bubble fun, they investigate the scientific structure of a bubble, explaining how soap and water work together to trap air. The video uses clear animations to demonstrate why bubbles eventually pop, attributing it to water evaporation and gravity causing the liquid layer to thin and break.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 16s

Video
How Temporary Tattoos Stick to Your Skin

How Temporary Tattoos Stick to Your Skin

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks explore the science behind temporary tattoos. The video breaks down the seemingly magical process of transferring an image from paper to skin, turning a fun childhood activity into a lesson on materials science and engineering. Jessi demonstrates the step-by-step application process while explaining the specific purpose of each layer involved in making the tattoo stick. The video focuses on the mechanics of adhesion and the specific chemical properties of materials. Key topics include the structure of a temporary tattoo (sandwiched layers), the role of silicone release layers (similar to sticker backings), and the function of water in activating the transfer process. It introduces concepts like 'transfer,' 'silicone,' and 'adhesive' in a way that is accessible to young learners, using clear visual diagrams to show what happens at a microscopic level when water is applied. For educators, this video serves as an excellent practical application of science in everyday life. It can be used to introduce units on states of matter, properties of materials (sticky vs. slippery), or procedural writing. The visual breakdown of layers helps students visualize complex structures, while the hands-on nature of the topic invites immediate classroom experimentation and observation, making abstract concepts concrete and relatable.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 13s

Video
How Extreme Environments Change the Properties of Water

How Extreme Environments Change the Properties of Water

This educational video from Crash Course Kids explores how environmental factors like pressure and temperature affect the properties of matter. Using water as a central example, host Sabrina Cruz demonstrates how a standard material behaves differently in extreme environments, specifically comparing conditions at sea level to those on Mount Everest and in the vacuum of space. The video uses animation and clear analogies to explain complex concepts regarding phase changes and atmospheric pressure. The content covers key chemistry and physics topics including states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), physical properties, boiling points, and the relationship between altitude, atmospheric pressure, and molecular behavior. It introduces the particle model of matter by explaining how pressure acts as a force keeping molecules bound together in a liquid state, and what happens when that pressure is removed. For educators, this video serves as an excellent bridge between units on states of matter and units on weather/atmosphere or space science. It provides concrete examples of abstract concepts, making it easier for students to understand why boiling points aren't fixed numbers but are dependent on environmental conditions. The engaging animation style and humorous examples (like astronaut waste in space) make high-level science accessible for upper elementary and middle school students.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 46s

Video
How Soap Works to Get You Clean

How Soap Works to Get You Clean

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the chemistry behind personal hygiene, specifically answering the question of how baths, soap, and water work together to clean our bodies. The host, Jessi, uses a question from a viewer to explain fundamental scientific concepts like solubility, mixtures, and molecular structures in a way that is accessible to young children. The video transitions from a simple question about bathing to a hands-on demonstration of why oil and water do not mix naturally. The content covers key scientific themes including how the human body gets dirty (sweat, salt, and natural oils), the definition of "dissolving," and the unique properties of soap molecules. Through clear animations, the video visualizes how soap acts as a bridge between water and oil, having one end that bonds with water and another that bonds with oil. This helps explain the mechanical process of washing away dirt that water alone cannot remove. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing basic chemistry and health concepts. It provides a scientific justification for hygiene habits, moving beyond "because I said so" to "here is how it works." It can be used to spark experiments about solubility, density, and mixtures, or to anchor health lessons about bacteria and body care. The clear visual metaphors make abstract molecular concepts concrete for elementary students.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 27s

Video
Why Bubbles Are Always Round

Why Bubbles Are Always Round

Join Jessi and Squeaks the Robot Mouse in this engaging exploration of the science behind soap bubbles. The video breaks down the physical properties of bubbles, explaining that a bubble is essentially a "sandwich" of water trapped between two layers of soap. Through clear animations and demonstrations, Jessi illustrates how water particles are naturally attracted to one another, creating a force that pulls water together into droplets—a phenomenon known as surface tension (though explained here through particle attraction). The video delves into specific scientific concepts regarding molecular attraction and geometry. It explains that while water alone pulls together too tightly to form bubbles, adding soap reduces this attraction just enough to allow the water to stretch into a thin film. A key segment of the video features an experiment with a diamond-shaped wand to investigate whether the shape of the wand dictates the shape of the bubble, introducing students to the geometric principle that bubbles always form spheres because the surface tension pulls inward equally in all directions. This resource is an excellent tool for early elementary science classrooms. It seamlessly connects abstract concepts like particle physics and molecular attraction to a familiar, fun activity. Teachers can use this video to introduce the scientific method (specifically making predictions), explore states of matter, demonstrate surface tension, or launch a hands-on unit about liquids and gases. The clear distinction between the wand's shape and the resulting bubble's shape provides a perfect anchor for discussions about forces and geometry.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 20s

Video
How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

This engaging science video introduces students to the fundamental concept that all matter is made of tiny building blocks called particles. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video uses clear analogies and animation to explain that while we see large objects like people, devices, or dogs, they are actually composed of microscopic particles that determine how the object looks and behaves. The video breaks down the three primary states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—by visualizing how the arrangement and movement of particles differ in each state.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 50s

Video
Why Water Floats and Fire is Round in Space

Why Water Floats and Fire is Round in Space

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her puppet friend Sam explore the fascinating differences between life on Earth and life on the International Space Station (ISS). The video uses real footage from space to demonstrate how ordinary substances like water and fire behave in extraordinary ways when the pull of gravity is effectively neutralized by orbit. Through a series of comparisons, students learn that while physical laws are consistent, the environment changes how those laws manifest. The video covers key scientific concepts including gravity, the states of matter, and the scientific method of making predictions based on observations. It specifically contrasts how liquids take the shape of their container on Earth but form spheres in space, and how fire burns in a teardrop shape on Earth due to rising hot air but forms a round ball in space. The concept of orbit is explained simply as 'falling around the Earth' without hitting the ground. This resource is an excellent tool for elementary science classrooms to introduce the concept of gravity and the scientific method. The 'predict-observe-explain' structure used throughout the video models critical thinking skills. Teachers can use the video to spark curiosity about space exploration, anchor lessons on forces and motion, or prompt creative problem-solving activities where students imagine how they would perform daily tasks like cooking or washing in a microgravity environment.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

7mins 18s

Video
The Mystery of Hair Ice: How Water Cohesion Creates Strange Shapes

The Mystery of Hair Ice: How Water Cohesion Creates Strange Shapes

In this episode of SciShow Kids, Jessi and Squeaks explore a strange winter phenomenon called "Hair Ice"—ice that looks exactly like fluffy white hair growing on dead wood. After discovering a sample on a nature walk, they investigate why the ice forms in such a unique shape and why it melted so quickly when brought indoors. The video uses this mystery to introduce fundamental physics and chemistry concepts in an accessible way.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

5mins 8s

Video
Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter

Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter

This educational science video from Lighthouse Lab introduces students to the fundamental concepts of how matter changes. Hosted by a young presenter in a virtual lab setting, the video distinguishes between physical changes—where the form alters but the substance remains the same—and chemical changes, where new substances are created. Through clear definitions and relatable examples like chopping wood, cooking food, and exploding fireworks, complex chemistry concepts are made accessible for elementary and middle school learners. The content is structured to compare and contrast these two types of changes. It explores physical changes through demonstrations of cutting paper, folding origami, and the reversible nature of changing states of matter (melting ice, evaporating water). It then shifts to chemical changes, using the lighting of a match to demonstrate irreversibility and the production of new substances like ash and smoke. The video also discusses the varied rates at which reactions occur, from instant explosions to slow processes like rusting and erosion. Teachers can use this video as a core instructional tool to introduce or reinforce a unit on matter and chemistry. The visual demonstrations provide concrete evidence for abstract definitions, helping students identify signs of chemical reactions such as color change, heat, and light. The connection to biological processes, specifically digestion, also offers a cross-curricular link between physical science and life science, making it a versatile resource for the classroom.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

5mins 40s

Video
Making Soda Erupt: The Science of Bubbles

Making Soda Erupt: The Science of Bubbles

This engaging video from SciShow Kids features host Anthony and his robot mouse friend Squeaks exploring the science behind carbonation and the famous Mentos and diet soda geyser experiment. The video begins by investigating why soda is fizzy, demonstrating how gas bubbles behave when poured over ice or interacting with a straw. It progressively builds understanding by showing how different surface textures—from a smooth straw to a fuzzy chenille stick—affect the release of bubbles.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 55s

Video
The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

The Science of Salt: Crystals, Chemistry, and the Human Body

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the science behind common table salt, bridging the gap between cooking and chemistry. The host, Jessi, and her robot rat friend, Squeaks, begin by preparing a vegetable pie, using the cooking process as an analogy for scientific experimentation. They introduce salt not just as a seasoning, but as a crystal structure that is essential for human survival. The video visually demonstrates what salt crystals look like up close and explains the difference between the large crystals found in nature and the crushed grains we use in food. The content covers key scientific themes including the properties of crystals, the process of dissolving (solubility), and basic chemistry concepts like elements (sodium and chloride). It also delves into biology and nutrition, explaining how saliva dissolves salt and how the body separates it into sodium and chloride ions. The specific functions of these elements—such as providing energy, aiding heart function, moving muscles, and transmitting brain signals—are broken down into age-appropriate explanations. For educators, this video serves as an excellent multidisciplinary resource connecting physical science (matter and solutions) with life science (human body systems). It provides a practical, real-world context for abstract concepts like chemical bonding and nutrient absorption. The video also touches on health education by discussing moderation, explaining the negative effects of consuming too much salt, such as dehydration and heart strain, making it a well-rounded tool for elementary science and health curriculums.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 23s

Video
How Salt Prevents Ice From Forming on Sidewalks

How Salt Prevents Ice From Forming on Sidewalks

In this engaging science demonstration, the host Anthony and his robot mouse companion Squeaks explore why we put salt on sidewalks during winter. Through a simple comparative experiment using two cups of water—one with salt and one without—placed in a freezer, the video visually demonstrates how salt affects the freezing process of water. The experiment clearly shows that while fresh water freezes into solid ice at standard temperatures, saltwater remains liquid. The video introduces key chemistry and physics concepts including states of matter (solids and liquids), freezing points, and freezing point depression. It explains that water normally freezes at 0°C (32°F), but adding salt lowers this temperature threshold, requiring much colder conditions for ice to form. This scientific principle is then directly applied to the real-world scenario of keeping sidewalks safe for walking. Finally, the video encourages critical thinking about the environmental impact of using salt, noting how runoff can harm local waterways. This leads to an open-ended inquiry prompt where students are encouraged to design their own experiments to test eco-friendly alternatives like sand, sugar, or rocks, making it an excellent springboard for classroom hands-on learning.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 34s

Video
Making Playdough to Learn Mixtures and Solutions

Making Playdough to Learn Mixtures and Solutions

This engaging video tutorial from Lighthouse Lab combines practical kitchen chemistry with a fun hands-on activity. Host Halle demonstrates a simple, step-by-step procedure for making homemade playdough using common household ingredients. The video is designed to be interactive, encouraging students to follow along or observe closely as raw ingredients transform into a malleable toy. The content goes beyond a simple craft tutorial by integrating key scientific concepts relevant to elementary chemistry. As the host combines flour, salt, and cream of tartar, she introduces the concept of a "mixture." When water and food coloring are added, the lesson shifts to explain "solutions" and the process of dissolving. The video clearly distinguishes between physical combinations of dry ingredients and the interactions that occur when liquids are introduced. For educators, this video serves as an excellent dual-purpose resource. It can be used as a direct instructional guide for a classroom laboratory activity where students make their own playdough. Simultaneously, it functions as a concrete visual aid for teaching the abstract differences between mixtures and solutions. The clear, paced instructions and visual labeling of measurements make it accessible for students to practice procedural listening and observation skills.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 11s

Video
Understanding Mixtures, Solutions, and How to Separate Them

Understanding Mixtures, Solutions, and How to Separate Them

This engaging science lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of mixtures and solutions through a relatable problem-solving scenario. Hosted by Justin, a scientist character, the video begins with a dilemma: his baby sister has contaminated her water cup with sand and salt, prompting an investigation into how to separate these substances to clean the water. The narrative structure anchors abstract chemical concepts in a concrete, real-world application that students follow from start to finish. The video systematically breaks down the definitions of mixtures and solutions, distinguishing between them based on whether substances retain their physical identities or are evenly distributed. It introduces key vocabulary such as solubility, solute, and solvent, providing clear visual examples like lemonade, chocolate milk, and salt water. The lesson then pivots to practical engineering and scientific techniques, demonstrating how physical properties like size, state of matter, magnetism, and boiling point can be utilized to separate different types of mixtures. Ideally suited for upper elementary classrooms, this video connects chemistry concepts to everyday life. It is valuable for teachers as it models the scientific method and introduces specific separation techniques—sieving, filtration, magnetism, and evaporation—that can be easily replicated in a classroom lab setting. The video includes built-in pause points for student reflection and checking for understanding, making it a ready-to-use resource for interactive learning.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 21s

Video
Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

Exploring Solubility and Polarity Through Experiments

This educational science video provides a comprehensive introduction to solutions, solubility, and the molecular properties of water. Through a blend of clear animations and a guided laboratory experiment, the presenter explains the relationship between solvents and solutes, using lemonade as an initial analogy to define these terms. The video delves into the chemistry of water, illustrating how its polar nature and hydrogen bonds allow it to act as a universal solvent for other polar substances, while repelling nonpolar substances like oil. Key themes include the definitions of mixtures and solutions, the distinction between polar and nonpolar molecules, and the scientific method. The video breaks down the atomic structure of water molecules to explain *why* dissolving happens, visualizing how positive and negative charges interact. It then transitions into a practical demonstration, walking students through a four-part experiment testing salt, pepper, sugar, and oil to determine their solubility in water. For the classroom, this video serves as an excellent bridge between theoretical chemistry concepts and practical application. It models proper lab safety and experimental procedure, including hypothesis generation and observation. Teachers can use the built-in pause points to facilitate class discussions, allowing students to make predictions before seeing the results. The content is ideal for introducing unit on matter, mixtures, or basic chemistry.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

13mins 58s

Video
Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

This educational video explores the fundamental scientific principle of the Conservation of Mass. Through engaging visuals and clear examples, the host investigates whether matter can ever truly disappear or be created from nothing. The video distinguishes between physical changes (like dissolving sugar in tea) and chemical changes (like baking a cake), explaining how matter behaves in each scenario. It specifically addresses the common misconception that when something dissolves or evaporates, it is gone forever. The content breaks down complex terminology into accessible concepts, defining key terms such as reactants, products, and physical versus chemical changes. It uses a concrete experiment—weighing sugar and water before and after mixing—to provide empirical evidence that mass remains constant even when visible properties change. The narrative connects everyday observations, like a glass of water evaporating or sugar dissolving, to the broader scientific law that mass is never made or lost. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing the particle nature of matter and the law of conservation of mass. It provides a ready-made demonstration that can be replicated in the classroom and offers clear definitions of vocabulary essential for upper elementary and middle school science curricula. The visual proof provided by the digital scale reading serves as a powerful anchor for students grappling with abstract concepts of invisible matter.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 9s

Video
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks demonstrate how to make homemade ice cream using basic kitchen ingredients and the power of chemistry. The video guides viewers through a hands-on experiment that transforms liquid cream into solid ice cream without using a freezer, relying instead on a chemical reaction between ice and salt. The content focuses heavily on the scientific concepts of states of matter and freezing point depression. It explains in accessible terms why salt is added to ice (similar to salting icy roads in winter) and how this process lowers the freezing temperature of water. The video uses clear animations to visualize how melting ice draws heat away from the cream mixture, allowing it to freeze rapidly. This video is an excellent resource for elementary science classrooms as it combines a fun, edible reward with rigorous scientific inquiry. It provides a perfect practical application for lessons on phase changes, temperature, and following procedural texts. Teachers can use this video to introduce thermodynamics or simply as a guide for a beloved classroom activity that reinforces measuring skills and observation.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 10s

Video
4 Fun Indoor Science Experiments: Oobleck, Potions, Paint & Forts

4 Fun Indoor Science Experiments: Oobleck, Potions, Paint & Forts

In this engaging compilation of four hands-on science activities, Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks demonstrate how to turn a stuck-inside day into an exciting laboratory adventure. The video guides young viewers through creating Oobleck (a non-Newtonian fluid), mixing "potions" to understand solutions versus suspensions, creating homemade watercolor paints using a chemical reaction, and engineering blanket forts to learn about physics and tension. Each segment is practical, easy to follow, and uses common household items. The video explores fundamental scientific concepts across chemistry, physics, and engineering. Key topics include states of matter (solids, liquids, and things in between), the properties of mixtures (dissolving vs. separating), chemical reactions (acids and bases fizzing), color theory, and physical forces like tension that hold structures together. The content seamlessly blends fun activities with rigorous scientific vocabulary and explanation. For educators, this video is a treasure trove of ready-to-use classroom demonstrations or stations. It is ideal for introducing units on matter, mixtures, or simple machines/forces. The step-by-step instructions allow teachers to pause and have students predict outcomes or follow along in real-time. It transforms abstract concepts like "suspension" or "tension" into tangible, memorable experiences that students can touch, see, and build themselves.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

16mins 1s

Video
Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

Why Water Is Essential for Life: A Molecular Look

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

15mins 32s

Video
Why Bubbles Pop and How to Make Them Stronger

Why Bubbles Pop and How to Make Them Stronger

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids!, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks explore the science behind one of childhood's favorite pastimes: blowing bubbles. After enjoying some bubble fun, they investigate the scientific structure of a bubble, explaining how soap and water work together to trap air. The video uses clear animations to demonstrate why bubbles eventually pop, attributing it to water evaporation and gravity causing the liquid layer to thin and break.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 16s

Video
Mixing Science Potions: Suspensions vs. Solutions

Mixing Science Potions: Suspensions vs. Solutions

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi explores the chemistry of mixtures by pretending to make magic potions using common kitchen ingredients. The video demystifies what happens when different substances are combined, moving beyond the concept of 'magic' to introduce the scientific principles of how matter interacts. Through clear visual demonstrations, students observe how solids behave when mixed with liquids, leading to the discovery of distinct types of mixtures. Key scientific themes include the properties of matter, mixing and separating substances, and the specific definitions of suspensions and solutions. The video introduces foundational chemistry vocabulary—specifically 'suspension,' 'solution,' and 'dissolve'—and provides concrete criteria for distinguishing between them. It explores how particle size affects mixing, why some things settle or separate while others don't, and how filtration works as a method of separation. This resource is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms as it models the scientific method: asking questions, conducting experiments, observing results, and drawing conclusions. The use of clear glass jars and everyday materials (sand, sugar, oil, water) makes the experiments easily reproducible in a classroom or home setting. Teachers can use this video to introduce a unit on matter, to demonstrate observation skills, or as a hook for hands-on mixing and dissolving experiments.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

5mins 27s

Video
Is Gelatin a Solid or a Liquid?

Is Gelatin a Solid or a Liquid?

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids, host Anthony and his robot friend Squeaks explore the unique scientific properties of gelatin. After enjoying a delicious dinner, their dessert sparks a scientific inquiry: Is gelatin a solid or a liquid? Through a series of kitchen-friendly experiments involving a colander, boiling water, and a refrigerator, they investigate how this wobbly snack behaves differently than standard solids like pasta or liquids like water. The video covers fundamental chemistry concepts including states of matter, the process of dissolving, and the definition of a mixture. A key highlight is the explanation of a "colloid," which is illustrated through a clever animation comparing the microscopic structure of gelatin to a spider web that traps water droplets. This visual metaphor helps students understand how a substance can possess characteristics of both solids and liquids simultaneously. This resource is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms introducing states of matter. It moves beyond the binary solid/liquid classification to encourage critical thinking about complex substances. The video provides a perfect launchpad for hands-on classroom activities involving mixtures, temperature changes, and edible science, making abstract chemical concepts tangible and delicious for young learners.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

5mins 55s

Video
How to Identify Unknown Substances Using Properties

How to Identify Unknown Substances Using Properties

In this engaging episode of Crash Course Kids, host Sabrina Cruz explores how physical properties can be used to identify unknown substances. Starting with a relatable scenario about choosing candy from a gift bag without looking, the video introduces the scientific definition of 'properties' and explains how scientists use observable traits to categorize matter. It defines key terms like 'substance' and 'element' while reviewing properties of common groups like metals (shiny, conductive, magnetic) and gases (shapeless, transparent). The video transitions into a practical 'investigation' segment that demonstrates how to distinguish between similar-looking substances. It first tackles two white powders (sugar and sand) by testing their solubility in water, emphasizing the critical safety rule of 'No Tasting.' Then, using a blindfold challenge, it distinguishes between a metal nail and a gummy frog based on hardness, flexibility (malleability), and magnetism. This hands-on approach models scientific inquiry and deductive reasoning. Ideally suited for upper elementary science classrooms, this video provides a solid foundation for units on matter. It connects abstract definitions to concrete examples and simple experiments that can be replicated in class. Teachers can use this resource to introduce the concept of characteristic properties, teach laboratory safety, or kick off a mystery substance lab activity where students must identify materials using only physical tests.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 27s

Video
How to Separate Mixtures Using Evaporation

How to Separate Mixtures Using Evaporation

This educational animation provides a clear and concise demonstration of how to separate a soluble solid from a liquid using evaporation. It begins by defining key scientific concepts such as mixtures, solutions, solvents, and solutes through a virtual experiment involving table salt and water. The video visually demonstrates the process of dissolving, explaining how the solid salt integrates into the water to create a uniform solution. The narrative then shifts to the separation process, introducing laboratory equipment like a beaker, ring stand, and Bunsen burner. It explains the physical change that occurs during evaporation, where heat causes the liquid solvent (water) to turn into a gas (vapor), eventually leaving the solid solute (salt) behind. This section effectively illustrates conservation of matter and reversible physical changes. The video concludes with an interactive six-question quiz that reinforces the terminology and concepts covered. This comprehensive resource is valuable for science classrooms as it visualizes abstract processes that are often difficult to see in real-time, making it an excellent tool for introducing or reviewing the properties of matter and separation techniques.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 53s

Video
Mixing Matter: Solutions, Suspensions, and Immiscibles Explained

Mixing Matter: Solutions, Suspensions, and Immiscibles Explained

This educational video features a host named Halle in the "Lighthouse Lab" demonstrating four simple chemistry experiments to explain how different substances interact with water. Using clear glass beakers, she systematically mixes salt, sand, sugar cubes, and vegetable oil with water, observing the results of each combination to define specific scientific categories of mixtures. The video uses these visual examples to clearly distinguish between physical changes and chemical interactions in a way that is accessible to young students. The content focuses on three primary types of mixtures: solutions, suspensions, and immiscible liquids. Through side-by-side comparisons, the video introduces and defines key vocabulary such as "dissolve," "crystals," and "suspended." It contrasts soluble substances like salt and sugar with insoluble ones like sand, and demonstrates density and separation with oil and water, providing concrete visual evidence for abstract concepts. This resource is highly valuable for elementary and middle school science classrooms introducing units on matter and mixtures. It serves as an excellent "virtual lab" demonstration that is clean, clear, and easy to follow. The structure of the video—introducing an item, mixing it, and observing the result—is perfect for "pause and predict" teaching strategies, allowing educators to engage students in the scientific method by having them hypothesize outcomes before seeing the results.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

5mins 33s

Video
Exploring Solutions with the Skittles Experiment

Exploring Solutions with the Skittles Experiment

In this engaging hands-on science demonstration, a young host explores the concepts of dissolving and solutions using simple household items: water, sugar cubes, and Skittles candy. The video breaks down the invisible process of how water molecules interact with solid substances, explaining that when something dissolves, it breaks into tiny particles that spread evenly throughout the liquid rather than disappearing completely. Key scientific themes include the properties of matter, mixtures versus solutions, and the molecular interaction between solvents (water) and solutes (sugar). The video visually demonstrates these abstract concepts through two distinct experiments: a sugar cube dissolving in a beaker to define a "solution," and the popular "Skittles Rainbow" experiment which allows students to visualize the movement of dissolved sugar and dye. This video is an excellent resource for elementary science classrooms as it provides a clear, safe, and visually stimulating introduction to chemistry. Teachers can use it to introduce the scientific method, encourage prediction and observation, or as a setup for a classroom lab where students test variables such as water temperature or different types of candy to see how they affect the rate of dissolving.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 23s

Video
Making Oobleck to Understand Non-Newtonian Fluids

Making Oobleck to Understand Non-Newtonian Fluids

In this engaging episode of Crash Course Kids, host Sabrina Cruz explores the fascinating world of non-Newtonian fluids through the lens of "Oobleck," a mixture of cornstarch and water. The video begins by reviewing the three standard states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—defining them by their ability to maintain size and shape. It then introduces the concept that some materials do not fit neatly into just one category, challenging students' understanding of how matter behaves.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 20s

Video
How Cucumbers Become Pickles: Exploring Irreversible Changes

How Cucumbers Become Pickles: Exploring Irreversible Changes

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids explores the science behind food preparation, specifically how cucumbers are transformed into pickles. Hosted by Anthony and his robot friend Squeaks, the video introduces young learners to the concept of chemical changes through the familiar example of a backyard cookout. The narrative demystifies the origin of pickles, explaining that they don't grow on trees but are the result of a specific preservation process called "pickling" using brine.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

5mins 2s

Video
Understanding Mixtures and Solutions at a Picnic

Understanding Mixtures and Solutions at a Picnic

This engaging science video uses a picnic theme to explain the fundamental chemistry concepts of mixtures and solutions. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video distinguishes between general mixtures (like fruit salad) where components retain their individual properties and can be easily separated, and solutions (like sweet tea) where particles are evenly distributed. It provides clear, practical examples of how matter interacts when combined.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 11s

Video
How to Make a Naked Egg with Chemistry

How to Make a Naked Egg with Chemistry

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic kitchen science experiment: creating a "naked" egg. The video guides viewers through a multi-day process where a raw egg is submerged in vinegar to dissolve its shell, leaving behind only the delicate membrane. The experiment continues by placing the now shell-less egg into corn syrup, demonstrating how water moves in and out of the egg through the membrane, causing it to dramatically shrink.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 47s

Video
How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic and exciting science experiment: inflating a balloon using a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. The video breaks down the experiment step-by-step, making it easy for young learners to follow along, while simultaneously explaining the underlying scientific principles. It uses clear analogies, such as baking cookies, to simplify complex ideas like chemical changes. The video explores key chemistry themes including the definitions of "reactants" and "products," and the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. It visually demonstrates how mixing a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) creates a new substance—a gas (carbon dioxide)—which fills the balloon. The content encourages observation and critical thinking by asking students to predict what might happen if variables are changed. This resource is highly valuable for elementary classrooms as an introduction to chemistry and the scientific method. It provides a safe, accessible, and dramatic demonstration of abstract concepts. Teachers can use this video to anchor lessons on states of matter, to model how to set up an experiment, or as a hook for a unit on chemical reactions. The clear definitions and visual aids make it an excellent tool for building scientific vocabulary.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 25s

Video
Creating an Invisible Fire Extinguisher with Chemistry

Creating an Invisible Fire Extinguisher with Chemistry

This video demonstrates a classic science experiment that illustrates evidence of a chemical change and the properties of carbon dioxide gas. Using common household items—vinegar and bicarbonate soda (baking soda)—the presenter creates a chemical reaction inside a beaker. The video clearly visualizes the immediate reaction, characterized by rapid foaming and bubbling, which serves as a primary indicator that a chemical change is occurring. The second half of the video explores the invisible byproduct of this reaction: carbon dioxide gas. The presenter performs a fascinating demonstration by "pouring" the invisible gas over lit tea light candles. Although no liquid touches the flames, the candles are extinguished one by one. This powerful visual helps students understand that gases are matter, have mass, and can displace other gases like oxygen. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook for units on matter, chemical reactions, or fire safety. It provides a safe, clear visualization of concepts that are often abstract, such as the existence and behavior of invisible gases. The clear text overlays and narration make it accessible for upper elementary and middle school students to grasp the connection between chemical changes and the formation of new substances.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 39s

Video
Explaining Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Through Song

Explaining Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Through Song

This high-energy educational music video serves as a memorable mnemonic device for mastering the complexities of gas behavior in high school chemistry. Set to a catchy parody rhythm of Falco's 'Rock Me Amadeus,' the song systematically breaks down the Kinetic Molecular Theory, explaining how gas particles move, collide, and interact with their containers. It distinguishes between 'ideal' and 'real' gases, highlighting the specific conditions—high temperature and low pressure—under which real gases behave ideally. The content covers essential chemistry concepts including Avogadro's Hypothesis (equal volumes contain equal molecules at the same temperature and pressure), the definition of a mole (6.02 x 10^23), and the mathematical relationships found in Boyle's, Charles', and Gay-Lussac's laws. It visualizes abstract ideas through diagrams of molecular motion and clearly displays the formulas for calculating changes in pressure, volume, and temperature, culminating in the Combined Gas Law. Teachers can use this video as an engaging hook to introduce a unit on gases or as a powerful review tool before an assessment. The lyrics provide a verbatim checklist of the assumptions of the Kinetic Molecular Theory, making it an excellent resource for 'decoding the text' activities where students identify scientific principles hidden within the rhyme. The humor and rhythm help solidify abstract facts, such as the conditions for ideal gas behavior, into long-term memory.

Mark RosengartenMark Rosengarten

3mins 8s

Video
The Science of Exploding Soap

The Science of Exploding Soap

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic and dramatic kitchen science experiment: the "exploding" soap trick. The video guides young viewers through the process of microwaving a specific type of soap to witness it expand into a massive, fluffy cloud. It explains the manufacturing process of Ivory soap, specifically how air is whipped into it, distinguishing it from other brands and making this specific reaction possible. The content explores key scientific concepts including states of matter, specifically the behavior of gases when heated. It introduces the term "water vapor" and uses clear animations to explain how heat energy causes gas molecules to move faster and expand. The narrative connects the microscopic behavior of air pockets and water trapped inside the soap to the macroscopic expansion seen in the microwave. This video is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms as a safe, accessible introduction to thermal expansion and states of matter. It models the scientific method by encouraging predictions and observations. Teachers can use this video as a hook for lessons on heat energy, a demonstration of physical changes, or as a guide for a hands-on experiment that requires minimal materials but delivers maximum engagement.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 17s

Video
How Water Changes States

How Water Changes States

This educational animation explores the three states of water—solid, liquid, and gas—and the scientific processes that cause transitions between them. The video explains how temperature changes drive these transformations, providing specific data points in both Fahrenheit and Celsius for freezing and boiling points. Through clear visuals and narration, it breaks down complex concepts like evaporation, condensation, melting, and freezing into easily digestible segments suitable for young learners. Key themes include the physical properties of matter, the influence of thermal energy on state changes, and the cyclical nature of these transitions. The video introduces essential scientific vocabulary such as "water vapor," "condensation," and "evaporation," reinforcing these terms with a visual summary that maps the complete cycle of changes. It also touches upon Earth science concepts by noting how much of the planet is covered by water. For educators, this video serves as an excellent foundational tool for science units on matter or the water cycle. The clear visual representation of a thermometer alongside the phase changes helps students connect abstract temperature numbers to observable physical changes. The step-by-step breakdown allows teachers to pause and discuss each transition individually, making it easy to facilitate predictions and check for understanding regarding how heating and cooling affect matter.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

3mins 11s

Video
Exploring the Three States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Exploring the Three States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

This engaging educational video introduces young learners to the fundamental concept of matter and its three primary states: solids, liquids, and gases. Through vibrant high-definition footage of nature, toys, and everyday objects, the video clearly defines matter as anything that takes up space and has weight. It breaks down complex scientific concepts into digestible examples, using rocks to explain solids, water to demonstrate liquids, and air to illustrate gases. The narrative guides students through the distinct properties of each state. It highlights how solids keep their shape, liquids flow and take the shape of their container, and gases spread out to fill space. The video effectively uses relatable items like teddy bears, apples, and puddles to make abstract definitions concrete. It also touches on the water cycle briefly by discussing clouds and addresses the invisibility of air. Ideal for early elementary science curriculums, this resource includes a built-in interactive quiz at the end to reinforce learning. Teachers can use this video to launch a unit on physical sciences, serving as a visual anchor for lessons about observation, categorization, and the physical world. It encourages curiosity by asking students to look at their own environment to identify different forms of matter.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

5mins 24s

Video
Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

Understanding Matter: Mass, Volume, and Atoms

In this engaging general science lesson, host Justin breaks down the fundamental concept of matter, explaining that almost everything in the universe—from squirrels to water bottles—is made of it. The video simplifies abstract physical science concepts by defining matter through two main criteria: having mass and taking up space (volume). Through clear visual examples and animations, students learn to distinguish between objects with different masses and volumes, understanding that size doesn't always equal mass. The lesson explores key themes including the definitions of mass versus volume, the distinction between matter and non-matter (like ideas and light), and the physical properties of gases. A significant portion of the video demonstrates that air is indeed matter through a practical balloon experiment, addressing a common student misconception. It concludes by zooming in to the microscopic level, introducing atoms as the basic building blocks of all matter. This video is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school science classrooms introducing physical science. It includes built-in pause points for student reflection and note-taking, making it ready-to-use for direct instruction. Teachers can use the comparative examples (like the bowling ball vs. beach ball) to spark classroom debates about density and mass, while the segment on atoms provides a perfect segue into more advanced chemistry topics.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 40s

Video
How Chemistry Bakes a Cake

How Chemistry Bakes a Cake

Jessi and her robot mouse friend, Squeaks, take viewers into the kitchen to explore the fascinating science behind baking a birthday cake. Rather than just following a recipe, the video breaks down baking as a series of chemical reactions, explaining how individual ingredients like flour, eggs, and baking soda interact to transform gooey batter into a delicious, fluffy solid. The narrative follows the step-by-step process of mixing and baking, culminating in a surprise celebration. The video explores key chemistry concepts simplified for young learners, including states of matter (liquid batter to solid cake), gas production (carbon dioxide bubbles helping the cake rise), and the role of heat in facilitating chemical changes. It specifically details the function of each main ingredient: flour provides structure, baking soda creates bubbles for rising, fat (butter) ensures softness by coating flour, and eggs help solidify the structure while trapping air. This resource is an excellent tool for introducing early elementary students to kitchen chemistry and the scientific method in everyday life. It demystifies abstract concepts like 'chemical reactions' by anchoring them in a familiar context. Teachers can use this video to launch units on states of matter, mixtures versus solutions, or procedural writing, showing students that science isn't just for laboratories—it happens right in their ovens.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 20s

Video
Heating Matter: From Ice to Steam Explained

Heating Matter: From Ice to Steam Explained

This educational video provides a clear, visual demonstration of the three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—using water as the primary example. Through a live laboratory demonstration, a presenter heats ice in a beaker to show the transformation from solid ice to liquid water, and finally to water vapor. The video explicitly connects the addition of heat energy to these phase changes, known as melting and evaporating. Key themes explored include the physical properties of matter, such as how solids maintain their shape while liquids take the shape of their container but maintain their volume. Crucially, the video introduces the particle theory of matter using animated diagrams overlaid on the footage. These animations visualize how particles are tightly packed in solids, slide past one another in liquids, and move freely in gases. This resource is highly valuable for elementary science classrooms as it bridges the gap between observable phenomena (ice melting) and abstract concepts (molecular arrangement). Teachers can use this video to introduce the water cycle, thermodynamics, or the basic definitions of matter. It provides a "virtual lab" experience that allows students to see the process of boiling and evaporation safely and clearly, serving as a perfect anchor for lessons on physical changes.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

2mins 40s

Video
Making Soda Erupt: The Science of Bubbles

Making Soda Erupt: The Science of Bubbles

This engaging video from SciShow Kids features host Anthony and his robot mouse friend Squeaks exploring the science behind carbonation and the famous Mentos and diet soda geyser experiment. The video begins by investigating why soda is fizzy, demonstrating how gas bubbles behave when poured over ice or interacting with a straw. It progressively builds understanding by showing how different surface textures—from a smooth straw to a fuzzy chenille stick—affect the release of bubbles.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 55s

Video
Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

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.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

9mins 10s

Video
Extreme Weather on the Gas Giants: Diamond Rain and Mega Storms

Extreme Weather on the Gas Giants: Diamond Rain and Mega Storms

This engaging educational video takes students on a virtual tour of the outer solar system to explore the extreme weather conditions found on the gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video contrasts the solid surfaces of rocky planets with the turbulent, gaseous atmospheres of these massive worlds. It explains complex meteorological phenomena using clear comparisons to Earth, helping students understand the scale and intensity of planetary weather. The video covers key scientific themes including the difference between weather and climate, the mechanics of jet streams, and how atmospheric pressure affects states of matter. Specific topics include Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Saturn's supersonic winds, the chemical composition leading to Uranus's "diamond rain," and the mystery of Neptune's energy source. The content bridges planetary science with basic chemistry and physics concepts appropriate for elementary and middle school learners. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent hook for units on the solar system, meteorology, or states of matter. It transforms abstract facts into memorable visual narratives—like rains of diamonds or storms that last for centuries—that spark student curiosity. The video's clear definitions and visual aids make it a versatile tool for introducing vocabulary, prompting creative writing assignments about space travel, or launching inquiry-based research projects about planetary atmospheres.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 43s

Video
Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

This energetic animated music video provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of matter, setting fundamental physical science concepts to a catchy, rhythmic beat. Through a cast of colorful animated characters and clear visual diagrams, the song defines matter as anything that has mass and takes up space, distinguishing it from forms of energy like light and sound. The video breaks down the composition of matter into atoms and molecules, visualizing protons, neutrons, and electrons in a way that makes abstract atomic theory accessible to young learners. The content covers several critical curriculum standards, including the three primary states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the phase changes between them (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation). It progresses to more advanced topics by distinguishing between physical changes—where the substance remains the same, like tearing paper—and chemical changes—where new substances are formed, illustrated by rusting locks, burning wood, and cooking food. The lyrics also introduce key properties used to describe matter, such as mass, volume, density, and texture. For educators, this video serves as an excellent engagement hook or review tool for units on physical science. The repetitive nature of the chorus helps reinforce the definition of matter, while the specific visual examples provide concrete anchors for difficult vocabulary. It successfully bridges the gap between simple observation (what things look like) and scientific explanation (molecular structure and chemical reactions), making it a versatile resource for upper elementary and middle school science classrooms.

Have Fun TeachingHave Fun Teaching

4mins 29s

Video
How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

How Particles Make Up All Matter and Change States

This engaging science video introduces students to the fundamental concept that all matter is made of tiny building blocks called particles. Hosted by Sabrina Cruz, the video uses clear analogies and animation to explain that while we see large objects like people, devices, or dogs, they are actually composed of microscopic particles that determine how the object looks and behaves. The video breaks down the three primary states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—by visualizing how the arrangement and movement of particles differ in each state.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 50s

Video
How Different Things Fly: Planes, Balloons, and Rockets

How Different Things Fly: Planes, Balloons, and Rockets

This comprehensive educational compilation explores the science of flight through various lenses, including mechanical engineering, physics, and biology. Hosted by the engaging SciShow Kids team and featuring the puppet character Squeaks the Robot Mouse, the video breaks down complex aerodynamic concepts into digestible segments for young learners. It covers how airplanes generate lift, the physics of hot air balloons, the engineering challenges of flying helicopters on Mars, the massive force behind rockets, and the diverse wing structures of flying animals.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

24mins 16s

Video
How Heat and Pressure Turn Corn Into Popcorn

How Heat and Pressure Turn Corn Into Popcorn

This engaging video breaks down the science behind one of the world's most popular snacks: popcorn. Hosted by a young presenter in a "Lighthouse Lab" setting, the video takes students on a journey from the farm to the bowl, explaining specifically how hard corn kernels transform into fluffy white clouds. It introduces the specific type of corn required for popping (Zea mays everta) and dissects the anatomy of a kernel to reveal the critical components: the hull, the starch, and the tiny droplet of water trapped inside. The core of the video focuses on the physical changes that occur during heating. Through clear animations, students visualize how heat turns the internal water into steam, creating immense pressure against the strong hull until it eventually explodes. This demonstration of phase changes (liquid to gas) and pressure offers a perfect real-world example of chemistry and physics concepts in action. The video concludes with a practical demonstration using an air popper and a five-question interactive quiz to reinforce learning. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent hook for lessons on states of matter, heat energy, or plant biology. It provides a relatable entry point for discussing how temperature affects matter and introduces scientific vocabulary like "starch," "hull," and "pressure" in a context students already enjoy. The combination of live-action demonstration and diagrammatic animation helps varied learners grasp the invisible forces at work inside the kernel.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 52s

Video
What Is Matter? Solids, Liquids, and Gases Explained

What Is Matter? Solids, Liquids, and Gases Explained

Host Sabrina Cruz introduces students to the fundamental scientific concept of matter in this engaging Crash Course Kids episode. The video breaks down the core definition of matter as anything that has weight and takes up space (volume), moving beyond simple definitions to provide concrete examples and demonstrations that make abstract concepts tangible for young learners. The content explores the three primary states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—providing familiar examples for each. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to proving that invisible matter, specifically air (gas), is indeed matter. Through two clear experiments, the host demonstrates that air has volume (it fills a balloon that then won't fit in a small box) and weight (a balloon filled with air weighs more than an empty one on a balance scale). This video is an excellent instructional tool for introducing physical science units in elementary classrooms. It effectively addresses the common misconception that gases aren't "real" matter because they are invisible, provides a clear definition of volume suitable for young students, and models the scientific method through simple, replicable experiments.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 31s

Video
What Is Matter? Properties and States Explained

What Is Matter? Properties and States Explained

A high-energy, animated musical video that defines matter and explores its fundamental properties through a catchy rock song. The video utilizes colorful characters and clear diagrams to explain abstract physical science concepts like mass, volume, and atomic structure in an accessible way for elementary students. The content covers the definition of matter (anything that has mass and takes up space), its composition (atoms, molecules, protons, neutrons, electrons), and the distinction between matter and energy forms like light and sound. It concludes by introducing the three primary states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Teachers can use this video as an engaging hook to start a unit on matter, a mnemonic device to help students memorize definitions, or a review tool. The clear visuals distinguish between tangible matter and intangible energy, addressing a common conceptual hurdle for young science students.

Have Fun TeachingHave Fun Teaching

1min

Video
The Matter Song: Properties, States, and Changes

The Matter Song: Properties, States, and Changes

A high-energy, pop-rock educational song that provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific concept of matter. The video features a static visual while the lyrics deliver a dense stream of scientific definitions, examples, and distinctions, covering everything from atomic structure to phase changes. The song breaks down complex chemistry topics into rhyming verses that are easy for students to memorize and recall. The content moves systematically through key topics: defining matter (mass and volume), atomic composition (protons, neutrons, electrons), states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), phase changes (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation), and the difference between physical and chemical changes. It explicitly addresses misconceptions by listing things that are not matter, such as energy forms like light and sound. This resource is an excellent tool for auditory learners and can serve as an engaging hook to start a unit or a mnemonic device for review. Teachers can use the lyrics as a text for close reading to unpack vocabulary like "oxidation," "density," and "substance," or use the song's structure to organize a series of lessons on the properties and changes of matter.

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4mins 33s

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How Matter Changes State: Melting, Freezing, and Evaporation

How Matter Changes State: Melting, Freezing, and Evaporation

This educational video provides a clear and visually engaging explanation of how matter changes states through heating and cooling. It begins by distinguishing between physical changes that alter shape—such as cutting celery or squishing clay—and phase changes that alter the state of matter itself. The core of the lesson demonstrates the water cycle on a micro scale, showing how ice melts into water and water evaporates into vapor when heated, introducing the concept of conservation of matter by explaining that the "disappearing" water has simply turned into a gas.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

6mins 16s

Video
How to Make Caramel Apples and Learn Chemistry

How to Make Caramel Apples and Learn Chemistry

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids!, host Jessi and her puppet friend Sam explore the chemistry behind cooking by making caramel apples. The video introduces the concept of the Maillard reaction, a chemical process responsible for the browning and flavor development in cooked foods. Through the practical application of making caramel, students learn that cooking is essentially a form of edible science that requires specific ingredients (proteins and sugars) and conditions (heat) to work.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

7mins 1s

Video
How Heat and Work Change Energy

How Heat and Work Change Energy

This engaging video lesson provides a clear and practical introduction to the First Law of Thermodynamics, using real-world examples like the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and hot air balloons to ground abstract physics concepts. The narrator explains the fundamental relationship between heat ($q$), work ($w$), and the change in internal energy ($ΔE$), demonstrating that energy is conserved and can only be transferred, not created or destroyed. The video breaks down the mathematical formula $ΔE = q + w$ and provides specific rules for determining positive and negative signs based on whether a system gains or loses energy. Key themes explored include the definitions of thermodynamic systems and surroundings, the conversion of heat into mechanical work, and the principle of conservation of energy. The video specifically focuses on the crucial skill of identifying sign conventions—understanding when heat and work values should be positive or negative in calculations. It walks students through multiple practice problems, moving from conceptual identification to calculating energy changes in kilojoules. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for high school chemistry or physics units on thermodynamics. It bridges the gap between conceptual understanding and mathematical application. The step-by-step problem-solving sections allow for natural pause points where students can attempt calculations before seeing the solution, making it ideal for direct instruction or flipped classroom models. The use of the SR-71 Blackbird as a hook effectively demonstrates how thermodynamic principles solve real engineering problems.

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12mins 34s

Video
Exploring Energy Transformations in Everyday Life

Exploring Energy Transformations in Everyday Life

This educational video provides a clear and visually engaging introduction to the concept of energy transformations. It defines energy as a pervasive force that shifts forms and systematically explores various types of conversions, such as chemical to thermal, thermal to chemical, light to chemical, and the interplay between kinetic and potential energy (elastic and gravitational). Through high-quality demonstrations involving everyday items like candles, cooking eggs, glow sticks, and toys, the video makes abstract physics concepts concrete and observable. Key themes include the law of conservation of energy (demonstrated through transformation), the specific mechanics of potential versus kinetic energy, and the role of energy in biological processes like photosynthesis. The video breaks down complex interactions—such as how the mechanical action of snapping a glow stick initiates a chemical reaction—into easy-to-understand segments labeled with clear text overlays. It covers a wide spectrum of energy types including thermal, chemical, light, elastic, kinetic, and gravitational potential energy. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent visual anchor for units on physics and matter. It is particularly useful for bridging the gap between textbook definitions and real-world phenomena. Teachers can use the segmented examples to introduce specific energy types or as a review tool to check student understanding of how energy changes form. The varied examples, from archery to cooking, ensure that the content appeals to diverse student interests and provides multiple entry points for discussion.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

5mins 1s

Video
Everyday Chemical Reactions: From Cooking to Fireworks

Everyday Chemical Reactions: From Cooking to Fireworks

This engaging educational video introduces students to the concept of chemical reactions by exploring how they occur in everyday life. Through relatable examples like cooking an egg, baking a cake, and watching fireworks, the narration explains how substances combine and transform into something new. The video breaks down complex chemical processes into observable phenomena, highlighting the key indicators of reactions such as color changes, gas production (bubbles), heat, and light. The content covers a wide range of scientific themes, including physical vs. chemical changes, the role of heat in reactions, biological processes like digestion and photosynthesis, and oxidation (rusting). It specifically addresses how distinct elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and various metals play roles in these transformations. The video creates connections between the chemistry laboratory and the real world, showing that science is happening constantly in our bodies and environments. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent introduction or review tool for a unit on matter and chemical changes. The visual demonstrations provide concrete evidence for abstract concepts, making them accessible to elementary and middle school students. The video concludes with a comprehensive 12-question quiz, making it a ready-to-use lesson that includes direct assessment of student understanding.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

6mins 54s

Video
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Science

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks demonstrate how to make homemade ice cream using basic kitchen ingredients and the power of chemistry. The video guides viewers through a hands-on experiment that transforms liquid cream into solid ice cream without using a freezer, relying instead on a chemical reaction between ice and salt. The content focuses heavily on the scientific concepts of states of matter and freezing point depression. It explains in accessible terms why salt is added to ice (similar to salting icy roads in winter) and how this process lowers the freezing temperature of water. The video uses clear animations to visualize how melting ice draws heat away from the cream mixture, allowing it to freeze rapidly. This video is an excellent resource for elementary science classrooms as it combines a fun, edible reward with rigorous scientific inquiry. It provides a perfect practical application for lessons on phase changes, temperature, and following procedural texts. Teachers can use this video to introduce thermodynamics or simply as a guide for a beloved classroom activity that reinforces measuring skills and observation.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 10s

Video
Why Is Fire Hot? The Science of Energy and Combustion

Why Is Fire Hot? The Science of Energy and Combustion

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids tackles a common childhood question: "Why is fire hot?" Host Jessi and her robot mouse companion, Squeaks, break down the complex physics of heat and energy into kid-friendly concepts. The video explains that heat is a form of energy and uses the relatable analogy of how our bodies get warm when we exercise to explain how fire releases energy. It introduces the scientific concept of "combustion" and clearly delineates the three essential ingredients needed for a fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat. The video explores key themes of energy transformation and chemical changes. It visually demonstrates how wood (fuel) changes physically into charcoal and ash as it releases stored energy in the form of heat. The narrative connects abstract scientific principles to concrete examples, such as eating food for energy or using a match to start a birthday candle. It also reinforces critical fire safety rules, reminding young viewers never to play with matches or get too close to fires. For educators, this video serves as an excellent introduction to physical science concepts like energy, heat, and chemical reactions. It provides a natural bridge between basic observations (fire is hot) and scientific explanations (combustion). Teachers can use this resource to launch lessons on the "Fire Triangle," discuss the difference between physical and chemical changes, or reinforce health and safety curriculums regarding fire prevention. The clear visual aids and simple analogies make it highly accessible for early elementary students.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 41s

Video
Kitchen Chemistry: Identifying Chemical Changes

Kitchen Chemistry: Identifying Chemical Changes

This educational video from Crash Course Kids uses the relatable context of baking to explain the scientific concept of chemical changes. Host Sabrina Cruz introduces chemistry as the science of matter and how it changes, distinguishing between simple mixtures (like a fruit salad) that can be separated and chemical changes that create entirely new substances. The video defines a chemical change as the rearrangement of particles to form a new substance, a process that is typically irreversible. The content explores specific evidence that indicates a chemical change has occurred, using two primary examples: a burning match and a baking cake. Through these examples, students learn to identify key indicators such as color change, the release of smells, the production of light or gases, and the absorption or release of heat. The video specifically highlights how the holes in a sponge cake are evidence of carbon dioxide gas released during the baking process. This resource is highly valuable for elementary and middle school science classrooms as it bridges the gap between abstract chemical concepts and everyday experiences. It provides a clear, visual framework for students to distinguish between physical and chemical changes. Teachers can use this video to launch units on properties of matter, to support hands-on kitchen chemistry experiments, or as a visual aid to reinforce the indicators of chemical reactions.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 51s

Video
The Science of Exploding Soap

The Science of Exploding Soap

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic and dramatic kitchen science experiment: the "exploding" soap trick. The video guides young viewers through the process of microwaving a specific type of soap to witness it expand into a massive, fluffy cloud. It explains the manufacturing process of Ivory soap, specifically how air is whipped into it, distinguishing it from other brands and making this specific reaction possible. The content explores key scientific concepts including states of matter, specifically the behavior of gases when heated. It introduces the term "water vapor" and uses clear animations to explain how heat energy causes gas molecules to move faster and expand. The narrative connects the microscopic behavior of air pockets and water trapped inside the soap to the macroscopic expansion seen in the microwave. This video is highly valuable for early elementary science classrooms as a safe, accessible introduction to thermal expansion and states of matter. It models the scientific method by encouraging predictions and observations. Teachers can use this video as a hook for lessons on heat energy, a demonstration of physical changes, or as a guide for a hands-on experiment that requires minimal materials but delivers maximum engagement.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 17s

Video
How Heat Changes the States of Matter

How Heat Changes the States of Matter

This educational video explores the science behind how matter changes between solid, liquid, and gas states through the addition and removal of heat energy. Using the relatable example of melting ice cream, the instructor guides students through the molecular behavior of matter, explaining how atoms speed up and spread apart when heated (melting, evaporation) and slow down and condense when heat is removed (condensation, freezing). The video effectively uses particle animations to visualize these invisible processes, making abstract concepts concrete for young learners. Key themes include the relationship between heat energy and particle movement, the specific terms for phase changes (melting, freezing, evaporation, boiling, condensation), and the distinction between "cold" as an energy versus the absence of heat. The instructor also addresses the conservation of mass, demonstrating that while matter changes form, its amount remains constant. This resource is highly valuable for elementary science classrooms as it covers core physical science standards regarding states of matter. It provides clear definitions, addresses common misconceptions about "cold energy," and connects scientific concepts to everyday phenomena like drying towels, morning dew, and boiling water. The built-in pauses for note-taking and reflection make it an excellent interactive tool for direct instruction or independent study.

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8mins 58s

Video
How Water Changes States

How Water Changes States

This educational animation explores the three states of water—solid, liquid, and gas—and the scientific processes that cause transitions between them. The video explains how temperature changes drive these transformations, providing specific data points in both Fahrenheit and Celsius for freezing and boiling points. Through clear visuals and narration, it breaks down complex concepts like evaporation, condensation, melting, and freezing into easily digestible segments suitable for young learners. Key themes include the physical properties of matter, the influence of thermal energy on state changes, and the cyclical nature of these transitions. The video introduces essential scientific vocabulary such as "water vapor," "condensation," and "evaporation," reinforcing these terms with a visual summary that maps the complete cycle of changes. It also touches upon Earth science concepts by noting how much of the planet is covered by water. For educators, this video serves as an excellent foundational tool for science units on matter or the water cycle. The clear visual representation of a thermometer alongside the phase changes helps students connect abstract temperature numbers to observable physical changes. The step-by-step breakdown allows teachers to pause and discuss each transition individually, making it easy to facilitate predictions and check for understanding regarding how heating and cooling affect matter.

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3mins 11s

Video
How Solid Sugar Becomes Fluffy Cotton Candy

How Solid Sugar Becomes Fluffy Cotton Candy

This engaging video from Sci Kids! takes young learners on a tasty trip to the carnival to uncover the science behind a favorite treat: cotton candy. Hosted by Anthony and his robot friend Squeaks, the episode demystifies how hard, crunchy sugar crystals are transformed into soft, fluffy clouds. Through clear explanations and helpful animations, the video breaks down the physical changes that occur when sugar is heated and spun.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 47s

Video
Exploring Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter

Exploring Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter

This educational video provides a clear and comprehensive comparison between physical and chemical changes in matter. Through high-quality real-world footage and clear narration, it explains that physical changes alter the form or state of a substance without changing its molecular structure, while chemical changes result in the formation of entirely new substances. The video uses relatable examples—such as melting ice, chopping vegetables, rusting iron, and baking a cake—to illustrate these concepts concretely.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

10mins 40s

Video
How to Tell the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes

How to Tell the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes

This educational video provides a clear and visually engaging introduction to the differences between physical and chemical changes in matter. Through high-quality footage of everyday occurrences—such as melting snow, baking cookies, rusting metal, and exploding fireworks—the narration explains how to distinguish between changes that create new substances and those that merely alter the form or state of an object. The video breaks down the specific evidence of chemical changes, including color shifts, temperature changes, and gas production, making abstract concepts concrete for students. The content is structured into three distinct segments: an introduction to the core concepts, detailed examples of each type of change, and an interactive quiz section. The explanation of physical changes uses relatable examples like molding clay, freezing water, and stretching a hair tie to demonstrate that the underlying substance remains the same despite changes in appearance. Conversely, the chemical change section emphasizes the irreversible nature of reactions and the creation of new materials with different properties. Teachers will find this resource particularly valuable for introducing or reviewing the properties of matter. The built-in quiz at the end transforms passive viewing into active learning, allowing students to immediately apply their knowledge. The video serves as an excellent anchor for lessons on matter, reactions, and the scientific method of observation, providing a solid foundation for understanding basic chemistry concepts.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

8mins 5s

Video
How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

This episode of Crash Course Ecology dives deep into the complex nature of pollution, challenging the common misconception that it is simply trash or synthetic chemicals. Hank Green explains that pollution is fundamentally about substances—whether natural or synthetic—existing in the wrong place or at the wrong concentrations. The video explores how human activities disrupt Earth's natural biogeochemical cycles, specifically looking at how overloading the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles leads to climate change and massive aquatic dead zones.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s

Video
Heating Matter: From Ice to Steam Explained

Heating Matter: From Ice to Steam Explained

This educational video provides a clear, visual demonstration of the three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—using water as the primary example. Through a live laboratory demonstration, a presenter heats ice in a beaker to show the transformation from solid ice to liquid water, and finally to water vapor. The video explicitly connects the addition of heat energy to these phase changes, known as melting and evaporating. Key themes explored include the physical properties of matter, such as how solids maintain their shape while liquids take the shape of their container but maintain their volume. Crucially, the video introduces the particle theory of matter using animated diagrams overlaid on the footage. These animations visualize how particles are tightly packed in solids, slide past one another in liquids, and move freely in gases. This resource is highly valuable for elementary science classrooms as it bridges the gap between observable phenomena (ice melting) and abstract concepts (molecular arrangement). Teachers can use this video to introduce the water cycle, thermodynamics, or the basic definitions of matter. It provides a "virtual lab" experience that allows students to see the process of boiling and evaporation safely and clearly, serving as a perfect anchor for lessons on physical changes.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

2mins 40s

Video
Why the Universe Becomes Disordered: Entropy Explained

Why the Universe Becomes Disordered: Entropy Explained

This educational video provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the concept of entropy. Using relatable analogies like a messy bedroom and a sandcastle, the narrator explains why the universe naturally tends toward disorder. The video breaks down complex physics concepts into digestible parts, defining entropy as a measure of disorder based on the statistical probability of particle arrangements. It transitions from macroscopic examples to the molecular level, illustrating how phases of matter (solids, liquids, gases, plasmas) and temperature influence entropy. Key themes explored include the relationship between order and disorder, the definition of systems versus surroundings, and the mathematical representation of entropy change. The video specifically addresses the common confusion regarding local decreases in entropy (like cleaning a room or water freezing) by explaining that these must be offset by a greater increase in entropy in the surroundings. Visual aids include particle diagrams, text overlays of definitions, and step-by-step practice problems. For educators, this video serves as an excellent foundational resource for high school chemistry and physics units on thermodynamics. It effectively bridges the gap between conceptual understanding and application, providing specific practice scenarios (like a balloon heating up or water condensing) that allow students to test their grasp of sign conventions for entropy change. The content encourages critical thinking about energy transfer and the inevitable march toward thermodynamic equilibrium.

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12mins 11s

Video
Visualizing Thermal Energy: The Food Coloring Experiment

Visualizing Thermal Energy: The Food Coloring Experiment

This educational video provides a clear, visual demonstration of thermal energy and the kinetic theory of matter using a simple water and food coloring experiment. It begins by using animations to visualize how water molecules behave at different temperatures, introducing the concept that thermal energy is essentially the movement of molecules. The video explains that higher temperatures correspond to faster molecular motion and more energetic collisions.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

3mins 16s

Video
How Chemical Potential Energy Powers Our World

How Chemical Potential Energy Powers Our World

This educational video provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to chemical potential energy, defining it as the energy stored within the bonds of atoms and molecules. It distinguishes this form of energy from elastic potential energy, explaining that energy is released when chemical bonds are broken during reactions. The video uses high-quality visuals to illustrate abstract concepts, making the physics and chemistry accessible to students.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

4mins 30s

Video
Phase Changes, Energy, and Heating Curves

Phase Changes, Energy, and Heating Curves

This educational video explores the relationship between thermal energy and phase changes in matter. It begins by observing natural phenomena like the water cycle to introduce the concept that energy from the sun drives phase transitions. The narrator then delves into the molecular level, explaining how attractive forces hold molecules together and why energy is required to separate them during phase changes like melting and boiling. The video uses clear visuals and heating curve graphs to demonstrate why temperature remains constant during a phase change despite the continuous addition of heat. The content covers key thermodynamic concepts including Latent Heat of Vaporization and Latent Heat of Fusion. It provides specific numerical values for water (2,256 J/g for vaporization and 334 J/g for fusion) and compares these to other substances like Helium and Ethanol. The video explains that condensation is a warming process because combining molecules releases energy, a counter-intuitive concept for many students illustrated through the example of a sweating glass of iced tea. This resource is highly valuable for chemistry and physics classrooms as it bridges conceptual understanding with mathematical application. It walks students through three distinct practice problems involving calculating the energy required for phase changes using both unit analysis and the formula q = m x L. The step-by-step problem solving, attention to significant figures, and real-world examples make complex thermodynamic principles accessible and practical for learners.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

11mins 33s

Video
How Water Changes States of Matter

How Water Changes States of Matter

This animated video takes students inside a 'Virtual Science Lab' to demonstrate the four primary changes in states of matter using water as the subject. Through a clear, step-by-step experiment, the narrator guides viewers through the processes of melting, evaporation, condensation, and freezing. The video uses simple laboratory equipment—a beaker, burner, and cooling plate—to visually represent how adding or removing heat energy transforms matter from solid to liquid to gas and back again.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 52s

Video
How to Make Caramel Apples and Learn Chemistry

How to Make Caramel Apples and Learn Chemistry

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids!, host Jessi and her puppet friend Sam explore the chemistry behind cooking by making caramel apples. The video introduces the concept of the Maillard reaction, a chemical process responsible for the browning and flavor development in cooked foods. Through the practical application of making caramel, students learn that cooking is essentially a form of edible science that requires specific ingredients (proteins and sugars) and conditions (heat) to work.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

7mins 1s

Video
Identifying Physical and Chemical Changes: Real-World Examples

Identifying Physical and Chemical Changes: Real-World Examples

This video serves as a comprehensive visual encyclopedia of physical and chemical changes, demonstrating 16 different real-world examples without the need for voiceover narration. Through clear, high-quality close-ups, it contrasts simple physical alterations—like cutting, crushing, and mixing—with chemical reactions that produce new substances, such as burning, cooking, and fizzing. Each scene is explicitly labeled as either a "Physical Change" or "Chemical Change," allowing students to test their knowledge immediately. The content explores fundamental chemistry themes including states of matter, reversibility, and the evidence of chemical reactions. It visually highlights key indicators of chemical changes, such as the release of gas (bubbles), production of light and heat, and irreversible color changes (toasting bread, cooking an egg). Conversely, it reinforces that physical changes affect form or appearance but do not alter the chemical identity of the substance, demonstrated through dissolving, melting, and changing shape. For educators, this video is a versatile tool for both introduction and assessment. It can be used as a "silent starter" where students must predict the type of change before the label appears, or as a review station in a science rotation. The absence of narration allows teachers to pause and facilitate rich discussions about the *evidence* observed in each clip, making it adaptable for various grade levels and language learners.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

7mins 26s

Video
Exploring Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

Exploring Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

This engaging science video introduces students to the fundamental properties of matter through the narrative lens of a scientist named Justin who is trying to build a rocket ship. By framing the scientific concepts as necessary knowledge for selecting the right construction materials, the video gives a practical context to abstract definitions. It covers the crucial distinction between physical properties—traits that can be observed without changing the substance—and chemical properties, which describe how a substance changes into something new.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

8mins 57s

Video
Observing Chemical Changes with Vinegar and Soda

Observing Chemical Changes with Vinegar and Soda

This concise science demonstration illustrates the concept of chemical change through a classic reaction between vinegar and bicarbonate soda. The video guides viewers through the experimental setup, clearly showing the reactants before mixing and the dramatic reaction that follows. It specifically highlights the formation of carbon dioxide gas as the key evidence that a chemical change has occurred, making the abstract concept visible and concrete. Key themes include the properties of matter, distinguishing between physical and chemical changes, and observing scientific phenomena. The video introduces essential vocabulary such as "chemical change," "evidence," and specific chemical names like "bicarbonate soda" and "carbon dioxide," linking the visual bubbling action directly to the creation of a new substance. For educators, this video serves as an excellent "phenomenon anchor" to kick off a unit on chemistry or matter. It allows students to practice prediction and observation skills without the immediate mess of a live experiment, or as a prelude to conducting the experiment themselves. The clear visual separation of ingredients followed by the immediate reaction provides a perfect opportunity to discuss cause and effect in scientific inquiries.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 5s

Video
Everyday Chemical Reactions: From Cooking to Fireworks

Everyday Chemical Reactions: From Cooking to Fireworks

This engaging educational video introduces students to the concept of chemical reactions by exploring how they occur in everyday life. Through relatable examples like cooking an egg, baking a cake, and watching fireworks, the narration explains how substances combine and transform into something new. The video breaks down complex chemical processes into observable phenomena, highlighting the key indicators of reactions such as color changes, gas production (bubbles), heat, and light. The content covers a wide range of scientific themes, including physical vs. chemical changes, the role of heat in reactions, biological processes like digestion and photosynthesis, and oxidation (rusting). It specifically addresses how distinct elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and various metals play roles in these transformations. The video creates connections between the chemistry laboratory and the real world, showing that science is happening constantly in our bodies and environments. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent introduction or review tool for a unit on matter and chemical changes. The visual demonstrations provide concrete evidence for abstract concepts, making them accessible to elementary and middle school students. The video concludes with a comprehensive 12-question quiz, making it a ready-to-use lesson that includes direct assessment of student understanding.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

6mins 54s

Video
How Gas Formation Indicates Chemical Change

How Gas Formation Indicates Chemical Change

This concise educational video demonstrates a fundamental chemistry concept through a simple, observable experiment: dropping an antacid tablet into water. The video clearly captures the immediate reaction between the tablet and the water, highlighting the production of bubbles as a key visual indicator that a reaction is taking place. The content focuses on identifying evidence of chemical changes, specifically singling out "fizzing" and "gas formation" as the primary proofs. By using a familiar household item like an antacid tablet, it makes the abstract concept of chemical reactions accessible and relatable to young students who may have seen this phenomenon before without understanding the science behind it. For educators, this video serves as an excellent visual anchor for units on states of matter or introduction to chemistry. It provides a safe, clear, and repeatable demonstration that helps students distinguish between physical changes (like dissolving) and chemical changes (which create new substances, such as gas). It is ideal for training students in scientific observation and conclusion drawing.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 9s

Video
How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

How Chemical Reactions Inflate a Balloon

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot friend Squeaks demonstrate a classic and exciting science experiment: inflating a balloon using a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. The video breaks down the experiment step-by-step, making it easy for young learners to follow along, while simultaneously explaining the underlying scientific principles. It uses clear analogies, such as baking cookies, to simplify complex ideas like chemical changes. The video explores key chemistry themes including the definitions of "reactants" and "products," and the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. It visually demonstrates how mixing a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) creates a new substance—a gas (carbon dioxide)—which fills the balloon. The content encourages observation and critical thinking by asking students to predict what might happen if variables are changed. This resource is highly valuable for elementary classrooms as an introduction to chemistry and the scientific method. It provides a safe, accessible, and dramatic demonstration of abstract concepts. Teachers can use this video to anchor lessons on states of matter, to model how to set up an experiment, or as a hook for a unit on chemical reactions. The clear definitions and visual aids make it an excellent tool for building scientific vocabulary.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

4mins 25s

Video
Kitchen Chemistry: Identifying Chemical Changes

Kitchen Chemistry: Identifying Chemical Changes

This educational video from Crash Course Kids uses the relatable context of baking to explain the scientific concept of chemical changes. Host Sabrina Cruz introduces chemistry as the science of matter and how it changes, distinguishing between simple mixtures (like a fruit salad) that can be separated and chemical changes that create entirely new substances. The video defines a chemical change as the rearrangement of particles to form a new substance, a process that is typically irreversible. The content explores specific evidence that indicates a chemical change has occurred, using two primary examples: a burning match and a baking cake. Through these examples, students learn to identify key indicators such as color change, the release of smells, the production of light or gases, and the absorption or release of heat. The video specifically highlights how the holes in a sponge cake are evidence of carbon dioxide gas released during the baking process. This resource is highly valuable for elementary and middle school science classrooms as it bridges the gap between abstract chemical concepts and everyday experiences. It provides a clear, visual framework for students to distinguish between physical and chemical changes. Teachers can use this video to launch units on properties of matter, to support hands-on kitchen chemistry experiments, or as a visual aid to reinforce the indicators of chemical reactions.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

3mins 51s

Video
How Heat Changes the States of Matter

How Heat Changes the States of Matter

This educational video explores the science behind how matter changes between solid, liquid, and gas states through the addition and removal of heat energy. Using the relatable example of melting ice cream, the instructor guides students through the molecular behavior of matter, explaining how atoms speed up and spread apart when heated (melting, evaporation) and slow down and condense when heat is removed (condensation, freezing). The video effectively uses particle animations to visualize these invisible processes, making abstract concepts concrete for young learners. Key themes include the relationship between heat energy and particle movement, the specific terms for phase changes (melting, freezing, evaporation, boiling, condensation), and the distinction between "cold" as an energy versus the absence of heat. The instructor also addresses the conservation of mass, demonstrating that while matter changes form, its amount remains constant. This resource is highly valuable for elementary science classrooms as it covers core physical science standards regarding states of matter. It provides clear definitions, addresses common misconceptions about "cold energy," and connects scientific concepts to everyday phenomena like drying towels, morning dew, and boiling water. The built-in pauses for note-taking and reflection make it an excellent interactive tool for direct instruction or independent study.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

8mins 58s

Video
Why Is Fire Hot? The Science of Energy and Combustion

Why Is Fire Hot? The Science of Energy and Combustion

This engaging episode of SciShow Kids tackles a common childhood question: "Why is fire hot?" Host Jessi and her robot mouse companion, Squeaks, break down the complex physics of heat and energy into kid-friendly concepts. The video explains that heat is a form of energy and uses the relatable analogy of how our bodies get warm when we exercise to explain how fire releases energy. It introduces the scientific concept of "combustion" and clearly delineates the three essential ingredients needed for a fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat. The video explores key themes of energy transformation and chemical changes. It visually demonstrates how wood (fuel) changes physically into charcoal and ash as it releases stored energy in the form of heat. The narrative connects abstract scientific principles to concrete examples, such as eating food for energy or using a match to start a birthday candle. It also reinforces critical fire safety rules, reminding young viewers never to play with matches or get too close to fires. For educators, this video serves as an excellent introduction to physical science concepts like energy, heat, and chemical reactions. It provides a natural bridge between basic observations (fire is hot) and scientific explanations (combustion). Teachers can use this resource to launch lessons on the "Fire Triangle," discuss the difference between physical and chemical changes, or reinforce health and safety curriculums regarding fire prevention. The clear visual aids and simple analogies make it highly accessible for early elementary students.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 41s

Video
Creating an Invisible Fire Extinguisher with Chemistry

Creating an Invisible Fire Extinguisher with Chemistry

This video demonstrates a classic science experiment that illustrates evidence of a chemical change and the properties of carbon dioxide gas. Using common household items—vinegar and bicarbonate soda (baking soda)—the presenter creates a chemical reaction inside a beaker. The video clearly visualizes the immediate reaction, characterized by rapid foaming and bubbling, which serves as a primary indicator that a chemical change is occurring. The second half of the video explores the invisible byproduct of this reaction: carbon dioxide gas. The presenter performs a fascinating demonstration by "pouring" the invisible gas over lit tea light candles. Although no liquid touches the flames, the candles are extinguished one by one. This powerful visual helps students understand that gases are matter, have mass, and can displace other gases like oxygen. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook for units on matter, chemical reactions, or fire safety. It provides a safe, clear visualization of concepts that are often abstract, such as the existence and behavior of invisible gases. The clear text overlays and narration make it accessible for upper elementary and middle school students to grasp the connection between chemical changes and the formation of new substances.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 39s

Video
Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

Does Matter Just Disappear? Investigating the Conservation of Mass

This educational video explores the fundamental scientific principle of the Conservation of Mass. Through engaging visuals and clear examples, the host investigates whether matter can ever truly disappear or be created from nothing. The video distinguishes between physical changes (like dissolving sugar in tea) and chemical changes (like baking a cake), explaining how matter behaves in each scenario. It specifically addresses the common misconception that when something dissolves or evaporates, it is gone forever. The content breaks down complex terminology into accessible concepts, defining key terms such as reactants, products, and physical versus chemical changes. It uses a concrete experiment—weighing sugar and water before and after mixing—to provide empirical evidence that mass remains constant even when visible properties change. The narrative connects everyday observations, like a glass of water evaporating or sugar dissolving, to the broader scientific law that mass is never made or lost. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for introducing the particle nature of matter and the law of conservation of mass. It provides a ready-made demonstration that can be replicated in the classroom and offers clear definitions of vocabulary essential for upper elementary and middle school science curricula. The visual proof provided by the digital scale reading serves as a powerful anchor for students grappling with abstract concepts of invisible matter.

Crash Course KidsCrash Course Kids

4mins 9s

Video
How Earth Recycles: The Four Key Cycles of Matter

How Earth Recycles: The Four Key Cycles of Matter

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of how matter cycles through the Earth's systems, emphasizing the concept of Earth as a "closed system." It begins by posing a thought-provoking question about population growth: if Earth doesn't gain new matter, where do the materials for new life come from? The host then explains the difference between elements and compounds before diving into four specific biogeochemical cycles: the Carbon Cycle, the Nitrogen Cycle, the Phosphorus Cycle, and the Water Cycle. Key themes include the law of conservation of matter, the interaction between Earth's spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere), and the specific biological and chemical processes that drive these cycles. The video details complex processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, nitrogen fixation, mineralization, nitrification, and weathering, breaking them down with clear visuals and definitions. This resource is highly valuable for middle and high school science classrooms studying ecology, earth science, or chemistry. It effectively connects abstract chemical concepts to real-world phenomena, such as how plants grow, how clouds form, and what our bodies are made of. Teachers can use this video to introduce the concept of nutrient cycling or to review specific vocabulary related to ecosystem dynamics.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning ChannelMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

14mins 5s

Video
4 Fun Indoor Science Experiments: Oobleck, Potions, Paint & Forts

4 Fun Indoor Science Experiments: Oobleck, Potions, Paint & Forts

In this engaging compilation of four hands-on science activities, Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks demonstrate how to turn a stuck-inside day into an exciting laboratory adventure. The video guides young viewers through creating Oobleck (a non-Newtonian fluid), mixing "potions" to understand solutions versus suspensions, creating homemade watercolor paints using a chemical reaction, and engineering blanket forts to learn about physics and tension. Each segment is practical, easy to follow, and uses common household items. The video explores fundamental scientific concepts across chemistry, physics, and engineering. Key topics include states of matter (solids, liquids, and things in between), the properties of mixtures (dissolving vs. separating), chemical reactions (acids and bases fizzing), color theory, and physical forces like tension that hold structures together. The content seamlessly blends fun activities with rigorous scientific vocabulary and explanation. For educators, this video is a treasure trove of ready-to-use classroom demonstrations or stations. It is ideal for introducing units on matter, mixtures, or simple machines/forces. The step-by-step instructions allow teachers to pause and have students predict outcomes or follow along in real-time. It transforms abstract concepts like "suspension" or "tension" into tangible, memorable experiences that students can touch, see, and build themselves.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

16mins 1s

Video
How Filtration Separates Mixtures

How Filtration Separates Mixtures

This concise animated video demonstrates the scientific process of separating a heterogeneous mixture using filtration. The video begins by creating a simple mixture of sand and water, visually establishing the problem of how to reverse the mixing process. It then introduces standard laboratory equipment, including a retort stand, funnel, and beaker, while explaining the specific properties of filter paper that make separation possible. The animation provides a clear, magnified view of filter paper fibers to explain the mechanism of filtration—how liquid molecules are small enough to pass through microscopic gaps while solid particles are trapped. This visual aid helps bridge the gap between macroscopic observations and microscopic interactions, making the concept accessible to young learners. Teachers can use this video to introduce properties of matter, mixtures versus solutions, and basic laboratory techniques. It is particularly useful for defining specific scientific vocabulary such as "filtrate" and "residue" within a visual context. The video serves as an excellent pre-lab primer, allowing students to understand the setup and purpose of a filtration experiment before handling materials themselves.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

1min 56s

Video
How to Make Model Volcanoes and Understand Eruptions

How to Make Model Volcanoes and Understand Eruptions

This educational video from the Lighthouse Lab introduces students to the science of volcanoes through engaging hands-on experiments. The host, Sophie, begins by defining what a volcano is—an opening in the Earth's crust—and showcasing footage of famous active volcanoes from around the world. She then transitions into a laboratory setting to demonstrate two distinct ways to model volcanic eruptions using safe chemical reactions: one creating solid 'lava bombs' that erupt when water is added, and another using the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Next Generation ScienceNext Generation Science

6mins 53s

Video
How to Make Your Own Watercolor Paints

How to Make Your Own Watercolor Paints

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, host Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks teach viewers how to create their own watercolor paints using common kitchen ingredients. The video transforms a simple art project into a science experiment, demonstrating how baking soda, cornstarch, vinegar, and food coloring can be combined to create functional art supplies. The step-by-step tutorial guides children through the measuring and mixing process, highlighting the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda along the way. Beyond the chemistry of making the paint base, the video explores fundamental color theory. It reviews primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and demonstrates how to mix them to create secondary colors (green, orange, purple). The visual demonstration clearly shows the color mixing process in an ice cube tray, reinforcing the concept that new colors are born from combining existing ones. This video is an excellent resource for early elementary classrooms as it bridges science, art, and math. Teachers can use it to introduce states of matter (solids, liquids, and gas bubbles), practice measurement skills, and teach color theory. It promotes hands-on learning and creativity, showing students that they can be 'makers' who engineer their own tools for expression rather than just consumers.

SciShow KidsSciShow Kids

3mins 17s

Video
Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

Exploring Matter: States, Properties, and Changes

This energetic animated music video provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of matter, setting fundamental physical science concepts to a catchy, rhythmic beat. Through a cast of colorful animated characters and clear visual diagrams, the song defines matter as anything that has mass and takes up space, distinguishing it from forms of energy like light and sound. The video breaks down the composition of matter into atoms and molecules, visualizing protons, neutrons, and electrons in a way that makes abstract atomic theory accessible to young learners. The content covers several critical curriculum standards, including the three primary states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the phase changes between them (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation). It progresses to more advanced topics by distinguishing between physical changes—where the substance remains the same, like tearing paper—and chemical changes—where new substances are formed, illustrated by rusting locks, burning wood, and cooking food. The lyrics also introduce key properties used to describe matter, such as mass, volume, density, and texture. For educators, this video serves as an excellent engagement hook or review tool for units on physical science. The repetitive nature of the chorus helps reinforce the definition of matter, while the specific visual examples provide concrete anchors for difficult vocabulary. It successfully bridges the gap between simple observation (what things look like) and scientific explanation (molecular structure and chemical reactions), making it a versatile resource for upper elementary and middle school science classrooms.

Have Fun TeachingHave Fun Teaching

4mins 29s

Video
How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

How Pollution Disrupts Earth's Natural Balance

This episode of Crash Course Ecology dives deep into the complex nature of pollution, challenging the common misconception that it is simply trash or synthetic chemicals. Hank Green explains that pollution is fundamentally about substances—whether natural or synthetic—existing in the wrong place or at the wrong concentrations. The video explores how human activities disrupt Earth's natural biogeochemical cycles, specifically looking at how overloading the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles leads to climate change and massive aquatic dead zones.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s

Video
How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

How Nature Recycles Nitrogen and Phosphorus

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.

CrashCourseCrashCourse

9mins 22s