The Elements (5th Edition) by Ellen McHenry
$18.95
A fun and friendly introduction to chemistry.
Welcome to the exciting world of chemistry! The Elements is a hands-on, easy-to-understand science curriculum designed for curious kids ages 8 to 14. With over 70 pages of engaging text, creative games, and memorable activities, this program brings chemistry to life in a way that’s both educational and fun.
Target grades 3+ | This is a digital resource.
Published by: Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop
The Elements (5th Edition) by Ellen McHenry
Sample Chapters | Sample Activities
Simple and Clear Chemistry
The Elements explains the basics of chemistry using easy words, clever stories, and fun illustrations. No need for a science background—parents and kids can learn together!
Topics include:
- What an element is
- The parts of an atom
- How the Periodic Table was invented
- Chemical formulas
- How atoms bond
- How elements are grouped on the Periodic Table
- You’ll also take a closer look at different element families like metals, non-metals, noble gases, and more.
Whimsical and Effective Learning
The student text is packed with solid science content—and a big dose of humor. Meet the Atomic Chef, try out puzzles, and enjoy simple at-home challenges.
Everything is clearly explained. The 8 chapters are just the right length to keep students engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Hands-On Activities Kids Love
This curriculum includes dozens of fun and creative ways to reinforce learning:
Games:
- Symbol Jar
- Elements Fishing
- Make Five
- Quick Six (now with updated cards)
- Periodic Table jump rope rhyme
Songs and Skits:
- “Chemical Compounds Song”
- “The Bonding Song”
- Skits about element discoveries
Experiments and Crafts:
- Build atom models
- Create trading cards
- Make a Periodic Table pillowcase
- Explore safe online chemistry games and videos
- Watch crazy (but safe!) chemistry demos online
You can complete this course in about 6–9 weeks, depending on how many extras you choose. Go at your own pace! Do as much or as little as you like. Parents don’t need to prep much ahead of time. Just read the activity options, choose what fits your family or group, and have fun learning together.
Can It Be Used for High School?
Not as a full high school chemistry course, but it’s perfect for review or as a gentle introduction. It’s great for students who feel nervous about chemistry or prefer hands-on learning. They’ll gain a strong understanding of atoms, bonding, and how the Periodic Table works—all foundational high school concepts.
The Elements by Ellen McHenry is not just a textbook—it’s a full experience. It’s chemistry explained through cooking, games, laughter, and exploration. Get ready to learn science in a way that sticks!
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peacefulhouseofmine –
This is our 22nd year homeschooling and our 2nd year using Daily Skill Building (wish I would have found them sooner!). My kids and I really enjoy the format and this year we are absolutely loving Ellen McHenry’s Elements science book. This is an all-in-one curriculum that includes the text, student pages and activities and answer key. I’m currently using it with my 5th, 8th and 11th graders. Although, for my high schooler, it’s just a quick review before he dives into a meatier curriculum. The text is fun and engaging and well written for elementary to middle school levels. We are really enjoying McHenry’s writing style, which has taken what can be a difficult and dry subject and made it interesting and somewhat captivating. I really appreciate the YouTube videos that are recommended with many chapters and would like to see DSB include that with their other products in the future. I often try to find YouTube videos for other curriculum but that can be so time consuming. All in all, I love DSB products and especially the format of Ellen McHenry’s books. I’m hoping they will offer her entire line of curriculum in the future.