In this Form 2 (grade 4-6) study guide, students will be introduced to the subject of chemistry. They will learn about atoms and molecules; solids, liquids, and gases; physical and chemical changes; and elements, compounds, and mixtures.

The study guide includes reading assignments from the spine text, narration prompts, and open discussion questions. Experiments related to the reading are also included. Optional supplemental activities, such as current events, videos, and article suggestions when there is time, are also included. Finally, you will find a link to an exam for each course in the introductory material.

Pages: 70
Prerequisites: none

Spine Text

This study guide accompanies the living book Matter, Molecules, and Atoms by Bertha Morris Parker (Living Library Press, 2018, ISBN: 1633341062), which must be purchased separately.

65 pages
Reading Level: 4-6 grade
Prerequisites: none
I strongly recommend you purchase the newly reprinted Yesterday’s Classics version rather than using the original version as the latter is printed in a tiny font and may be difficult for your student to read. It is also not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye and is a mere slip of a booklet.

In 1916, Bertha Morris Parker (1890-1980) was the first person (and woman) to teach elementary science at the University Laboratory Schools in Chicago. She did not follow any educational psychologists but instead “learned to learn” from her time with the children and trying out her ideas in the classroom. She taught there for nearly 40 years, writing at least 97 books for her classes as well as for children everywhere.

Mrs. Parker was also a research associate at the Chicago Natural History Museum and wrote the 16-volume set of Golden Book Encyclopedias. —Michele Jahncke (source)

Other Necessary Items to Complement This Course

Review the Supply List for this course.
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock

Schedule:

This study guide includes 33 morning lessons, three per week, each requiring approximately 20-30 minutes. Each week will include the following science lessons:

Weekly Lesson 1: Nature Lore
Weekly Lesson 2: Natural History Science Reading and sometimes an activity
Weekly Lesson 3: Special Studies Reading or Natural History Activity

Other necessary science and nature study should be done during afternoons or evenings, and may include the following:

Daily work outside exploring and investigating, making notes or drawings of their observations. Due to the subject matter of this study guide, some of this daily work will need to be done after sunset.
Additional reading on this science topic and nature topics according to individual desire and interest.

I have had the pleasure to use several different Sabbath Mood high school guides with my son. He was not particularly interested in chemistry before these guides and it ended up being his favorite science course! Thank you!

—Shannon S.

Sample Lessons: