Biochemistry Literacy for Kids

Teachers and parents want science curricula that unlock the true potential of their young learners and prepare them for STEM careers. To accomplish this, we developed an instructional method that acknowledges the incredible power of the young mind to learn complex concepts, and we overhauled the standard science curriculum, creating a completely fresh learning sequence that incorporates the knowledge and skills that are actually important for real scientists.

In short, we created our dream science curriculum, the curriculum that we wish we had in school.

Our learning materials include animated presentations consisting of hundreds of custom visualizations carefully designed so that every student can learn.

Handheld model building activities accompany every lesson, giving students a tactile and visual perspective on chemistry that few students experience. We also use computerized molecular modeling to immerse students in the intricate and three-dimensional world of macromolecular structure.

These tools, used to explore the inner world of the cell—DNAs, RNAs, proteins, cell membranes—are virtually unknown outside of academic biomedical research, but our curriculum allows elementary students to master them.

Our curriculum is not a gifted enrichment activity—it is a re-imagination of what science learning could be for everyone. After working first hand with over one thousand diverse K-12 students, and seeing what unexpected and amazing things they are capable of, we believe our methods can change the world of education.

Our curriculum is not a gifted enrichment activity—it is a re-imagination of what science learning could be for everyone. After working first hand with over one thousand diverse K-12 students, and seeing what unexpected and amazing things they are capable of, we believe our methods can change the world of education. Kids as young as 5 have successfully participated in this program, but most Biochemistry Literacy students are in late elementary school.

While the program is designed for a wide age range, very young students may need more guidance and support to follow along with the video lessons and activities. The program relies on video lessons and written materials, so students who are not yet comfortable reading independently may require some assistance.

Perfect for school or homeschool use, detailed video lessons, model building activities, and computer modeling allow any student to succeed at biochemistry. No previous science background is required! The program is very effective, even for young elementary school students, but is also deployed in public and private middle and high schools.

The majority of kids from 3rd grade up can learn from the video lessons independently. Very young students may require more support. While parents sometimes enjoy learning alongside their students, the intention is that kids learn on their own from the videos and activities.

The lesson presentations are intended to work hand in hand with the model building activities. Without the models, the students don’t benefit from the active learning aspects of the program, and the program will not be as engaging. While the model kits are mandatory, access to the PyMol molecular modeling software is less critical, especially in the early lessons.

Most users purchase the full program, Lessons 1-24, plus one model kit per student. If you have two students, purchasing two kits may be a good option. Please contact me if you need more than 2 kits. I can ship kits all over the world, usually for around $30, but if you would like to use a standard Molymod kit, not my custom kit, you may purchase the lessons without my kit. If you want to do the program at a slower pace, it may make sense for you to purchase the 6 lessons at a time. Lesson access expires after 1 year.