Join Kareena and her superhero friend K-mistry and learn about the building blocks of all materials.

Produced by FunKids radio in collaboration with the RSC, this short chemistry snippet is great for introducing children to the idea that the universe is made up of very small particles.

This podcast can be used as a ’hook’ when introducing the topic to your students, or to stimulate discussion.

Downloads

Additional information

If you teach primary science, see the headings below to find out how to use this resource:

Skill development

Children will develop their working scientifically skills by:

  • Asking their own questions about scientific phenomena.
  • Using appropriate scientific language and ideas to explain, evaluate and communicate their findings.
  • Grouping and classifying things.

Learning outcomes

Children will:

  • Understand that all material in the Universe is made of very small particles.

Concepts supported

Children will learn:

  • How the elements are the building blocks for compounds.

Suggested activity use

The recording provided can be used at the start or end of a lesson to stimulate discussion. If used at the beginning, it could be used as a leaping-off point for a simple grouping and classifying exercise.

Practical considerations

Some of the ideas involved are not part of the primary curriculum and may be too difficult for some children to understand.

More advanced vocabulary, such as ‘elements’, ‘molecules’, ‘protons’ and ‘atomic number’, may require additional explanation.

Primary science podcasts