In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer Cookson speaks with retired chemistry professor and visionary educator Dr. Colleen Kelley, creator of Kids Chemical Solutions. Colleen shares how her comic books and playful curriculum are transforming how children—and adults—learn chemistry by treating it as a language. From teaching molecular literacy as early as age eight to shaping more informed consumers, Colleen makes the case that chemistry fluency is not only possible at a young age but essential for our future. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about science education, storytelling, or innovation in cosmetics and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Chemistry = Language: Molecular literacy is the ability to "read" chemistry like a language—complete with symbols, grammar, and fluency.

• Early Exposure Matters: Kids as young as eight can grasp core chemical concepts like bonding, equations, and polyatomic ions.

• Beyond the Lab Coat: Real science isn't all explosions and goggles—it's data, interpretation, storytelling, and literacy.

• Hands-On ≠ Learning: Doing an experiment isn’t enough—students need to be able to analyze and tell the story behind the data.

• Visuals & Humor Work: Comic book storytelling helps break down intimidating scientific concepts into digestible, memorable lessons.

• Chemistry in Everyday Life: Understanding basic chemistry enables consumers to decode cosmetic labels, environmental terms like “carbon footprint,” and nutritional marketing with confidence.

• Equity Through Literacy: Making chemistry accessible through comics and inclusive character design can bridge educational and socioeconomic gaps.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Start
00:25 – Intro to the episode and guest: Dr. Colleen Kelley
01:23 – From professor to comic book creator: Colleen’s mission
02:43 – Defining “molecular literacy” and the chemistry-language connection
04:37 – Why brilliant students still fail chemistry: it's about visibility and fluency
07:21 – Rethinking how chemistry is taught—more reading, less slime
10:09 – Common barriers and misconceptions in early science education
12:03 – Debunking the “hands-on” obsession and redefining real lab work
14:18 – How Colleen turns chemical reactions into character stories
17:44 – Writing for younger audiences: comics, characters, and age-appropriate pacing
20:36 – Integrating storytelling with educational content design
22:00 – Curriculum structure: activities, puzzles, and layered learning
24:56 – Balancing equations by fourth grade—what’s possible at each age level
26:51 – Goals: completing the comic series = one semester of Gen Chem
27:21 – Feedback from AP Chem teachers and homeschool parents
29:45 – Designing characters: inclusivity, creativity, and chemistry analogies
33:28 – Supporting generalist teachers with accessible, fun curriculum
34:56 – Real-world applications: cosmetics, food, and the chemistry of ingredients
36:53 – Teaching chemistry for informed consumer choices
39:17 – Water: the overlooked foundational chemical topic
41:07 – From green chemistry to misinformation—why literacy matters
43:59 – International response vs. U.S. public school pushback
46:50 – Accessibility for under-resourced schools and informal learning
50:07 – Moving toward an online version while keeping tactile learning alive
52:10 – Where to find Colleen’s work: kidschemicalsolutions.com
53:06 – Advice to educators: storytelling, empathy, and personal connection