34: Molecular Literacy / Dr. Colleen Kelley

Authentic Educators · Mar 10, 2026 · 22m

Many children learn to read, play instruments, or study a second language at a young age—but what about chemistry?

In this episode, Cody and Dave speak with Dr. Colleen Kelley, an educator whose life’s work is introducing chemistry to students far earlier than most schools do. With teaching experience that ranges from young children to college students studying organic chemistry, Dr. Kelley has seen firsthand how even highly capable university students often approach the subject with fear and intimidation.

She believes that much of this anxiety could be prevented if students were exposed to…