If you’re like most people I know, you thought chemistry was all about explosions and lighting stuff on fire. Then you got really disappointed when you realized that it was mostly just math…. We’ve all been there.

Over the past few years, I’ve been thinking to myself, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an chemistry guide that was easy to understand and didn’t require four years of algebra?” Might be nice for normal people to actually understand what I do for a living. And so, I F***ing Hate Chemistry was born.

My mission: To create easy to understand chemistry experiments that you can do at home without expensive equipment or dangerous chemicals. Through doing these experiments, you’ll learn the basics of chemistry in a way that’s easy to follow, without all the math. (Because I did the math for you. Your welcome).

Do you f***ing hate chemistry?

About the project

Since becoming a professional chemist, I’ve had all sorts of people come up to me and say, “I f***ing hated chemistry in high school. It was so boring!” And looking back, yeah, high school chemistry was pretty boring! They didn’t really teach us any of the fun stuff we wanted to know and the experiments were usually just mixing drops of liquid in test tubes. What gives?

When my now boyfriend first started working as a high school chemistry teacher, he was afraid it would be the same problem with his students. Not only that, but his school didn’t have the budget for any kind of materials. So we put our heads together and tried to plan out some experiments with stuff we found around the house. There are plenty of interesting household chemicals, if you know what to look for.

Not long after, I started thinking about all the other teachers out there who could use a good guidebook for science experiments on a budget. On top of that, how many regular people would love to know more about the chemicals they use every day? And so, I F***ing Hate Chemistry was born.

I F***ing Hate Chemistry will be a guidebook meant for chemistry enthusiasts and science teachers on a budget! My hope is that every experiment is written in a way that is easily understood by someone with only a high school chemistry class (or less) under their belt. You don’t need to have any specific knowledge of chemistry to perform these experiment. (But there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself, if your interested.)

“What will I need to start?”

Don’t worry! You won’t need anything crazy to start. Some labs won’t require anything more than some salt and water. But there are a few things you might want to get before you get started.

What you’ll need from the kitchen

  • Mason jars or PYREX measuring cups

  • Wooden spoons

  • Rubber scrapers

  • Wax paper

Other things that might be helpful

  • Silicone gelatin molds

  • Glass beakers

  • Plastic eyedroppers

  • A Kitchen scale

What you’ll need from the grocery store

  • Table salt

  • Epsom salt

  • Baking soda

  • Vegetable oil

  • Maybe a few more Mason jars?

Get ready to do some experiments!

Experimental procedures are available in the Shop! Be sure to read all the safety information first, before you start mixing anything together. While most of the chemicals you’ll use are safe, you still don’t want to get them in your eyes. And you never know when mixing chemicals together might cause an explosion.

I’m working hard with my chemistry friends to bring you more fun experiments you can try at home! Check back regularly for new procedures. Also coming soon:

I F***ing Hate Chemistry: The Book!

Expect a Kickstarter in the next few months to fund a published volume of these experiments and (hopefully) many more!