Why do so many students fear chemistry, and what if we could change that by teaching it like we teach reading? In this fun and story-rich talk, Dr. Colleen Kelley shares how “Molecular Literacy” can revolutionize how we learn and teach science, starting as early as third grade. With comic book characters, games, and songs, she shows that chemistry isn’t just a subject... it’s the shared language of everything. Dr. Colleen Kelley is a retired chemistry professor turned storyteller and the creator of a comic book series designed to make chemistry fun, relatable, and unforgettable for kids and learners of all ages. With over 25 years of experience in chemical education, her mission is to build Molecular Literacy—a foundation of chemistry understanding for everyone, starting young.As the founder of a curriculum that blends science with imagination, Dr. Kelley believes chemistry should be as engaging as storytime. Whether through animated characters like Poppi and Ray or songs about Sweet Calcium, her approach bridges science and play to foster curiosity, confidence, and connection in the next generation of learners. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx