Phil Cook
Phil Cook, known as @chemteacherphil, is a chemistry educator who uses experiments and everyday objects to help people understand the science around them.
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Latest
Phil’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
YouTube
YouTube
YouTube
YouTubeOverview
- Known online as
- @chemteacherphil
- Work
- Chemistry educator and science communicator
- Education
- Purdue University: BS in chemistry education, 2000; MS in education, 2013
- Online beginnings
- A student suggested filming a classroom experiment for TikTok in 2019
Mini bio
How it started.
Phil’s TikTok story began in his chemistry classroom at Culver Academies in Indiana. In 2019, a student suggested recording a demonstration. She filmed his “gummy bear sacrifice”, in which a gummy bear reacts with potassium chlorate, and Phil posted it. Students returned after the weekend with news that the video was finding an audience.
From the classroom to your feed.
By January 2020, Culver reported that his account had more than 952,000 followers after five months, with a polymerization experiment reaching 12.9 million views. Phil kept answering science questions in the comments and making videos from the material he taught.
Why he makes videos.
On his YouTube channel, Phil says he wants to give people a positive, engaging experience of science, especially those who had a difficult time learning chemistry. His videos connect reactions to real life, from everyday objects to the history behind scientific discoveries. He describes more than two decades of teaching in public and private schools.
Creditschronological, newest first
Science videos
- 2026Fun polymer chemistry from a weird 1960’s era toyCreator and presenter
- 2025Transmitting Sound Using Light!Creator and presenter
- 2025Making a Solar Cell with RaspberriesCreator and presenter
Interviews and appearances
- 2025PBS News Tipping Point science communication specialFeatured participant
- 2025Let’s Talk Chemistry, episode 55Guest
- 2022This Is Purdue: Chem-o-weenGuest and experiment presenter
Awards
Quotes
Stay curious. Do science. Be happy!Phil Cook, official YouTube channel
Phil gives this as his mantra in his channel description.
Trivia
- His first TikTok was filmed by a student, Valeria Prida-Seifer.
- He calls his Halloween chemistry demonstrations “Chem-o-ween”.
- His calcium video connects chemistry to the theatrical origin of “limelight”.
Find Phil
Follow Phil for experiments, everyday chemistry and reasons to stay curious.
Are you Phil Cook?
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