01
Our Universe
Follow the story from cosmic rules and atoms to planets, chemistry, gradients, and the earliest hints of metabolism.
Universe Rules & Behaviour
Why reality behaves in stable, repeatable patterns rather than chaos. Laws, symmetry, and constants create the framework for matter and energy.
Atoms, Charge & Bonding
How matter forms atoms built from protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how charge and bonding allow atoms to form molecules.
Stellar Fusion & Element Formation
How stars forge the elements through nuclear fusion, creating the atoms that later build planets and chemistry.
Heavier Elements Behaviour
How atomic structure changes as elements grow heavier and how this shapes chemical behaviour across the periodic table.
Carbon Four Bonds
Why carbon forms four stable covalent bonds and how this allows chains, rings, and the backbone of organic chemistry.
Water — Life's Solvent
Why water’s polarity and hydrogen bonding allow it to dissolve molecules, regulate temperature, and support chemistry.
Planet Formation & Early Earth
How dust and gas surrounding young stars form planets and create environments where complex chemistry can occur.
No Oxygen & High Energy Gradients
The conditions on early Earth before oxygen dominated the atmosphere, including strong chemical and geothermal gradients.
Energy Sources Before Life
The energy inputs that powered early chemistry — ultraviolet radiation, lightning, geothermal heat, and hydrothermal systems.
Redox & Proton Gradients
How electron transfer and proton differences create energy gradients that can drive chemical work.
Early Earth Proto-Metabolism
How simple reaction networks, mineral catalysts, and compartments may have led to the first metabolic systems.
Quiz
What have you learned about our universe?