This article comments on the process and results of expanding the vocabulary available for teaching and learning science through the medium of Māori in the specific domain of chemical nomenclature. This commentary argues there is a need to balance language revitalization aims for te reo Māori against the educational aims for Māori medium schooling. It is suggested that chemical names and the periodic table constitute one set of science vocabulary where borrowing, rather than neologism, is to be preferred on these grounds.