Jump to content

Menu

Homeschool High School Chemistry


Recommended Posts

So...

 

Since it was snowing like crazy here yesterday and I couldn't do much of anything, I decided to put together something for high school chem (plus it involved organizing and collating information, which I love - I'm weird like that). I'm going to take up the first five posts of this thread (if I can do this properly) - the second post will be a listing of regular chem courses, the third post will be honours (or honors if you're not Canadian or British) chem courses, the fourth post will be AP Chem courses, and the fifth post will be for other chem resources. Please feel free to add more to this thread - I thought this could be the "chemistry support group" thread that was mentioned previously. :) Please note - these lists are by no means exhaustive. I know I missed many resources but I thought this could be a starting point. Please feel free to keep adding!

 

If anyone finds any mistakes or disagrees with me on anything, please speak up! :) Because I'm coming from a Canadian teaching background (specifically Ontario), I wasn't terribly familiar with the Regular/Honours designation for chem. It seems to me that it roughly lined up with what we would call Grade 11U (university-bound) Chem for Regular and Grade 11U+Grade 12U Chem for Honours so I based my judgments on whether a course was reg or honours chem based on that (if the provider didn't explicitly state which one it was). AP Chem is AP Chem no matter where you are. :)

 

I thought about leaving out the "Secular/Christian" category - it usually doesn't make much difference in terms of content for chemistry - but I thought folks might like to know anyway so I put it in. When I say "Christian", I'm usually meaning Protestant Christian unless I state otherwise.

 

I also have all this info saved in a PDF document so if anyone would like it all together, just PM me and I can send it to you.

  • Like 25
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Regular Chemistry Courses (Reg Chem)

Name: Chemistry Power Basics
Publisher: Walch Publishing
Where to buy:
http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2738
Level: Basic Reg Chem (almost Junior High level)
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: Student workbook and tests
Teacher Resources: Teacher's Guide, Answer key for text, answer keys for tests
Lesson Plans: No
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Very basic ones
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Basic Algebra
Comments: From Rainbow Resource description: "Targeting a student audience that is typically daunted by the length and complexity of traditional textbooks, this series provides the essentials of a junior or senior high curriculum (on-level content) with below-level readability (4th grade)."

Name: Friendly Chemistry
Publisher: Independent
Where to buy:
http://www.amazon.co...96607445&sr=8-2
Or you can order directly from the website:
http://friendlychemi...om/homepage.htm
Level: Basic Reg Chem
Type: Textbook with manipulatives
Additional Materials: Student workbook, manipulatives
Teacher Resources: Teacher's edition (in two volumes), annotated solutions manual
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: ? They are a featured curriculum provider in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine so Christian-friendly, perhaps?
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No but labs are meant to be done with items from around the home. Here's a supply list:
http://friendlychemi...supply list.htm
Math background needed: Basic Algebra

Name: Fascinating Chemistry
Publisher: Fascinating Education
Where to buy:
http://fascinatinged...bership_signup/
Level: Basic Reg Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: No
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Basic Algebra

Name: An Introduction to Chemistry by John Charlesworth
Publisher: Kolbe Academy
Where to buy:
http://books.kolbe.o...arlesworth.html
Level: Basic Reg Chem
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: Tests
Teacher Resources: Course plans and test keys
Lesson Plans: Yes
Secular/Christian: Christian (Catholic)
Program includes labs: ?
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Basic Algebra

Name: Conceptual Chemistry by John Suchocki
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Where to buy: Both older and newer editions can be found on Amazon
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Free answer key for text:
http://www.conceptua...=117&Itemid=165
Other materials (chapter summaries, worksheets, quizzes) can be accessed through registration:
http://conceptualche...d=92&Itemid=413
Video lectures (this is a link to the free public versions - there are paid versions that are more detailed):
http://www.conceptua...id=14&Itemid=57
Teacher Resources: Yes - here is some info for homeschoolers:
http://conceptualche...d=74&Itemid=381
Lesson Plans: Yes
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: WTM Academy Introduction to Chemistry (with optional lab)
Publisher: Well Trained Mind Academy using Conceptual Chemistry 4th ed by Suchocki
Where to buy:
http://www.wtmacademy.com/courses/classes/introduction-to-chemistry-lab/
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes - see lab syllabus below

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8m8fGTAxz8SSWVrRU1RVTFNd3M/view?usp=sharing

Direct link to one possible supplier of lab kit:

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/microchem-kit/p/KT-MICCHEM/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Comments: Link to course syllabus:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8m8fGTAxz8STmQ3T1FqbjE3b19CSGRMZU5fODAwQ1ZwcU84/view?usp=sharing

 

Name: Holt Chemistry
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Where to buy:
http://www.rainbowre...22a5fc5fa2619fd
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Virtual Lab CD-ROM
Teacher Resources: CD-ROM with chapter resources (worksheets, labs, tests)
Lesson Plans: Yes
http://saxonhomescho...igh_sch_sci.htm
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Algebra 1

 

Name: Chemistry Matters
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Education (Singapore)
Where to buy: http://www.singaporemath.com/product_p/machemtx.htm
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Workbook (includes tests), Practical (Lab) Book
Teacher Resources: Teacher's Edition for Workbook
Lesson Plans: No
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Algebra 1
Comments:
Units used for liquid volume are dm³ instead of litres (takes some getting used to for North American students), no answer key for textbook, labs included with program are not easily duplicated at home

Name: LIFEPAC Grade 11 Chemistry
Publisher: Alpha Omega
Where to buy:
http://www.aophomesc.../chemistry.html
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: Tests and labs included
Teacher Resources: Teacher's Guide
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KIT1100/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Switched On Schoolhouse Chemistry (Grade 11)
Publisher: Alpha Omega
Where to buy:
http://www.aophomesc...12sos1100s-3944
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Computer based CD-ROM
Additional Materials: Tests and labs included
Teacher Resources: Student-directed
Lesson Plans: Student-directed
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KITSS11/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Monarch Chemistry (Grade 11)
Publisher: Alpha Omega
Where to buy:
http://www.aophomesc...t/mon1100s-5373
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Online
Additional Materials: Tests and labs included
Teacher Resources: Student-directed
Lesson Plans: Student-directed
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KITSS11/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Chemistry: Precision and Design
Publisher: A Beka Book
Where to buy:
http://www.abeka.com....aspx?sbn=55360
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Lab manual, quizzes, tests, lab demonstration DVD
Teacher Resources: Teacher's guide, answer keys for quizzes and tests, teacher's edition for lab manual
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...kit/p/AB-KIT11/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Classic Science Advanced Chemistry
Publisher: The Lab of Mr. Q
Where to buy:
http://www.eequalsmc...hapterDwnld.htm
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: None
Teacher Resources: Parent manual
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No (labs are meant to be completed using materials around the home)
Math background needed: Algebra 1
Comments: Goofy writing style may not appeal to some students but the chemistry covered is solid

Name: Christian Light Education Chemistry (Grade 11)
Publisher: Christian Light Publications
Where to buy:
http://www.clp.org/store/by_course/69
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Worktext/Units
Additional Materials: None
Teacher Resources: Answer keys
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...kit/p/CL-KIT11/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Trivedi Regular Chemistry
Publisher: Trivedi Chemistry
Where to buy:
http://www.trivedich...chool-chemistry
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Multimedia DVD
Additional Materials: No
Teacher Resources: No (but solutions to problems are worked on the DVD)
Lesson Plans: No
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Video demonstrations
Lab kit available: N/A
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: High School Chemistry in Your Home by Bridget Ardoin
Publisher: Science for High School
Where to buy:
http://www.sciencefo...-total-package/
Level: Reg Chem (possibly Honours Chem - there isn't enough of a sample for me to tell)
Type: Worktext-type where students must use other resources (texts, encyclopedia, online) to find answers to questions given in the manual - guided learning type of method
Additional Materials: Quizzes, end-of-semester exams
Teacher Resources: Parent manual with all answer keys
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.sciencefo...r-home-lab-kit/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Exploring Creation with Chemistry
Publisher:
Apologia
Where to buy:
http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2706
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: CD-ROM with extras (animations, etc.), tests, instructional DVD
Teacher Resources: Answer key to text, answer key to tests
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...it/p/AM-KTCHEM/
Math background needed: Algebra 1

*From "Sasharowan":
Name: Spectrum Chemistry
Publisher: Beginnings Publishing
Where to buy: http://www.beginning...n2/spectrum.htm
Level: Reg Chem* (see comments below)
Type: Text
Additional Materials: Lab manual and quiz packet
Teacher Resources: "Teacher's Helper" guide and free 800# support
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
Math background needed: Algebra 1
Comments: (From Dicentra) I'm not exactly sure where to put this curriculum - under Reg Chem or Honours Chem. It seems to cover some topics that a normal Reg Chem course usually doesn't (colligative properties is the one topic that jumped out at me), but I can't tell if these additional topics are covered from a mathematical standpoint or not. It also doesn't seem to cover rates but has chemical equilibrium as a "Special Topic in Chemistry" at the end (I would think that, without covering reaction rates in mathematical detail, then the equilibrium topic probably doesn't go into much detail either). All this to say - since I don't have the course in front of me, it's hard to say. smile.gif Please read down thread for some very valuable discussion and advice from some folks who have used this program with their students.

*From "4wildberrys":
Name: Chemistry PACEs
Publisher: ACE Ministries / School of Tomorrow
Where to buy: http://www.christian...652487?event=CF
Level: Reg Chem
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: DVDs and Lab DVDs
Teacher Resources: Answer keys
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes but only video labs
Lab kit available: N/A
Math background needed: Algebra 1
Comments: See Cathy Duffy's site for a longer review:
http://cathyduffyrev...emistry-sot.htm

Name: Discovering Design with Chemistry 
Provider: Berean Builders
Where to buy: https://bereanbuilders.com/ecomm/product-category/senior-high/discovering-design-with-chemistry/
Level: Reg Chem 
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: lab kit, audio book, link in book to helpful videos and extra practice problems for each chapter
Teacher Resources: answer key, tests and solutions
Lesson Plans: included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: yes 
Lab kit available: Yes
Math background needed: Algebra 1

 

Name: Clover Valley Chemistry - Chemistry with Honors Chemistry option
Where to buy:  https://clovervalleychemistry.com/   (direct link to the Chem with Honors Chem option page https://clovervalleychemistry.com/chemistry/ )

Level: Reg Chem with an option to bump it up to Honors Chem
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes - uses the MicroChem kit from Quality Science Labs  http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-labs/microchem-kit-standard-edition/
Math background needed: Algebra 1 for Chemistry and Honors Algebra 1 with at least a B+ for Honors Chemistry

Edited by Dicentra
  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Honours Chemistry Courses (Honours Chem)
 

Name: General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts by Raymond Chang
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Where to buy: Older or newer editions can be purchased through Amazon
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Problem Solving Workbook with Solutions, labs given at
http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm
Teacher Resources: Annotated Teacher's Edition of textbook
Lesson Plans: Basic schedule
http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Algebra 2
Comments: VERY rigourous honours course, would not suggest attempting to complete the entire text

Name: BJU Chemistry
Publisher: Bob Jones University
Where to buy:
http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2650
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Worktext
Additional Materials: Lab manual, tests
Teacher Resources: Teacher's edition text, answer keys for tests
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...kit/p/BJ-KIT11/
Math background needed: Physical Science and Algebra 1

Name: Chemistry Supplement for Advanced Studies
Publisher: A Beka Book
Where to buy:
http://www.abeka.com....aspx?sbn=55387
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: None
Teacher Resources: Answer key
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs:
Lab kit available:
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 1

Name: DIVE Chemistry
Publisher: Digital Interactive Video Education
Where to buy:
http://www.diveintom...try-11th-grade/
Level: Honours Chem or AP Chem
Type: Instructional CD-ROM to be used along with a text (DIVE text, BJU, Apologia, A Beka, or others)
Additional Materials: Student Workbook
Teacher Resources: Video solutions on CD-ROM
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/KT-DIVCHEM/
Math background needed: Depends on which text is chosen to accompany - could be either Algebra 1 or Algebra 2

Name: Kolbe Chemistry (uses Prentice Hall text)
Publisher: Prentice Hall with Kolbe Academy course plan
Where to buy:
http://books.kolbe.o...ntice-Hall.html
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Workbook, virtual labs, tests, online resources
http://www.phschool....k&wcsuffix=0000
Teacher Resources: Course plans, text key, workbook key, answer keys for tests
Lesson Plans: Yes
Secular/Christian: Christian (Catholic)
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Physical Science and Algebra 1

Name: Oak Meadow Chemistry Course (uses Prentice Hall text)
Publisher: Prentice Hall with Oak Meadow course plan
Where to buy:
http://www.oakmeadow...kage-p2079.html
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Textbook with living book supplement
Additional Materials: Lab workbook
http://www.phschool....k&wcsuffix=0000
Teacher Resources: Teacher manuals, syllabus
Lesson Plans: Yes
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.oakmeadow...-Kit-p2785.html
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: CK-12 Flexbook
Publisher: CK-12
Where to buy: FREE!!!!
http://www.ck12.org/...Second-Edition/
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Online textbook
Additional Materials: Labs and demonstrations book
http://www.ck12.org/...n-Labs-&-Demos/
Teacher Resources: Teacher's Edition
http://www.ck12.org/...'s-Edition/
Lesson Plans: No
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No (but can be correlated with the kit from The Home Scientist)
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: The Potter's School Chemistry (enrollment only)
Publisher: The Potter's School course using Apologia's Exploring Creation with Chemistry
Where to buy:
http://www.potterssc...ster-and-enroll
Level: Honours Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: No but website states that all labs can be done at home with household chemicals
Math background needed: Algebra 1

Name: Thinkwell Chemistry
Publisher: Thinkwell
Where to buy:
http://www.thinkwell...ducts/chemistry
Level: Honours Chem+ (more than Honours Chem but not specifically geared towards the AP Chem Exam)
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes BUT they seem to be video demonstrations and not hands-on labs
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Algebra 2 (but I would think a first chem course wouldn't hurt)


From "AngieW in Texas":
Name: Tro's Introductory Chemistry (no older than 3rd edition or you won't be able to get the teacher resources)
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Where to buy: http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS1lMk&PMDbSiteId=2781&PMDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=811&PMDbSubCategoryId=23496&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=55646
Level: Honors chemistry
Type: Text
Additional Materials: None
Teacher Resources: Solution Manual - actually you may be stuck with the 4th edition now in order to get the solution manual
Lesson Plans: None
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: No
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: rock-solid Algebra 1 skills - wait until after Algebra II if Algebra I was not rock-solid
Comments: I used Prentice Hall Chemistry small-scale labs manual when I did it, but I was using it for a group. It would NOT be worth it to try this lab manual without a group.

Name: Honors Chemistry
Provider: Blue Tent Online
Where to buy: https://www.bluetentonline.com/honors-chemistry
Level: Honors
Type: Online provider; asynchronous format using Moodle LMS
Additional Materials: course resources
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: yes: hands-on and virtual
Lab kit available: Yes
Math background needed: Algebra 1

 

Name: Clover Valley Chemistry - Chemistry with Honors Chemistry option
Where to buy:  https://clovervalleychemistry.com/   (direct link to the Chem with Honors Chem option page https://clovervalleychemistry.com/chemistry/ )

Level: Reg Chem with an option to bump it up to Honors Chem
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes - uses the MicroChem kit from Quality Science Labs  http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-labs/microchem-kit-standard-edition/
Math background needed: Algebra 1 for Chemistry and Honors Algebra 1 with at least a B+ for Honors Chemistry

 

Name: Clover Valley Chemistry – Advanced Honors Chemistry
Where to buy:  https://clovervalleychemistry.com/   (direct link to the Adv Hons Chem page https://clovervalleychemistry.com/honors-chemistry/ )  This course is also offered through AP Homeschoolers  https://www.aphomeschoolers.com/cgi-bin/choose.pl?class=honchem

Level: Advanced Honors Chem
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes - uses the MicroChem 2nd edition kit from Quality Science Labs  http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-labs/microchem-kit-standard-2nd-edition/
Math background needed:

*Completion of a rigorous Honors Algebra 1 course with a grade of at least a B+ (taking Honors Algebra 2 concurrently is a good idea)
*Very solid study skills and a good work ethic – this course is very demanding and moves very quickly. Students should have exceptional time management skills, be highly organized, and be capable of/be willing to take notes while watching video lectures and while doing textbook readings.  All the executive function types of skills are vital for success in the Advanced Honors Chemistry course.

 

Name: Clover Valley Chemistry - Introduction to Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry
Where to buy:  https://clovervalleychemistry.com/   (direct link to the IOCBC page https://clovervalleychemistry.com/introduction-to-organic-chemistry-biochemistry/ )

Level: Post AP Chemistry/Honors Chemistry
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: No
Lab kit available: N/A
Math background needed: No math prerequisite but requires the completion of either a rigorous Honors Chemistry course or AP Chemistry

Edited by Dicentra
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Advanced Placement Chemistry Courses (AP Chem)

NOTE: You CANNOT label your student's chemistry course as “AP Chemistry†on his/her transcript unless he/she is taking it from a provider with a College Board approved syllabus or you have had your own personal homeschool course approved by the College Board. The College Board website has more information on this process.

AP Chemistry: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/2119.html

ALSO NOTE: The AP Chemistry Exam will be changing for the 2013-2014 year. Please make sure that your student is prepared for the changes to the exam, no matter where he/she is taking AP Chem. I can't guarantee that the providers listed below will have kept their courses up to date. Please check with whichever provider you are considering to ensure that your student is receiving proper instruction.

Name: PA Homeschoolers Online AP Chemistry (enrollment only)
Publisher: Uses Chemistry (9th ed) by Raymond Chang
Where to buy:
http://www.aphomeschoolers.com/cgi-bin/choose.pl?class=chemistry or
http://www.chemadvan....com/index.html
Level: AP Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.qualitysc...-chemistry-kit/
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 2

Name: Trivedi AP Chemistry
Publisher: Trivedi Chemistry
Where to buy:
http://www.trivedich...hp/ap-chemistry
Level: AP Chem
Type: Multimedia DVD
Additional Materials: No
Teacher Resources: Answers for problems are worked on the DVD, teacher's guide (but more for classroom teachers):
http://www.trivedich...or-ap-chemistry
Lesson Plans: No
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Video demonstrations
Lab kit available: N/A
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 2

Name: DIVE Chemistry
Publisher: Digital Interactive Video Education
Where to buy:
http://www.diveintom...try-11th-grade/
Level: Honours Chem or AP Chem
Type: Instructional CD-ROM to be used along with a text (DIVE text, BJU, Apologia, A Beka, or others)
Additional Materials: Student Workbook
Teacher Resources: Video solutions on CD-ROM
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/KT-DIVCHEM/
Math background needed: Depends on which text is chosen to accompany - could be either Algebra 1 or Algebra 2

Name: Advanced Chemistry in Creation
Publisher: Apologia
Where to buy:
http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2707
Level: AP Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Tests
Teacher Resources: Answer key to text, answer key to tests
Lesson Plans: Included
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes
http://www.hometrain...t/p/AM-KTADCHE/
Math background needed: First year chem and Algebra 2

Name: Oak Meadow AP Chemistry (enrollment only)
Publisher: Uses Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (5th ed) by Martin Silberberg
Where to buy:
http://www.oakmeadow...ool-science.php (scroll down to see description)
http://www.oakmeadow...ces/catalog.php (catalogs and price sheets)
Level: AP Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A but some student resources for the text can be found here:
http://glencoe.mcgra.../student_view0/
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Yes - uses the Aventa Chem lab kit (made available to purchase after enrollment)
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 2

Name: Chemistry (9th ed) by Raymond Chang
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Where to buy:
Copies can be found on Amazon
Level: AP Chem
Type: Textbook
Additional Materials: Student Solutions Manual and a Student Study Guide (both found on Amazon), resources from the following website:
http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm
Teacher Resources: None
Lesson Plans: Brief course outline here:
http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Lab can be found here:
http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 2
Comments: My favourite AP Chem text. Very well laid out and very solid explanations.

Name: The Potter's School Advanced Chemistry (enrollment only)
Publisher: The Potter's School course using Apologia's Advanced Chemistry in Creation
Where to buy:
http://www.potterssc...ster-and-enroll
Level: AP Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Christian
Program includes labs: Yes
Lab kit available: Lab kit is required - since the Apologia text is being used, the corresponding lab kit could be used:
http://www.hometrain...t/p/AM-KTADCHE/
Math background needed: First chem course and Algebra 2

Name: Thinkwell AP Chemistry
Publisher: Thinkwell
Where to buy:
http://www.thinkwell...ts/ap-chemistry
Level: AP Chem
Type: Online provider
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: Yes BUT they seem to be video demonstrations and not hands-on labs
Lab kit available: No
Math background needed: Doesn't say but I would think Algebra 2 (and a first chem course wouldn't hurt)

 

Name: Clover Valley Chemistry - Introduction to Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry
Where to buy:  http://www.clovervalleychemistry.com/   (direct link to the IOCBC page http://www.clovervalleychemistry.com/introduction-to-organic-chemistry-biochemistry/ )

Level: Post AP Chemistry/Honors Chemistry
Type: Online course
Additional Materials: N/A
Teacher Resources: N/A
Lesson Plans: N/A
Secular/Christian: Secular
Program includes labs: No
Lab kit available: N/A
Math background needed: No math prerequisite but requires the completion of either Honors Chemistry or AP Chemistry

Edited by Dicentra
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Other High School Chemistry Resources

*K12 offers Core, Comprehensive, Honours, and AP Chem courses
http://www.k12.com/c...e-list/#science

*The Home Scientist sells a Honours Chem Lab kit with lab manual that can be correlated to many different chem programs (the lab manual is free to download even if you don't purchase the kit)
http://www.thehomesc.../ck01-main.html
He also sells a simplified and less expensive version of the kit meant for Standard (or Regular) Chemistry which also has a free, downloadable lab manual:
http://www.thehomesc...ck01b-main.html
NOTE: The free lab manual that comes with this kit is NOT the same as the Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments (by the same author). This kit (and the free lab manual) will give a lab component for a first-year high school chemistry course. The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments (which can be purchased through Amazon) is meant to give the equivalent of the lab component for a two-year high school chemistry course and would require more equipment and chemicals than are included in this kit.

*Quality Science Labs also sells a number of MicroChem lab kits that can be correlated to different science curricula. Microchemistry uses much smaller amounts of chemicals and doesn't use much of the large, expensive glassware that traditional chem labs use. The drawback, however, is that students won't acquire the skills needed to work with some of the traditional glassware such as burettes for titration or filtering or distillation apparatus, etc.
Lab kits:
http://www.qualitysc...chemistry-labs/
Curricula Co-ordination:
http://www.qualitysc...la-coordination (scroll down a bit for chemistry)

*HippoCampus has videos from Khan Academy organized under two collections, Chemistry and Organic Chemistry:
http://www.hippocampus.org/Chemistry

*Labpaq (Hands On Learning) offers chemistry lab kits for sale. You can fill out the form at the following link for more information:
https://www.holscien...est-information

*The Great Courses has a high school chemistry course:
http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1012
This could be used as a supplement to a text or to some other type of course but I don't think it would be terribly helpful as a stand-alone high school chemistry course.

*Free chem text from CalTech - Chemical Principles (1979) by Dickerson, Gray, & Haight:
http://authors.libra...tech.edu/25050/

*Free beginning chem text (only free as an ebook - must pay for a printed copy):
http://preparatorychemistry.com/
Has two versions - an "atoms-first version":
http://preparatorych...ishop_iBook.htm
or a "chemistry-first" version:
http://preparatorych...op_iBook_CF.htm
From the website: "The atoms-first version provides a more complete description of atomic theory, chemical bonding, and chemical calculations early. The chemistry-first version has a early emphasis on descriptions of the structure of matter and the nature of chemical changes, postponing the description of unit conversions and chemical calculations."

*Adrian Dingle has a website that has resources for AP Chem, Honours Chem, Reg Chem, and a short course in Organic Chem. There is a vast amount of stuff here - notes, quizzes, labs, worksheets... But not all of it is available all of the time - he rotates his stuff on and off of his website as his students are using it. If you want access to all of it, he does offer paid subscriptions. Otherwise, you just have to keep going back to download the pdfs a few at a time.
http://www.adriandin...com/index2.html

*A homeschool mom (I believe she might be on this forum!) has done high school honours chem at home and made a website sharing her entire course. She uses Introductory Chemistry (5th ed) by Stephen Zumdahl and the Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments by Robert Bruce Thompson. Her site includes a week-by-week schedule with readings, text questions to complete, additional websites to check out for each topic, and the correlation of labs to the text. She gives tests and might even be willing to share them if you e-mail her and ask nicely. Here's the site:
https://sites.google...rnthehousedown/
If you scroll down to the bottom, you'll see "Archived Assignments" - click on that and you get the rest of the weeks.
Pretty awesome!

Junior High Chemistry Curricula
I know that sometimes these courses are considered to be high school level (and some are labeled as such) but without a math component, I don't think they can be honestly called "high school chem". If a math component is added in from elsewhere, that could bump them up to high school level.
*Noeo Science: Chemistry III
http://www.noeoscien...om/chemIII.html
*Queen's Homeschool Chemistry
https://www.queensho...94a8fbc93dc8ab2

*From "anne1456":
The Chemistry videos from Georgia Public Broadcasting at http://www.gpb.org/ are high school level. You can buy the teachers material for them pretty cheap too.

*From "MyThreeSons":
I recently posted about some FREE online virtual labs that I use in my co-op Physics class. Here are the ones that are specifically related to Chemistry:
http://phet.colorado...egory/chemistry

*From "kangato3":
Another textbook choice for regular chemistry is World of Chemistry by Zumdahl. Very similar to same author's Introductory Chemistry, but broken up into smaller sections as it's designed for high school.

*From "Kareni":
Caveman Chemistry by Kevin Dunn
The book can be browsed through at the link above.
Here's a review from the Journal of Chemical Education.

*From "swimmermom3":
Also, while I was searching for free lesson plans to link to the Holt text, I happened across this site with a whole bunch of resources. I am losing track so if someone has already posted this, my apologies: http://www.nclark.net/Chemistry
Ms. Clark's site has a fun lab safety video.

*From "HodgesSchool":

Just ran across these demonstration labs from MIT that are well produced, showy, and also quite seriously academic:

(And if you haven't seen the Chem Lab Boot Camp that I've mentioned before, you might enjoy it, too.  It is much more narrative than scientific, but I found it both inspiring and reassuring.  http://ocw.mit.edu/h...-lab-boot-camp/ )
 
*From "kiana":
I found a great book (Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks) that I'd highly recommend as a living book resource for chemistry. I'm not sure where it would fit -- maybe in the "other resources" -- but I do think there's a lot of good chemistry in it. 
Edited by Dicentra
  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can I ask what made you decide (or where did you find it labeled) that Apologia Chemistry is honors chemistry? I'm not arguing with you! I just want to know your reasoning so that I can decide what to put on our transcript.

 

This was one of the curricula that I wasn't quite sure on. My tipping point is usually if the curriculum in question contains a mathematical treatment of chemical kinetics and equilibrium - reg chem courses never do that. It's not an "exact science", though. :) I could probably either call this one a higher level reg chem or a basic honours chem.

 

Hope that helps!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for doing this! Can you explain the difference between Basic Algebra and Algebra 1 for the math background needed in the regular chem courses post?

 

Basic Algebra would be the ability to work with three-variable formulae (such as the one for density) and that would be as tough as the math gets. Algebra 1 would include things like dimensional analysis, possibly basic logs when dealing with pH - stuff like that.

 

This is just my thoughts - in Ontario, we also don't have a "math sequence" like you do in the States so I'm not really familiar with what would be included in a standard Algebra 1 course. My basic thought process when I was doing the list followed the above line of thinking but if I'm wrong, someone tell me and I can fix the list. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Chemistry videos from Georgia Public Broadcasting at http://www.gpb.org/ are high school level. You can buy the teachers material for them pretty cheap too.

 

Is it these ones?

http://www.gpb.org/chemistry-physics

Can students outside Georgia access these? I can't get them to load but then I'm in Canada so it might be different for those in the States. I usually can't stream anything from PBS over the internet - it knows I'm outside of the States. :leaving:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://beginningspub...n2/spectrum.htm Spectrum Chemistry is high school level.

 

Sorry - missed this one! (And probably many others, as well. :ohmy: )

 

If you (or anyone else) have a copy of this, can you tell me what they do for the sections on Kinetics and Equilibrium? Do they have the students mathematically determine the rate law for a given reaction? For the section on Equilibrium, does the student have to calculate equilibrium concentrations using the equilibrium constant for a given reaction? Sorry - just trying to get a better feel as to whether the course is high level reg chem or basic honours chem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WOW!!!!!! :svengo: You are officially my new hero! I have been trying to decide what I want ds to do for high school and give him a list with options. Thank you!

 

 

 

So....... are you thinking about doing this for biology? Or history? Just curious. :D

 

It would probably be better if a biology person did a Biology one and a history person did a History one. :) I don't think I'd have enough familiarity to be able to tell a reg bio from an honours bio or reg history from honours history - stuff like that. Unless the program specifically stated on its website what it was and what the prerequisites were, I wouldn't have a clue. I may work on some lists for other subjects (I like lists :D ) but they wouldn't be as detailed as the chem list.

 

We'll see how much more it snows here in the coming days...

 

;)

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

It would probably be better if a biology person did a Biology one and a history person did a History one. :) I don't think I'd have enough familiarity to be able to tell a reg bio from an honours bio or reg history from honours history - stuff like that. Unless the program specifically stated on its website what it was and what the prerequisites were, I wouldn't have a clue. I may work on some lists for other subjects (I like lists :D ) but they wouldn't be as detailed as the chem list.

 

We'll see how much more it snows here in the coming days...

 

;)

 

Well, you are in Canada and it is February....... :laugh:

Seriously, this is motivating me in my research for high school. Thank you! I'll be pulling my own lists together this month. So far, it has been endless searching while mumbling under my breath " I have NO idea what I'm doing!". My husband is starting to be very worried for me. I'll get it together soon. Just in time to plan what I want to do for my soon to be 1st grader. :eek:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together.

 

How do you know which level of chemistry your student is ready for?

 

I was all set to do the Chang's General Chemistry from Dr. Tang's site, but the Algebra 2 requirement has me rethinking the plan. Ds will be a sophomore (15) when he takes the class and will be taking Algebra 2 concurrently. Is this a bit too ambitious even though we usually like some reach.

 

I think my other choice would possibly be the course outlined on Let's Not Burn the House Down.

 

I already own the Zumdahl Introductory Chemistry text and the Chang text is on its way. They are both under honors courses, but am I comparing apples to apples? KWIM?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Connie,

 

I think this is a very useful thread you started...

 

In answer to this question

 

Is it these ones?

http://www.gpb.org/chemistry-physics

Can students outside Georgia access these? I can't get them to load but then I'm in Canada so it might be different for those in the States. I usually can't stream anything from PBS over the internet - it knows I'm outside of the States.

 

Yes it is those...I know there are newer posts than this about it mixed into other threads, but here's a thread from after I had used it for Physics..

 

You can download the notetaking guides and worksheets for free.

 

The teacher's CD has the answers, plus tests, etc...

 

Now, my dd calls it a 'chemistry course in diapers' :-). She wasn't able to watch it at 2x speed like ds3 where we had the videos for physics. There is annoying music and silliness. But we are still using it due to all the support materials, just as a base, because she has to also do the Swiss program and it covers most of the same concepts. Dd needs the review and notetaking...She tried it first without using their support materials and when I gave her the test, she couldn't pass....

 

It can be covered much more quickly than in a year if you are just doing it...the first units can easily be done in a week but later on they take longer. Then we'll move onto other books that have less support (we started Spectrum then did the Swiss books and will go back to them).

 

Joan

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for this. l have seriously been struggling with Apologia Chemistry this year with my son, honestly the only reason we're using it is because his older brother used it (with an outside class, zero input from me) and we have it. Everytime we pull it out, we all kind of sigh and try to mentally get ready - as if we have to take our medicine.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we're going to try the CK-12 today and see how it works. I have 2 at home that have been doing nearly everything together from the get-go, they're pretty close in age. This looks as if it would work with how we like to do nearly everything - sit at the table, read outloud, talk about it, look for youtube videos that explain or demonstrate. So, again, thanks.

 

I'm also somewhat interested in /2/"]http://www.scienceforhighschool.com/chemistry-syllabus-and-sample-pages/#!prettyPhoto[gallery]/2/ this one, it seems similar to TRISMS (which we're using this year), has anyone else actually used it?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together.

 

How do you know which level of chemistry your student is ready for?

 

I was all set to do the Chang's General Chemistry from Dr. Tang's site, but the Algebra 2 requirement has me rethinking the plan. Ds will be a sophomore (15) when he takes the class and will be taking Algebra 2 concurrently. Is this a bit too ambitious even though we usually like some reach.

 

I think my other choice would possibly be the course outlined on Let's Not Burn the House Down.

 

I already own the Zumdahl Introductory Chemistry text and the Chang text is on its way. They are both under honors courses, but am I comparing apples to apples? KWIM?

 

I think it is mostly comparing apples to apples but within each level (reg chem, honours chem, and AP Chem) there's going to be a continuum of difficulty - does that make sense? Because there doesn't seem to be any specific rules for what a reg chem or honours chem course covers (just kind of a general guideline), there can be both "easy" and "difficult" reg chem and honours chem. (AP is more standardized because it's assumed that all the AP students will be writing the standardized AP exam. Even if students just take the AP course without the AP exam, I suppose the course still must be audited before it can be called AP.)

 

I think, of the honours chem courses I listed, that the Thinkwell course and using Chang General Chemistry would be at the "difficult" end of the continuum. All the other honours courses use texts or materials written for high school honours chem. The Chang book is actually a college book for non-STEM majors and the Thinkwell course is basically an AP course (which should be at the level of first year college chem for STEM majors, if done correctly) but doesn't worry about "teaching to the test". I think if honours chem is done with any good college text for non-STEM majors, then it will be honours but at the "difficult" end of the continuum. I'm not familiar with Zumdahl's non-major text but his AP/STEM-major text is very good and is my second choice for AP Chem after Chang.

 

Algebra 2 is listed as a prereq for the difficult honours courses more to indicate problem-solving ability than actually math topics needed. Honours chem, as a general rule, would require knowledge of complicated algebraic manipulation (working with multivariable formulae and being able to solve for any of the variables if the others are given), basic knowledge of angles (for looking at bond angles but really no calculations involved), basic logs (for calculating pH), dimensional analysis, knowledge of the quadratic equation and how to solve and interpret results, and the ability to work with and understand graphs. The Chang text also requires students to work with the Arrhenius Equation - to get a more useful form, students take the natural log of both sides. Chang doesn't expect the students to derive this themselves - he just gives it to them - but they are expected to then work with it. Chang also requires students to work with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation when dealing with buffer solutions - it involves logs as well. I don't know if the honours courses written for high school would take the mathematical treatment of chemistry that far or not but I suspect not. That's why most of the honours courses only require Alg 1 but Thinkwell or any honours course taught with a good college non-major text may require Alg 2 - not for all the topics it covers (maybe a few) but for practice with solving more difficult problems that require more thinking. Chemistry is difficult enough to understand since it's very abstract (the atomic or molecular level isn't exactly something that students have experience with in everyday life :)) without the student having to struggle with the math at the same time.

 

Whew - I'm long-winded today. :) Did any of that help?

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What a gift, Connie! Thanks for taking the time to do all this work.

 

:iagree: :hurray:

 

A quick comment on the Thinkwell courses, though: The level of the material in the "regular" and "AP" courses is exactly the same. I emailed Thinkwell a few years ago to ask about the difference between them, and I was told that the only real difference is that the AP courses include AP practice questions — the content is the same. I don't know if they've had to add anything recently to the AP Bio & Chem courses in order to align with the new AP syllabi, but even if they did, the "regular" courses are still "AP level," even if they aren't AP-correlated.

 

Jackie

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Sorry - missed this one! (And probably many others, as well. :ohmy: )

 

If you (or anyone else) have a copy of this, can you tell me what they do for the sections on Kinetics and Equilibrium? Do they have the students mathematically determine the rate law for a given reaction? For the section on Equilibrium, does the student have to calculate equilibrium concentrations using the equilibrium constant for a given reaction? Sorry - just trying to get a better feel as to whether the course is high level reg chem or basic honours chem.

I'm not sure of the answer to your question. There is a lot of Algebra used in the program, and it is structured so that a student can learn on his own when the teacher (me) has no clue about Chemistry. The few questions he has had, I have been able to use the teacher's manual to answer. There are chapters on those subjects and they have calculations in the chapter, but if they are what you asked, I'm not sure. The lab kit comes with everything needed, except distilled water, a pan, and a stove. Ds16 hasn't reached that part yet, but flipping forward, he thinks so. HTH

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

This was one of the curricula that I wasn't quite sure on. My tipping point is usually if the curriculum in question contains a mathematical treatment of chemical kinetics and equilibrium - reg chem courses never do that. It's not an "exact science", though. :) I could probably either call this one a higher level reg chem or a basic honours chem.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Ds did Apologia Chemistry first semester this year. I would definitely say it is Chem light, not honors at all. We enjoyed it and he did well. It was just right for my non-mathy, non-science guy, but I have to strongly disagree with categorizing it as honors level.

 

That said, great list! How generous of you to share you time and energy!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would you all comment on Spectrum Chemistry? I would like to know where it falls in the spectrum of lite to rigorous, and how it compares to other texts on par with it.... its pros and cons as well.

 

I like that it comes planned with labs included as I need that.

 

Our situation:

As a parent with limited science background, I'm looking for a chemistry that I can implement and students can follow.

 

We will probably either use Spectrum at home or Apologia taught at a local home school covering. (The other text I might consider is Conceptual Chemistry, but I would like some math included. CC has little to no math.) My student will be taking Algebra II at the same time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Could we talk about labs and lab equipment too, please?

 

A couple of years ago I bought the Thames and Kosmos 3000 Chem. kit and was disappointed with the directions. I like labs that are well-written and that eventually explain the result you should have had and why. Where have people purchased their high school chemistry equipment from? Could you please share links, price, and a quick review?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ds did Apologia Chemistry first semester this year. I would definitely say it is Chem light, not honors at all. We enjoyed it and he did well. It was just right for my non-mathy, non-science guy, but I have to strongly disagree with categorizing it as honors level.

 

That said, great list! How generous of you to share you time and energy!

 

Spectrum is great for kids who learn by doing. It is lab heavy, although their kit seems easy to implement, and book light. I haven't used it, but it appears light on math from a distance.

 

Thanks for the info, Debbie! I have to admit - it was tough trying to judge program levels when usually I could only see the table of contents and maybe the first few pages of the first lesson or chapter (which quite often doesn't give an accurate representation of the difficulty level of the rest of the course). Like I say - I was waffling on Apologia and couldn't quite decide, based on the sample, where it belonged. That's why I think that the more people that can contribute to this thread, the better! My lists are just starting points - hearing from folks who have used the programs is an invaluable source of wisdom. I'll change the Apologia entry and move it to the Reg Chem list. :)

 

I really couldn't get a good feel from the Spectrum sample either but I was leaning towards Reg Chem (although I think it's called honours chem on its website). If I were to list it under Reg Chem, is there anyone who has used it that could chime in and either agree or disagree?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not sure of the answer to your question. There is a lot of Algebra used in the program, and it is structured so that a student can learn on his own when the teacher (me) has no clue about Chemistry. The few questions he has had, I have been able to use the teacher's manual to answer. There are chapters on those subjects and they have calculations in the chapter, but if they are what you asked, I'm not sure. The lab kit comes with everything needed, except distilled water, a pan, and a stove. Ds16 hasn't reached that part yet, but flipping forward, he thinks so. HTH

 

Thanks, Mary - that does help. :) It would be so much easier if all the nice publishers could just send me evaluation copies of all the curriuclua... :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:iagree: :hurray:

 

A quick comment on the Thinkwell courses, though: The level of the material in the "regular" and "AP" courses is exactly the same. I emailed Thinkwell a few years ago to ask about the difference between them, and I was told that the only real difference is that the AP courses include AP practice questions — the content is the same. I don't know if they've had to add anything recently to the AP Bio & Chem courses in order to align with the new AP syllabi, but even if they did, the "regular" courses are still "AP level," even if they aren't AP-correlated.

 

Jackie

 

Thanks, Jackie. :) I think I mentioned that about the Thinkwell "reg chem" vs. the AP Chem in a post just above where I answered Swimmermom3 but it's good to make it clear. I'd hate for someone who wasn't really that into chemistry to order the Thinkwell "regular chem" and think they were just getting a basic, git-r-done kind of course. I think there would be some panic and shock involved...

 

:ohmy: :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Could we talk about labs and lab equipment too, please?

 

A couple of years ago I bought the Thames and Kosmos 3000 Chem. kit and was disappointed with the directions. I like labs that are well-written and that eventually explain the result you should have had and why. Where have people purchased their high school chemistry equipment from? Could you please share links, price, and a quick review?

 

I have never liked the mass-produced lab kits - but then I'm a super chem nerd so you may not want out of a lab kit what I want out of a lab kit. :D I recently found an old Spec-20 on ebay so I could do spectrophotometric analysis with my dd at home. It didn't come with any cuvettes, though, so now I have get a hold of some of those... If anyone else has access to a spectrophotometer, I have an awesome lab that I can give out - these are the lab objectives:

 

1. To determine the equilibrium constant for a chemical system spectrophotometrically

2. To use the standard curve generated to determine the thiocyanate concentration in human saliva

'Cause... Ya know... Every kid is DYING to know what the thiocyanate concentration is in his or her spit. :D

 

I did list links for any lab kits that are available for any of the curricula above. I tend to buy my equipment a la carte - mostly from Home Science Tools http://www.hometrainingtools.com/Default.asp?. I have ordered a few things through Amazon, believe it or not. I wanted a double burette clamp of a particular kind and found a supplier on Amazon.

 

If you're planning on doing the Chang General Chem with your ds next year and you want to do the labs from the Tang resource, I can go through the labs and come up with a list of equipment and chemicals you would need. Then you could just purchase the list through Home Science Tools or another supplier. I haven't really looked at the Tang labs yet but if any of them look prohibitive to do at home, I can probably give you alternate labs that are more home-friendly. I'm currently not at home but give me a few hours this evening and I can get that done. If you'd like. :) If you (or anyone else) doesn't need that, no worries - just say either way.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another textbook choice for regular chemistry is World of Chemistry by Zumdahl. Very similar to same author's Introductory Chemistry, but broken up into smaller sections as it's designed for high school. We switched to this one midstream after a difficult time with the Prentice Hall Chemistry by Wilbraham et al (same one Kolbe uses). The explanations were SO much clearer in the Zumdahl book.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I have never liked the mass-produced lab kits - but then I'm a super chem nerd so you may not want out of a lab kit what I want out of a lab kit. :D I recently found an old Spec-20 on ebay so I could do spectrophotometric analysis with my dd at home. It didn't come with any cuvettes, though, so now I have get a hold of some of those... If anyone else has access to a spectrophotometer, I have an awesome lab that I can give out - these are the lab objectives:

 

1. To determine the equilibrium constant for a chemical system spectrophotometrically

2. To use the standard curve generated to determine the thiocyanate concentration in human saliva

'Cause... Ya know... Every kid is DYING to know what the thiocyanate concentration is in his or her spit. :D

 

I did list links for any lab kits that are available for any of the curricula above. I tend to buy my equipment a la carte - mostly from Home Science Tools http://www.hometrain...efault.asp?.��I have ordered a few things through Amazon, believe it or not. I wanted a double burette clamp of a particular kind and found a supplier on Amazon.

 

If you're planning on doing the Chang General Chem with your ds next year and you want to do the labs from the Tang resource, I can go through the labs and come up with a list of equipment and chemicals you would need. Then you could just purchase the list through Home Science Tools or another supplier. I haven't really looked at the Tang labs yet but if any of them look prohibitive to do at home, I can probably give you alternate labs that are more home-friendly. I'm currently not at home but give me a few hours this evening and I can get that done. If you'd like. :) If you (or anyone else) doesn't need that, no worries - just say either way.

 

Connie, I think I am still going with the Chang General Chem and would be grateful for a list of chemicals and equipment. Home Science Tools is my friend, especially since I probably have enough stuff to make it not economically worthwhile to order another kit, but there are some things I need to upgrade as well.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're planning on doing the Chang General Chem with your ds next year and you want to do the labs from the Tang resource, I can go through the labs and come up with a list of equipment and chemicals you would need. Then you could just purchase the list through Home Science Tools or another supplier. I haven't really looked at the Tang labs yet but if any of them look prohibitive to do at home, I can probably give you alternate labs that are more home-friendly. I'm currently not at home but give me a few hours this evening and I can get that done. If you'd like. :) If you (or anyone else) doesn't need that, no worries - just say either way.

 

:hurray: :thumbup: :thumbup1: Oh, that would be SO, so, so awesome!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would you all comment on Spectrum Chemistry? I would like to know where it falls in the spectrum of lite to rigorous, and how it compares to other texts on par with it.... its pros and cons as well.

If you (or anyone else) have a copy of this, can you tell me what they do for the sections on Kinetics and Equilibrium? Do they have the students mathematically determine the rate law for a given reaction? For the section on Equilibrium, does the student have to calculate equilibrium concentrations using the equilibrium constant for a given reaction? Sorry - just trying to get a better feel as to whether the course is high level reg chem or basic honours chem.

I really couldn't get a good feel from the Spectrum sample either but I was leaning towards Reg Chem (although I think it's called honours chem on its website). If I were to list it under Reg Chem, is there anyone who has used it that could chime in and either agree or disagree?

We're using Spectrum right now, although my son is only about halfway through so I probably can't answer about Kinetics and Equilibrium, which I believe are at the end of the text (I could go get it from ds's room, if needed).

 

If you haven't had algebra 2, I think it's best to use the Bridge Math program that the author has, in order to do the math in Spectrum. I have a local lab partner for my son and she needed that, but ds didn't, so I borrowed it to her. It's nice because it's fairly short and it's sort-of the "author's way of thinking" so it applies directly to the problems he assigned in Spectrum.

 

I think "regular" is a good category for Spectrum, but I'm not an expert on that. So far, it has covered all the usual math problems in chemistry. However, I see then it would be in the category with Friendly Chemistry which I used with dd, and Friendly Chem is much gentler, big on concepts and really picturing what is going on, but nothing like the math problems in Spectrum. However, on the other hand, Spectrum doesn't have pages and pages of problems. I'm happy with it as a solid high school course for a very mathy kid who also is a youngest and doesn't always like "the way science does math," but I admit both of us like concepts and understanding rather than mindless amounts of reading and math problems. My son just finished the Spectrum moles section and he thinks they are simple, so apparently that was taught well. I'd be glad to answer questions since were in the midst of it, but not sure what to comment on.

 

HTH,

Julie

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're using Spectrum right now, although my son is only about halfway through so I probably can't answer about Kinetics and Equilibrium, which I believe are at the end of the text (I could go get it from ds's room, if needed).

 

If you haven't had algebra 2, I think it's best to use the Bridge Math program that the author has, in order to do the math in Spectrum. I have a local lab partner for my son and she needed that, but ds didn't, so I borrowed it to her. It's nice because it's fairly short and it's sort-of the "author's way of thinking" so it applies directly to the problems he assigned in Spectrum.

 

I think "regular" is a good category for Spectrum, but I'm not an expert on that. So far, it has covered all the usual math problems in chemistry. However, I see then it would be in the category with Friendly Chemistry which I used with dd, and Friendly Chem is much gentler, big on concepts and really picturing what is going on, but nothing like the math problems in Spectrum. However, on the other hand, Spectrum doesn't have pages and pages of problems. I'm happy with it as a solid high school course for a very mathy kid who also is a youngest and doesn't always like "the way science does math," but I admit both of us like concepts and understanding rather than mindless amounts of reading and math problems. My son just finished the Spectrum moles section and he thinks they are simple, so apparently that was taught well. I'd be glad to answer questions since were in the midst of it, but not sure what to comment on.

 

HTH,

Julie

 

Hi Julie,

  • Do you think that Spectrum does a good job "connecting the dots"? This is what we need.

  • Dd will be taking Algebra II at the same time. She will have completed Alg. I and geometry. Will that be ok?

  • Do you feel like this chemistry will prep for biology? Dd is taking Hewitt's Conceptual Physics this year (9th grade), she'll do chemistry in 10th, and biology in 11th.

  • Are there any obvious weaknesses in the program.... anything that would make you choose something different.... in hindsight?

 

Thank you!!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So... Here are the lists. :) Let me say first - these labs are going to be difficult to set-up and reproduce at home. Some of them involve the teacher (in the homeschoolers case, the parent) having to make up solutions for the students to use in the lab so the teacher is going to have to know how to make up those solutions. He uses quite a few of the solids for only one lab and so I'm not sure how cost effective it would be for a homeschooler to purchase them all. On the other hand, these are good, good labs - most of the common wet-lab chem skills are covered so that the students have some practice with them and he manages to cover a lot of stuff in just 9 labs. I listed the "Skills covered" because it would be a starting point to come up with different labs yet have the same skills covered. I haven't had time to think about replacement labs yet but I'll get to it. :)

 

Honours Chemistry using General Chemistry by Raymond Chang with labs from the www.doctortang.com website

 

Skills covered

*use of graduated cylinders

*use of volumetric pipets

*use of an electronic balance (taring)

*lighting and use of a Bunsen burner

*testing for hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gas

*use of a ring stand setup for heating beakers over a Bunsen burner

*use of volumetric flasks

*preparation of a solution from a solid solute

*preparation of a solution by dilution

*use of a funnel and filter paper

*gravimetric analysis

*use of burets for titration

*how to properly heat a test tube over a flame

*grinding solids with a mortar and pestle

*calibrating and using a pH meter

 

Equipment (reusable)

*graduated cylinders (10mL, 25mL, 50mL, and 100mL)

*volumetric pipets (10mL and 25mL)

*pipet bulb

*electronic balance

*Bunsen burner

*beakers (glass & plastic – variety of sizes (50mL, 100mL, 250mL, 400mL, 600mL))

*test tubes (at least 15)

*test tube stand (2)

*scoopula & handle

*ring stand

*ring

*wire gauze

*stirring rod

*volumetric flasks (100mL and 250mL)

*wash bottle

*beaker tongs

*rubber stoppers (various sizes to fit test tubes, volumetric flasks, and Erlenmeyer flasks)

*funnel

*Erlenmeyer flasks (100mL and 250mL)

*buret

*buret clamp

*watch glass

*thermometers (2)

*hot plate

*test tube clamp

*mortar & pestle

*pH meter and calibration solutions

 

Equipment (consumable)

*wooden splints

*medicine droppers (disposable plastic pipets)

*filter paper

 

***Will need to know the temperature and atmospheric pressure in the room for Lab #4 so may need access to a barometer

 

Chemicals

Solids

*MnO2

*Zn strip

*Ni shots

*CuSO4 Ë‘ 5 H2O

*KOH

*NaOH

*NH4Cl

*K2CrO4

*CoCl2

*AgNO3

*Fe(NO3)3

*KSCN

*K2HPO4

*K2Cr2O7

*KCl

*NaCl (non-iodized)

 

Liquids

*H2SO4 (aq) (will need to have 3M and 0.180M - could buy concentrated and dilute yourself)

*lime water (saturated Ca(OH)2 solution)

*HCl(aq) (12M)

*HNO3 (aq) (6M)

*bromothymol blue indicator

*phenolphthalein

*universal indicator

*ethanol

 

Chemicals and equipment from home

*baking soda

*hydrogen peroxide (3% v/v)

*butane lighter

*styrofoam cups and plastic lids

*ice

*distilled water (Lab #1 calls for distilled and deionized water but distilled would be OK)

*aluminum foil

*tea light candle

*Aspirin (325mg each) - noncoated

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Julie,

  • Do you think that Spectrum does a good job "connecting the dots"? This is what we need.

  • Dd will be taking Algebra II at the same time. She will have completed Alg. I and geometry. Will that be ok?

  • Do you feel like this chemistry will prep for biology? Dd is taking Hewitt's Conceptual Physics this year (9th grade), she'll do chemistry in 10th, and biology in 11th.

  • Are there any obvious weaknesses in the program.... anything that would make you choose something different.... in hindsight?

Thank you!!

 

1. Well, I'd have a mixed answer on that. Yes, if the student focuses and follows the logic of the text, the photo captions and all, plus the labs, with the parent or student going over the full answer key daily and the email option as back-up, then the dots are connected. But if no one corrects the work daily, problems could build. And if a student needs lengthy explanations, this book is generally concise and not lengthy. However, sometimes texts with lengthy descriptions go in circles and the student zones out because he doesn't know which details to focus on, so he doesn't get to the next dot, KWIM? Sorry if that's a non answer :) Oh, and we used the Kahn videos on occasion. Orbitals is the one that was most helpful. The chapter was going along okay, but the lab tried to show a common "short cut" and, like Kahn mentioned, we really like knowing the reasoning and not memorizing the short cut for that.

 

2. For math, if all else fails, there is Bridge Math, but if the student isn't afraid of algebra and still remembers how to balance equations and such, I'd think it's possible she could follow the logic.

 

In the first half of the book so far, most of the problems end up looking something like the problem in sample number 4 (although sometimes the numbers are much larger and more complex).

At the bottom page 202, do you see the "fractions" all lined up?

http://beginningspub...spectchem05.pdf

 

Mathematically, the main thing is to be able to

(a ) set up the equation properly by understanding the lesson (setting it up so the only "unknown" will be the answer)

(b ) then be able to reduce the problem (eliminating things that are on both the top and bottom, and the student has made some choices anticipating what will need to be reduced so that he's left with the units needed in the answer),

(c ) and finally to calculate using a calculator if needed.

 

The only math I can think of that wasn't similar to that was the little dots (Lewis diagrams). I talked my son through that first chapter using my answer key and he decided they were fun.

 

3. Yes.

 

4. I don't know, everything has its pros and cons. Every textbook author is better at explaining some things than others. Most kids are going to get stuck here or there.

 

Again, one con is that short sometimes means a student must really focus and follow the logic, and teens don't always do that. But again, long sometimes mean major points are buried between minor details.

 

The other con is that I don't like teaching my son science :( My son is very difficult to deal with in science and we've had our moments every year. I'm not sure this has anything to do with Spectrum, though :) But as an example, a week or so ago, he said he couldn't do a part of the Spectrum exercises because the teacher never explained it, and he was sick of textbooks that don't explain things, and why didn't I teach things like his college math professor etc etc. So I carefully teased out the info from him about which exact piece he wasn't getting (it had to do with +/- in the middle of the periodic table). Because I couldn't readily find the answer without digesting several chapters carefully, I emailed the author with the details of exactly which piece didn't get. The author carefully explained where this is taught and how my son should have gradually been picking this up in such-and-such chapters. I forwarded the email to my son, he did the problems, and he hasn't complained since. So, I think the lesson was there, but that doesn't mean my son won't have his occasional issues connecting the dots. Early on, my son absolutely balked at the "significant digits" issue required in all problems, because "that's not the way you do math." The book was quite clear on the scientific reasoning for making only certain digits significant. But I had to get both students to pay attention, and in my son's case, talk him into it. (And he's really a good-natured kid, has gone thru major life stress and made sure everyone was happy, but hasn't got a lot of stamina left for times he can't make things happy and wonderful.)

 

Anyways... as for the pros of Spectrum, most important to me are:

1. The teacher book that explains the point of each lab, and gives me complete answers to tests etc., with email as a back-up. There is no expectation that the teacher already gets it, has other materials to teach from, or is adding his own explanations.

2. The labs really get done. With Apologia, my son just kept on reading and said he "got it already" about the labs. With other lab programs, he tended to say they were more work than they were worth. The only two years he's done all the labs were Rainbow year 1 and this year. Maybe I shouldn't admit that here amongst all these "well trained minds"! But IRL I've found similar experiences in many homes, with undone labs at the end of the year. Beginnings Publishing labs are clear, everything is there, they usually work, and there is a point to them in the teacher book that I can tell my son :)

 

HTH,

Julie

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Connie,

 

I think it's encouraging that a thread on science, especially chemistry, has more followers than the whole high school board itself. :D

 

I know that picking out a chemistry course can be tough enough, paying for it can be even more difficult in this economy. I have a 2006 Holt Chemistry text that is in excellent condition, that I am happy to send on for the price of shipping. Just pm me if you are interested.

 

Also, while I was searching for free lesson plans to link to the Holt text, I happened across this site with a whole bunch of resources. I am losing track so if someone has already posted this, my apologies: http://www.nclark.net/Chemistry

 

Ms. Clark's site has a fun lab safety video.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great list, Dicentra!

 

Here's another one for you:

 

Name: Tro's Introductory Chemistry (no older than 3rd edition or you won't be able to get the teacher resources)

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Where to buy:

http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS1lMk&PMDbSiteId=2781&PMDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=811&PMDbSubCategoryId=23496&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=55646

Level: Honors chemistry

Type: Text

Additional Materials: None

Teacher Resources: Solution Manual - actually you may be stuck with the 4th edition now in order to get the solution manual

Lesson Plans: None

Secular/Christian: Secular

Program includes labs: No

Lab kit available: No

Math background needed: rock-solid Algebra 1 skills - wait until after Algebra II if Algebra I was not rock-solid

 

I used Prentice Hall Chemistry small-scale labs manual when I did it, but I was using it for a group. It would NOT be worth it to try this lab manual without a group.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought of another Chemistry book for your list, Connie. I've held a copy in my hands but never used it.

 

Caveman Chemistry by Kevin Dunn

 

The book can be browsed through at the link above.

 

Here's a review from the Journal of Chemical Education.

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

We tried this. I bought it and we did the first 3 or 4 chapters before dropping it. I thought my LoF loving ds who remembers everything he's ever read - especially in story format would just love it. He ended up thinking it was confusing and weird. We dropped it in favor of Apologia.

 

Caveman would definitely be a conceptual chemistry. There is almost no math. Some of the projects were fun, but I really wouldn't call them labs.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Connie,

 

I think it's encouraging that a thread on science, especially chemistry, has more followers than the whole high school board itself. :D

 

I know that picking out a chemistry course can be tough enough, paying for it can be even more difficult in this economy. I have a 2006 Holt Chemistry text that is in excellent condition, that I am happy to send on for the price of shipping. Just pm me if you are interested.

 

Also, while I was searching for free lesson plans to link to the Holt text, I happened across this site with a whole bunch of resources. I am losing track so if someone has already posted this, my apologies: http://www.nclark.net/Chemistry

 

Ms. Clark's site has a fun lab safety video.

 

Maybe we'll eventually convince everyone on the forum that chemistry is the BEST of all the sciences!!! (Ducking rotten fruit and garbage now...) :laugh:

 

So I'm wondering...

 

Folks have been adding links and reviews to the thread like mad - it's awesome! Should I copy and paste everything into the original lists that I posted or should I just leave it be? I didn't want to just go ahead and copy and paste other people's contributions into the original lists 'cause I thought then it would seem as though "I" were trying to take credit for all of it. :ohmy: But then I didn't want all the great info to be lost in the thread if it got long (and I know the search feature on the forum is a bit wonky since the change-over).

 

Any thoughts on which way to go?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...