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

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 ChemistryProvider: Blue Tent OnlineWhere to buy: https://www.bluetentonline.com/honors-chemistryLevel: HonorsType: Online provider; asynchronous format using Moodle LMSAdditional Materials: course resourcesTeacher Resources: N/ALesson Plans: N/ASecular/Christian: SecularProgram includes labs: yes: hands-on and virtualLab kit available: YesMath 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

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. 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: TextbookAdditional Materials: lab kit, audio book, link in book to helpful videos and extra practice problems for each chapterTeacher Resources: answer key, tests and solutionsLesson Plans: includedSecular/Christian: ChristianProgram includes labs: yes Lab kit available: YesMath 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

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.

Thanks for that link as well, Regentrude (and nynyny)! :)

:D I know there are others on the forum with chem backgrounds (probably much deeper than mine) so there should be lots of help out there. I'm always willing to answer questions or give my opinion (maybe giving it too strongly and too freely and where it's not wanted - still learning the "feel" of the board :bored: ). I would gladly participate in a support group. :)

I've been thinking... I think I came across as too hard-nosed about some things in this thread. Or maybe I just didn't express myself clearly enough. So I've been thinking more about my comments about being a Luddite. I do understand that technology is a wonderful thing. I know that we need to make sure our children are ready and able to meet technology head-on and be able to use it effectively and efficiently. I also realize that technology can be particularly useful for people with learning disabilities and I want to apologize if I forgot to say that in my other post. My concern regarding technology and the “newer is better and must be embraced†ideal that seems to be entrenched in our culture is the point at which the tools of technology stop being tools and become, for lack of a better word, crutches. My own personal feeling is that if one can no longer perform a particular task without a tool (high tech or otherwise), then that tool has become a crutch for that task and that person. Again, for myself, I find that level of dependency on technology concerning. I once heard an adult telling public high school students to not worry about knowing how to spell – if you have auto correct turned on in your word processing program, it'll just complete the word for you. In my mind, if the student becomes unable to spell basic, everyday words without a tool (a spell check, an app, or even a paper dictionary) then those tools are no longer tools but crutches – the task (spelling of the words) can no longer be completed without them. If the student can't complete basic math calculations without a calculator, then the calculator is no longer a tool because the student has become dependent on it. Letting a young child occasionally watch television or play a video game (tools) to entertain them isn't the end of the world but if the child can no longer be entertained in any other way, then those tools have become a crutch. A particular tool can make a particular task easier and quicker to accomplish but the person should still be able to accomplish the task without the tool. I know, I know... It could be argued that there are many “tools†in everyday life that everyone has become dependent on but it's important for me to know that I could still complete the tasks without the tools. It's a lot quicker for me to get to the store with a vehicle – but I could probably still get there without one (although since I'm about 15 km from town, it would take a loooooooooong time). It's much easier for me to wash my clothes in a washing machine or put my dishes in the dishwasher or push a button to get heat... You get the picture. I also agree that there are certain instances where the tools of technology have given people a far better quality of life (or even life itself) where, without those medical advances, those things may not be possible. Those aren't the “dependencies†that I'm talking about. "Tools" have also made higher level study (particularly in maths and sciences) accessible to many, many more people than would have been the case 200 years ago. I am ashamed to say that I don't know how to use a slide rule and so for many higher level mathematical problems, I am dependent on a calculator. When I was having the race with my student, I was still dependent on the reference book - I don't have tables of physical data for hundreds of chemicals in my head. I admit - for me, those are crutches. Maybe I see a difference between dependency on "tools" for everyday academics vs. more esoteric branches of knowledge. Or maybe I'm just trying to justify my own dependencies. Or maybe I'm still just an ornery old curmudeon. :D I was just thinking that it might be a good thing for society in general to more carefully consider all of the technological tools available and to make sure that that's exactly what they remain – tools.

If the one you were looking at is the first link I gave then that's his AP Chem text. I've taught AP Chem from it and it's a good text but if your son isn't looking for AP Chem it might be a bit overwhelming. I'm going to be doing Chang's General Chem with my dd next year. We'll be using the 5th edition: http://www.amazon.co...neral chemistry We'll also be using the resources from this website: http://www.doctortan...istry/units.htm (Thanks to Regentrude for suggesting this in another thread a number of months ago. :) I believe I gave it as a suggestion to another poster a little while back and didn't give Regentrude the credit for the original mention of it almost a year ago. My bad. :( Thanks, Regentrude!) If your son has a strong math background, he should be fine. :)

I'm the opposite of the above poster - I'm not familiar with Spectrum Chemistry but I have used Chang. Which Chang were you considering? If it's Chang Chemistry: http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Raymond-Chang/dp/0073402680/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1359997504&sr=8-2&keywords=chang+chemistry that's his AP Chem text. If it's Chang General Chemistry: http://www.amazon.com/Package-General-Chemistry-Essential-Concepts/dp/0077468430/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1359997504&sr=8-4&keywords=chang+chemistry that's the one usually used for honours chem. Either Chang will give a very rigorous chemistry course. The links I gave above are for the newest versions of each and are quite expensive. If you do choose to go with Chang, I would suggest buying an older edition - the prices are much more reasonable and the content won't have changed that much. (One exception - if your son is planning on doing AP Chem, make sure that the text you choose covers the changes being made to the exam for 2013-2014 or that you pull in outside resources to cover any deficiencies in an older text.)

I was just listening to one of SWB's audio lectures (it may have been either the middle school or high school writing lecture) and her suggestion is to turn off the spell check on all your computers. :) I believe her feeling is that students will become dependent on it and it becomes a crutch - when they DO have to write without it, they find they can't. I tend to have similiar feelings about calculators. Actually, I think I tend to have similiar feelings about any type of gadget or app - but then I'm old and curmudeon-y and a Luddite. :) When I was still in the classroom, I had a shelf full of reference books in the room - CRC Handbooks, Merck Indexes - books of that nature. A student came up and wanted to know a boiling point for a particular compound. What she really wanted was for me to just tell her or look it up for her but I told her she had to look it up. :) She immediately turned around and headed to the back of the room to use the computer. I mentioned that the reference books were probably faster - I'd even help her. Nope - she was using the computer. I suggested that we have a race to see who could find the info more quickly - her on the computer or me with the reference books. I even gave her a lengthy head start. I won. :) We laughed about it after. I realize that it wasn't really a fair race since I knew exactly how to find the info and she didn't have the experience to immediately focus her search. Maybe that's the key, though - the experience I've gained from having to use the more lengthy and involved paper searches has given me a better sense of HOW to find information. But, again, I am a curmudeon. :)

I thought this was an interesting blog post: http://open.salon.com/blog/annie_keeghan/2012/02/17/afraid_of_your_childs_math_textbook_you_should_be The author is an editor and educational consultant writing about why many newer textbooks in the public school system are so awful.

Here's a list of high school chem topics: http://chemistry.abo...hschoolchem.htm Each topic is linked to a brief explanation and (where applicable) a worked problem. The explanations aren't the best and the worked problems are of the "easy" variety for each particular topic. I figured the list itself might be a good place to start - then one could find other resources for each of the topics but still, by following the list, make sure everything was covered. Here's a list of the various types of worked problems that would be typical of high school chem: http://chemistry.abo...kedproblems.htm Again, these are "basic" examples and not problems that I would consider difficult. In Ontario, we would cover all of these over the course of Grade 11U and Grade 12U Chem (chem for university bound students). I took a look at the sample for the chem course and I would not consider that to be at the high school level. It looks like a very interesting way to approach middle school chemistry but (from what I could see) it is not high school chem. This is a fantastic example of how textbooks and other sources can be used together to give students a rigorous, high school level science education. Woo hoo, Nan! :hurray: For chemistry, it's going to come down to this - if the reason for wanting living books instead of textbooks is so that only chemical concepts are covered without working any problems, I just don't think it can be called high school chem. I would think the same goes for physics. If the reason for wanting living books is to relieve some of the (perceived) dryness of texts, that's a whole different ball of wax. :D For high school chem (and probably physics), you can't get away with not working any problems. You just can't.

When I taught AP Chem, I used Chang. That was about 5 years ago, before I started homeschooling, so it was the 8th edition (if I remember correctly). I think they're now on the 11th edition so I can't speak to the latest iteration but I really liked the Chang that I used. It was clear, rigorous, and the pages weren't busy and cluttered with tidbits of "Did you know...?" kind of information. (I don't know if they've changed the 11th edition to be more like this.) I have older versions of Zumdahl, Brown-LeMay, and Silberberg on my shelf here at home. If anyone would like to know anything about them, just ask. :)

:D That's what I was envisioning. Except post-disection, my specimens weren't usually in any shape to be sewn back together (there's a reason I went into chem and not bio!) and so I had this horrid picture in my head of mangled shark bits attached in all the wrong places... I'll stick to chem. ;)

Thanks, Regentrude! (Was curious, even though I wasn't the OP.) :)

You're welcome. :) It always broke my heart a little when I would have a student come into a class of mine with the attitude that science was boring and they hated it. Did what I could to re-ignite some of that fascination we all have for science when we're little. :) I'm having visuals of what exactly happened to the batteries, wires, chemicals, and the dog shark. I'm not sure I actually want to know... :ohmy: :D

On the "mash of colours (sorry - I'm Canadian - I have to put the "u" in by law :) ), graphics, and side-text"... What do folks think about any connection between the increased prevalence of video (whether it's from television, video games, Internet use, etc.) in the last 20 or so and the seeming need for students to have their reading material (fiction or non-fiction) follow suit? I would always joke on the first day of any class that I taught that they were in high school now and my job wasn't to present material to them in endlessly entertaining 20 second sound bytes - the Sesame Street days were over. :laugh: It seems to me that that's the direction textbooks seem to be taking. Instead of the student having to (gasp!) read a number of pages and mull over the info to get the whole picture, it's almost as though the textbook industry has given up and just accepted the fact that most students don't seem to be able to focus for any more than a minute or two and so present all the info in Sesame-Street like bits. (PLEASE!!! Don't think I'm hating on Sesame Street!!!! :D I grew up with that show (although, in Canada, we watched more Mr. Dressup and Friendly Giant...) but it seemed like a good example of the "quick, colourful-bits-of-information idea that I was trying to show.) Does (or has) a video/screen based culture contribute (or contributed) to the change in the way texts are being written?

Regentrude, does this mean there is no terminal velocity in a vacuum? If there was a vacuum created in an infinitely long tube that theoretically isn't subjected to any outside forces, would a dropped item continue to accelerate indefinitely in a straight line?

Awesome post, Ruth - love it! :) And I really like Sebastian's response: "So often, especially with middle schoolers and high schoolers, the learning gets more complicated and nuanced and requires more effort. And I think too often, the response (not only homeschoolers, but educators in general) is to tailor the topic to their strengths rather than strengthening the student." This thread is wonderful. I hope what's coming through for everyone reading, for my part, is not that we need to be draconian with texts and chain every student to his/her chair and force them to read and learn from that ONE source only but that textbooks can be and should be useful and often-used tools in teaching our students. Learning to really READ texts (as Ruth said), using texts to get through the basic material systematically (also, as Ruth said), and using texts to work problems (as Regentrude has said) are all very valuable reasons to incorporate texts into middle school and/or high school education. NOTE: I'm refering here (and in all my posts in this thread) to science texts - namely, chem texts - realizing that the arguments for using or not using a text in the humanities may be different.

Thanks for this, Kareni. I hadn't heard of that one before. Another addition to my Amazon Wishlist. :) Just wanted to mention that John Emsley (of "Molecules at an Exhibition" that I listed in a previous post) writes quite a few "popular science" type books on Chemistry (just search his name on Amazon). A couple of the them have to do with murder, poisons, etc. so, again, if anyone has strong feelings about that sort of thing or students that are sensitive, you may want to avoid or pre-read. Right now, I'm just finishing "Salt: A World History" by Mark Kurlansky. I'm liking it very much - it drags a bit in places but overall, very interesting. It's not really science oriented but more history oriented but maybe a good way for a history-loving kid to see how a chemical substance can weave its way through history. From the back: "Homer called it a divine substance. Plato described it as especially dear to the gods. An element [interjection by me: He had better be using the term "element" in the general sense and not the chemical sense because salt is most certainly NOT an element] almost as vital as water [which is also NOT an element], so valuable that it has often served as currency, it has moulded civilization and eating habits from the beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of history. Here, Mark Kurlansky brilliantly relates the dramatic human story of salt, a mineral that has created fortunes, inspired revolutions, provoked wars, directed economies, and enlivened our recipes." Theo Gray also has a book entitled "Mad Science: Experiments You Can Do at Home - But Probably Shouldn't". If that doesn't hook a teenage boy on chemistry, I don't know what will. :) His "Elements" book was also made into a full colour deck of photographic cards - chemistry eye candy. :laugh:

Wow - this thread went white hot since last night! :) I was the one who asked about folks who don't use texts in high school science but after pondering things for awhile, I realized I needed to clarify a few things. I absolutely believe that tweaking things to match the learning styles and/or accomodations of our students is a wonderful opportunity that all homeschoolers should take. If a student is not a natural visual learner, then learning by a text alone isn't going to be the best bet for them. In speaking for myself, though, being pro-text for high school science doesn't mean that I'm "text-only". I absolutely think that bringing in other sources (living books, video lectures, etc.) is a fantastic idea. I guess I was just wondering how, if those things were the only sources used in high school science, the skill of working problems would be addressed. If that skill is practiced through the doing of high level, high quality labs, then that's awesome!!! Probably a much more engaging way of learning to apply the math to a particular problem. I would suggest (and this is just me - take or leave it :)) that after the lab is finished and written up, have the student practice some more problems of the same type (relating to what you've just done in the lab) and also that apply the concept in a slightly different way. It will help solidify the concepts for them. I suppose that's where the text comes in handy - you don't have to use it for them to read, just pick out a few problems from the chapter that deals with whatever topic you happen to be working on. So just wanted to out myself as "pro-text" but not necessarily "text-only" for high school science. :D We should probably also clarify whether we're discussing the physical sciences or life sciences. I realize that there is overlap and no hard and fast line between the two but since I'm coming from a chem background, when I think "science", chem is the first subject that pops into my head so my responses are probably coloured by that. The reason I was thinking I needed to clarify this is that the reasons for thinking texts are important will probably be different when thinking about physics or chem as opposed to thinking about bio. I think it's probably more doable to complete a full high school level course in bio without using a text than it would be to do either physics or chem - mostly, in my mind, because of the "working problems" component. If there is a way to get the student to work problems in physics or chem without using a text and that's how they would rather learn, then go for it! Just be careful that all topics and all types of problems are covered (this is also where a text can come in handy - as a "check-list" to make sure that everything is covered). I also wanted to clarify that I'm coming from a Canadian perspective - that may, or may not, matter to some. :D I think someone had mentioned that, if a student wasn't going to go on to do science in university, they probably wouldn't need to (or want to) take AP Chem and so working problems wouldn't be so important (forgive me if I misunderstood or if I'm not remembering that correctly). I just wanted to clarify that, in Ontario, even students taking the Grade 12 college-bound chem ("college" in Canada means a trade school, not a degree granting institution) would be required to do some problem solving in their chem course. Just to say that it isn't just the university-bound kids that have to learn to work problems in the physical sciences. I guess, in a nutshell, I just don't want to see the problem-solving aspect of chem and physics lost because texts are considered to be big, bad, and ugly. :) In Canada, if a high school chem or physics course didn't contain problem solving, it wouldn't be considered to be truly high school level. Whether anyone chooses to use a text or not, please make sure that your students are working the math kinds of problems in chem and physics! (This a public service message from the chem nut on the WTM boards who loves the subject to distraction.) :D

But "chemistry" and "alluring" SHOULD be in the same sentence!!! ;) :D If you found that you loved chemistry, don't send the boy to school - he'll pick up on your fascination with the subject and only good things can come from that. I loved chem from the first moment of my first high school chem class. And that's sayin' something - my teacher was... um... less than stellar. The logic of it, the fact that it could maim, heal, or delight depending on which aspect you were talking about fascinated me. I know, I know... I'm weird. :) I enjoyed "The Disappearing Spoon" and I also really liked "Napolean's Buttons" but then my undergrad degree was a 4 year major in Organic Chem so I may be biased. I've heard "What Einstein Told His Cook" is a good read but I haven't read it myself. "Molecules at an Exhibition" by John Emsley is on my shelf and I've glanced through it but haven't given it a good read yet. It looks much meatier than some of the others. If you're looking to - ahem - rev it up a bit, "The Poisoner's Handbook" would certainly fit the bill. It's pretty light on actual chem but it certainly keeps one turning the pages. From the back: "A beguiling concoction - equal parts true crime, twentieth-century history, and science thriller. A fascinating Jazz Age tale of chemistry and detection, poison and murder, The Poisoner's Handbook is a page-turning account of a forgotten era. In early-twentieth-century New York, poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime. Science had no place in the Tammany Hall-controlled coroner's office, and corruption ran rampant. However, with the appointment of chief medical examiner Charles Norris in 1918, the poison game changed forever. Together with toxicologist Alexander Gettler, the duo set the justice system on fire with their trailblazing scientific detective work, triumphing over seemingly unbeatable odds to become the pioneers of forensic chemistry and the gatekeepers of justice." They also discuss some of the chemistry behind Prohibition - I'm astounded and horrified at some of the chemicals people were willing to drink to replace alcohol. A warning - it's pretty gritty and describes exactly some of the cases that the medical examiners came across so if anyone's student is sensitive, it may not be the best choice. Usually, forensics can pull kids into chemistry when other topics can't. :cool: I also have an old copy of a book I read years ago when I was still doing my undergrad degree. I think it came in the welcome package of some chem conference I attended - it's called "Cantor's Dilemma" by Carl Djerassi and was published in 1989. It's a novel (and, to warn, has some... compromising situations between characters, if I remember correctly) and is about falsification of results in the high pressure atomosphere of the research community. From the back: "When Professor Isidore Cantor reveals his latest breakthrough in cancer research, the scientific community is galvanized. Cantor's most promising research fellow, Dr. Jeremiah Stafford, has only to conduct the experiment that will prove the brilliant hypothesis and win Cantor the Nobel Prize. But how far will the young assistant go to guarantee the results? Carl Djerassi draws from his long career as a world-famous scientist to describe the fierce competition driving scientific superstars in this gripping and suspenseful novel." Since it was published 20+ years ago, I can't imagine the science on cancer research is all that up to date but the main theme of "how far will one go" is still there. Sensationalistic - yes. How most research labs work - probably not. But you did say you wanted to s&x things up a bit... :D I just recently came across this website: http://www.trivedichemistry.com/index.php From the website" "Learn or Teach More Effectively with Interactive, Multi-media DVDs. Trivedi Chemistry brings the learning and teaching of chemistry into the 21st century. Now, with General Chemistry for college students, General Chemistry for High School and High School Chemistry for AP Achievement, you can quickly learn or teach the fundamentals of chemistry using today’s interactive DVD technology. Just pop the disc in your laptop or desktop anywhere. These chemistry courses cover all the fundamentals and are loaded with extra features like video demonstrations, interactive problems and solutions, practice tests… even interactive periodic tables." I believe they have samples you can watch and printable pdf notes to go along with the videos. I haven't tried them myself but I thought I'd mention them. Apparently, the College Board has approved their AP Chem DVD as a sample chem text. Hope that gives some ideas. If anyone wants more, or more specific ideas on particular topics in chem, just ask. Like I said, I love the subject and now that I'm at home with my dd, I don't get the chance to "share the love" of chemistry with classes. I miss that. :( :D

I'm curious (and even though I'm pro-textbook, this is true curiousity - no offense intended!)... If folks are planning on doing (or already doing) high school science without textbooks, how do they deal with working problems? I'm coming from a chem background (former high school AP Chem/reg chem teacher) and I'm having a difficult time picturing how higher level high school chem could be mastered without working the math-type problems that it entails. I can easily see how using living books could provide the chem concepts but standard high school level chem involves being able to do a variety of problem types. I do read many of the living book types of science books but I haven't yet come across any that would have the reader work problems. I'm wondering if books like that are out there and I just haven't seen them. Or maybe folks are writing their own problems for the student to do after reading the text. Or maybe they're using the text for problems only and learning the concepts from a different source. Just wondering. :)

Very well said.

Yup, I know. :) Was born in 1972. I think my parents still have some - they still have the piece of equipment that you needed it for. Sadly, I do not have one. :(