LearnFromHome Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 My ds and I have been struggling with Chemistry this school year....we are both very frustrated and we're ready to drop the subject. We have been using Switch On Schoolhouse but is there something easier we can use? Thanks Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 of chemistry. We use Apologia Chemistry, which is considered to be rigorous by some and not-so-rigorous by others. For my oldest, though, it is plenty rigorous, and she has to work very hard in order to understand the concepts. The actual math is not that difficult---mostly Algebra I----but the concepts and setting up the problems can be very difficult for her. We're using The Teaching Company's Chemistry DVD's to supplement, and they have helped her somewhat. It's one of their high school level courses, taught by Frank Cardulla (retired) of Niles North High School. I think it's only available on DVD. You might look into those as a supplement and see if they'll help. You may also consider a tutor. Chemistry is getting into that more difficult science, and you may need a tutor to help you out. Do you have a local community college nearby? You might call their science department and see if they have a talented chemistry student who might be able to help you. I hope this helps! Best wishes and blessings! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Ditto to everything Michelle said. We're using Apologia, with the supplement DVD, and the Teaching Company DVD's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moira in MA Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 In what area are you struggling? If it is the math, then I strongly recommend Beginnings Publishing's Bridge Math as it really helps with setting up problems, conversions, handling precision etc. that often trip up students. I had my dd use it before beginning Chemistry and she tells me it was really helpful. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 If the Chemistry is anything like the 7th grade LifePac science my dd used in her private school...no wonder you're having problems! I found it to be full of holes and very frustrating. I'd switch curriculums. You've probably gotten enough information to be able to work quickly through something else. Apologia is meant to be self-teaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in AL Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I'm doing a chemistry unit with my 8th grader. IMO, it's pretty advanced: it covers s,p, & d electron orbitals, pauli & aufbau principle, balancing equations and more. I remembered NONE of this from college even. She needed my help, so I had to relearn it. I'm using her text along with Chemistry Made Simple by John Moore (found this at Books a Million). I read the material that she's supposed to cover from both books the weekend before she actually covers it. I have to read it and work it out in mind until I understand it. I'd also consider a tutor. I wouldn't give up on it for sure, both my brothers who were public schooled had to give up majors they wanted in college because they didn't understand chemistry well enough. You never know what your children will go into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra in NC Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 This site has a lot of helpful tutorials. We are using it along with Apologia. http://www2.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/index/site_map.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veronica in VA Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I saw in a recent newsletter that ALEKS has come out with a chemistry program. I odn't know much about it, but this might be a good supplement for Apologia. You can sign up for a five day trial, and see if it will help. http://www.aleks.com Veronica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 We use Aleks for math and really like it........I've been searching for something for Chemistry next year so thanks for mentioning this..........it may be just what we've been looking for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 How long did it take to do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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