Chemistry Course...

[LisaKinVA]

This is for next year. I gave my son the option of Biology (which I have sitting on my shelves) or Chemistry (which I don't own). I am leaning towards Abeka, because of the structure, and because this won't be my son's last time through Chem before he graduates... he's not in highschool yet, but the level of the Abeka high school texts seems a good fit. He is doing well in Abeka Physical Science right now.

 

I do not want something "conceptual." I have heard Apologia is a bit on the light side. We also do not want Advanced Chem at this point. He will have completed (or nearly completed) Foerster's Algebra I before starting this course.

 

Goals are to outline, probably some lab work (kit would be welcome), quizzes & tests. Teacher key, and I want the program to use a good bit of math. This child does well with DVD programs.

 

Thank you.

[Julie in MN]

Is there a reason you aren't just going ahead with ABeka, if you like it?

 

Otherwise, another chem to consider is Spectrum:

http://www.beginningspublishing.com/version2/spectrum.htm

 

Julie

[Nissi]

Ds.2 is doing Spectrum Chemistry and we are liking it very much. It is very concept oriented and I feel ds. is getting a good introductory course in Chemistry. I have Chang's General Chemistry but this is a better fit. The text is concise and humorous and a good fit for my son. Very grateful for all the ladies on this board who recommended it.

[Lori D.]

Not familiar with Abeka's sciences, so can't help there, but like the previous poster, if you like Abeka and it is working, why switch?

 

 

Goals are to outline, probably some lab work (kit would be welcome), quizzes & tests. Teacher key, and I want the program to use a good bit of math. This child does well with DVD programs.

 

 

Side Note: Do be aware that virtually all state high school graduation requirements AND college admission requirements REQUIRE lab work as part of 3 credits of science. While it is more difficult for homeschoolers to accomplish this, realize you may have real troubles later on in your students science credits if you don't do labs. Even though it sounds like you are looking for a Chemistry to do in middle school, if your DS is ready for high school textbooks, then seriously consider doing the WHOLE credit -- you will likely be able to carry it forward from middle school and count it on his high school transcript. Plus, it's a very good habit to get into now, that experimentation and lab reports are a vital part of learning science, and scientific research -- both in high school and college courses, but also in real life. :)

 

 

 

re: Apologia

I don't think your DS will find Apologia Chemistry on the light side, going from Abeka's Physical Science straight to Apologia Chemistry. The text is certainly not on the light side; it has fewer experiments, perhaps than some programs, but it not light as far as content. Apologia is Christian. It is not conceptual-based. The biology is very vocabulary-based and detailed in covering biological processes. The Chemistry is math and balanced-equation based. There is a lab kit to purchase; there are tests and a teacher key;

 

Apologia Chemistry or something else?

Apologia Chemistry not good enough?

 

 

Spectrum Chemistry is experiment-based; the text, while thin, is content-rich; just not as thick and wordy as other programs. You may perhaps feel it is not enough text. It is also Christian. Even though your son will have finished Algebra, he may find he would benefit from the Spectrum bridge math program if he is going straight to Chemistry -- whether using Spectrum's Chemistry or another. No DVDs. Some math.

 

Help! Spectrum Chemistry?

Is Spectrum Chemistry sufficient preparation for AP Chemistry?

 

 

Bob Jones Chemistry, from what I have read, is probably the most rigorous of the Christian Chemistry options. It has the bonus of DVD lessons.

 

BJU or Spectrum Chemistry?

 

 

For more Chemistry options (secular and Christian) check out this thread or this thread.

 

 

For DVD or tutorial material, check out:

- Thinkwell Chemistry (for a fee; full set of computer CDs of college intro level Chemistry lectures) -- comments about it in this thread

- Saxon DIVE Chemistry (for BOTH Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry) (for a fee)

- Khan Academy (free online tutorials)

 

 

For other experiences on Chemistry before Biology, try this thread.

Edited November 9, 2011 by Lori D.

[StephanieZ]

I'm quite happy with Spectrum Chem so far. We're 7 weeks into it, and so far, so good.

 

I wanted a math-based, lab heavy, fun, high quality chemistry course that would prepare well for AP Chem (or comparable), but not be terribly dry or boring. I found Spectrum, and so far it's been very good.

 

I think it'd fit your specifications. Search here on the boards for lots of info.

 

It's not cheap, but the kit has *everything* you need, which is INSANELY nice. I am going to be spoiled terribly, and am already dreading next year having to put together a bio program, lol.

 

ETA: Neither of my kids have needed any remedial math (Bridge Math). But, the other girl who also takes it with me has used Saxon (and her mom is not as mathy as I am), and she has needed just a bit of extra help here and there with the math. As long as the child has solid Algebra, and you take the time to remediate a touch if a tricky spot arises, I don't think Bridge Math is necessary.

Edited November 9, 2011 by StephanieZ

[LisaKinVA]

The only reason I lean towards Abeka is because I am familiar with the formatting and levels. However, I am interested in what else is out there -- that might be better. I ruled out BJU for this go-around, because it is more advanced than what my son needs.

 

He is accelerated in math/science... and have no desire to put this science on his transcript (he will be in 7th when he takes it). I don't think his math will need to be remediated, simply because Foerster's is an "honors-level" Algebra course, and we are doing Fred and AoPS Intro to Algebra on the side. His algebra should be very solid. If it's not, he will continue with Algebra until it *is*;)

 

I will definitely look into Spectrum, and other things. I will have several more children to go through Chem, so I'm not too worried about cost -- as long as it can be amortized over multiple children :D

[BlsdMama]

Lori,

I think I might love you. :) Thank you for posting all the discussions.,

 

 

 

Not familiar with Abeka's sciences, so can't help there, but like the previous poster, if you like Abeka and it is working, why switch?

 

 

 

 

 

Side Note: Do be aware that virtually all state high school graduation requirements AND college admission requirements REQUIRE lab work as part of 3 credits of science. While it is more difficult for homeschoolers to accomplish this, realize you may have real troubles later on in your students science credits if you don't do labs. Even though it sounds like you are looking for a Chemistry to do in middle school, if your DS is ready for high school textbooks, then seriously consider doing the WHOLE credit -- you will likely be able to carry it forward from middle school and count it on his high school transcript. Plus, it's a very good habit to get into now, that experimentation and lab reports are a vital part of learning science, and scientific research -- both in high school and college courses, but also in real life. :)

 

 

 

re: Apologia

I don't think your DS will find Apologia Chemistry on the light side, going from Abeka's Physical Science straight to Apologia Chemistry. The text is certainly not on the light side; it has fewer experiments, perhaps than some programs, but it not light as far as content. Apologia is Christian. It is not conceptual-based. The biology is very vocabulary-based and detailed in covering biological processes. The Chemistry is math and balanced-equation based. There is a lab kit to purchase; there are tests and a teacher key;

 

Apologia Chemistry or something else?

Apologia Chemistry not good enough?

 

 

Spectrum Chemistry is experiment-based; the text, while thin, is content-rich; just not as thick and wordy as other programs. You may perhaps feel it is not enough text. It is also Christian. Even though your son will have finished Algebra, he may find he would benefit from the Spectrum bridge math program if he is going straight to Chemistry -- whether using Spectrum's Chemistry or another. No DVDs. Some math.

 

Help! Spectrum Chemistry?

Is Spectrum Chemistry sufficient preparation for AP Chemistry?

 

 

Bob Jones Chemistry, from what I have read, is probably the most rigorous of the Christian Chemistry options. It has the bonus of DVD lessons.

 

BJU or Spectrum Chemistry?

 

 

For more Chemistry options (secular and Christian) check out this thread or this thread.

 

 

For DVD or tutorial material, check out:

- Thinkwell Chemistry (for a fee; full set of computer CDs of college intro level Chemistry lectures) -- comments about it in this thread

- Saxon DIVE Chemistry (for BOTH Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry) (for a fee)

- Khan Academy (free online tutorials)

 

 

For other experiences on Chemistry before Biology, try this thread.