Chemistry For The Non-Mathy

[Reefgazer]

A homeschool mom is asking my advice on a high school chemistry text/curriculum for a student who is weak in math; she is adamant about chemistry, rather than another science option.  Free and online would be a plus.  What do you all suggest?

[klmama]

Does she want a conceptual chemistry course?  There's a text by that name by John Sudocki, and there are videos online.  Sorry, I don't have the link, but Google does.  I think there's a small fee for access to the instruction videos.

 

 

[Dicentra]

On 10/29/2020 at 9:23 PM, Reefgazer said:

A homeschool mom is asking my advice on a high school chemistry text/curriculum for a student who is weak in math; she is adamant about chemistry, rather than another science option.  Free and online would be a plus.  What do you all suggest?

Do you know what she means by "weak in math"?  Pretty much any chem course that would be considered high school level will require students to have Alg 1 under their belts and be able to solve word problems using fairly simple algebraic manipulation of formulas.

I think this is the Conceptual Chemistry that klmama is referring to:

https://www.conceptualacademy.com/textbook/conceptual-chemistry

I've not taught that curriculum but it's my understanding that it will still contain some math.  If a student is doing a chemistry course with no math in it, I think I would call that middle school chemistry and not high school chemistry.  I know other folks may not agree with me on that but as a long-time high school chem teacher and college chem instructor, that's my thoughts. 🙂

[Reefgazer]

On 11/1/2020 at 2:47 PM, Dicentra said:

Do you know what she means by "weak in math"?  Pretty much any chem course that would be considered high school level will require students to have Alg 1 under their belts and be able to solve word problems using fairly simple algebraic manipulation of formulas.

I think this is the Conceptual Chemistry that klmama is referring to:

https://www.conceptualacademy.com/textbook/conceptual-chemistry

I've not taught that curriculum but it's my understanding that it will still contain some math.  If a student is doing a chemistry course with no math in it, I think I would call that middle school chemistry and not high school chemistry.  I know other folks may not agree with me on that but as a long-time high school chem teacher and college chem instructor, that's my thoughts. 🙂

Her student has had Algebra I, but is very weak in it.  IMO, she should repeat that class before continuing on with chemistry, but that seems to be a no-go with her.

[SoCal_Bear]

I can't see how you could successfully do a high school credit chemistry without solid Algebra skills. It seems like your opinion is that you can't recommend anything. 

Edited November 3, 2020 by calbear

[BusyMom5]

What about Middle School level?  There is a website made for MS Chemistry that is free!  Possibly Guest Hollow Kitchen Chemistry  (I would count thus as an elective- but she isn't me).  

I agree that she should redo Algebra 1 if it wasn't mastered, and its fine to wait on Chemistry until the math is there.  

[Dicentra]

On 10/29/2020 at 9:23 PM, Reefgazer said:

A homeschool mom is asking my advice on a high school chemistry text/curriculum for a student who is weak in math; she is adamant about chemistry, rather than another science option.  Free and online would be a plus.  What do you all suggest?

If she's determined to go ahead with chemistry, I'd suggest that she look at these programs:

https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/041173/Chemistry-Power-Basic-Single.html?

Walsh Power Basics is probably her best bet.  It's not free and it's not online but it's geared towards students who struggle with typical high school level material.  She should check with her local homeschool regulations, though, to make sure it meets the definition of a high school level course.

https://fascinatingeducation.com/try-fascinating-chemistry-2/

http://www.friendlychemistry.com/

https://books.kolbe.org/products/john-charlesworths-introduction-to-chemistry

Edited November 5, 2020 by Dicentra

[kristin0713]

You won't find high school level chemistry with no math, online, and free.  Chemistry w/ lab will at minimum require materials to do the labs. Guest Hollow Chem in the Kitchen is designed without math and is inexpensive for the guide, but there will be some books to purchase (others can be found at the library) and materials/ingredients to purchase for the kitchen labs. Easy Peasy has a free online program but it requires Algebra 1 and purchasing some materials for labs.  Even the middle school chem mentioned above will require lab work if she really wants to count it as a high school level class.