For the 2010/11 school year, I’m teaching Chemistry for my same two students that I enjoyed for HS Biology. For an up-to-the-week look at our progress and links to helpful websites, see my course website, Let’s Not Burn the House Down. So far, we haven’t.
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Posts Related To High School Chemistry
Resources
Week 8 Readings: Zumdahl Chapters 7 and 8.
Websites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnGu3xO2h74 Watch before you do the problems.
Assignments: Lab write-up for 7.3. Prep lab 7.5, parts one and two.
Zumdahl problems, Chapter 6: 16, 28, 32, 42, 44, 48, 54, 56, 60, 66, 76
Week 9Readings: Nothing new.
Websites:
Assignments: Lab write-up for 7.5 Prelab for 8.1
Zumdahl Problems, Chapter 7: 8, 12, 16, 20, 22, 28, 30, 34,38, 40
Week 10
Readings: Review chapter 8 (read again!)
Websites:
Assignments: Lab write-up for 8.1.
Prelab for 8.2
Zumdahl Problems, Chapter 7: 41, 44, 48, 50, 54, 57, 58, 60, 64, 66
Week 11
Readings: Zumdahl, Ch. 9
Assignments: Lab write-up for 8.2
Prelab 8.3
Zumdahl problems, Chapter 8: 8, 14, 20 (a,b,f), 24 (a, d, f), 28, 32 (a,b,c), 38, 52, 56, 62, 74, 80, 82
Write a paragraph on your topic. Sources should be provided after your paragraph and may NOT be Wikipedia. Consider some of the links I list on this site.
S.L.: How was the mole discovered?
A.M.: What is the difference between corrosive and caustic?
Week 12
Readings: Review chapter 9 (Zumdahl) Websites: Assignments: Lab write-up for 8.3. Prelab for 9.1
Week 13
Readings: Review the second half of chapter 9.
Assignments: Lab write-up for 9.1
Prelab for 9.2
Zumdahl, Ch 9, Problems 6,8,12, 16,20 (a,c,e,g), 22 (a,c,e,g), 24, 30,36,40
Week 14
Assignments: Lab write-up for 9.2
Pre-lab for lab 9.3 and 9.4
Zumdahl, Ch 9 (second half), Problems 42, 44, 46, 52, 54, 58, 64, 66
Test 2 is coming! We’ll be moving to new material in 2011. Check “This We Know” and study.
Week 15
Readings: Zhumdahl, Chapter 10 Assignments: Lab write-up for 9.3 and 9.4. Pre-lab 10.1Turn in Test 2 Week 16 Readings: Zumdahl , Chapter 11 Assignments: Lab write-up for 10.1
Pre lab for 10.2
Problems, Zhumdahl Ch. 10: 4,8,16, 22, 28, 30, 28, 44, 48, 50,54, 58, 60, 68, 70, 78
Week 17
Readings: Review Chapter 11
Assignments: Lab write-up for 10.2.
Prelab for 11.1
Pick an element that you feel is very important to life, our current world, or the future. Make your thesis a statement that reflects why you feel that. Support your statement in AT LEAST three other paragraphs (at least five total — intro, 3 body, 1 conclusion). Include basic information about your element: atomic number, atomic mass, location on table, oxidation states, family, discovery date (how and who, briefly), where it is found. Include what current or future use of the element is or could be. Back up your writing with a good bibliography. NO WIKIPEDIA! Use at least one actual book (these still exist). BEFORE you start writing, present your idea to me for approval.
Week 18
Readings: Review second half of Chapter 11 (Zumdahl)
Websites:
Assignments: Chapter 11 Problems: 1, 3, 4, 9, 14, 20, 22, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 56, 58, 62, 68
Pre-lab for 12.1
Post lab for 11.1 can WAIT. It seems we need to explore some additional concepts before finishing it. Leave room in your lab notebooks for the post lab, and we’ll return to it later.
Week 19
Readings: Zumdahl, Chapter 12
Websites:
Assignments: Post lab 12.1, 12.2
Chapter 11 Problems: 71, 72, 73, 77, 84, 86, 88, 110
Prelab: 12.3
Week 20
Readings: Review Zumdahl, Ch. 12 Websites: Assignments: Post lab 12.3, Prelab 14.1 Chapter 12 problems: 7 (a,b), 9 (a,b), 11 (a,b), 14, 15, 22,24, 26, 29, 33, 36, 42, 44 Week 21 Readings: Read chapter 13, Zumdahl Websites: Ideal Gas Law Equation; Ideal Gas Law Example 1; Ideal Gas Law Example 2; Ideal Gas Law Example 3; Ideal Gas Law Example 4; Partial Pressure Assignments: Prelab 14.2, Post lab 14.1 Chapter 12 Problems: 50, 54, 58, 62, 65, 68, 74, 75, 81, 83, 86, 90, 98, 100 Week 22 Readings:
Websites: States of Matter, More on States of Matter, Specific Heat, Heat of Fusion and Evaporation, Phase Diagrams,
Assignments: Prelab for 14.3.
Zumdahl Problems, Ch. 13: 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 23, 26, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42 (don’t try this at home), 46, 49
IYC 365 – Over the next two months, you’ll create three entries for this contest. Read through the rules and brainstorm your ideas. Share those with me over the next week. Have FUN!
Week 23
Readings: Zumdahl Chapter 14
Websites:
Assignments: Postlab for 14.2 and 14.3 Please type labs so I can read them.
Prelab for 15.1
Zumdahl Problems, Chapter 14: 3, 5 ,6 ,9, 18, 21, 28, 38, 44, 50 (A,B)
Write your first entry for the International Year of Chemistry. Pay attention the rules referred to in Week 22.
Week 24
Readings: Websites: Heat of Solution information, Solving problems video Assignments: Full typed lab report for 15.1 Make corrections to your first entry for IYC and submit to me for approval. Once approved, we’ll submit. Study for and take Chemistry Test 3. Week 25 Readings: Zumdahl, Chapter 15 Websites: Introduction to pH Assignments: Full prelab and postlab for 15.2 Read about lab 15.3 and do prelab. Zumdahl problems Chapter 14: 58, 61, 63, 68, 74, 75, 77, 80, 84. Present a topic to me for your second submission to IYC 365 Week 26 Readings: Re-read chapter 15 if needed. Websites: Acid Base Introduction, Ph, POH of Strong Acids and Bases Assignments: Full lab report for 15.3. Zumdahl problems Chapter 15: 2, 3, 5, 7, 15, 17, 21, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35 Research your topic for your second submission to IYC and begin writing. Week 27 Readings: Chapter 16 Websites: Assignments: Full lab report for 16.1. Look at Lab 11.1 again and prepare for lab 11.2. First draft for second IYC submission due. Zumdahl problems Ch. 15: 41, 43, 47, 49, 53, 55, 56,57, 63 Week 28 Readings: Review chapter 16. Websites: Assignments: Full Lab report for 11.2 FInal draft for 2nd IYC submission. Zumdahl problems Ch. 16: 1, 4,5,7,9,11,13,17,20 Week 29 Readings: Chapter 17, with a focus on the first half Websites: Reactions in Kinetics, La Chatelier’s Principle Assignments: The real final draft for 2nd IYC submission. Full lab report for last lab. Zumdahl problems Ch 16: 23, 27, 29, 32, 35, 41, 46, 51, 53, 54, 57, 64,67 Week 30 Readings: Review Chapter 17, with a focus on the second half. Read intro to Ch 18 in your lab book and prepare for lab 18.1. Websites: Redox Reactions Assignments: Final draft of 2nd IYC should be sent to IYC. Full lab report for 13.2 Zumdahl Ch 17: 7, 8, 15, 19, 29, 35, 37, 43, 46 Read the start of the lab chapter on colloids and suspensions. We’ll do the first of those on Wed. Week 31 Readings: Review Chapters 15, 16, 17 for test. Websites: How a Car Battery Works, How Batteries Work, Electrolysis, Redox Demos Assignments: Find topic for 3rd IYC essay. Full lab report for 18.2. We need a laser for 18.1 — I’m looking. Zumdahl problems Ch 17: 33, 47, 49, 53, 56, 57, 61, 64 Start studying for the test. We’ll review a bit this week. Week 32 **Test 4 in class. 3rd IYC essay and lab report 18.1 due. If we have time, we’ll do lab 18.3 Week 33 Readings: Zumdahl, Chapter 18 Websites: Cloud Chamber Assignments: Next draft of 3rd IYC essay. Full lab report for 18.3. Read information for lab 16.5. Bring ideas for future labs to class. Week 34 Readings: Organic Chemistry online chapter from CK12. Websites: Assignments: Zumdahl Problems, Ch. 18: 13, 19, 21, 27, 28, 29, 33, 42, 44, 52, 54, 58, 68 Full lab report for galvanic cell lab. Include what you think could have improved the outcome. |
Sarah,
Awesome resources!
) Thanks for putting it together and sharing it here…
Love the links, detailed weekly chapter based resources…’I’ am excited to see the learning evolve with every passing week in your post
And have a ton of fun doing it with your son and buddy!!!
Subadra
thanks for the links. We stared Chemistry last month, got sidetracked, did some Forensics, and will be getting back to Chemistry this month. Maybe in a week.
I amusing the same course for all 3 of my boys- which will be a challenge for me. G(17)- LOVES Math, Physics, was doing beginner algebras at 5….. C(16)0- who is good at everything but has interest in NOTHING and…K, he’s the biggest challenge for using high school Chem. He’s 14 and seems to have not been programmed with any math desire and little ability & has ‘sensory meltdown’ esp when there are numbers involved. He just wants to be a pastor and go into acting.
May I ask why you chose Zumdahl over Chang General Chemistry or any of the other chem textbooks that HSers use?
Thank you for sharing your journey and plans with us!
Sybil
My son liked the look of Zumdahl better. Textbook learning was not the best way into the brain of either boy, and the layout (font, etc) was more accessible in that book. Chang was our back-up, and to cover what Zumdahl did not.
This is a very impressive plan! Since you apparently used Singapore science at other times, I was wondering if you’d considered Singapore’s Chemistry Matters and what you thought about it. I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen so far with Biology Matters and Chemistry Matters.
Thanks! I did consider it, but I’d become attached to Thompson’s “Illustrated Guide” for the labs and searched for a text to support it. I knew I could find almost everything required for the labs in that book so went with that direction. I’d love to read some “in the trenches” reviews of Singapore’s higher science (and higher math, for that matter). I’ve been hesitant to pursue them without detailed reviews.
Hello. I am loving your Chemistry schedule…but…I am scared to tackle it with my son next year. I have found the textbook and a solutions manual, but I’m concerned my lack of knowledge in Chemistry will cause a problem. Do you have a background in Chemistry? Or, did you just figure it all out and go with it? I have a ps textbook and Apologia as well, but they are sorely lacking in the “experiment” area. I have looked at my copy of Robert Thompson’s lab book and tried to align it with my ps text, but I have failed miserably. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Robin
Hi, Robin! I had a semester of General Chemistry and a semester of Organic Chemistry in college, but my knowledge base does NOT rest in chemistry. Admittedly, I counted on that (distant) history and plowed ahead. I learned it again as I went along. Zumdahl is quite straightforward, which helped enormously. Having had chemistry in high school and college did help me in the lab skills department, but Thompson’s book contains enough information about how to do procedures that I think I’d have been fine without it.
It’s fine if the lab for a subject comes a bit after the time the material is taught in the text. It’s also often fine if it comes a bit before, as the lab itself can illustrate a concept and make the reading about the material a bit easier. I didn’t try to map the whole year out from the start. Instead, I stayed a few weeks ahead (usually) so I could assure I had everything on hand when the lab came up. The titles of the lab will make more sense if you read through the text. Or, have your child work on the alignment. If your child is studying acids and bases in the text, it’s time for the lab on the same subject. My older son maintained our science supplies and was responsible for alerting me when we needed something. I ordered most everything at the start of the year, but he kept us on top of issues like depleted chemicals and broken glassware (it happens). It helped to be teaching two kids who were crazy about chemistry.
It was a bit unnerving, but I enjoyed relearning while they were learning. I’d not do it without a solutions guide — worked answers — for whatever text you use. It’s simply not enough to have the answers. You need the path to how the answers were derived.
Hope that helps ease the way a bit. Questions are welcome any time.
Sarah
Gosh! What a quick reply! Thanks so much!
I only had high school Chemistry. My husband had several Chemistry courses…he’s a Mechanical Engineer. He typically stays out of my crazy homeschooling business, but he might just be recruited for this…at least for help lining things up. I actually tried to line up a few labs with the Holt textbook, but it was difficult…well, some were obvious, but others…well…I just have no idea.
I am going to get the Zumdahl text and solutions manual. I looked at a sample on Amazon (a newer edition) and it looks easier to understand than the high school Holt text. It was certainly more engaging as far as writing style goes.
My son loves blowing up things…he has used several how-to books on building explosive devices…I think he would really enjoy Mr. Thompson’s Chemistry lab book. We have tons of equipment already. I probably only need to order chemicals. Now I need a place to set up shop…
Thanks again. Your site is great. I look at it often…reading and re-reading.
Robin
When we built an addition, some six years ago, I specifically had a long desk/counter with cabinetry above and below for a lab bench. No, my request for a gas hook-up for the bunsen burner was not met, but I’ve managed.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the site. I’ve enjoyed writing here and sharing what I’ve found. Thanks for the kind words.
Sarah
Good Morning! I have more questions for you! 1) Does your plan align the Zumdahl chapters with the labs in the Illustrated Guide? It appears that you had your students work through the books from beginning to end maybe not lining everything up? Did they just read the chemistry text and work from that and then cover the labs as an aside? Some of the labs/textbook chapters are obvious, but others…not so much, especially with my limited knowledge. And…2) Where did you order supplies? Mr. Thompson now has a chemistry “kit” that takes select labs from his book. The lab book is available free on his website. The “kit” is $168…it includes all chemicals and reuseable equipment. My problem is…I have almost ALL the equipment…I just need chemicals (I even have a few of those). Home Science Tools doesn’t carry many of the chemicals…where else can I go? I also priced just ordering chemicals and it was almost as much as just ordering his new “kit”. He recommends Chemistry: The Central Science as a text supplement…not so sure about that book…it’s huge. He also recommends the free text from CK12 online…Finally, he suggests doing the “kit” labs in order and picking and choosing from the text chapters rather than following the text and inserting labs. I don’t know about this…aren’t texts set up to be followed in a logical pattern? Or is each chapter able to be tackled independently of the others?
Any thoughts on any of this? I know you are busy, but I’m in panic mode. I want to DO chemistry with my son…not just read about it (which is what my daughter did and it left her with no interest in chemistry). I don’t have tons of money to sink into this course…I can spread it out a bit and get a few things…oh…say each quarter or so…but not everything up front. I need a supplier that won’t want my firstborn as payment.
Thanks for you all your help…
Robin
Sorry for the delay in my reply. We’ve been traveling.
For the most part, the labs match the book, although there are exceptions. I’ve noted the order in both in my syllabus. Generally, the labs went with the material, although at points they were a bit behind or ahead, which is not unusual in a lab course.
I ordered most of our supplies from Home Science Tools and a few from United Nuclear. We omitted labs when costs were prohibitive, although we started with a fairly extensive supply of lab materials, so there was less to buy. United Nuclear should fill in the gaps.
I have no idea about Chemistry: The Central Science, and while the CK12 materials look okay, they just don’t hold the visual appeal of a full-color text. Whatever you choose, I’d follow the order of the text, since jumping can be a problem and different texts order things different ways. When we needed a concept for a lab (and just couldn’t wait for the chapter to come up), I’d teach the core of the topic then return to it later in the text. You will not find a perfect pairing, unless the text and lab book were made to go together, and adjusting and compensating is to be expected.
Breathe in and out. You can do this. Pick the labs that are within your budget. We didn’t purchase everything at once for exactly the reason you’re describing. If you hit a snag or question, email me, and I’ll do my best to help.
Sarah
Sarah…thanks for the response. That’s really all I needed to know. I know labs and lectures in college don’t always line up (as my daughter has told me on many occasions and much to her irritation!). Anyway, I have the Zumdahl text, which I think looks great and is very engaging. That Chemistry: The Central Science is a behemoth…bleh…I think we will follow your syllabus best we can, doing what we can. Thanks again. You’ve been a huge help. Robin
Hi…it’s me again! I have another question for you…
How did you come up with tests? As I confessed before, I have little chemistry knowledge. For “textbook” learning in past years, I have used the chapter end assessments as tests. In some cases, even open-book.
If you have any suggestions, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks AGAIN! Robin
Good question. I used questions from Zumdahl that I hadn’t asked them to answer for homework, took some from a Chang Chemistry book and Study Guide that I’d picked up in my search for a primary text for the class, and some from my own head (essay questions, not problems). While for biology, I wrote most of my own questions, for chemistry, I generally picked and chose from other sources. Books were closed, although I did provide them with ion charts for one test and periodic tables for all tests.
Thanks Sarah. I’ve ordered two texts (one for my son and one for me) and a solutions guide. We already have the lab book. I”m making a list of chemiicals to order for the first quarter based on your syllabus. I was hesitant to go this route, but after looking over other pre-made programs and reviews for them, I was left unimpressed. I had considered Oak Meadow, but even their stuff got blah reviews…especially the textbook…typical high school text that doesn’t explain well.
You have been great…and patient! Thanks again and I think the rest is up to me now…even if I don’t have a clue! It will be like math…learn along with him!