Science questions--high school

[Mom25]

Hi. I searched the archives and couldn't find the answers to these questions, so thought I'd ask. My twins will be doing MtMM next year for 8th grade, which includes chemistry for science. They're very excited! BUT, don't they need chemistry for high school? Does that mean we'll be doing chemistry again in a couple years? I'm just wondering why HOD chose physical science (which we've loved!) and chemistry for middle school, when chemistry will need to be repeated.

Also, my 11yo 4th grader is very jealous that his older siblings will get to do chemistry, as he's been begging to do chemistry for a while now. Could he join them in MtMM chemistry, or is he too young? Would it be good to get a second chem. kit for three kids to participate together?

Thanks for any insight!

[kmommy]

I am glad you asked this.

I did not realize that MtMM was going to be out this year. We have never done HOD, and now I am thinking we will start in MtMM for my 14 yo is September.

But, for those who would be using this for a 9th grader, is the Chemistry worthy of high school credit. And if so, wouldn't it be to difficult for an 8th grader?

I know high school chemistry requires pre-requisites in math.

So I am confused as well??? Is Chemistry offered again in the High School 4 guides? But still confused if you are using Mtmm with extensions with a 9th grader, if it is credit worthy or not? Or are you going to end up taking Chemistry twice?

I will be waiting for an answer to this to!

[Liberty Carriage]

I believe this is an introductory chemistry course, not a full blown course.

[LynnH]

This is just an introduction to Chemistry just like there has been introductions to the other sciences. There are things you would need to add if you wanted to make it credit worthy for high school or she recommended using Spectrum Chemistry for High School. When Carrie and I talked at convention about science for High School she talked about how colleges want to see Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics so my assumption is that she will include recommendations for each one of those in her high school guides.

[kmommy]

This is just an introduction to Chemistry just like there has been introductions to the other sciences. There are things you would need to add if you wanted to make it credit worthy for high school or she recommended using Spectrum Chemistry for High School. When Carrie and I talked at convention about science for High School she talked about how colleges want to see Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics so my assumption is that she will include recommendations for each one of those in her high school guides.

Thank you Lynn!

[Heather4Him]

Great question!! We will get to MTMM for 11th grade, when we are scheduled for chemistry anyway, so I was hoping this would be a great fit. Now I will just have to see what we need to add to make it high school credit-worthy, and then we can be all set!!

[Carrie]

Heather,

I'll paste a post of mine from the MTMM discussion that may be of help to you as you ponder Chemistry for high school.

As far as science goes, there are many possible options that those who have a student outside of the target age range of the guide could consider. I'll share a couple possible options for those who desire to do chemistry with a child in the extension range of Missions to Modern Marvels. One option for those who would like to use much of the Missions to Modern Marvels science plans "as is" with a child in the extension range would be to add Ellen McHenry's Carbon Chemistry in place of Evolution: the Grand Experiment and the Genetics & DNA kit.

This would give your high school child a full year of chemistry, and Carbon Chem. is designed for use after "The Elements", so it would work well in place of Evolution: the Grand Experiment. Additionally, you could also consider adding the new Chemistry 101 DVD on each 5th day, watching a segment each week (and also possibly pursuing some of the suggestions for lab work that come with the CD). This combination along with what is already scheduled within the Missions to Modern Marvels guide would raise the coursework to a high school level science while still keeping the living books approach. Here are links to these products:
Link: http://www.ellenjmchenrydownloads.com/C ... D-CCHC.htm
Link: http://shop.the101series.com/Chemistry-101-chem101.htm

Another thought would be to use Beginning's Publishing's The Spectrum in place of the chemistry in Missions to Modern Marvels. This is another strong chemistry option, and one we will likely pursue next year with our own oldest son for his high school years. We will are considering this route because our oldest son has already done all of the resources scheduled within the Missions to Modern Marvels science schedule, so he will need something different for chemistry. This would also be a possibility for others who have already done much of what is within the science of MTMM. Link: http://www.beginningspublishing.com/ver ... ectrum.htm

These would be our recommendations at this point in time for chemistry, but you will know best what will fit your high school child well in the area of science.

[Heather4Him]

Thanks, Carrie--those suggestions help a lot!!

[Mom25]

Me again. Can anyone answer my original questions? Thanks!

[my3sons]

Hi Mom25! LynnH answered the first part of your question so well, and I agree she is right on track with her thoughts there. The chemistry in MTMM will be an introduction, not a full-blown high school credit worthy chemistry course. Carrie's suggestions for beefing it up to count it as a credit would work well if that is the direction you are wanting to go, otherwise, for an 8th grader, I think it looks perfect as is! I can't wait to do it with my oldest ds Wyatt. He has been eyeing the chem set described for months and picturing himself in a lab coat and goggles mixing this and that and (he hopes) seeing this or that explode, foam, or bubble over. This brings me to this part of your question...

...Also, my 11yo 4th grader is very jealous that his older siblings will get to do chemistry, as he's been begging to do chemistry for a while now. Could he join them in MtMM chemistry, or is he too young? Would it be good to get a second chem. kit for three kids to participate together?...

There are actually quite a few warning signs on the chem kit. They are clear, and I don't think they will be difficult for older students to adhere to, but I do wonder if younger students could be careful enough to complete the chem experiments without doing some harm? Not sure. My 9 yo had the same reaction - wanting to do the chem set now, but he has his CTC science he will get to do this year, and that will be great fun for him. I let him know he'll get to do the chem kit a few years down the road, but for now, it's too mature for him and it's something special to do when you get to the MTMM guide. I think I'd get one kit first if I were you, and see what you thought about that. He will get to do it in a few years anyway, so possibly waiting might be safer all around. However, you will know here! The kit does look GREAT BTW, can't wait to have our oldest do it!

In Christ,
Julie