Choosing a Chemistry Course

[Cindygreen]

I am planning to start my oldest son with HOD this coming year which will be his 10th grade year. (My youngest started HOD last year using Beyond.) We will be using the Geography Guide, but I am going to have to come up with a science alternative for him. I would love to use the Integrated Chemistry and Physics, but he already completed Physical Science in 8th grade and did Biology this past year. He really needs to move on to Chemistry, but he is behind in math as we are still working our way through Algebra I. Does anyone have a suggestion for a high school level Chemistry curriculum that is light on the math? He does love science and has a great understanding of scientific topics. It is just the higher level math that he struggles with due to his dyslexia. Thanks!

[LynnH]

I think Carrie had mentioned Conceptual Chemistry before. The author is John Suchocki I believe. I know Conceptual Physics is not as heavy on the math and I believe this is the case with this also. I think there is a website also called Conceptual Chemistry Alive.

[arstephia]

We are using Spectrum Chemistry. Carrie had mentioned it in a post a couple of years ago so we looked into that. It looks great and the company answered questions I had, so I was happy with that aspect too. It doesn't look math heavy at all.

[8arrows]

Have you looked at Friendly Chemistry?

[jriggs001]

We did Chemistry 101 last year for my then 10th grader with MTMM. It has a very CM approach, you can do research papers, read living books about scientists, etc. Part of post removed by board moderator per board rules. It also has tests and quizzes. You can also send it in to have it graded and accredited if that's something you'd be interested in. It was very good and my son enjoyed it.

Jill

[Carrie]

Cindy,

Since your son is going into 10th grade and has technically only had Biology thus far as part of his formal high school years, I would encourage you to do the Integrated Physics and Chemistry that is scheduled in the World Geography guide. It contains 6 chapters of Chemistry related topics and 6 chapters of Physics related topics. It provides a wonderful foundation in both chemistry and physics and has a full-blown lab scheduled with it.

With your son just being in Algebra I now, I wouldn't recommend jumping ahead to a regular Chemistry course. Full-blown chemistry courses are usually done when students are juniors, both due to the level of math needed and due to the higher level thinking needed for the more difficult coursework. IPC will give your son a terrific foundation to build upon when he takes chemistry as a junior.

So, I would lean toward having your son's science sequence for high school look like this:
9th Biology (which he's already done)
10th IPC
11th Chemistry
12th Physics (or another advanced course specific to his future plans)

Blessings,
Carrie

[Cindygreen]

Thank you, Carrie and everyone for the advice. We have a decision to make. Thanks again!