Chemistry

This course is an introduction to general chemistry. Lectures and text will cover the fundamentals of matter, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. Time permitting, we will also discuss some of the applications of basic chemistry to organic chemistry, biochemistry, and the characteristics of chemical families. Specific topics include

• basic tools of measurement,
• the atomic model, including basic concepts of atoms, elements, molecules and compounds,
• the quantitative relationships between reactants and products (stoichiometry),
• atomic structure and electron configurations,
• patterns underlying chemical periodicity,
• phase changes affecting gases, liquids, and solids,
• the behavior of solutions,
• chemical kinetics,
• chemical equilibria,
• acid-base and precipitation reactions,
• electrolysis reactions,
• the major characteristics of main group and transition elements,
• and nuclear chemistry

Meetings:

This course meets in online chat sessions twice a week for a review of the material and open discussion. Assignments from the text will be supplemented by laboratory exercises. Students post homework problems to the course conference center to gain practice in explaining solutions. Students wishing to obtain lab credit or prepare for the AP exam must sign up for the Advanced Chemistry option, and will attend one additional weekly session, to be scheduled during the first week of the course. [AP Certification for this course is pending but should be completed by start of the instruction year.]

We will approach this mass of material through our texts, through discussion, through guided Web Tours, and through lab experiences. As we learn about the concepts and methods of modern chemistry, we will try to put them into perspective by addressing these questions:

• What is science?
• What is scientific methodology?
• How do we observe a natural object or event?
• How do we use instruments to discover more detailed information about a living organism or process?
• How do we evaluate and organize our knowledge?
• What are hypotheses, models, theories, and natural laws?
• How do we test, accept, or disprove a theory?
• How does the very act of organizing knowledge limit or enhance the way we think about nature and ourselves?
• What are the ethical implications of scientific investigations into chemical processes, especially those which affect the environment or living organisms?
• What are our responsibilities as stewards of the natural resources of Earth?

Students who satisfactorily complete the Chemistry course should be prepared to take the SAT II Chemistry Test. Students who also take the Advanced Option should be prepared to take the AP Chemistry Exam. Those interested in either exam should read the Chemistry SAT/AP Exam Preparation page, and contact the instructor if they have questions.

Chemistry is designed to be an independent course, but students with less formal backgrounds may prefer to take the Natural Sciences course first, or complete the equivalent coursework in juniro high level physical science.

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Required Text:

I am currently reviewing a new edition of the textbook Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity for this course.

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Labs and Lab Equipment:

Students must have parental permission to perform labs in order to receive credit. The lab permission form and a list of required equipment and materials is available from the Lab Requirements page.

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Need more information? Further details on this course are available at this site on course procedures, our apprach to evolution, and other frequently-asked questions.

Enrollment: To enroll in this course, or for further information on Scholars Online, please visit the Scholars Online Website.

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© 2012,2013 This course is offered through Scholars Online, a non-profit organization supporting classical Christian education through Internet-based courses. Permission to copy course content (lessons and labs) for personal study is granted to students currently or formerly enrolled in the course through Scholars Online. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.