| Title | General Chemistry |  |
| Grades | 10th-11th |
| Prerequisite | Algebra I (and preferably Alg. 2) - Understanding algebraic concepts is mandatory. |
| Tutor | Rick Sward |
| Contact | rs54613@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $55/Month; $30 supply fee for the year |
| Books | TBD |
| Supplies | Required Calculator: TI-30 equivalent or above;
Internet access is needed. |
| Description | In working to learn chemistry, we’ll start from a simple atomic hypothesis and try to imagine its implications, especially for when atoms get together in materials. By checking on experimental results (sometimes from our own labs and sometimes from the work of others), we’ll examine our hypothesis, accepting some parts and modifying other parts when necessary. Since many of the results are quantitative, we’ll need to work on applying our math skills. The class is about skill development and critical thinking more than it is about learning facts. So, we’ll emphasize guided individual and group exploration, practice, and some project work and labs much more than lectures and tests. For some topics we’ll just use on-line videos or tutorials rather than lecture, and come to class ready for exploration and practice assignments. Usually, detailed answer keys to practice assignments and tests will be provided. And usually, we’ll try to continue work on writing up labs and projects until they are done well. Progress usually comes on a different schedule for different students. The priority will be on getting it right rather than fully completing a particular set of topics. So, different students will be expected to complete different parts of the work, up to a point which is difficult for them but not beyond what they can do well. I will try to get everyone at least some exposure to most of the usual topics of high school chemistry though. Some students may be able to explore all the topics or explore some topics in more depth than usual. I will provide sets of class notes, class work / homework, and lab work. I also expect to use internet resources (e.g. Khan Academy, Libre Texts, Phet Simulations, and an on-line textbook as a reference if possible) so internet access is needed. |