High School Chemistry: Session 1

Week 1: Defining and Measuring Chemistry
We’ll discuss the ancient roots of chemistry, alchemy. From there we’ll define modern chemistry, discuss the scientific method, and learn about the different ways measurements are taken.

Week 2: Properties of Matter
We’ll discuss what matter is, the different phases, and how matter can change. We’ll then discuss different forms of matter such as mixtures, elements, and compounds.

Week 3: Unraveling the Mystery of the Atom
We’ll discuss the history that led to the discovery of the atom and the subatomic particles, the functions of each of those particles, isotopes, how to read a periodic table, and the different types of radioactive elements.

Week 4: Electrons
We are going to focus on the smallest part of the atom, but the most important- the electrons. We’re going to learn how they work, where they’re located, and touch on some quantum mechanics!

Week 5: Periodic Table and Trends
There’s more to the periodic table than a bunch of symbols and numbers! We’re going to learn why the periodic table is arranged like it is and how to identify properties of elements based on their location in the table.

Week 6: Elements of the s and p blocks
We will go through the entire list of s and p block elements, focusing on their properties and uses. This is the week we start memorizing the element names and symbols!

Week 7: Elements of the d and f blocks
Same as week 6, but now we’ll focus on the elements of the d and f blocks. Another week of memorizing the element names and symbols!

Week 8: Ionic Bonds and Ionic Compounds
Now that we know all of the elements, we’re going to start discussing how atoms bond together. This week we’ll focus on ionic bonds- how they work and how to name the compounds they create. We’ll also cover metallic bonds.

Week 9: Covalent Bonds
Moving on to the last type of bond- covalent bonds. We’ll discuss how these bonds form, the different types, how to create molecular formulas and structures for them, how to name those molecules, and discuss polarity.

Week 10: Chemical Reactions
We can now easily predict how elements will bond and what type of bond they will form. Now, we need to combine different molecules and compounds to create chemical reactions! We’ll learn how to write a reaction equation, learn the different types of reactions, and how to properly balance chemical equations.

Week 11: The Mathy Mole
We’re going to dig deep (pun!) into the world of moles- what they are, why they are important, and how to use them! LOTS of math in this lesson.

Week 12: Stoichiometry
We’ll discuss the ins and outs of stoichiometry, using the math concepts we learned in Week 11. How can we use those calculations to predict the amount of reactants or products in a chemical reaction? LOTS of math in this lesson. Plus, we’ll finish up the class with a fun lab that will let students get hands on with the process of determining limiting reactants and percent yields!

 However, I feel like chemistry is an extremely hands on science, and doing the experiments rather than just watching them adds an entirely new layer and deeper understanding to the material. I try to use household items for labs whenever I can, but that’s not always possible. And I do realize that some of these chemicals and equipment can get a little pricey. You don’t have to do every lab or not do every lab! You can absolutely do some of them and skip others (ones that are more hazardous or require expensive equipment). Remember—any lab you don’t do yourself, I’ll be doing on video so you won’t miss anything. I film every lab for the students so they can see the procedure and the result if they are unable to do the lab at home.

The spreadsheet is sortable by the Week Number, the Lab Number (so you know exactly what is needed for each lab within a single week), and the material (sort by this to see how often we use a certain item). You can even create a column to check off what you’ve ordered to keep track. Many things you can buy at your local store. Things that may need to be ordered I have listed one or two sources for: Amazon and Homesciencetools. There are multiple sources for most items—these are just the ones I recommend.

If you order from Homesciencetools, use THIS LINK to create your account and you’ll get $10 off!

Next Level Homeschool is a firm believer that not all learning should happen from behind a screen! That's why we give students the freedom to submit their assignments in the way THEY want to! We don't want regurgitation learning here. By allowing students to use their own talents, skills, and passions to complete assignments, they become even more engaged and retain the information. Why? Because now it's literally in their hands! We receive thousands of projects every year from our students: written reports, videos, models, posters, Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, songs, poems, skits, drawings, sculptures, crafts—we've seen it ALL! And WE LOVE IT!!

Click here to view just a few projects we've received from students who have taken this class and see what YOUR kid could be learning with Next Level Homeschool!