We started homeschooling preschool with our son in 2012. A friend introduced us to the Apologia Exploring Creation series. Between ages 6 and 9, he read the entire series, with the exception of Botany, for fun. He happily carried the books everywhere and often read until he fell asleep. He developed a love for science that persists. I am delighted to have the opportunity to review Homeschool High School Chemistry. This set is from Apologia.
Homeschool High School Chemistry
Apologia curriculum is award winning and Christ-centered. It is well written, and well loved by the Christian homeschooling community. So far, this high school chemistry class is no exception to the rule.
The Apologia SuperSet™ – Chemistry, 3rd Edition contains the following:
- Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition softcover textbook
- Solutions and Tests Manual
- Student Notebook
- MP3 Audio CD
- Video Instruction Thumb Drive.
High School Chemistry Textbook
The Apologia High School Chemistry course contains 16 modules. Lab experiments are included to further develop each of the covered concepts.
The 16 modules and their experiments in this course cover:
- Measurement, Units, and the Scientific Method.
- Atoms and Molecules
- Atomic Structure
- Molecular Structure
- Polyatomic Ions and Molecular Geometry
- Changes in Matter and Chemical Reactions
- Describing Chemical Reactions
- Stoichiometry
- Acid-Base Chemistry
- The Chemistry of Solutions
- The Gas Phase
- Energy, Heat, and Temperature
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Reduction-and-Oxidation Reaction
Experiments range from comparing conversions to measurements to measuring the width of a molecule. Experiments also include measuring the specific heat of a metal and creating a Galvanic Cell from lemons. The chemistry experiments are great for the home setting. Some experiments do require more “specialized” equipment. Apologia does
Chemistry Solutions and Tests Manual
The Solutions and Test Manual contains answers to all of the module review questions, practice problems, and extra practice problems. Test answers and test solutions are included, as well. Test pages arrive shrink wrapped with the manual. (It is non-returnable once the shrink wrap is removed).
MP3 Audio CD
The MP3 Audio CD contains a complete audio recording of the course Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition, as read by Marissa Leinart. This is great for students who are auditory learners, or who struggle with reading long texts.
Video Instruction Thumb Drive
The video instruction thumb drive, which is optional, contains over 20 hours of instructional video, by Sherri Seligson, that covers concepts that correspond to all the titled sections of the textbook. She uses visual animations and on-location video clips. The videos help student cement what they've learned and the animations help explain more difficult concepts. Videos of all of the experiments are included. This ensures that students and parents can set them up properly at home. Explanations of the labs are included, as well.
High School Chemistry Student Notebook
The High School Chemistry Student Notebook can serve as a permanent record for those college bound kiddos who need a science lab. It is perfect for taking notes, reviewing for tests, and recording their lab experiments.
Chemistry for Homeschool High School
Every biblically-based science book we've read from Apologia points the student back to our Creator. Apologia's Exploring Creation with Chemistry is the same. For example, the opening paragraph states, “Although this course will be hard work, you will learn some truly incredible things. We hope that you develop an even deeper appreciation for the wonderful creation that God has give us!”
This chemistry text is user friendly. The author uses a conversational tone. The conversational tone keeps it interesting. The concept explanations are in depth but understandable. It gives students a firm understanding of the basics of chemistry. It will prepare them for collegiate level work.
For many parents, the thought of teaching a lab based science class for high school can be intimidating. The inclusion of the experiments on the video based thumb drive goes a long way toward eliminating the fear factor. For that reason, we really like the Apologia High School Chemistry Super Set. We need to purchase a chemistry glassware set and we'll be set.
Are you new to homeschooling? Be sure to check out my Must Have Books for Homeschool Moms article!
