Chemistry
Introduction: Science, Writing, and Society
Many students find chemistry intimidating. Although atoms are the building blocks of all matter we observe on a daily basis, the concepts of molecules and reactions can seem abstract.
In this course, students will be exposed to the basics of chemistry in a way that allows them to learn the content at their own pace. Even without mastering the science, students can learn to appreciate the concepts while also developing their skills in creative writing and historical research.
This course follows the first seven chapters of OpenStax Chemistry: Atoms First 2e. These chapters cover the core concepts of elements, molecules, and chemical reactions. Future courses may cover additional chapters involving thermodynamics, material properties, and nuclear chemistry. Note, however, that the OpenStax materials are intended for college students — rather than teaching the book directly, I use it as a guide for my lesson planning. Each unit is built around instructional videos, lab experiments, and research writing activities to engage students.
Course Grading
Points System
This course allows opportunities for students to earn course credits in science, English, or social studies — or any combination of the three. To ensure that students are able to explore the course while also maintaining rigorous standards, this course uses a point system for each unit:
Each course (Chemistry, Science Writing, and Science History) is worth 0.5 credits toward ISBE high school requirements. Completing a single course involves assignments worth 50 points — points completed for one course cannot be applied to another course.
The seven units for this course provide opportunities for 25 points each. Each unit provides up to 10 "flex" points in background context and lab work, plus each subject has 5 points specific to that course.
To complete a course, a student must complete the 35 points specific to that course (5 points for each of 7 units) plus 15 of the flex points.
Note that the flex points can only be applied to one course at a time. A student who completes two courses would need 35 points from one subject area, 35 points from the second subject area, and 30 flex points.
Unit Points Breakdown
10 "Flex" Points Possible
6 points: 2 labs of up to 3 points each
2 points: Video Comprehension Quiz
5 Science Points
3 points: Science Readings
2 points: Science Concepts Comprehension Test
5 English Points
2 Points: Literary Readings
3 Points: 3 pages of Writing (either Research or Creative)
5 Social Studies Points
3 points: History of Science Readings
2 points: 2 pages of Research Writing
Modular Labs
Uncertain attendance creates a major challenge in alternative education. In a traditional chemistry course, missing a single lab might undermine a student's entire course progress. For this course, each module includes multiple short labs that emphasize the scientific method and data collection. Each unit's labs are intended as standalone experiences — students won't need to take the labs in order, and the labs are simple enough that multiple labs can be conducted simultaneously. This way, a single lab period can be used to support the needs of students at different stages of progress in the course.
Ensuring Engagement and Academic Integrity
Regardless of subject track, this course is designed to be hands-on. To encourage students to take part in the chemistry experiments, all lab assignments provide flex points that can be applied to science, English, or history. This should also foster teamwork skills among the students, since lab experiments will be completed in groups.
Ideally, students will see the need to individually understand each topic. Unfortunately, many students feel pressure to complete their courses as quickly as possible. To prevent copying or "coasting" through group projects, we won't have group assignments — instead, students will help each other set up individual experiments, but each student will be responsible for independently conducting experiments and gathering data. Additionally, any assignments that test student knowledge will be paper worksheets completed during in-class activities. Longer assignments such as research papers will be unique to each student, and so they can be checked like any other writing assignment.
Course Tracks
The chemistry workshops will offer three separate tracks. Although students will attend common workshops for all three tracks, the projects will be done independently for each track.
Introductory Chemistry (Science with Content Focus)
This course will explain the basics of chemistry, from elements to electron orbitals and a variety of everyday reactions.
We’ll use the OpenStax Chemistry: Atoms First 2e textbook to provide scaffolding and problem sets. The book is designed for a two-semester course, so students will receive half a credit for the first half of the book, and a full credit if they complete the whole book.
In-Person workshops will focus on explanations. Outside homework will be problem sets from the textbook. Tests will be used to assess student understanding.
Reflections on Science and Fiction (English with Writing Focus)
In this course, students will have additional readings from science fiction and journalism.
To cover understanding of scientific method, students will attend the Introductory Chemistry courses, and then we'll discuss how scientists, journalists, science fiction writers, and others convey these concepts to the public.
Assignments will include written responses to the workshops, personal reflections on the nature of science, and creative works in genres chosen by the students.
History of Scientific Discovery (Social Studies with Research Focus)
For this course, students will write about the history of chemistry.
To cover understanding of basic concepts, students will attend the Introductory Chemistry courses, and we'll discuss historical events of discovery in those sections.
Homework assignments will be to do additional research and then write about the historical discoveries discussed in class. Students may also prepare presentations to be delivered to the class or other groups.