Are you looking for a robust, lab-centric chemistry experience that moves beyond the textbook? This course is designed specifically for homeschooling families who want their students to do science, not just read about it. We transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, ensuring your student builds the analytical skills necessary for career and college-level thinking.
Through a series of rigorous experiments and data-driven investigations, students will explore the following core pillars of chemistry:
What Your Student Will Learn:
- Scientific Measurement: Students will learn the “tools of the trade” by exploring the difference between accuracy and precision. Using metric tools, students will measure mass, volume, and density.
- Mixtures & Solutions: We dive deep into the physics of mixing. Students will practice separation techniques for complex mixtures and explore the molecular “why” behind mixtures.
- Mastering the Lab Report: In this foundational activity, students transition from “doing an experiment” to “communicating science.” Using data from an our investigations, students will learn to structure their findings into a formal, college-prep document.
- The Development of Atomic Theory: We don’t just memorize names; we explore the history of atomic theory to understand how scientific theories adapt. Students will simulate classic experiments to see how we discovered the invisible.
- The Language of the Periodic Table: Students will decode the “map of the universe,” predicting elemental behavior based on trends, electron configurations, and group properties.
- Chemical Bonding Strength: From ionic lattices to covalent molecules, we investigate the forces that hold matter together. We’ll test bonding strength through melting points, conductivity, and solubility.
Why Science Lab Matters:
In this course, we prioritize the Scientific Method. Your student won’t just follow a “cookbook” recipe; they will:
- Formulate testable hypotheses.
- Manage lab safety and precision equipment.
- Analyze data to draw evidence-based conclusions.
Note to Parents: This lab sequence is designed to meet standard high school credit requirements and provides the portfolio-ready work samples often needed for college admissions or transcripts.
The lecture+lab class is ideal for:
- Homeschool students wanting a complete chemistry curriculum (with or without tests and other assignments)
- Students who learn best through hands-on science
Planned Lecture + Lab Dates (subject to change):
Aug 25: What Chemistry Is & How It Affects Everything
Sep 1: Matter and Change
Sep 8: Matter and Change Part 2 + Lab Friday
Sep 15: Scientific Measurement
Sep 22: Atomic Structure + Lab Friday
Sep 29: Atomic Structure Part 2
Oct 6: Electrons in Atoms + Lab Friday
Oct 13: Electrons in Atoms Part 2
Oct 20: Periodic Table Part 1 + Lab Friday
Oct 27: Periodic Table Part 2 + Lab Friday
Nov 3: Ions – Types and Forms
Nov 10: Bonds: Ionic and Metallic + Lab Friday
Nov 17: Bonds: Covalent
Nov 25: No Class
Dec 1: Bonds:
Dec 8: Monoatomic & Polyatomic Ions
Dec 15: Monoatomic & Polyatomic Ions
(winter break)
Jan 5: Chemistry Math
Jan 12: The Mole – Mole Conversions
Jan 19: Reactions + Lab Friday*
Jan 26: Mole–Mole and Mole–Mass Calculations Part 1
Feb 2: Mole–Mole and Mole–Mass Calculations Part 2
Feb 9: States of Matter – Gases & Liquids + Lab Friday*
Feb 16: States of Matter – Solids & Changes of State
Feb 23: Gas Laws Part 1 + Lab Friday*
Mar 2: Gas Laws Part 2
Mar 9: Properties of Water
Mar 16: Aqueous Solutions Part 1 + Lab Friday*
Mar 23: No class
Mar 30: Aqueous Solutions Part 2
Apr 6: Thermochemistry + Lab Friday*
Apr 13: Acids, Bases, and Salts Part 1
Apr 20: Acids, Bases, and Salts Part 2 + Lab Friday*
Apr 27: Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
May 4: Nuclear Chemistry
May 11: Electrochemistry
*Spring Lab meeting times to be confirmed with the Town Hall November 2026*
Students are expected to participate actively, respect instructors, and follow all lab safety guidelines.
