Chemistry with Lab (with Honors option)
Class Time: 9:00 - 11:00
Grade Level: 9th - 12th
Prerequisite Courses: Algebra I
Prerequisite Skills: A willingness to learn and apply basic mathematical problem-solving through logical reasoning, along with strong independent study habits and effective note-taking skills.
Instructor: Liam Dardick
Contact Information: ldardick1@outlook.com
Course Description:
Focusing on scientific methodology and inquiry, a mastery of chemical concepts, and cultivating the skill of scientific problem-solving using mathematics, this exciting course in high school chemistry will introduce students to a variety of chemical principles and how these apply to the wonderful world around them on both an atomic and molecular level. Topics covered include biological chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry, including organization and classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding and intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, solubility, equilibrium, kinetics, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. The laboratory component of the course is structured around the conceptual topics covered throughout the year, related to density, solubility, endothermic and exothermic reactions, acids and bases, chemical precipitation, etc. Labs and demonstrations will provide students experience with scientific inquiry and technical writing along with practicing precision in experimental design. Furthermore, the course includes ongoing study to incorporate current university, industrial research, and global impact topics in chemistry, resulting in written synthesis and evaluation as well as data analysis and prediction.
Outside of class, students will be responsible for memorizing and internalizing vocabulary, watching vodcasts, completing written and computer-based assignments/simulations, as well as checking their own work for accuracy. Students will also be required to research a topic of interest in the winter. Grades will be calculated based on homework completion, class participation, labs, projects, presentations, and tests. To ensure a basic comfort level with course material and the successful understanding of material that follows, each student should expect to spend 3-5 hours a week outside of class to reinforce concepts by studying and/or completing homework. This will vary, depending on the difficulty of the topics being mastered.
NOTE: Around 8 classes will be held online through live Zoom sessions.
Honors option available.
Tuition: $425 (Honors option: additional $20)
Class Size: 10 - 18 students
Course Materials:
Chemistry Materials: TBA. To reduce costs, students will be using an online PDF textbook. This book will align with any high school homeschool curriculum that you have chosen for your child. I will be happy to discuss this with you!
Lab Materials: TBD. When students purchase a lab kit, they typically purchase unnecessary equipment and chemicals. These kits average $100 -$150 dollars. And then you are stuck with a partially used kit that you cannot sell. In an effort to reduce costs, I am working on a plan to source and charge you for only the necessary equipment, keeping the cost under $35-$50. You will need to purchase a pair of goggles.
Teacher Qualifications: Liam Dardick earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Shepherd University. He is currently taking a gap year before pursuing a PhD in molecular biology to ultimately do his own research in cancer biology, virology, or cell biology. The past few years he has been working as a Biological Science Aide at the USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, WV, working on a variety of projects including molecular gut content analysis of invasive insect species. Liam, who was homeschooled, has assisted teaching high school chemistry and microbiology for his former homeschool group in West Virginia. He is looking forward to teaching Chemistry with Lab for NCHS and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers. Liam’s hobbies include playing guitar, fishing, and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu.