Looking for a chemistry curriculum, at an introductory high school level. Any recommendations?

Question

I'm in tenth grade.

I've pretty much neglected my scientific education so far but have read a few books about physics and think that physics is really interesting. However, I don't know anything about elements or atoms other than that they exist, so I'm taking chemistry first.

I'm using a program called CyberEd right now, normally it's a supplemental-type program used in schools but I got my paws on it. Thing is, I'm not learning anything.

It's a 35-50 minute presentation, then you do some dragging and dropping, then you take a test. The presentation isn't working though- I need something printed to focus on or my attention wanders.

Ideally I'd like a workbook with plenty of illustrations, but high school is pretty bleak on the workbook front. I just want to have a basic understanding of chemistry so I can go on to physics, but I'm not sure how to get it.

I need something cheap, too, and I don't learn anything from textbooks: the presentation is too boring.

I do my best with textbooks but it just slides off my brain. I've tried textbooks in the past and ended up with $90 doorstops.

Answer 1

I used Apologia chemistry with my daughter. I highly recommend it. It uses easy-to-find chemicals that are not expensive and will give you chemistry lab credit. She went on to make a B in college chemistry. She said the high school chemistry course helped her.

Answer 2

Have you tried The Learning System? (www.thelearningsystem.com) It is computer software with self grading tests that can be saved. It has in the High School version an explenation on what is chemistry. Then has two Biochemistry sections. This covers everything from the chemistry of life to enzymes.

There is also an online chemistry tutor websight. ( www.chemproblems.com ) Chem Tutor online helps gain mastery in solving chemistry problems.

Answer 3

I'm using an online school [Alpha Omega Academy], and taking Chem, too. I was having some trouble with it so I went to Barnes and Noble's and talked to someone there. He was in college, and said that Barron's "Chemistry: The Easy Way" Fourth Edition was good. So I got it, and I've been using it. It's just like a text book, and it's amazing at explaining things. You should try it out, too.

Answer 4

When I was homeschooled, I used Alpha Omega LifePac. You can buy them in every subject. They come by grade. For 10th grade science, it would be Biology, which is really what you should take before you take Chemistry, so you can get the basis. Then, the 11th grade Lifepac would be Chemistry. By the way, each Lifepac is a set of 10 workbooks. You can go to their website and see for yourself if you like them. I know I liked working from them. Hope this helps you!

Answer 5

I used Apologia Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile. I dispise all science, but I actually made it to the end of this book and would enjoy learning more about chemistry, it was very interesting.