THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

Solution chemistry allows students to gain experience in practical chemistry and offers interesting hands-on demonstrations to observe. The focus of this course will be on atoms, elements, the periodic table, and chemical reactions.

Course Highlights:

• Atoms and Elements: The course will begin by examining the structure of an atom and introducing the fundamentals of measurement. Students will examine the organization of the periodic table and general differences between metals and nonmetals. Next, they will explore the unique physical and chemical properties of more than 25 elements. They’ll also identify patterns in the periodic table, including electronegativity and ionization trends.
• Matter and Solutions: Students will view how solutions are formed and explore the interesting world of supersaturated solutions, crystals, and solubility graphs. They will learn how concentration is measured and how the molarity of solutions is calculated. They will also view how dilution series are performed.
• Chemical Bonding: Students will understand the role of electrons in the formation of molecules. They will view examples of ionic, polar, and non-polar covalent bonds, and they will examine the dipole nature of the water molecule and hydrogen bonds. After learning the rules of chemical formulas, the course will cover the basics of nomenclature, using alkanes and alkenes as examples.
• Chemical Reactions: Students will view demonstrations using isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide, and other simple materials. Experiments in copper chemistry, rust, and other tarnish reactions will be presented. Students will then be introduced to the concept of moles. Next, the course will move on to cover the rate of chemical reactions and catalysts. Students will examine decomposition and synthesis reactions and learn about the Haber process.
• Acid and Base Chemistry: After understanding the differences in chemical reactions, measuring pH, and the significance of hydrogen ions in solution, students will view demonstrations using different acid-base indicators, as well as chemical titration techniques. They will also learn about the role of buffers in biological and chemical systems.

Along the way, students will be exposed to the scientific method, scientific measurement techniques using the metric system, and inquiry-based science. The live class meetings will include interesting demonstrations.

Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: August 20 – December 17, 2024
Spring Semester: January 14 – May 13, 2025

Student Expectations: Optional activities, readings, and experiments will be provided for the students each week.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need a notebook for assignments, activities, observations, and experiment results. Occasionally they will need certain easily obtainable materials that are available at most common local stores. For full participation, they will also need to purchase a few materials separately, including a couple of 100/50-ml graduated cylinders and a few plastic pipets. A balance would be nice but is not required. In addition, students will need to purchase a printable middle school chemistry workbook packet, available here.

Prerequisites: None