Teaching homeschool chemistry is easy with the “Exploring Creation with Chemistry” curriculum from award-winning Apologia Science!
We have used Apologia for science for a LONG time! Long as in, I can’t remember ever using any other science curriculum! Hey, when you find something that works great for all your kids, why take your chances with something unfamiliar! This year my oldest set of twin boys are taking chemistry.
I received this product free of charge for review purposes and was compensated for my time. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not required to post a positive review of the product.
And, you guessed it, we are using Apologia Chemistry! As a homeschool parent, this will be my second time going through this particular curriculum – my daughter used Apologia Chemistry a few years ago.
On a side note, just to let you know how much I love Apologia, my daughter just finished their Health and Nutrition curriculum and is currently taking their Advanced Biology course.
My younger twins are using their General Science curriculum right now. (We are especially loving the new edition of General Science!! It’s the perfect transition into higher level science!)
But, back to chemistry! I was able to snap a photo of my boys working on their first science experiment from the text. When they found out that the photo was for review purposes, one of them belted out…
But mom, we aren’t REALLY doing any chemistry in this experiment, so you might not want to take any pictures.”
The truth is they probably just didn’t necessarily want to be showcased on my blog. But, their comment speaks to more than just that!
Apologia Chemistry is Engaging & Complete!
No, to the boys they were not “doing” chemistry – My guess is that they envision chemistry is all about mixing chemicals together in test tubes. But, you and I know that there is more the chemistry than that!
The experiment had everything to do with chemistry! What you may not be able to tell from the picture above is that my boys are about to learn that air has mass!
Apologia Chemistry starts with the basics – matter, mass and measurement. But, even more critical is that immediately within the text, students are taught to think scientifically! This very first experiment is on page 2 of the text! Page 2! I love that!
Yes, without a doubt, they will get to all the Chemistry topics like polyatomic ions, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and more. BUT, they need the foundation in measurement, units, and the scientific method FIRST.
This is one of the many reasons I love Apologia science! The curriculum is COMPLETE!!! Rather than assuming that the child knows how to think scientifically, why not have them do a fun experiment to learn some of the basics of chemistry AND the scientific method simultaneously!
No, what they did/learned what not advanced, but it was foundational! Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry is all about laying the groundwork for students to be successful in the subject!
And, rather than having the student simply read the information, Apologia incorporates a fun, hands-on experiment! I am a firm believer that kids learn best when they are having fun!
Reading about air having mass versus an experiment about it? My guess is that students will learn and retain more by utilizing the experiment.
Apologia Chemistry is easy for parents to teach!
Not only is Apologia Chemistry great at laying a rock solid foundation, but it makes teaching a breeze for parents (even if you are a non-sciencey person).
Apologia provides four main sets of choose from: the Basic Set, the Advantage Set™, the Superset™, and the Self-Paced version. Read on to see which set would best suit you and your child.
Option 1: The Basic Set
The Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Basic Set™ includes:
- the softcover textbook
- the solutions/tests manual
- a set of test pages
Pro tip! Do yourself a favor and do NOT go with Option 1, the Basic Set. You can thank me later! Get one of the other sets instead. Here’s why:
The Basic Set does NOT include the Student Notebook. In my opinion, the notebook is absolutely essential! It becomes an amazing resource and study tool for the student as they complete all their labs, On Your Own questions, study guides, assignments, and more inside it.
The Student Notebook is hands-down, my absolute most favorite part of Apologia’s teaching model!
Option 2: The Advantage Set
The Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Advantage Set™ includes:
- everything from the Basic Set, PLUS
- the Student Notebook
This set is great for those who are science-minded and enjoy assisting their student with science lessons if needed.
Option 3: The Super Set
The Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition, SuperSet™ includes:
- everything in the Advantage Set, PLUS
- an MP3 audio CD of the text
- a thumb drive with video instruction from Sherri Seligson
This set is great for parents who do not consider themselves “science people” or for parents who prefer to have an actual science teacher providing instruction.
Option 4: Self-Paced
Lastly, there is a Self-Paced version of the course that is great for auditory and visual learners or those who prefer a more digital (less paper) method of learning! The self-paced version provides one-year desktop and mobile access to the following:
- a full online digital version of the Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition, textbook
- an audio reading of the text
- video instruction integrated into the daily assignments
- tests with automatic grading
With four different sets to choose from, Apologia makes teaching easy for parents regardless of your knowledge or interest in the subject!
Learn More About Apologia Chemistry:
Interested in Apologia Chemistry for your high schooler? Be head over to the Apologia website to learn more about Apologia Chemistry today!
This post was originally published on August 12, 2020.
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