Chemistry for Middle School
In this 8-week STEM academic science course, students will be introduced to the elements, physical reactions, chemical reactions, endothermic/exothermic reactions, the periodic table, solubility, the scientific method, and perform 5 experiments with household items. #academic
Mrs. Brandy, B.S. Biology, MPH
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(522)
Rising Star
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedLetter Grade
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
My philosophy for this class is that science experiments enhance the concepts learned in Chemistry. As a result, learners have the option of participating in four experiments and one-hands on activity. Chemistry is a new concept for most. So, it’s best if introduced through experimentation with household items. But, even those students who are acquainted with Chemistry will better grasp the requirements of middle school Chemistry during this class. The experiments are actually fun for all involved which creates a relaxed learning environment which is conducive to retaining the scientific facts. My goal to spark a lifelong interest in the world of Chemistry. We will utilize a mixture short quizzes, guided notes, experimentation, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, classroom discussions, definition lists, and Quizlet in this eight-week course. During week one, we will be introduced to the atom and its subatomic particles. Also, the periodic table, valency, and periodic table groups will be addressed. During week two, we will learn about mixtures, compounds, and common elements and their properties. During week three, we will take a quiz on the symbols of common elements. In addition, we will discuss chemical bonds and demonstrate covalent bonding through in-class modeling. During week four, we will learn about physical and chemical reactions and conduct a fun experiment. We will do experiments with household products to demonstrate chemical changes as they relate to chemical equations. We will also learn through experimentation about controlling the amount of products in a chemical reaction. Parental guidance will be needed if your child would like to participate in the experiment. But, I will be conducting the experiment online so it is not necessary. The experiment is optional. During week five, we will continue in-depth discussions and experiments about chemical versus physical reactions. In addition, we will learn the law of conservation of mass/energy. During week six, we will learn about endothermic and exothermic reactions through experimentation During week seven, we will play a fun Kahoot! game to help review the material through a healthy competition. During week eight, we will learn solubility rules and the scientific method through experimentation. This class will need 6 learners to avoid being canceled.
Learning Goals
To foster the love of Chemistry by building a solid foundation of chemical concepts and through experimentation.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Meet the Atom, Subatomic Particles, and Periodic Table Trends.
The basis of chemical reactions 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Mixtures, compounds, and common elements and their properties.
Elements, their properties, and chemical symbols. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Demonstrate covalent bonding through in-class modeling plus quiz.
Modeling chemical compounds with a hands-on activity. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Fun experiment on chemical and physical reactions.
Experiment #1 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
For week 3, please bring toothpicks and gumdrops. We will do an experiment during week 4. Please bring the following to class: Materials needed for Experiment #1:(Week 4) A plastic sandwich bag A tissue (Ex. Kleenex tissue) Vinegar Baking soda Twist tie (Ex. A tie that you find on a loaf of bread) A pie pan or any container-this is needed to catch the potential leakage of liquid from bag We will also do an experiment during( week 5.) Bring two diapers, water, and a plate(container) to participate in this week's experiment. Sodium Polyacrylate can be substituted for the two diapers. In (week 6), we will conduct an endothermic and exothermic reaction experiment. For this experiment, each learner will need hydrogen peroxide, yeast, thermometer, baking soda, and vinegar if he or she wants to participate. Also, 2 containers will be needed to hold the liquids. This experiment is optional. I will explain the experiment fully in class next week. If you don't have a thermometer, don't buy one. I am more than sure that you can gage the temperature change by touch alone. In (week 7), please bring a second device so that you can play Kahoot! In (week 8), we will conduct a solubility experiment next week. The materials for this class will be detailed in the attachment which will be available upon enrollment.
2 files available upon enrollment
Joined March, 2020
4.9
522reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Xavier University of Louisiana
I’m a native of New Orleans. I am also a joyful homeschool mother of one and a passionate teacher of Biology, Chemistry, and Nutrition. I not only delight in teaching these subjects well but also enjoy creating a fun and stimulating environment in which to learn. Although I teach the hard sciences, I focus on making those academic classes amusing with engaging activities and by adding my sense of humor to the mix.
I enjoy debate, reading, writing well, cooking, and swimming in my spare time. I was a local Scripps-Howard spelling bee champion. I have also won numerous writing awards. I am proud to be on the board of the Catholic Homeschoolers for the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston.
I have a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana. I have a Master’s degree in Public Health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with a concentration in Nutrition. I have work experience in laboratory research, medical sales, and medical/editing writing. I completed coursework in Gross Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. I was formerly employed by Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithkline. I tutor high school biology and I have experience with AP Biology and the Biology CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam. I like catering to each child’s interests and responding to each question. I am also an ACE Educator.
I do have a loyal following of students and I would like to share the Outschool reviews that has been written about my classes.
Here are a few:
1)This was my daughter's third class with Mrs. Brandy and it certainly won't be her last. She learned a lot about chemistry, including high school terms, in an easy to understand way and had fun while doing so. She enjoyed the camaraderie with the other students, the hands on experiments and the Kahoot. Mrs. Brandy is knowledgeable about her subjects and shares her information in a fun and engaging manner. We highly recommend Mrs. Brandy's classes.-Chemisty for Middle School
2)Mrs. Brandy is fantastic. My daughter was excited to join the classes each week, and was excited to tell me things she learned in class. I will have her take other Mrs. Brandy classes. I am a university professor, and was able to overhear some of the classes, and was really impressed - Mrs. Brandy is a real, professional teacher - a lot of respect for her teaching method and curriculum. I admired her creativity of using candy to illustrate the spine. Thank you Mrs. Brandy! - Biology for Middle School
3)You know it's a good class when your kid comes out of it feeling like an area that they previously thought was too technical and tricky would actually be a possible career choice! Excellent teaching here in the truest sense of the word. -Histology/MicroanatomyReviews
Live Group Course
$165
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 293 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
6-12 learners per class
