Chemistry Kickstart: Foundations for High School Success

Chemistry Kickstart – Foundations for High School Success
This 6-week interactive course is designed to prepare middle school students for high school chemistry by building a strong foundation in key scientific concepts. Through engaging lessons, real-world applications, and problem-solving activities, students will explore topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry. The course emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on learning to help students develop confidence before entering a high school chemistry class.

What Will Be Taught?

Each week, we will cover a fundamental chemistry topic to help students develop a clear understanding of basic principles. Topics include:

The scientific method and the role of chemistry in everyday life

Matter and atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons

The periodic table, chemical families, and element properties

Chemical bonding, including ionic and covalent compounds

Balancing chemical equations and recognizing different types of reactions

Acids, bases, and solutions with real-world chemistry applications

Introduction to stoichiometry, moles, and simple calculations

How is the Class Structured?

Each week follows a structured format to ensure students grasp key concepts in an engaging way:

Live Video Lesson (1 hour per week) – Includes a mix of lecture, discussion, and problem-solving

Interactive Activities – Virtual experiments, chemistry puzzles, and hands-on problem-solving

Weekly Practice Assignments (Optional) – Reinforcement worksheets, quizzes, or real-world chemistry challenges

Discussion Board Participation – Students can ask questions, share insights, and discuss key concepts

How Will I Teach?

My teaching approach is interactive and engaging, incorporating various learning methods:

Visual Aids & Slides – Clear explanations with diagrams and step-by-step breakdowns

Live Demonstrations – Chemistry experiments and real-world applications explained in class

Problem-Solving Exercises – Practice questions and group problem-solving to build confidence

Discussions & Q&A – Students are encouraged to ask questions and engage in scientific discussions

Student Interaction & Engagement

Students will participate in live discussions, answer questions, and work through chemistry problems together

Students can submit assignments for personalized feedback to ensure they understand the material

This course is ideal for students who want to strengthen their chemistry skills before high school, gain confidence in scientific thinking, and enjoy an engaging experience.