In this 15 week course, we will explore concepts of chemistry and master the Scientific Method. Each lesson will review any previously taught concepts needed for that lesson, so your child can come and go as needed throughout the section. This way, new students have the required knowledge for that day's lesson and continuing students gain more mastery. My teaching style is fun and encouraging. Students in my classes understand that my class is a safe place to make mistakes and ask questions. The lessons will follow this schedule.
Lesson 1: What is an atom?: We will explore protons, neutrons and electrons as we make a model of an atom using paper, markers, glue and colored pom poms.
Lesson 2: - Kinds of atoms: After reviewing what an atom is, we will learn about bonds that hold atoms together to form molecules. Using paper clips and cut outs, we will study the example of a water molecule. We will even explore left and right handed molecules using toothpicks and gum drops.
Lesson 3:  Using bubbles, a straw and tray, we learn the Scientific Method as we study solid, liquid and gas atoms and how they behave.
Lesson 4:  We will use cereal, paper and glue to model the differences in solid, liquid and gas atoms. We will explore changes in states of matter using ice, water and steam. (The steam will be modeled by Mrs. Whitten.).
Lesson 5:  Layering liquids; Using the Scientific Method, we will answer the question, can liquids be layered in a glass or jar? We will use corn syrup, dish soap, water, cooking oil, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, a spoon an several small cups. We will use this experiment to learn more about density.
Lesson 6:  Metals: We will study metals using copper (a penny), aluminum (a soda can), nickel (other coins) and calcium (an egg). We will start an experiment that explores the question, "Will an egg look and feel differently if the metal, calcium, is removed?"
Lesson 7:  Exploring gases- Do gases have mass and volume? We will explore this using a balloon. Additionally, using a leaf submerged in water, we will see oxygen released with leaves. We will learn about the give and take of gases between plants and animals. Using paper clips and cut-outs, we will create oxygen and carbon dioxide models.
Lesson 8: Can we use carbon dioxide to make a "lava lamp"? We will review the chemical bonds that create carbon dioxide and practice the Scientific Method as we create a lava lamp using cooking oil, carbonated water, food coloring and Alka Seltzer tablets in a  water bottle. We will use this opportunity to discuss density as well.
Lesson 9:  The Water Cycle- Using the Scientific Method, we will study how molecules behave as we create rain in a jar. This experiment will require SOME PARENTAL HELP as boiling water is poured into a mason jar.
Lesson 10:  Other types of chemical bonds- Can atoms share electrons with each other? We will explore the give and take of electrons as we study table salt. We will use the Scientific Method to begin an experiment called "Crystal Leaves" as we answer our question about shared electrons.
Lesson 11: Mixtures and Solutions. Using cereal, m&m's and either peanuts or mini marshmallows, we will learn about basic mixtures while creating trail mix. Next we will use Skittles, a plate with an edge and hot water to explore solutions while doing candy art.
Lesson 12:  We will explore water molecules and how they behave as we complete an experiment on surface tension using pennies, water, an eye dropper and dish soap. We will use our learning from this experiment to draw conclusions about how some insects can walk on water.
Lesson 13:  Using the Scientifc Method, we will perform an experiment to answer the question "Can water bend?" For this experiment we will use a water faucet, an inflated  balloon, a ruler and an optional protractor.  We will learn why water behaves as it does in this experiment.
Lesson 14: - Acids and Bases: Using the Scientific Method, we will perform an experiment using lemons or limes whose juice is squeezed into a cup, a funnel, baking soda an empty water bottle and a balloon. We will learn how hydrogen ions are involved in acids and bases.
Lesson 15:- We will review what we have learned about atoms and how they behave when hot or cold. We will use our knowledge to hypothesize what will happen to a cold aluminum can when Mrs. Whitten places the cold can in boiling water. We will use our conclusions to then learn about moving molecules in a thunderstorm.