Chemistry is one of the pillars of middle school science. In this course, Introduction to Chemistry II, your student will learn new chemistry concepts through a mix of hands-on experience with classic classroom preparation.

We will break apart each concept, look at the parts, and then put them together to see the whole picture. There will be drawings, hands-on activities, and opportunities to practice concepts for better understanding. Each week will focus on a specific idea, and there will be an opportunity for practice and explore ideas between classes.

Week 1 – Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams
In week 1, we will use our knowledge of the outermost energy level (valence shell) to create Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams!  This shorthand model is used to show ionic and covalent bonding. It emphasizes the attraction between valence electrons in bonding.

Week 2 – The Unique Properties of Water
In week 2, we will explore the polar nature of water. Water is a neutral molecule, but it has slight charges due to its oxygen and hydrogens' arrangement. This gives water some fascinating and unique properties that we will explore together in this lesson.

Week 3 - Dissolving – Solids, Liquids, and Gases
In week 3, we will investigate how different types of liquids dissolve specific kinds of molecules. We will look at how and why water, oil, and alcohol dissolve differently. Students will have the opportunity to watch demos and explore these properties on their own at home.

Week 4 – Chemical Reaction Review
In week 4, we will review a chemical reaction and chemical equations. Unlike in the Introduction to Chemistry I course, we will look at controlling the number of products. We will analyze the reaction of baking soda and vinegar with differing amounts of reactants.

Week 5 – Exothermic and Endothermic Chemical Interactions
In week 5, we will discuss how the interactions between atoms, ions, and molecules can take in or release heat when they come together. Students will learn molecular reasoning for absorbing or releasing energy. They will be able to predict whether a reaction will be endothermic or exothermic.

Week 6 – Acid-Base Reactions
In week 6, we will explore acids and bases. We will learn what makes a solution more acidic or basic, along with the properties of acids and bases. Using this information, we will discuss neutralizing acid and basis and the real-world application.