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Wondering if anyone is using "Friendly Chemistry"? DS is suddenly crazed about the subject and I'm trying to find something suitable. The publisher (mom and pop) sent me some sample lessons and they looked pretty good. The program is supposed to be for parents who are not "scientifically inclined". Yep, that would be me....

Any input, opinions or other suggestions?

Oooh! You have my attention! This is new to me.

What age is it geared to? What's the medium used: Internet ala Plato, books, workbooks, hands-on experiments, etc.?

Is there a website?

I'd love to hear more.

Thanks!

Kriston

Please post more info Shari. I would love to find some 'friendly' combinations that maybe won't blow up the microwave? Of course now that it is cold, everything is getting put outside to test it's freezing capabilities. Any recipes for that stuff?

The website is www.friendlychemistry.com Several of the games and activities are designed for more than one child but can be "tweaked". The content seems to be fairly comprehensive even if it was used without the activities. The thing that I liked is that it is designed to build on the knowledge of each prior chapter. The concept in chapter 1 is expanded upon in 2, then more so in 3. It was specifically created for 6-8grade students with non-scientific parents so the reading is reasonable.

You can also call them and ask specific questions, they are really nice people. They sent me a PDF of the first 6 lessons to look over.

The entire set is about $100. so in terms of curriculum it's fairly reasonable. I'm going to give it a try.

That sounds really good, and right where we are.

I'll check it out. Thanks!

Thanks Shari. I'll check it out too. Too bad we couldn't all get together once a week and do it together.

OMG! I would love someone else to work with!

The teacher info says everything traditionally covered in a Chemistry I high school class. Does that seems to hold true in looking at the materials?

It looks cute... just from what they say on the website I can't tell exactly what it covers, but I think I'd be hesitant to call it high school level with "kitchen" labs.

It looks like it covers about what I do in my two-week half-day chemistry camp, but not a whole year course. Not so much because of the topics (the number of topics are probably almost the same -- how far into each topic you go is going to be the defining factor for what level it is...)

The limits I see are that it doesn't have any acids and bases except vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia and baking soda... there's only one lab on reaction energy which uses purchased hot and cold packs instead of chemicals... nothing on reactivity of metals... only a tiny bit on qualitative analysis and nothing on quantitative... no redox or electrolysis...

That all doesn't make a bad curriculum - there's definitely a niche for chemistry that doesn't blow up the house, especially with younger kids. But I would want most of those other things to call it high school, and lab experience in something heavier than just cooking.

Erica,

Any good resources to share?