Novare General Chemistry

Description

Intended for use at the 11th grade level, this mastery-based chemistry course from Novare Science & Math takes a bit of a different approach from other chemistry courses. He promotes a physics-first approach and suggests Introductory Physics (also by Novare) be taken in 9th grade, biology in 10th, followed by this course in 11th. The author suggests taking this course concurrently with Algebra 2.

By following the author's suggestion of physics-first, the student can more easily work through General Chemistry and have a greater understanding of the concepts. Novare employs a mastery approach - students should learn, master, and retain what they learn. Curricula that uses this approach covers fewer topics and covers them more deeply. This text also integrates learning by combining skills in science, math, science history, and English language usage. Written from a Biblical worldview, the text seeks to help students see God in the world. The author holds to the view that the world is billions of years old and believes there is evidence for such. That being said, he doesn't address that topic in this text.

Chapters include: What is Chemistry All About, Measurements, Atoms & Substances, Atomic Structure, Periodic Law, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Theory and Metallic Bonding, Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry, Kinetic Theory and States of Matter, Gas Laws, Solution Chemistry, Acids and Bases, and Redox Chemistry. Answers to selected exercises are found in the back of the text along with some helpful information in the appendices. It is very important to read the teacher and student information found in the preface of the text - this is where you will get a thorough explanation of the philosophy of the author and the best way to use the text. Every chapter begins with stated objectives, presents the information into smaller chunks that are offered in numbered sections, and rounds out the chapter with study questions. The author believes in questions that require complete sentences as a response, so you won't find any true/false, matching, or multiple choice questions. The 400-page text is smaller than some (7"x 10") so the print is smaller, and there are colored illustrations throughout.

There are also downloadable Digital Resources available as a separate purchase. Previously sold as a "Resource CD," these files include PDF format quizzes, exams, term exams (2), and answer keys for all. There is also "Recommendations for Teaching General Chemistry," most of which is taken from the preface in the text.

Typically, you need a lab component with chemistry courses. There is nothing written into the text for labs, but the author recommends Chemistry Experiments for High School at Home for those who are homeschooling. This book has low-cost alternatives to expensive equipment and recommendations for procuring small quantities of chemicals. The Solutions Manual contains fully worked solutions for the computational problems found in the text. Novare courses are used by Memoria Press for their academic rigor and are a good choice for students who need challenging science courses and college prep. ~ Donna

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.