Curriculum Description (from back of case):
Take a captivating tour through God’s chemical world with Wes Olson (host of Biology 101). This DVD course is an easy-to-use, understandable and visually rich curriculum designed specifically for ages 15 years and up, although it is appropriate viewing for the entire family. The 4 dvd set contains 19 individual segments examining the world of chemistry and the periodic table of elements. Included on the 4th disc is a guidebook with quizzes covering the material presented in each segment and a one year high school course booklet.
About the Host:
Wes Olson is a graduate of Multnomah Bible college. He is a veteran filmmaker of 20 years and a homeschooling father. He is the host and developer of Biology 101.
Topics Covered (by disc):
1. Disc A
- Introduction & The Last Alchemist
- Birth of Modern Chemistry
- The Bold Russian
- Lots of Mystery Rays
2. Disc B
- The Likeable Rutherford
- The Periodic Table at Last!
- The Periodic Table – Main Group
- The Periodic Table – Quantum Mechanics
3. Disc C
- Neutrons, Isotopes, and Ions
- Compounds and Molecules Part 1
- Compounds and Molecules Part 2
- Balancing Equations
- Essentials Wrap-up
4. Disc D
- The Four Main Columns
- Non-Metals and Poor Metals
- Transition Metals
- Rare Earth & Radioactive Metals
- The Future of Chemistry Part 1
- The Future of Chemistry Part 2
- format: DVD Set
- length: 660 minutes
- ages: 15 and up
- published: 2011, Westfield Studios
- retail price: $69.95
My Thoughts:
At first, Munchkin was not thrilled that she was going to be studying Chemistry as her experience with it had been that it was difficult and very dry. Within minutes of starting the Chemistry 101 dvd, she completely changed her mind. She was really enjoying how the information was being presented as well as the fact that it was given from a Biblical perspective. She was so happy with the curriculum that Daddy learned all about the class as soon as he walked through the door that day. (When your kid is so excited about Chemistry that she wants to share it with Daddy as soon as he walks in the front door after work, it’s a huge win in my books.)
Because I do plan on Munchkin taking this class for credit, I printed out the pdf high school curriculum that is on disc D (4). The high school curriculum is comprised of 2 parts. The main guidebook contains the companion reading material for the dvd as well as discussion questions, quizzes and an answer key. The accreditation program gives a detailed course of study to allow students to earn a full high school credit using this program. It’s broken down into 19 segments with a table showing all course work that needs to be completed. In addition to watching the dvds and taking quizzes, students study the guidebook materials, conduct mini-labs, do additional research, write short reports, and go on field trips. Disc D also contains a printable periodic table and timeline of key people in the development of chemistry.
Wes does a great job of making the chemistry material fun and interesting for people of all ages. The visual aspect of the program makes it easier for students to grasp the concepts being presented. Having the guidebook allows students to review the material that was presented on the dvds before they take the quizzes. Many of the segments have mini-labs that the students can replicate at home. If the student is following the accreditation program, they will have some additional labs, learning experiences, and research projects which help round out the course.
We enjoy this non-traditional, visual, hands-on approach to Chemistry and look forward to continuing on with the complete program this year.
I received a sample of the above mentioned curriculum as a member of the Timberdoodle Blogger Review Team to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own.
