Chemistry in the Community or Chemistry: Which course is for me
Dear Parents and Students, As you work on deciding a schedule of classes for next year, you will notice that we offer two different introductory chemistry classes at Kingsford High School. They are Chemistry and a new Chemistry in the Community. Chemistry in the Community is a new course at Kingsford High School. Both Chemistry and Chemistry in the Community meet the requirements as a laboratory science course for admission to college. Chemistry is the traditional chemistry course that has been offered at Kingsford High School. Parents who took a chemistry class in high school took one similar to this class. Most of this class is a lecture, discussion, laboratory format. The focus is on learning chemical concepts and being able to solve problems to obtain the correct answers. Strong math skills are required in chemistry. Above average grades in Algebra and Geometry are helpful for success in Chemistry. This course should be selected by students who expect to major in science, engineering or medical fields in college. Chemistry in the Community is a chemistry course that provides students an idea of how chemical knowledge is incorporated into day to day decisions that govern our planet. Chemistry in the Community teaches many of the same chemical concepts that are in the traditional chemistry course, but the approach is very different. Chemistry in the Community is designed for many tasks to be done in small groups. Most of the class is student centered. There is heavy emphasis on critical thinking and decision making skills. Many of the topics currently in the news show up as part of the curriculum (water quality and usage, resource depletion, recycling, petroleum and plastics, diet and nuclear power , to name a few) While right answers are often asked for, many questions posed have no correct answer--rather, students must analyze benefits vs. risks. Students should select Chemistry in the Community if they are planning to pursue careers that are not directly related to science such as law, education, liberal arts, journalism, business, etc. Both Chemistry and Chemistry in the Community are rigorous courses and will train students's minds. If you have any further questions, contact your student's counselor, science teacher or Mr. Bertoldi
Sincerely.
Science Teacher |