Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Susan Habacivch
Chemistry is the study of connections between the everyday world and the molecular world, the structure and interactions of matter. It examines the smallest components of matter (atoms) and how atoms bond with each other to combine elements into compounds. Then, it looks at chemical reactions: how energy is involved, the transfer of electrons or hydrogen ions, and factors that affect the reaction rate. This course provides students with an understanding of chemical principles and skills that are needed for college. The study of chemistry includes laboratory investigation, problem-solving activities, textbook study, lectures, and class discussion. The structure and properties of matter, organic and inorganic chemistry, energy, thermochemistry, nuclear reaction, electrochemistry, acids, bases and salts, and chemical bonding make up the content of this class.
Approximately a dozen hands-on experiments will augment the core concepts studied and fulfill the lab requirement for a high school science credit. These experiments can be completed at home (adult supervision is advised). About one month before class begins, a full list of lab supplies and materials will be provided with the course syllabus. Since effective scientific writing is a vital skill required for success in college science courses, instruction, and practice in writing chemistry lab reports in Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) format will be provided.
Following this course, the motivated student will be well prepared for the Chemistry CLEP test and/or a future AP Chemistry course.
Course Structure
The qualified student will spend 5-7 hours per week on this class. Each week, students will have pre-recorded video lectures with concept questions to watch and answer, readings and problem-solving in the textbook, electronic review questions, and scanned worksheets to submit. Chapter tests occur every two to three weeks, while labs are sprinkled throughout the course. There will be optional CLEP practice after the course closes for those students interested in taking the tests.
Live class sessions will be held weekly to reinforce concepts learned that week and to practice answering questions together. Submitted worksheets will be due after class time to allow students to ask questions before turning in those assignments.
Honors Level
This Honors Chemistry course is designed to prepare STEM-interested students for college-level sciences. This class is for students who have exceptional abilities, a strong math foundation, and high achievement levels. While covering the same topics as Chemistry, we will place emphasis on quantitative analysis in problem solving and in labs. In addition, the writing of CER lab reports will be required and more labs will be assigned throughout the year. A cumulative final exam will be required at the end of the year.
Who should enroll?
The well-prepared applicant is in grades 9-12 and has completed a physical science or general science course and has a good foundation in algebra. Also, online learning requires a great degree of organizational and time management skills on the part of the student. Students who are ready to improve in this area and can take responsibility for initiating interaction with the instructor for help should register for this course. The honors level is for students in grades 10-11 who have exceptional abilities, a strong math foundation and high achievement levels.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Web cam, sound card, and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Scanner or smart phone for submitting tests and homework
Evaluation and Feedback
Students will be graded on homework, labs, participation, and exams. The homework will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions done on the course website, and handouts to be completed, scanned, and uploaded. Timely submissions and feedback will be emphasized in this course and student submissions will be graded within one week of the assignment due date. Students are encouraged to ask questions in class, but may contact me with questions or concerns on the Canvas website outside of class times.
Communication
Grades are perpetually available throughout the course and parents may contact me through Canvas messages on the course website. Parent-teacher or student conferences will be offered in the fall and spring of the year.
Sarah Behm –
I would highly recommend Mrs. Habacivch’s course. She covered each subject thoroughly so I was able to understand each concept, she gave helpful feedback on my assignments so I had the opportunity to excel, and she was always available if I had any questions.
Melissa Behm (verified owner) –
Both my daughter and son took Chemistry with Mrs. Habacivich this year and have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chemistry. I appreciate the time Mrs. Habacivich spends in teaching difficult concepts but making them understandable. She is always available for questions and gives a lot of feedback on all assignments and tests. It is obvious that she really cares about each of her students and their progress. She also took the time to have parent/teacher conferences to give feedback and answer any questions I had. I can’t say enough about Mrs. Habacivich and this Chemistry course. I would highly recommend taking Chemistry and any other class that Mrs. Habacivich teaches.
Linda (verified owner) –
I was a homeschool mom from the very beginning for my child. Before entering her first-year high school last year, I was eagerly seeking a strong science education resource for her. After thoroughly consideration, I decided to eliminate the choices of community college, self-pace home curriculum, and free online in-state science course. Though I never knew anyone study with Mrs. Habacivch from Aim Academy, but after a few email communications with Mrs. Habachivch before I signed up, I knew she is the one for my child.
I have these requirements in mind for an online science course:
1. The teacher will provide enough lab experience in the course.
2. The teacher held a small class, will show personal attention to the students with quick response for questions during the week.
3. The teacher will have live session regularly, even interact with the students during the online class.
4. The course is challenged but not overwhelmed, it can fully prepare my child for next advance level of AP science course, if we choose to.
5. Beyond sound knowledge, the teacher can demonstrate a trustful and respectful character in her profession.
Though a paid online course will be a concern for one income family, but I will never find anyone like Mrs. Habachivch, she is beyond our expectation, only because the guidance of my merciful God. I thank God for this amazing organized and diligent teacher Mrs. Habachivch, we look forward to continuing study with Mrs. Habachivch in different field she is teaching beyond science.
One more note, Aim Academy provides a platform that is very friendly to access my child’s homework and understand comments from Mrs. Habachivch, this is an extra praise for an online class!
Emily –
I really enjoyed this course! Mrs. Habacivch made Chemistry interesting and engaging through her teaching and questions. She was always willing to answer our questions or help us with anything we didn’t understand. This course required a lot of work, but it was worth it to gain an excellent understanding of this challenging subject!
Heather Sprenger (verified owner) –
We have been so pleased with both the course content and the instructor! The course has been a great fit for our son who was ready for some challenge and greater structure in science, though not quite ready for AP-level work. He especially enjoyed the labs. “Mrs H”, as the students call her, was encouraging and promptly responsive to any questions or concerns. I highly recommend this course!
Melissa (verified owner) –
Although I am capable of teaching many subjects, I am thankful there are excellent quality courses such as Pre-AP Chemistry. Mrs Habacivich is a great teacher. She is invested in her students’ understanding the material. When questions arise, she is easily reachable. The quantity of work is well-balanced.
If you need a solid Chemistry course for high school, I recommend this one.