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FAQ's:
What do others who have used Friendly Chemistry have to say about it?
What makes Friendly Chemistry different?
What topics are covered in Friendly Chemistry?
Is Friendly Chemistry difficult to teach?
Are labs included in Friendly Chemistry?
What supplies will I need to teach Friendly Chemistry?
Can I see samples of the text?
What are the credentials of the authors?
Can my child teach him/herself using Friendly Chemistry?
How long does the course take to complete?
Can Friendly Chemistry be used with groups of learners?
Does each child need his/her own book and manipulative set?
What are the student prerequisites for using Friendly Chemistry?
Are there tests and worksheets included in the student workbook?
How do I order Friendly Chemistry?
Once I begin teaching, what kind of support can I expect from the authors?
What do others who have used Friendly Chemistry have to say about it?
A Guide to Learning Basic Chemistry
3rd edition
by Joey and Lisa Hajda
Pre-Season Sale Now Until May 1st 2010 - Save Big!
Teacher Editions: Half Price! See Pricing Information Below!
Friendly Chemistry is a truly unique approach to teaching introductory chemistry. Used by homeschoolers and charter, public and private school students world-wide for over ten years, Friendly Chemistry presents what is often considered an intimidating subject as a genuinely fun, enjoyable experience. Whether you're a high-school aged student needing a lab science course or a "non-traditional" student looking for a refresher course to help you prepare for an upcoming entrance exam, Friendly Chemistry can help you accomplish your goal in a "painless" way! If you do have aspirations of a future in a science field, Friendly Chemistry can give you the solid foundation you need to succeed in subsequent courses.
To learn more about Friendly Chemistry, please peruse the list of questions below that we hear most often from families interested in our curriculum. We suggest that you read through this information and then encourage you to email or call if you have more questions.
What makes Friendly Chemistry different from other traditional chemistry courses?
Friendly Chemistry was written using simple language and a host of analogies to make learning (and teaching!) chemistry easy. We believe that the chemistry concepts presented in Friendly Chemistry are NOT watered-down. The concepts are just explained in ways that are readily understood by most learners. Coupled with these explanations is a host of teaching aids, labs and games which makes the learning concrete and multi-sensory. Students find the course fun and painless. Parents often comment, "I wish I had had this when I was taking chemistry. Now it all makes so much sense!"
What topics are covered in Friendly Chemistry?
Friendly Chemistry covers the same topics taught in traditional high school chemistry courses. The course begins with an introduction to atomic theory followed by discussion of why the elements are arranged the way they are in the periodic table. Quantum mechanics comes next using the acclaimed "Doo-wop" Board as a teaching aid. Next comes a discussion of how atoms become charged (ionization), followed by an explanation of how charged atoms make compounds. The mole is introduced next, followed by a discussion of chemical reactions. Stoichiometry (predicting amounts of product produced from a reaction) is treated next followed by a discussion of solutions (molarity). The course is wrapped up with a discussion of the ideal gas laws.
Is Friendly Chemistry difficult to teach?
No! With this third edition, teaching Friendly Chemistry has become easier than ever. The course is divided into 32 lessons. In the teacher's edition, each lesson begins with teaching tips which include a lesson plan (we call it the "game plan") and detailed instructions and explanations for each component of the lesson. The teaching tips are followed by the text portion of the lesson and then by opportunities for students to practice the concepts presented (worksheet-type pages). Because we strongly encourage practice in understanding the concepts through a variety of means other than strictly pencil and paper, many card games, board games and active play-type games are included in each lesson. A lesson test concludes each lesson. All worksheets are included in the student editions, eliminating the need for you to make copies. Because both the teacher's and student's editions are three-ring bound, course materials can readily be removed and then returned as needed. Each practice page and test is accompanied by keys with correct answers.
Are labs included in Friendly Chemistry?
Yes! The labs in Friendly Chemistry are safe and effective lab activities. Unlike labs in traditional courses, the labs in Friendly Chemistry do not require hazardous chemicals or equipment. Chemistry is found in everything around us so the labs in Friendly Chemistry take advantage of chemistry phenomona of everyday life materials. Some call these labs "kitchen chemistry." Many of the labs, in fact, do include food items! Examples include: the Marshmallow Inferno: In Search of Carbon; Making Playdough; Using Peanut Brittle to witness a chemical reaction.
What supplies will I need to find in order to teach Friendly Chemistry?
Click here to see the list of supplies necessary to conduct the lab activities and play the games found in Friendly Chemistry.
Can I see some samples of the Friendly Chemistry text?
Sure! Click here to see sample pages from the Friendly Chemistry student and teacher's edition.
What are the credentials of the authors?
Joey and Lisa are the homeschooling parents of 10 children, aged 2 years to 22 years. Joey has a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and a masters degree in secondary and higher education curriculum and instruction. Lisa has a bachelors degree in veterinary science, a masters degree in elementary curriculum and instruction and has completed coursework towards her doctorate in education. Joey has taught science courses at the middle school and high school levels for over 20 years, as well as at the local community college level. Their children have been homeschooled since early childhood through high school.
Can my child teach himself or herself using Friendly Chemistry?
Yes and no. Most high school students can use the student edition of Friendly Chemistry to teach themselves chemistry, it's that clearly written. Each lesson builds upon the previous lesson with concepts reinforced again and again. A student working alone, however, will need access to the teacher's edition for solutions to worksheets in the student edition as well as for tests.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course is divided into 32 lessons which is roughly equivalent to 32 weeks of instruction. Depending upon the age and abilities of your students, you can complete the course in approximately 9 months of instruction. Highly capable or motivated students can obviously finish the course faster.
Can Friendly Chemistry be used with co-op groups of learners?
Yes! Friendly Chemistry is IDEAL for co-op groups of learners! Many, many games and activities are utilized throughtout Friendly Chemistry to allow your students to practice the concepts presented. Playing games together really makes the learning easy and fun. Examples of games include: The Stinky-Atom game (players remove shoes and, in relay fashion, build atoms using their teammates' shoes); Atom Smasher (players run from place to place depending upon means of ion formation); the Chemistry Kingdom play; Compound Intensity board game and Compound Football (a rambunctious combination of Rock, Paper, Scissors and football).
What does each student need to study Friendly Chemistry?
Each student needs his or her own student edition of the course. The student edition functions as a textbook and workbook combined into one volume. Worksheets and lab pages are designed for the individual student's use. One manipulative set accompanies each student edition. Where groups of students will be coming together to take the course, we recommend each student have his or her own student edition.
What is included in the manipulatives set?
The manipulatives set includes the:
Are there tests and worksheets included in the student edition of Friendly Chemistry?
Yes, with each lesson there are 1-3 worksheets which allow students to practice the concepts presented in the lesson. A lesson test for each lesson can be found in the teacher's edition of Friendly Chemistry. Keys with correct answers can be found in the teacher's edition.
What are the student pre-requisites for using Friendly Chemistry?
We generally recommend that a student have or be acquiring some basic algebra skills as they take the Friendly Chemistry course. Capable junior high-aged students can do quite well and complete the course with little problem.
How much does Friendly Chemistry cost?
Regular retail cost for one student edition is $50.00. Regular retail cost for the teacher's edition is $50.00. From now until May 1st, 2010, Friendly Chemistry teacher editions are HALF-PRICE: only $25.00 each. Order today! Shipping to US addresses is FREE! Please contact us for a shipping quote if you reside outside the United States.
How do I order Friendly Chemistry?
Ordering Friendly Chemistry is simple! If you plan to use the Friendly Chemistry curriculum with your family, order one student edition per child taking the course. Then order one teacher's edition. A single-family manipulative set will complete your package.
If you plan to use Friendly Chemistry with a co-op group of students, order one student edtion for each student taking the course and one teacher's edition for the group leader.
To place your order, click here and follow the ordering instructions.
How can I pay for Friendly Chemistry?
We can accept payment for Friendly Chemistry in four ways:
1. Personal check made payable to "Hideaway Ventures;"
2. Postal money order made payable to "Hideaway Ventures;"
3. School or organizational purchase order with prior approval (call for details);
4. Credit card via Paypal payment services (see the order page for instructions on using your credit card).
Ready to order? Click here to go the order page!
What kind of support can I expect from the authors as I teach Friendly Chemistry?
We are available by email to provide with you support as you study or teach Friendly Chemistry. It is our goal to answer all email requests within 24 hours of receipt. We are happy to assist you by telephone between the hours of 6-9 pm Central time. Because we are a homeschooling family and Joey teaches full time, we ask that you call in the evening, if at all possible. We delight in helping you teach your course and are more than willing to ensure you are successful!
What do other people who have used Friendly Chemistry have to say about it?
Friendly Chemistry is real-life chemistry for the rest of us. Read more
The hands-on experiments such as dissecting of a marshmallow, then burning it into ashes, then re-examination for purposes of showing the basic element carbon, are nothing short of genius. Read more...
What I love about this chemistry program is that: 1. It is easy for me to teach and explain the concepts. Mr. Morford, my high school Chemistry teacher would be so proud. 2. Games are included throughout the course making the learning fun and not just boring bookwork. (I hate boring bookwork!) 3. The lesson plans are laid out so that all I have to do is gather basic supplies. A HUGE PLUS! 4. My kids have the opportunity to enjoy Chemistry. Whoo-hoo! Read more...
The curriculum is nothing fancy or frilly, but the way that this chemistry is taught is so unique! Anyone with a high schooler, or in junior high for that matter, that needs a chemistry course, really needs to check this out! I highly recommend it!!! Read more...
This book takes all the basics of chemistry and puts it in very simple terms. As simple as you can put chemistry! There are 32 lessons in all, but each one is short and sweet, maybe five to ten pages. Do one of these short lessons each week, along with the additional worksheets and activities, and you will have a very solid understanding of basic chemistry. Read more...
The Teacher's Edition is very detailed and explains exactly what you should do. I have been impressed with what I have experienced so far with this curriculum. Read more...
Here are more comments:
Aimed straight at the heart of homeschool moms and dads everywhere, Friendly Chemistry includes student- tested manipulatives (love that hands-on learning!). Simple, twaddle-free explanations make chemistry concepts crystal clear, while just enough charts, graphs and exercises help you cement what you have learned."
Mary Pride
"A
terrific book-and-(multi)game set for beginning chemists. The book, explains
the Friendly Chemistry introduction, 'was written to serve as a general
chemistry guide to be used by any student, of any age, who is curious about
chemistry.' "
Rebecca
Rupp, Home Education Magazine
"The
goal of the course is to lay a foundation so that students are prepared for a
freshman college-level chemistry course. The hands-on, visual approach to learning
that takes place with the games and activities will certainly make it easier
for many students to grasp concepts, particularly valence structures."
Cathy
Duffy, Christian Home Educators’ Curriculum Manual: Junior/Senior High
“FRIENDLY CHEMISTRY: Upper-level
science, created by Lisa and Joey Hajda. I love it! Hands-on and easy to use,
with clear explanations in language you and your kids will easily understand.
After perusing several dull chemistry books and a computer program that almost
crashed my computer, I was genuinely relieved to find this course. Friendly
Chemistry is designed to provide all that's needed for high school studies and
college entrance, and you'll have fun learning it all. Included are brief
biographies of important scientists and many games, some with multiple playing
levels to challenge you as you learn.”
"Friendly
Chemistry is the most innovative approach to teaching chemistry that I have had
the pleasure of coming across! It bridges the chasm between kitchen chemistry
sets and boring high school texts. Best of all, it makes learning fun!"
Kathleen
Iuzzolino, Homeschool Connection, Inc.
"We
have finished the entire Friendly Chemistry program and we wanted to let you
know how fun and great it was! I have a background in chemistry, but I think it
would have been easy to use even if I hadn't. Our 13 year old is very
interested in chemistry and we also used a high school textbook to answer some
of his more involved questions. However, we didn't find the high school text to
be much more detailed than the Friendly Chemistry material! His retention has
been excellent; after our Christmas break, he didn't seem to have any trouble
diving right back in. The Friendly Chemistry material really helped us all to
be able to visualize and REMEMBER the concepts presented. I think anyone who
has used Friendly Chemistry will feel the same way--it is a real breakthrough
in explaining some very difficult concepts in a very "friendly" way!
I can't thank you enough for writing such a great "text." Thank you
for a truly great program."
Homeschooling
Family, Colorado.
Private
School Instructor
"We
love our Friendly Chemistry. Thank you for this great kit. It truly does make
chemistry "friendly." My boys, ages 14 and 12, are enjoying it, and
better yet, they are understanding it!"
Homeschooling
mom, Alberta, Canada.
“We finished the Friendly
Chemistry class a few weeks ago, and it was a raging success. Thank you
again and again for such well thought out, wonderfully presented, user-friendly
material. I am so grateful for your dedication to making science (and in
particular, chemistry) fun for children.
In fact, we had such a good time, that I will be teaching it again next
year. Word has spread about what a great class it was, so I have many new
sign-ups (not clear HOW many yet--our homeschool director still has the sign-up
sheets for all the new classes).”
Homeschooling mom/homeschool co-op
group leader, New Hampshire
“This is
the very first science curriculum I have thoroughly enjoyed
cover-to-cover. The text explained the
chemistry concepts in an easy-to-understand way; yet covered all the basic
concepts of chemistry. The games were
great! They cleverly reinforced the
text concepts in a FUN way. I feel
confident to begin advanced chemistry.
Homeschooler
in Minnesota
“The adjective, “Friendly” caught my eye as a
parent educator. I was looking for a
chemistry course for my son that would ‘befriend’ me as I, the teacher,
explained the concepts to my son. I
handed the box to my student so that he could familiarize himself with the
scope of the course, and I never saw the box again!! Instead, I would hear day after day, “Mom! Come see what I have learned!”
Homeschooling parent
Homeschooling mother of two
Thanks so much for your prompt and helpful reply! We are enjoying your "hands-on" approach immensely.Homeschooling parent