IntroChemistry: The Chemical History of the Candle

This eight week course will use the lectures Michael Faraday delivered in 1861 as a starting point to discuss scientific methods and experimentation, chemical composition of wax, combustion reactions, forces and energy, and the history of the human scientific endeavor. Faraday is still regarded as one of the greatest experimental scientists of all time, and his lectures are filled with his excitement over the wonders of natural phenomena, as well as detailed observations on the behavior of elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, and practical demonstrations of experimental observational methods.

All students will have the opportunity to perform adaptations of Faraday's experiments to develop proper experimental techniques (with an emphasis on lab safety) then submit their lab reports for teacher and peer review, and discuss their experiences in online class sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for junior high and early high school students to prepare for high school level science courses.

Advanced students can use this course to jump-start their lab work for the AP Chemistry 2017-2018 academic year course by covering lab techniques, data manipulation methods, and critical concepts. Those students planning on taking AP Chemistry will be given more challenging assignments and experiment options which can be used to fulfill Scholars Online Chemistry AP course requirements to help develop an appreciation for the fundamental principles underlying modern chemistry. However, these students should be prepared to commit up to eight hours a week in reading, homework, and lab work.