Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with identifying substances that makeup matter, their properties (how they interact, combine, and change), and the formation of new substances. In this class, students practice the theories and equations of chemistry through lectures/class discussions and hands-on lab assignments. Students who take this class will become adequately prepared for higher-level science classes, so if a pathway in STEM is your hope for the future, this is the class for you.
When asked about the workload for the course, Mrs. Hankes responded, “I personally think that students should spend thirty minutes, five days a week on Chemistry. So, even if the homework takes them ten to fifteen minutes, an additional fifteen minutes of reviewing or looking over new vocabulary would support that ongoing learning process.” Mrs. Hankes then described how the class was organized throughout the year. “In Chemistry there is a series of six units, so we do the first three in semester one (how chemistry explains earth science through Earth’s different layers, plate tectonics, and the chemistry behind it) and the last three in semester two (more “conventional” chemistry – how molecules interact and are structured). We also talk about the environmental implications of pollution, fossil fuels, and a lot of the stuff that’s in the news.” Then, when asked what the highlight of her class is, Mrs. Hankes relayed, “Students would say it’s the labs because we do some cool things like lighting magnesium on fire, making slime, and exploring oobleck. I think the highlights are those “Ah-ha” or “Oh!” moments when students make a connection to something in their life that can be explained by Chemistry.” Finally, Mrs. Hankes described who should join the Chemistry class next; “People should join the class if they want to learn more science for sure, especially if they want to go to a four-year college like a UC because those colleges like to see that students have taken Chemistry. It also prepares students for higher-level science classes like APES”.
A former student, Raysa Denton (12), also answered some questions about her experience in the class. Following are her responses.
Isa: What was your favorite part of the class?
Raysa: My favorite part of Chemistry was doing labs with my friends. We got to burn magnesium and I also really liked the pH lab where we got to test different chemicals.
Isa: How has this class prepared you for the future?
Raysa: This class has prepared me to learn time management skills, safety in the lab, and also has prepared me really prepared for APES this year, which has become one of my favorite classes.
Isa: Who would you recommend this class to?
Raysa: I would recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in science, but specifically wants to practice with hands-on experiences, and also anyone who wants to take APES in the future.
Overall, the PGHS Chemistry class prepares students for their high school and college careers while creating a safe place for learning and exploring new topics. This class develops a sustainable background in the building blocks of science and brings hands-on experiences to explore real-world problems.
