Chemistry – Middle School – 11 AM PT

    $314.15

    “Many years ago, when I first started teaching Middle School Chemistry at Athena’s, Prof. Patrick (who wasn’t a professor at the time 🙂 was a student in my class. He continued on to become a Junior Instructor and my Teacher’s Assistant in Middle School Chemistry for many years. Prof. Patrick is now a full-fledged chemist with degrees in chemistry & physics. I know it is time to pass the torch to Prof. Patrick, who knows his stuff, understands gifted kids, and loves sharing knowledge.”
    ~Dr. Kirsten Stein

    “Ever since I took chemistry for the first time, I really loved being able to learn about all the concepts and topics. In particular, it’s really cool to learn about how interactions on the molecular level create what we see physically. Although chemistry can be a more challenging subject, it is also very satisfying to learn. Having studied chemistry extensively and helped others learn it, I’m really excited to be able to share my chemistry knowledge with the next generation of students!” – Prof. Patrick Stein

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    Molecules move for the Chemistry – Middle School course at Athena's Advanced Academy
    InstructorProf. Patrick Stein
    Content LevelsGrades 6-7 • Middle School
    Course Length16 Weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnWednesdays, 11:00 - 11:50 AM Pacific - 8/13/25 - 12/12/25
    Additional ComponentsAsynchronous Option
    Lab Option

    Chemicals are everywhere! Everything we hear, see, smell, touch and taste involves chemistry and chemical matter. And the firing of all our senses involves an intricate series of chemical reactions and interactions in our bodies. It’s essential to know about chemistry to understand ourselves and the world around us.

    Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it can undergo. Although there are countless types of matter all around us, they are actually combinations of just slightly over 100 chemical elements! The wonder of chemistry is that when these basic particles are combined they make something new and unique.

    This course introduces Athena’s students learning at a middle-school level to higher-level chemistry concepts such as atoms, molecules, acids, bases, mixtures, chemical reactions, polymers, proteins, and DNA. During our webinars, we focus on making connections and relating the concepts. Students then have the opportunity to do adult-assisted hands-on experiments at home to make the concepts come to life.

    Athena’s Chemistry class demonstrates to students that the better we know chemistry, the better we know our world!

    Note to parents: 

    • The Elements of the Periodic Table follows this course in the same time slot in the spring.
      Although Dr. Kirsten created Athena’s Periodic Table course to follow Middle School Chemistry, Middle School Chemistry and The Elements of the Periodic Table courses can be taken in either order.
    • As with all the courses at Athena’s, this science course is presented from a secular standpoint.

    Student Testimonial: “This class has definitely helped me make the connections. I love doing experiments. I enjoyed it all!! I can’t wait to take Periodic Table next semester!” ~Student T.M.

    Taught by Prof. Patrick Stein

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • Read 2-3 sections in a chapter in our Chemistry text.
    • Work through a science experiment in our Chemistry Laboratory Workbook.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
    • Extra experiments and projects, including Minecraft™ activities for collaborative or solo expression.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read non-fiction at a strong 5th-grade level or above.
    • Write a paragraph independently.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Focus on Middle School Chemistry 3rd Edition (2019) Student Textbook by Rebecca W. Keller, Ph.D.
      ISBN: 978-1941181515
    • Focus on Middle School Chemistry 3rd Edition (2019) Student Laboratory Notebook by Rebecca W. Keller, Ph.D.
      ISBN: 978-1941181522
    • Publisher: https://gravitaspublications.com/
    • Laboratory Workbook Experiment Materials: Additional materials are listed in the Laboratory Workbook.
    • Materials for Extra Experiments: A materials list for extra experiments will be provided in the course classroom, weeks before the materials are needed.