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Chemistry - Parents Page

Why include Chemistry in Home Schooling 

Chemistry is the study of chemicals, how they behave, and how we use them. Learning a bit of chemistry helps you understand the world around you.

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As homeschoolers, we often study chemistry through Design and Technology. For example, when we cook, we use lots of chemicals—known as ingredients—and learn how they change when we mix or heat them.

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Studying chemistry also helps build maths skills and other useful skills, such as:

  • problem solving

  • time management

  • organisation

  • teamwork

  • using equipment and technology safely and correctly

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If you’re interested, you can go on to take GCSE Chemistry with us.

Recording the Learning

For some of our learners on the Autistic Spectrum, chemistry is a subject that really captures their interest. Sometimes they even know more than I do—and when that happens, we bring in a chemistry teacher to help!

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For our dyslexic learners, writing long pieces of information isn’t useful. Instead, you can record your ideas using audio or video on your phone—that counts as good evidence too.

Another great way to record information is mind mapping.

 

Here are the basics:

  • Start with a picture of the topic in the centre, using at least 3 colours.

  • Use pictures, symbols, or codes as well as words.

  • Write only one key word or image on each line.

  • Connect all lines back to the central picture. Make lines thinner as they move outward.

  • Match the length of each line to the size of the word or image.

  • Use lots of colours to make it interesting and to group ideas.

  • Develop your own style of mind mapping.

  • Use colour to highlight and show links between ideas.

Chemistry Students

Following A Set Programme of Learning

The BBC has some great TV programmes that can help you learn more about chemistry. Topics include:

  • particles and matter

  • atoms, elements, and compounds

  • pure and impure substances

  • chemical reactions

  • energy in chemistry (energetics)

  • the Periodic Table

  • materials

  • the Earth and its atmosphere

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You can also join us on our trips to London to the Royal Institution to watch exciting science lectures.

Including Chemistry In The Learning Routine

At Orchard Training, we include chemistry in our projects where it fits naturally and can be fun. For example, in our Cakes Project, we explore what makes cakes rise and how it happens.

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You don’t need expensive equipment to learn chemistry. Each project gives you a list of resources and ideas for visits, all planned with a home-school budget in mind.

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The biggest cost is usually visiting places of interest. Some are free, but others charge. The main expenses are travel and tickets, so it’s best to plan ahead, combine the trip with other activities, and bring a packed lunch—just like a proper school trip!

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