Chemistry 101: Exploring Chemistry Through the Kitchen

In this class, students will gain the essential chemistry knowledge and skills needed to succeed in high school and college-level science courses. Drawing from real-world applications, the course focuses on fundamental chemistry concepts while emphasizing practical learning through kitchen-based labs.

According to the American Chemical Society, college chemistry professors expect first-year students to demonstrate basic problem-solving skills, including proficiency in measurements, conversions, chemical formulas, and fundamental chemistry definitions. This course will provide the foundation students need to meet these expectations with confidence.

Instead of traditional labs with fiery explosions or bubbling chemicals in test tubes, this class uses everyday cooking and food preparation to explore chemical concepts. From baking to boiling, nearly every meal involves chemistry, and students will perform lab activities based on common kitchen tasks. They will learn how chemical principles play a role in recipes, cooking times, and even the ingredients themselves!

Key Features of the Class:

• Kitchen-Based Labs: Students will apply chemistry principles to real-life cooking and baking tasks. Most labs will require preliminary calculations based on the recipe before students prepare the food.
  
  

• Project-Based Learning: In addition to weekly labs, students will engage in projects that deepen their understanding of chemical processes in everyday life.
  
  

• Hands-On Learning: Chemistry is made concrete through engaging, interactive experiments that reinforce the weekly readings and class discussions.
  
  

Assignments and Grading:

• Weekly Assignments: Students will complete reading assignments, vocabulary exercises, quizzes, and note-taking activities. These assignments are designed to reinforce the topics covered in class and promote independent learning.
  
  

• Grading Breakdown:
  
  

  • Summative Assessments (60%): Exams, projects, and lab assessments that evaluate overall understanding.
    
    

  • Formative Assessments (40%): Includes classwork, assignments, and notes, contributing to continuous skill development and knowledge retention.
    
    

At the end of the year each student will receive a final grade, a summary of the class, and a personalized note on their learning progression.

Materials

Colored pencils 

Pen/Pencils 

3-Ring Binder with choice of notebook or notebook paper

Suggested Materials:

Laptop (some labs and most homework will require a laptop or access to desktop, not all work can be completed on a phone)