In this Form 3-4 (grade 7-9) study guide, students will learn about the development of modern chemistry, the formation of the periodic table, the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and balancing chemical reactions.
This science study guide provides a comprehensive introduction to each lesson, along with reading assignments from the spine text, narration prompts, and open discussion questions. It also features experiments directly related to the reading, as well as optional supplemental activities such as current events, videos, and suggested articles for deeper exploration when time allows. Additionally, a link to an exam for each course is included in the introductory material.
The Form 3+ guides are written directly to the student, allowing them to work independently. Parents and teachers must provide the necessary materials (outlined in the supply list found in the introductory material) and review the student’s notebooks and oversee their progress to ensure the lessons are completed.
- Pages: 76
- Prerequisites: none
Spine Text
The study guide accompanies the living book The Mystery of the Periodic Table by Benjamin Wiker (Bethlehem Books, 2013, ISBN: 188393771X), which must be purchased separately.
- 163 pages, 18 chapters
- Reading Level: grade 6 and up
- If your student has already read this book, I do not suggest he read it again just to complete the guide. Instead, I recommend just getting started with High School Chemistry. The experiments in the guide include important aspects of chemical reactions not covered in the book, but Miss Mason would oppose the student re-reading the book.
When Benjamin Wiker (1960) was a university student he began reading “The Great Books”. It was through studying great truths and great errors, the arguments of philosophers, theologians, and anti-theologians that he came to rediscover natural truth, goodness, and beauty. And more importantly, to know Jesus Christ. He has said, “When you are introduced to greatness you are not satisfied with anything less.”
Benjamin Wiker went on to become, and still is, a professor. He has taught many courses on such interesting themes as political philosophy, history, Latin, mathematics, the history and philosophy of science, and many more.
He has authored/co-authored 13 books thus far, written and hosted a television show that is now the book, Saints Vs Scoundrels, but his greatest accomplishment is his marriage and seven children. —Michele Jahncke (source)
Other Necessary Items to Complement This Course
- Review the Supply List for this course.
Schedule:
This study guide includes 33 lessons, each requiring approximately 30-40 minutes. You can either schedule it:
- Three times a week for 11 weeks allowing for exams during the 12th week, or
- Once a week for an entire year, allowing time for exams at the end of each term, and including other science subjects on the other days of the week.
My student asked me to do “more science” last year and while I wanted to do that, I didn’t want to imbalance her schoolwork or leave the Charlotte Mason method. I also needed something put together for me as I knew I didn’t have the expertise to choose for myself. A friend recommended Sabbath Mood to me some time ago, so I took the time to actually read and learn about the Mason method for science, reviewed the guides, and figured we would try one. We chose chemistry as our first and after the first guide we were both hooked. I love that they are purely Charlotte Mason method, the lessons are not complicated to understand or put into effect; and yet my student is getting a quality, scientific education. It has caused her love for science to burn even brighter. I am so glad we switched to the Sabbath Mood guides.
—Christie R. in Vermont
Sample Lessons:
A digital version can be purchased below, but the paperback copies of this study guide must be purchased on Amazon.
The study guide includes religious content, though the accompanying spine text does not. If you require a secular version, please choose that option below.
SMH offers discounted prices for Co-Op and Schools. If you are purchasing for Co-Ops, please refer to this page. For School License, please refer to this page.
Reviews
Great guide
My daughter’s favorite science to date! 🙂 I love that these guides rely so much on the student (very useful in a large family), and my student enjoys learning with them.
Form 3-4 Chemistry
I believe we used this as part of A Gentle Feast’s Chemistry plans. While we did enjoy the guide, the Mystery of the Periodic Table was sometimes hard to get through. My son did really enjoy it as a read-aloud. He did like the Cookie Crumbles book though. I like how Nicole’s experiments showcase how chemistry is used in daily life. It made it relatable to my son.
Loved the book!
The text for this guide is fantastic and absolutely fascinating! The experiments are really fun as well. We really enjoyed the notebook prompts and keeping a timeline as recommended in the guide. I do wish there photos for the experiments. We weren’t always sure we were doing things correctly. I can’t say that I was excited about chemistry but I was pleasantly surprised. We both gained a lot from this study!
Engaging book, good guide
Using Nicole’s guide for Mystery of the Periodic Table kept us on track with the schedule and ensured we completed activities/demonstrations. Some were more successful than others, and a couple seemed similar enough that it felt a little like a repeat, but overall, I was pleased to have the guide to accompany the fabulous text. It was great to have a materials list at the beginning of the year so I could make sure we had everything on hand when the experiment was scheduled. My students in fifth and sixth grade did it together, and they enjoyed it.
Chemistry experience not needed
My student was not interested in chemistry at all, though I have a great love it myself. She was able to work through the guide with very little help from me. The experiments were fun and easy to follow. She learned so much and enjoyed reading the book recommended for learning more about the various chemists. I am very pleased with this guide.
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