Friendly Chemistry ~ A Timberdoodle Review

Friendly Chemistry counts as one credit towards graduation as a standard high school science course. Among the components of the course are a Student Edition book and Student Workbook, as well as a Manipulative Set that is a set of flashcards your student can cut out and use. The course also provides online access to an overview of each chapter, as well as help with all chemistry-related calculations. There are two volumes in the Teacher Set. Also included is the Annotated Solution Book. I received the Teacher Set, the Annotated Solutions, the Manipulative Set, and Friendly Chemistry Video Lessons for this review.

My 15-year-old daughter has been working through Friendly Chemistry since last fall and has made steady progress.

Volume 1

Lesson 1: Meet Chemistry

Lesson 2: Moving in a Little Closer

Lesson 3: The Arrangement of Electrons in Atoms

Lesson 4: Applying Quantum Mechanics

Lesson 5: Learning to Code: Orbital Notation

Lesson 6: Electronic Configuration Notation

Lesson 7: Electron Dot Notation

Lesson 8: Relating Electron Arrangement to Reactivity 

Lesson 9: Another Trend of the Period Table: Ionization Energy

Lesson 10: The Final Trend of the Periodic Table: Atom Size 

Lesson 11: Ion Formation

Lesson 12: Determining Charges on Ions

Lesson 13: Forming Compounds from Ions

Lesson 14: Learning Slightly More Complex Ions

Lesson 15: Making Compounds with Polyatomic Ions

Lesson 16: Introducing the Mole

Volume 2

Lesson 17: Finding Formula Weights

Lesson 18: Finding the Percent Composition of Compounds

Lesson 19: Writing Empirical Formulas 

Lesson 20: Putting Compounds into Reactions

Lesson 21: Balancing Chemical Reactions

Lesson 22: Introduction to Stoichiometry

Lesson 23: Predicting Grams of Product

Lesson 24: Predicting Grams of Product from Grams of Reactant

Lesson 25: Do I Have Enough Reactant

Lesson 26: Mixing Compounds with Water to Make Solutions

Lesson 27: Incorporating Molarity into Stoichiometric Problems

Lesson 28: Determining the Needed Amount of a Solution to Perform a Reaction

Lesson 29: Properties of Gases and How Gases can be Measured in Reactions

Lesson 30: How Changing Temperatures Affect Gases

Lesson 31: How Changing Pressures Affect Gases

Lesson 32: The Combined Gas Laws

Let's check out a lesson.

Lesson 8: Relating Electron Arrangement to Reactivity. Using electron dot notation, students are asked to write the electron dot notations for a list of elements along with their electron configuration. On the following pages, they discuss groups and families on the periodic table. There are similarities between elements within a column on the periodic table, just like in a family. The Sodium Family, Noble Gas Family, Halogen Family, Oxygen Family, and Calcium Family are discussed next. For each element in these families, students write the electron configuration and electron dot notation.Following this, the students study the Periodic Table and the location of the families. Following are two pages devoted to the Element Family Practice. Students are given the element and must write the electron dot notation and the element family it belongs to. The lesson ends with a test.

Manipulative Set

My daughter struggles with Functional Processing Disorder, which makes learning more difficult for her. Previous years' science textbooks required a lot of reading, memorization, and chapter questions. In my daughter's opinion, Friendly Chemistry teaches the concepts without busy work and with more work that cements the concepts. With Friendly Chemistry, she can see a building block approach and logic she has not seen in other science courses. In general, the curriculum is a great fit for her. 

I recommend this curriculum. 

Math-U-See Algebra I

Demme Learning's newly published Math-U-See Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics course is not just a revamp of its original course. You will find this new Math-U-See course more challenging if you are familiar with the previous one. A number of additional math concepts are introduced in this course, thereby better preparing students for higher-level mathematics courses. For the video portion of the lesson, Sara Donavan is the instructor. Unlike other Math-U-See courses, this course presents lessons in a different format. Lessons are divided into 3 sections: Part A, Part B, and Targeted Review. I will elaborate further in the review. Additionally, there is a Lesson Test for each lesson. Math-U-See Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics is part of the Timberdoodle 2023 Eighth-Grade Curriculum Kit. 

How does the course bundle work?

This course includes the Instructor Handbook A & B, the Student Worktext A & B, the Test book, a laminated Formula Sheet, and access to the online Digital Toolbox. The Digital Toolbox provides access to instructional videos. The Digital Toolbox allows students to watch lesson videos. Students have access to a Desmos Scientific Calculator and a Desmos Graphing Calculator. In the Digital Toolbox, students can also utilize digital manipulatives. Additionally, graph paper can be printed. A password is required to access solutions to lesson practice problems, tests, midterms, and final exams.

Those students who may need some extra practice can take advantage of Extension Lessons to get more practice.

Student Worktext Book A

Unit 1: Foundations of Algebra

Unit 2: Linear Equations and Functions

Unit 3: Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Student Worktext Book B

Unit 4: Polynomial Expressions and Equations

Unit 5: Quadratics, Exponentials, Radicals

The course Math-U-See Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics consists of five units. An average unit has four to eight lessons.

I absolutely love the way Math-U-See is set up. It really prepares students for mastery and success. An overview of the Algebra I course is included at the beginning of Student Worktext A. Throughout this section, you will find a thorough explanation of the Course Structure, Student Components, a flow chart Quick Start Guide, step-by-step instructions on How to Complete a Lesson, and a Recordkeeping Page. 

There are two parts to every lesson: Part A and Part B.

In order to understand what you will learn from this lesson, you should know what the Objectives are and Why you are learning them. 

Warm Up: review key concepts about what you're about to learn.

Explore

• Video of the lesson.

• Guided Notes and Examples - fill in the blanks in this section of your student workbook as you listen to the video.

• Checkpoint - following the completion of the video and notes, there are some problems to solve.

Practice 1 provides the students with an opportunity to put what they learned into practice. If you need extra space to solve problems, you can use a sheet of paper.

This Mastery Checklist is used for determining whether your student has mastered the lesson concepts. Depending on their score, you may skip Practice 2 and move onto Part B. If they did not score well, they should continue with Practice 2.

Similar to Part A, your student will complete Part B.

After your child has mastered Part A and Part B concepts, you can administer the Lesson Test.

Prior to moving onto the next lesson, there is a Targeted Review. The purpose of this review is to help students retain what they've learned in previous lessons. They are highly recommended. Instructor Handbook provides the lesson from which each of the problems is found for students who have difficulty with these reviews. With this, you and your student will be able to review the concept easily. There is something for everyone in this course, both those at an advanced level and those who need a little more guidance.

Whenever each lesson is completely completed, a test is taken. Typically, these tests have around 10-15 problems. There are approximately 25 multiple choice questions on each unit test. One open-response problem exists. Unit tests cover only the material covered in that unit. After the first three units, there is a midterm exam. Students take the Final Exam once they have completed the course. The final exam will mainly have questions from the final two units. As mathematical concepts build, mastery of previous material is essential. 

I did not receive the Instructor Handbooks for this review. In the Digital Toolbox, you'll find everything you need. The Digital Toolbox is set up very user-friendly.

My 15-year-old daughter suffers from severe ADHD and Functional Processing Disorder. As I was preparing for this review, I was extremely excited. Math is really difficult for my daughter. Her previous two years were spent on two different Pre-Algebra curriculums. Having used Math-U-See with her older siblings in the past, I was familiar with the program. We jumped right into the curriculum and I realized we were in serious trouble not too long after starting. Upon realizing this new algebra would be more challenging than my previous algebra, I knew I had a problem. Demme Learning already knew that this may be an issue for some students, according to what I saw. Demme Learning provides a Bridge Materials: Pre-Algebra to Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics.

Unfortunately, my daughter needed more help. This year, in order for her to succeed, I had to enroll her in an Algebra 1/2 course due to her Functional Processing Disorder. When people suffer from FPD, they might learn math concepts one day but forget them the next. Math is challenging to learn and retain because of this. As soon as she completes Algebra 1/2 in two months, I plan to pick up where we left off, or perhaps even start over. Math-U-See repetition may be a good fit for students who struggle with learning.

I recommend this curriculum. 

The Buzz Boys

 'The Buzz Boys' is a heartbreaking, raw story about five boys growing up in a small Chicago suburb during the 1960s and 1970s. Known as 'The Buzz Boys', Robby, Marco, Petey, Billy, and Johnny all came from homes filled with unimaginable physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their fathers. It is told by Robert Mazzara, now 60 years old, as he reflects on the tragic events of the past. During the first chapter of the book, attorney Robert Mazzara is shocked to hear on the news that a horrific murder-suicide had occurred the night before. Unfortunately, it was Marco Pezza, his best friend. He killed his father before turning the gun on himself. Suddenly, Robert realized he was the last of the 'Buzz Boys'. He sobbed uncontrollably.

Near Cortland Avenue, most of the families were immigrants from Italy who worked long hours to live the American dream. The husbands and fathers came home and took out their anger and rage on their wives and children. School officials, neighbors, and even law enforcement turned a blind eye. It was clear to wives and children that if they said anything, it would only worsen home life. Husbands would only get a slap on the wrist. Children would never be taken away from their homes due to abuse. "Nobody was saying a damn word!" 

The mother of one of the boys committed suicide. Sadly, one of the boys lost both parents in a murder-suicide. All of the boys, along with their siblings, were molested and/or raped by their own fathers. The children suffered physical abuse to the point where they were black and blue, swollen, bleeding, and had broken bones. As a team, the boys supported and helped one another. Throughout grade school, high school and beyond, or until they died, they were bound together by their bond. Drinking alcohol helped them escape pain and memories. 

Throughout the book, each chapter is titled, which I really enjoyed. For example: Chapter 4 - The Playground (1966), Chapter 8 - The Suzie-Q, Chapter 13 - Shop Class (1975). Readers get a glimpse into what the chapter might contain. It was also nice for me because as I read further into the book, I wanted to look back at something and I knew what had happened, so I just had to find that chapter.

This is not a book for everyone. As a parent, I would not feel comfortable letting my teenager read this book. There may be a triggering element to this book for those who have been abused. Several parts of it are very descriptive which is understandable. The book is well written. 

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Owl Anatomy Floor Puzzle

 

The Owl Anatomy Floor Puzzle is a reversible 2-in-1 puzzle. There are 100 pieces in the puzzle, which measures 46.5" long by 30.5" high. This is a huge puzzle! One side offers breathtaking artwork of a Great Horned Owl. When you flip the puzzle over, you'll see a scientifically accurate reconstruction of the owl anatomy. Combining nature and science, it brings the two together. Upon completion, the puzzle is truly magnificent. Flipping the puzzle over is somewhat tricky. A two-sided laminated fact sheet is included in the puzzle box. The purpose is to encourage exploration and help children learn more about the owl's biology. One side is a Fun Fact Sheet with interesting facts about the owl, such as. "Many owls' ears are asymmetrical, with one higher on their head than the other. This allows them to better locate sounds in three dimensions." There are ten interesting facts about the Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus). The Anatomy Guide side has forty-four parts of the owl labeled. Pectoralis muscle, pancreas, pars postacetabularis and praeacetabularis, and operculum are some of the parts that are identified. Puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy. There is a richness and vibrancy to the colors. The puzzle is not only a wonderful teaching tool, but is also an amazing piece of art.

In some cases, the pieces are identical on both sides, but in others, there is a clear difference. In the cases where the pieces are different, there will be inner anatomy parts. With only 100 pieces, the puzzle is not too challenging. Young children will find the puzzle pieces easy to grip. The whole family can enjoy assembling this puzzle.

When you turn your back for a few minutes, the puzzle may be nearly done by your child who adores puzzles.

The picture does not convey what it actually looks like in person.

Anatomy 101

You can find this Owl Puzzle on the Genius Games website. 

Disclaimer - I received this puzzle in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Wondrous Works of God

 

In Wondrous Works of God, ninety Bible stories are told from both the Old and New Testaments, beginning with God creating Eve and ending with Jesus defeating Satan in Revelation. It is the sequel to Mighty Acts of God. All of the stories emphasize God's character, which is highlighted in red. There is also a short "As For Me and My House..." section that contains questions, statements, and activities that reinforce the story's point. Bible stories include scripture references to show where they come from. Each story is about two and a half pages long.

"A Note For Parents From The Author" page 15 describes learning and teaching God's Word to children in a very practical way. 

It's imperative, however, that we read Bible stories correctly. When we read the stories as isolated units, we read them out of context. Read a random chapter, or worse, a random page, from a Dickens novel, and you will have a completely inadequate idea of what the author is trying to communicate or of what the character on that page is really like. Many of us read —and teach — the Bible like that. We try to make sense of an isolated story standing alone. Consequently, we fail to see what God is revealing about himself in this story, as he works toward the salvation of his people. We must think in terms of the whole, wonderful story of God's salvation. That salvation story began when he created the world, continued when he promised a remedy for the fall, was articulated when he made covenants, grew and developed all through his dealings with his Old Testament people, and finally blossomed into it's fullest glory when Jesus came, as intended all along, to die for his people and rise again.

Every Bible story must be told in light of this big story. We must ask ourselves, how does this story fit into the overall story of the salvation God provides in Christ? We must look for what God is revealing about himself through what he is doing here, in this story.
It is with this goal in mind that this collection of Bible stories has been written.

Here are a few of the stories that you will find in Wondrous Works of God by Starr Meade. 

This is an example of one of the As For Me And My House...

A Bible Story Book is an excellent way to teach children God's Word every day. Children will enjoy the illustrations as they hear the stories read to them. Among the stories you will find in this Story Book are: The First Passover, Balaam and the Donkey, David Takes a Census, Uzziah's Pride, Ezekiel's Vision of Dry Bones, John Bears Witness to Jesus, Sinful Woman Forgiven, Unforgiving Servant, The Parable of Ten Young Women and Shipwrecks and Snakebites.

I recommend this book. 

I received this in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Gluten-Free Baking

Gluten-Free Baking: Mastering Deliciously Easy Treats in 2024 is marketed as a gluten-free cookbook. It contains colorful pictures of all recipes included in the book. 

The catergories include:

Breakfast Delights

Muffins and Scones

Artisan Breads

Cookies and Bars

Cakes and Cupcakes

Pies and Tarts

Pastries and Doughnuts

Savory Bakes

Special Occasion Treats

Holiday Favorites

All recipes in Breakfast Delights are gluten-free. In Muffins and Scones all recipes call for all-purpose flour. In Artisan Breads only the Classic Gluten-Free Bread Loaf asks for gluten-free all-purpose flour. One asked for all-purpose flour and the other whole wheat flour and bread flour. In Cookies and Bars all recipes ask for all-purpose flour. In Cakes and Cupcakes the Flourless Cake has no flour. The other ones ask for all-purpose flour. In Pies and Tarts the Gluten-Free Apple Pie calls for gluten-free flour and a gluten-free pie crust. One calls for almond flour and the other all-purpose flour. In Pastries and Donuts the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls call for gluten-free flour. The other recipes call for all-purpose flour. In Savory Bakes all of the recipes call for all-purpose flour and one calls for a regular store-bought pie shell. In Special Occasion Treats the Flourless Chocolate Torte has no flour. The other recipes call for all-purpose flour. In Holiday Favorites the Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies call for gluten-free flour. All of the other recipes call for all-purpose flour. 

At the beginning of the book there is a section entitled Essential Ingredients and Substitutes in Baking. With regards to flour it says it's a versatile flour. All-purpose flour can be used in a variety of recipes. Alternatives include whole wheat flour, almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free flours like rice flour. They talk about binding agents, leavening agents, etc. Under Experimentation and Recipe Modification it states, It's advisable to start with established gluten-free recipes and gradually make adjustments based on personal preferences and desired outcomes. This gluten-free cookbook does not contain 100% gluten-free recipes.

Gobsmacked is the most appropriate word to describe what I felt after looking through this cookbook. I don't understand why almost 80% of the recipes in Gluten-Free Baking: Mastering Deliciously Easy Treats in 2024 are not gluten-free.When a book's recipes aren't gluten-free, how can you tout them as gluten-free? It is truly beyond my comprehension.

This book piqued my interest since my daughter has Celiac Disease. Finding good, successful recipes is difficult. ...and then to see this!

THIS IS NOT A BOOK I RECOMMEND!

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

The Forest of Numbers

The Forest of Numbers is written and illustrated by Abby Lewis. Being a homeschool educator for 24 years, my excitement over this book could only be understood by a fellow educator. In my view, math is among the most challenging subjects to teach as well as for children to grasp. It does an outstanding job of explaining math concepts in a way students can grasp. A storybook format is used to explain mathematical concepts and provide students with the opportunity to solve actual mathematical problems. 

This book covers:

The Journey Begins

Statements with Grape

Proofs with Mathy

Numbers at the Number Market

Division with the Crabs

Modular Arithmetic with Worm

Riddle Me This

Solutions

What is a Humboldt Marten?

Maisie Marten, Worm, and Grape a banana slug are the main characters in the book. Maisie's dream is to experience the ocean, but she's terrified of numbers. There is only one way to do this: through the Forest of Numbers! Maisie decides she'll go as long as Worm is with her. Her friend Grape, who lives in the Forest, is also on her mind. She learns about Statements from Grape in the Forest of Numbers. From Mathy the Owl, Maisie learns about Proofs. As they cross the giant river, they see The Number Market and see the stands for Natural Numbers, Odd & Even Numbers, Negative Numbers, Rational Numbers, and Irrational Numbers. Maisie had no idea how many numbers there were to comprehend!They were approaching the forest edge when the soil turned to sand. Forest sounds faded away, and soon they heard ocean waves crashing against the shore. At last, they had reached the ocean! A scuttling sound was heard in the sand. There were crabs in the sand. Maisie was quite shy but said, "Hello." The crab responded back, "12." Worm then said, "The creatures of the dunes don't speak in words like you and me. They are ancient. They've lived here for so long, they don't remember anything but the numbers." Crabs love Division. There are twelve Riddle Me This problems at the end of the book. One of the problems is, "Worm wants a slice of pie and thinks it might be fun to eat exactly pi slices of pie. Is this possible?" 

Detailed explanations and definitions are provided for all of the above mathematical terms. The students are asked to write their own examples of each. Each concept is explained with mathematical problems. In some cases, the main term might have one or two additional terms to accompany it. The artwork throughout the book is amazing. 

I recommend this book. Abby Lewis should write more books about math. One well-known homeschool math curriculum uses story-based math instruction. Yet The Forest of Numbers is remarkably different in many ways. What a wonderful book. Abby, please write more!

Disclaimer - I received this Ebook in exchange for my honest review.