Intermediate Chemistry
About this free Intermediate Chemistry course
Intermediate Chemistry is a free eight-week chemistry course for students who have finished an intro class and want to go deeper. Think of it as a chemistry quest from atoms to alchemy. It covers the topics that bridge high school chemistry and AP Chemistry: molecular structure, energy, reaction rates, equilibrium, and acids and bases.
The course unfolds in three phases. Cracking the Atomic Code covers the Bohr model, Lewis dot structures, and VSEPR geometry. The Energy Deep Dive covers thermochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The Reaction Glow-Up covers kinetics, equilibrium with ICE charts and Le Chatelier's principle, and a grand pH finale on acids, bases, and titrations. It's packed with worked examples and practice problems with answers.
Who this course is for
This course is for high school students in grades 10 through 12 who have completed Intro to Chemistry or a similar class. It's excellent preparation for AP Chemistry. You should be comfortable with Algebra 2, including logarithms for the pH unit.
Course outline
- Unit 1: Atomic models and bonding. The Bohr model, Lewis dot structures, VSEPR theory, sigma and pi bonds, and resonance.
- Unit 2: Thermochemistry. Heat vs. temperature, calorimetry, entropy and favorability, enthalpy, Hess's law, and heat of reaction.
- Unit 3: Nuclear chemistry. Radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma), bombardment, and fusion and fission.
- Unit 4: Kinetics. Collision theory, rate laws, elementary and multistep reactions, and activation energy.
- Unit 5: Equilibrium. Reversible reactions, Le Chatelier's principle, the equilibrium constant, and ICE charts.
- Unit 6: Acids and bases. Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry definitions, conjugate pairs, pH and pOH, acid strength, Ka and Kb, and titrations.
What you'll learn
- Predict molecular shapes with Lewis structures and VSEPR
- Calculate enthalpy changes with calorimetry and Hess's law
- Write rate laws and explain reaction rates with collision theory
- Solve equilibrium problems with ICE charts and Le Chatelier's principle
- Calculate pH, pOH, Ka, and Kb, and analyze titrations
How long it takes
Plan on about 20 hours over eight weeks, around two and a half hours a week. The acids and bases unit is the longest, so give it extra time.
Frequently asked questions about Intermediate Chemistry
Is Intermediate Chemistry really free?
Yes. Intermediate Chemistry is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
Does this course prepare me for AP Chemistry?
Yes. It covers several major AP Chemistry units, including molecular structure, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, and acids and bases. It isn't an official AP course, but it's a strong head start or review.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Intermediate Chemistry materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Intermediate Chemistry materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
