Intro to Chemistry
About this free Intro to Chemistry course
Intro to Chemistry is a free introductory chemistry course that unlocks the secrets of matter. It covers the core topics of a first-year high school chemistry class, starting with atomic structure and the periodic table, then how atoms bond, how matter behaves, and how to predict and measure chemical reactions.
Along the way, you'll see how chemistry shapes the world around you and drives everything from medicine to energy production. Each of the eight units comes with a slide lesson and a companion video on the STEM for Others YouTube channel. You can read, watch, or both.
Who this course is for
The course is designed for students in grades 8 through 11 taking their first chemistry class, or anyone who wants to get ahead. You'll need Algebra 1 skills, especially for the gas laws and stoichiometry units.
Course outline
- Unit 1: The atom. Protons, neutrons, and electrons, atomic number and mass, and isotopes.
- Unit 2: The periodic table. How the table is organized into groups and periods, and what that tells you about each element.
- Unit 3: Periodic trends. Atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.
- Unit 4: Types of bonds. Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.
- Unit 5: States of matter. Solids, liquids, gases, and phase changes.
- Unit 6: Gas laws. Boyle's, Charles's, and the combined and ideal gas laws.
- Unit 7: Chemical reactions. Types of reactions and balancing chemical equations.
- Unit 8: Stoichiometry. The mole, molar mass, and calculating amounts in reactions.
What you'll learn
- Describe atomic structure and use the periodic table to predict properties
- Explain periodic trends in size, ionization energy, and electronegativity
- Distinguish ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds
- Solve gas law problems
- Balance chemical equations and perform mole and stoichiometry calculations
How long it takes
Plan on about 15 hours, or just under two hours per unit including practice. The videos add up to about an hour.
Frequently asked questions about Intro to Chemistry
Is Intro to Chemistry really free?
Yes. Intro to 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.
What should I take after Intro to Chemistry?
Continue with Intermediate Chemistry, which covers bonding theory, thermochemistry, nuclear chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, and acids and bases, the building blocks of AP Chemistry.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck, and use the companion video lessons on the STEM for Others YouTube channel when you want a walkthrough. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Intro to 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 Intro to 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.
