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Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 3:07 pm
by Chigozie_Nnoruka_1K
Hello, this is my first time taking a chemistry course since my senior year of high school and I am currently a second year. I was just wondering for someone who is on chem in general, what tips can I use to guide me through this 14A course?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 4:32 pm
by Joyce Wu 3E
I took AP chemistry back when I was a sophomore in high school and am now taking 14A as a freshman in college so I understand how frustrating it is to forget the majority of the chemistry once learned. One tip I would have is to finish all the modules Dr. Lavelle posted on his website and also breeze through Crash Course videos on youtube. The practice problems he gave us in the course reader also helps.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:01 pm
by Alexandra_Ivanova_1A
Just to add on-- Crash Course on Youtube is great for conceptual chemistry and overarching themes, and really helps with understanding the "greater picture" when it comes to some concepts. If you are looking for more step-by-step instruction with worked out examples, I'd highly recommend using Khan Academy's chemistry section: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry.

As for in person instruction, from what I can tell, many students find utilizing TA's, UA's, and office hours to be very helpful as well.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem  [ENDORSED]

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 11:42 pm
by Chem_Mod
I highly recommend using the many resources I have created as they focus on my course content:

Audio-Visual Focus-Topics
Chem Refreshers
Peer Facilitated Learning Sessions
Course Reader
Textbook & Solutions Manual
Office Hours
Chemistry Community 24/7
Plus Midterm Review Sessions
Plus Final Review Sessions

The above add up to well over 50 hours per week of one-on-one personal assistance (this excludes all the online resources and review sessions).

When we have the midterm and final I will organize a huge number of review sessions for both.

My objective is 100% success rate.
Hence all the many resources and my 100% focus on education.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:10 am
by Chuxiang Peng 1J
I'm a bit different from you in that I was an IB Chemistry HL student. What helped me most through my IB career were tutoring websites such as Khan Academy and general discussion forums. I never actually had a real tutor in high school and mostly self studied, and that will be a big part of college studies as well (although tutoring is very important in college as well). If you're a bit rusty on high school chem, make sure you have a look and review videos online and re-familiarize yourself with chemistry concepts. =)

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 9:31 pm
by Janice Kim 3I
I took AP Chem in my junior year and I have a couple of review books and notes that I brought with me that actually really supplemented my learning while watching the modules and taking the pre/post assessments. I recommend that you refresh your memory with notes or even specific youtube videos. Watching youtube videos to complement studying with the course reader was also very helpful!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 12:09 pm
by Emily_Bloom_1I
Its been a while for me too! I know this is basic, but knowing the common ions and compounds is so important to setting up problems and writing equations, but our course reader doesn't include much about them. I have this review list that will totally help!
Common Ions.docx
(67.34 KiB) Downloaded 986 times

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:01 pm
by Katherine Sung 2I
I found the Audio-Visual Focus-Topics on Professor Lavelle's site very helpful in reviewing high school chemistry!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:38 pm
by Jocelyn Sandoval 3B
Yeah, its been a while since I took Chem and my teacher was not the best, so there are some fundamentals that I learned through Professor Lavelle's modules. (Thanks Professor!) I would recommend going to office hours whenever you feel like lost or super confused. You can go to the Professor's hours of the TA's. Just keep in mind that you are not alone! We are all here learning the same material and maybe you can even find a study buddy, who knows. Also, the peer facilitated learning sessions help so much, so I would recommend going to those when you can.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:37 pm
by Sarah_Kremer_1A
I have the same problem! I haven't taken Chemistry since my sophomore year in high school. I found working through ALL of the fundamental homework problems to be very beneficial. It triggered my memory of some concepts I learned in high school and also reminded me of concepts that I had struggled with in the past. I also found the amount of problems listed to be very helpful - I had many problems to choose from. I wasn't restricted and could practice as much as I wanted.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:59 pm
by 004599434
Watch the modules and read the textbook for sure but take advantage of the plf (pear facilitated learning) opportunities! It helps to learn/ study with someone who knows the course material already.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:07 pm
by Abigail Foster 1K
I feel like us as students, we should take advantage of all the resources we have. For example, if I felt like I was getting behind on work I'd try to read the book slowly and write attentive notes & if that doesn't really work I'd watch videos on youtube or khan academy (I find that khan academy REALLY helps). Also, the biggest and most important advice I think I can give is to do the problems until you feel that you've grasped the concept. Just don't think that you're alone, you have you professor, peers, ta's, and ua's. We are all here to help each other. Good luck!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:36 pm
by Aya_Elarid_2H
I was also an IB student and I took IB Chemistry HL, although I am still a bit rusty on High School Chemistry I often go to youtube and watch Richard Thornley's extensive Chemistry review videos to help me get back on track. His videos are very useful and give details on how to solve chemistry problems and will help you refamiliarize yourself with chemistry concepts, I also believe that doing the homework problems from the Chemistry Principles textbook helps. Even if you get stuck there's a whole community out here willing to help!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 7:49 am
by Jenny_Thompson_3I
I also took AP Chemistry my sophomore year so I would recommend doing this. Going through the homework problems and working them all along with reading the text book. Any questions you have on the homework problems, I would go to office hours and ask the TA/UA for help and he/she can walk you through how to solve the problem.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 9:52 am
by 604735966
I took two years of chemistry in high school and I'm still pretty rusty! I found that office hours are by far the most helpful because you can ask anything you want! It helps that there are so many office hours too so that we can find some time in our busy college-life schedules to attend!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 4:27 pm
by Sandoval_Melissa_1F
Same!I took chemistry sophomore year of high school (now a 4th yr) with a student teacher, and basically learned very minimal chemistry :( I'm going to rewatch lectures and modules to help me out. Youtube review videos are also in my plans, since I prefer visual practice when reviewing.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 7:23 pm
by WCano_4B
I have not taken chemistry in three years. I have found youtube to be really helpful as well as Professor Lavelle's Audio Visual Focus - Topics. I would highly recommend you look into AAP PLF tutoring. They provide you with extra practice problems besides the problems that we review in Discussion.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 7:36 pm
by Malavika_Theophil_3H
I have also not taken a chemistry class since my sophomore year and it is a little difficult to recall some of the information. I find Khan academy videos really useful. Also I would form study groups and try to meet at regularly scheduled times and review basic chemistry topics.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2016 12:08 am
by Emily_Bennett_3C
I also found that Khan Academy really helps in terms of reviewing. I do not remember much high school chemistry, so if you would like to study together let me know! My email is Emily_Rose_24@aol.com. I am available most nights!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:22 pm
by Gonzalez_Areli_4B
I can relate to this, I have little to no knowledge of chemistry but watching the modules before and after class helps reinforce what was talked about during the lecture and it helps filling in gaps. Also for some more basic chemistry background knowledge I recommend watching khan academy videos.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2016 11:25 pm
by Kristine_Espinosa_2L
I haven't had chem since my sophomore year of high school. My teacher wasn't the best but if you still have contact with them - they are a big help if you require review. The modules are also very helpful and as mention Khan Academy is very helpful, but Crash Course on Youtube is also good for simple review!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:40 pm
by Analiese Machado lec4
Khan Academy was an incredibly helpful resource for me when I was taking IB chemistry in high school! That in conjunction with the modules are a great refresher.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 10:30 pm
by Natalie Rotstein 3J
I've found that Sparknotes actually has really helpful reviews of high school / AP chemistry topics; they aren't super detailed but if you mainly need just a refresher on what you learned previously, they're a good resource. I've used them in the past to review for AP exams for various subjects.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 3:05 pm
by Hanan_Kashkoul_1O
I agree about the helpfulness of Khan Academy -- super helpful and problems are worked out step by step. I have used it a lot.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 7:28 pm
by Caitlin Dillon 3G
I also use a lot of Khan Academy videos! I know little about chem (last time i took it was my sophomore year of high school and it wasn't an AP course), so this class is extremely difficult for me. I am REALLY struggling, but I've been watching Khan Academy videos all day today trying to brush up on the fundamentals. I forgot everything about sig figs...lol! I am in the same boat as you, if not, I am probably in a worse position than you! I am thinking about hiring a chem tutor, so maybe that is something you can do, too? I went to TA office hours, but everyone seems to be so far ahead of me, so there's not a lot I can ask and I feel so stuck!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 9:06 pm
by Chem_Mod
Please don't be afraid to ask questions, even if it's on the fundamentals! We are here to help you so don't be intimidated if students are asking about newer material. If you have a question, it's very likely that other students are wondering about that too, but they're afraid to ask. Hiring a tutor should not be necessary because of all the resources provided.

Also, make sure to work through all three quizzes in the workbook as they will be very helpful.
Remember your total workbook score replaces your lowest quiz score.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 4:47 pm
by Martha Xuncax 3G
I don't think anyone's mentioned this, but in addition to all of Lavelle's resources, being a part of AAP is extremely beneficial. I joined last week and the 1.5 hr sessions twice a week are really helpful. The Peer Facilitators take their time to explain the subjects thoroughly, and learning from your peers makes things a bit easier so if you want to sign up, just stop by 1230 Campbell Hall!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 6:23 pm
by Chem_Mod
Great suggestion. Please post AAP link or email so students know how to sign up.

I also sent email to AAP asking them to announce in my classes.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 9:37 am
by Martha Xuncax 3G
You can get more info here http://www.aap.ucla.edu/about-aap/becom ... ap-member/
I'll try to talk to a AAP to see if that can be organized!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 9:42 pm
by 004599434
I am in the same position as you, and for myself I have come to really appreciate the peer learning that the school offers. You can get help when needed and they go at your pace.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 10:15 am
by William_Yi_3B
Can someone tell me where to find the Oxygen on the periodic table

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 3:30 pm
by KelseyKobayashi_2M
William_Yi_3B wrote:Can someone tell me where to find the Oxygen on the periodic table


Oxygen (atomic number 8) is in the top row of the p-block, third from the right.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2016 4:29 pm
by Randon_Zahlout_3B
Reading Fundamentals in the textbook before the ones assigned were extremely helpful as well. I felt much more prepared after I read fundamentals A-D specifically. Also, just reading the textbook provides more background knowledge that helps understanding the course reader as well.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 8:08 pm
by Alexxa_Vasquez_3B
Another amazing resource is Bozeman Science! Mr. Anderson's AP Chemistry videos are extremely concise and a great way to brush up on an old topic you're having trouble with. I would recommend CrashCourse Chemistry, too, but they can be fast-paced and a little vague depending on the topic.

Best of luck to everyone!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 2:26 pm
by veeksha25
I had the same issue and I've been using Tyler Dewitt's videos (: I'm a very visual learner so they really helped me out, especially during the thermochemistry unit.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:29 pm
by tiffanyteguh1C
Hi! Are there any good chem video resources that anyone recommends ??? (aside from Dr. Lavelle's videos)

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 1:47 am
by Sharon Yuen 1F
Hello all! Does anyone have experience with utilizing Khan Academy as a good way to brush up on the basics? Or if any websites or resources similar are known, please let me know! Thanks.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:10 pm
by Clarisse Wikstrom 1H
I would definitely get or review an old AP Chem test prep book, in addition to office hours, etc.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 12:45 pm
by Elizabeth Bamishaye 2I
I am also a little rusty on chemistry but Crash Course Chemistry on YouTube is definitely something helpful to watch.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 3:57 pm
by Jesse Jimenez 1L
I am also a bit rusty on high school chem being that i took it as a junior in high school. The modules work as well as reading the book. Most importantly, examples from the book are the best review.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 4:29 pm
by Belle Calforda3f
Take notes on your own first and then use lectures and discussions as clarifications! Also, use youtube for catchy phrases to help remember how to approach questions. For example, for empirical formulas I use.. "% to mass, mass to mole, divide by smole(smallest mole), and multiply to whole."

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:49 pm
by Jessica Wakefield 1H
Over the summer, I reviewed some high school chemistry concepts using Khan Academy. They have videos that I found helpful because it is more engaging than reading from a textbook or attempting to teach yourself. They have pretty much any topic you might want to review and it is not too time consuming. I think it would be a great resource if you are trying to review!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:05 pm
by mayasinha1B
I am in the exact same boat. I haven't taken chemistry since sophomore year of high school and am now a first year in college. It's been helpful to just start doing problems in the book or online, and concepts start to come back to me. Working everything out is how I've been able to remember everything I've learned thus far.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:04 pm
by Meredith Steinberg 2E
I took chemistry in high school too and I still feel behind in some topics we're going to be learning soon. I found that the best way to learn the material was to do as many practice problems as possible and to find random youtube videos that describe processes in a creative way to make it help stick in my mind. Also reviewing AP Chem study guides will definitely help!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:20 pm
by Adriana Rangel 1A
I took high school chemistry my sophomore year of high school and have not taken AP Chemistry. Since I am a bit "rusty", something that helped me review what I learned about chemistry was outlining the chapters, completing the modules, doing the homework problems, and going to the night study sessions at Hedrick!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 10:45 am
by Anna Goldberg 2I
I didn't take AP Chem in high school and took general chemistry my sophomore year. I've noticed people on this feed saying there are night study sessions at Hedrick-when and where are those at? Thank you.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:09 am
by tiffanyteguh1C
Aside from Khan academy, a really good resource I have found is http://www.bozemanscience.com/chemistry/.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:07 pm
by Warda Sahib 2J
I took chem 14a last quarter and I never took AP Chem in high school. Watching youtube videos on concepts I didn't understand really helped me.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:02 pm
by Karissa Newberry
Go to as many office hours as you can! I know sometimes you might feel lazy and not wanna go but they really do help a lot!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 1:38 am
by Yixin Angela Wang 2H
Hi! I totally understand your rustiness. I took a basic chem class in my sophomore year of high school and then never again. I feel that even though AP Chem would have better prepared me for a lot of 14A and B, I was able to understand the concepts by paying attention in class and going to review sessions and office hours. Searching up online references also helped me a lot! I wish you the best of luck.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 9:35 pm
by yamilette
I know that we have a AAP program where they offer tutoring also the step-up that the professor created which shows the step by step of any problem you might have. Hope this helps!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 2:06 pm
by Alicia Beebe
Since there is no longer a course reader, where would one suggest to find more practice problems to prepare for the first test? The module questions are helpful, but they are different than both the homework problems and the problems received in discussion section.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 3:22 pm
by Joanna Pham - 2D
Hi Alicia! I would recommend doing all the homework questions Professor Lavelle listed in his syllabus. You can also try going to the test bank to see if they have any of Lavelle's old midterms and finals, but check to make sure! I really don't know if his tests are up there or not. You can also try finding to find the "Decade of Midterms and Finals" form 2006-2015 workbook! It looks just like the course reader, but instead of the lectures being in there, it'll be practice exams. I don't know if it's still being sold at the course reader store, but I highly recommend you purchase it from a past student. That's how I got mine for only $10.

Hope this helps!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:58 pm
by Joshua Yang 1H
Anna Goldberg 2I wrote:I didn't take AP Chem in high school and took general chemistry my sophomore year. I've noticed people on this feed saying there are night study sessions at Hedrick-when and where are those at? Thank you.


They're all located in Hedrick Hall Room 125, the specific times are on the document I attached. Hope this helps :)

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:53 pm
by Odalys Cuevas 1C
Alicia Beebe wrote:Since there is no longer a course reader, where would one suggest to find more practice problems to prepare for the first test? The module questions are helpful, but they are different than both the homework problems and the problems received in discussion section.




Hey, there are worksheets that the UAs post on here and those seem to be really helpful and its additional practice problems you can use to study. Hope that helps

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:31 am
by Isabella Barkett 1G
Usually with chem practicing a variety of questions on the topic is very useful - so I would recommend doing extra questions in the text book.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 12:08 pm
by Jack Martinyan 1L
Best Resources:

1. All the resources Dr. Lavelle provides on a weekly basis
2. Khan Academy
3. Crash Course
4. Bozeman Science
5. Your friend who's a chem wiz

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 4:31 pm
by Mohamad Farhat 1L
I am taking this Chem 14a this quarter. I took honors Chem which seems very familiar. however I forgot many of the concepts. The best way to refresh your mind is watch videos such as khan academy or on youtube. Working through the math problems is the best way to understand it. If you don't understand how to do it. Go back to the basics and try step by step.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 7:20 pm
by Steve H
The best solution I have found for studying chem is attending the step-up program office hours and going through the audio-visual modules.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:55 pm
by Yitzchak Jacobson 1F
I believe Professor Lavelle offers many recourses to refresh the memories for high school chemistry. What I believe will be truly helpful is attending his timed office hours, and even attending a step up session to get detailed, fluent instructions on how to solve the difficult problems you are dealing with. I hope this helps :)

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:09 pm
by Nandhini_2K
Makes me feel better seeing many of you feel the same way as me. The first day of the lecture was overwhelming, but the UA step up, workshops, and the online video modules have been really helpful. Hoping that the tests are similar to the practice assessments on the video module.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 6:15 pm
by MadelynNguyen1F
Yeah I was also a little rusty but the video modules really helped and I reviewed my old AP chem notes so I'm feeling more confident for the first test. The solutions manual is also extremely helpful.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:52 pm
by Naqiyah Qadir 1I
I took Chemistry Honors sophomore year of high school and feel behind, is it recommended to take Chem 17 before this class? But is it only offered in the Fall?

Thanks!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 12:46 pm
by juliaschreib1A
Make sure that you use units when you are doing stoichiometry. Keeping track of units will help you in the long run for your answer.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:09 pm
by Mjay 1F
I haven't done chemistry in over 3 years but going to the workshops provided, it helped a lot.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 9:13 pm
by SamanthaGrohe1B
I took AP Chemistry in high school my sophomore year. I also am having trouble refreshing all of the information. fortunately, I shaved all of my notes that we had to compile into a project for review for the AP test at the end of the year. looking back at those and reading all the recommended sessions Lavelle has given us along with working through the problems has been extremely helpful in getting back into the chemistry mindset.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:33 pm
by CarinaVargas1J
I am going to start going to step-up/workshops this upcoming week. For those who have already gone, how have you guys liked it?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 11:33 pm
by Sophie W
The TAs also often hold weekly meetings with review sheets that go over material! I know for a fact there are review sessions held every Sunday at Hedrick 125 :)

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2018 12:27 am
by Taizha 1C
I have not taken Chemistry since high school and the first test for outline 1 was difficult. Is there any practice problems that are more similar to test questions or are more difficult than the weekly homework problems?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2018 1:35 am
by Kailie_Giebink_1E
I think all of lavelle's extra peer tutoring sessions are particularly helpful

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 2:27 pm
by Jocelyn1B
I haven't taken chem since sophomore year as well. The first exam was difficult for me as well. Do you have any tips on how to study for the second quiz?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:45 pm
by Jocelyn Fermin1J
Can we have more time for the quizzes or have fewer problems?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 9:32 am
by AlyssaRivera
Khan academy as well as youtube videos called "chemistry crash course" by one of the Green brothers. He goes over fundamentals as well as more complex ideas in chemistry as well as other subjects.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 1:17 pm
by Jesus A Cuevas - 1E
I would definitely recommend completing the modules that professor Lavelle has provided for us. I would also take advantage of as many office hours or step-up sessions as possible. Both the TA's and the UA's are very approachable and nearly always have fewer than a couple of students at a time. The homework problems provided in the outlines are another good resource for practice. I found that completing problems before lecture allowed me to better understand the material once in lecture.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:14 am
by Hadji Yono-Cruz 2L
Adding on from other people's suggestions, look up Tyler Dewitt on Youtube. He is really good at teaching chemistry and helped me get through my AP chemistry class in high school.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:45 pm
by Alejandra 1B
Based solely on my experience. If you know that it has been a minute since your last chemistry course... Use reviewing resources prior to attempting the course material. After the first lecture I remember walking out like, "oh myyy, it's been a while." I couldn't even follow with the basics (moles, molecular formulas, and compounds). YOU CAN ALL SUCCEED, it's just a matter of how bad you want it and how much you are willing to put into it.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 6:39 pm
by Avery Zuelch 1D
Hi everyone!
I hadn't taken a chemistry course since my sophomore year in high school, and after the first lecture, I was a bit lost in Chem14A's content. However, I have found that using Dr. Lavelle's website (his audio/visual modules) is quite helpful in reviewing the material that I should've mastered while in high school chemistry. I have also been going on YouTube, and searching for practice problems and explanations on the various topics, and have found a plethora of helpful channels. My favorite so far is definitely Crash Course because it defines the basics, as well as goes further into the details of each subject!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:28 pm
by Rachel Yoo 1F
Doing the modules posted on Dr. Lavelle's website is actually really good review. The videos are him teaching the topics/lectures and he gives good and easy examples to follow along.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 11:14 pm
by Jayde Felix 4H
Tyler DeWitt on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/tdewitt451) and the AP Chemistry Subject on Khan Academy are super helpful and descriptive.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:27 pm
by Alyssa Wilson 2A
tiffanyteguh1C wrote:Hi! Are there any good chem video resources that anyone recommends ??? (aside from Dr. Lavelle's videos)


Khan Academy offers some great resources that are available along with some crash course videos online.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:31 pm
by Quinn_Simpson_3D
I took AP chem in high school, and you have to put in a lot of work to do well. That being said if you read the textbook (possibly reading some sections multiple times) and do more problems than the required homework, you can learn it well. Also, Dr. Lavelle's Audio-Video Modules are very helpful. If you need a quick refresh, I would suggest videos like Crash Course as well.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 12:22 am
by Karina Jiayu Xu 4E
I took regular chemistry in my sophomore year and here I am three years later taking 14A. I've been watching crash course videos, and that has helped a ton.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:50 am
by vaishali 1D
Avery Zuelch 1D wrote:Hi everyone!
I hadn't taken a chemistry course since my sophomore year in high school, and after the first lecture, I was a bit lost in Chem14A's content. However, I have found that using Dr. Lavelle's website (his audio/visual modules) is quite helpful in reviewing the material that I should've mastered while in high school chemistry. I have also been going on YouTube, and searching for practice problems and explanations on the various topics, and have found a plethora of helpful channels. My favorite so far is definitely Crash Course because it defines the basics, as well as goes further into the details of each subject!


I also really like Bozeman Science videos and "GetChemistryHelp". Both are on youtube and have proved incredible helpful throughout my high school chem and what we've learned in Lavelle's class so far.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:12 am
by AJ Manzano 3K
I took chemistry in sophomore year of high school, but it was mainly a worksheet type class more based on completion than anything else, so I'm pretty rusty as well. I've attended the Peer Learning Facilities with the UAs though and that really seems to help as you can ask any questions you want and ask them to slow down for you, especially in the Step sessions. The UA can also give you more resources.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 11:20 am
by 905096106
I definitely understand your struggles. I am a freshman and I haven't taken chemistry since my senior year of high school. I agree with the others above that your best bet would be to read the textbook and review the modules posted on the website.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 12:05 pm
by AvaGordon_4F
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but I've found that studying in groups is really a great way to get a better grasp on the material. Not only will you feel less alone while you're grappling with the new material, but its also an objective fact that teaching a concept to someone is the best way to reinforce your understanding of it. Plus it makes rote studying less heinous :) So starting a study group, or even just making a friend in the class is a great idea. Also, I used to think that office hours were a tool for when you were absolutely lost or struggling with the material, but I've come to realize that is definitely not the case! Sometimes it's helpful just to drop by and do your own homework (practice problems etc) with a TA/UA available to help, should you need them. Also it's great to hear the questions other people ask, because often times they clarify something for me that I didn't even know needed clarifying.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 12:17 pm
by Adriana_4F
AJ Manzano 3K wrote:I took chemistry in sophomore year of high school, but it was mainly a worksheet type class more based on completion than anything else, so I'm pretty rusty as well. I've attended the Peer Learning Facilities with the UAs though and that really seems to help as you can ask any questions you want and ask them to slow down for you, especially in the Step sessions. The UA can also give you more resources.


Do you need to make an appointment to meet with the UA's or do they accept walk-ins? Because I too am pretty rusty with highschool Chemistry and may need a bit more help with the fundamentals

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 1:34 pm
by Maria Nabagala 3E
I would definitely watch the modules and do the post-assessment practice questions as they have helped me. I also go to different websites for chem videos on basic topics I need help with as well as practice exams online.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 2:04 pm
by Kelsey Li 3B
I took AP Chemistry my Junior year in highschool and I feel like I've definitely forgotten a lot of things. However, working on the modules and the practice problems that Professor Lavelle assigned will do a great amount of help. Just like what others said, there are other websites that can help clarify problems such as Khan Academy or Crash Course on Youtube and the TAs and workshops/step-by-step ones are also a beneficial source. I think what could help even more is finding either one person or a couple to study with because that way when you get taught or you teach someone how to solve a problem you have a better understanding of it. In high school I used this website called http://chemmybear.com/ so maybe you can check this out too? Hope this helps!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 7:50 pm
by nataliefgarcia3I
What is helpful to me is after a lecture, if I don't understand, I watch videos that explain each steps. So far it was been helpful, and it helps me understand how to solve questions on the homework.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 7:52 pm
by allisoncarr1i
I would recommend taking advantage of the peer learning for brushing up on the subjects you are rusty on. For more in depth walk throughs and explanations Khan academy is extremely helpful.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 8:31 pm
by Angela Cordova 3F
I am also pretty rusty in high school chemistry. I have found that the modules Dr. Lavelle provides on his website, as well as doing the practice problems in the textbook (beyond the 7 required for homework) have helped a lot!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 9:55 pm
by Anjali 4A
I would recommend to look at online videos in addition to the ones posted on the class websites that provide a step by step outline of how to solve different questions. While watching the video, writing the process of the answer out at the same time extremely helps as well. And of course, practicing as many problems helps us understand and reinforce the topic the best.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 11:41 pm
by Erin Kim 2G
Last time I took chemistry was junior year as well, and it was honors chemistry, not AP. It is hard to try and refresh all the skills but the online modules have been very helpful to jog your memory on basic chemistry skills. I would also recommend going to the step by step hours or the workshops that take place outside of office hours to nail down all the chemistry topics.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 12:28 am
by paytonm1H
Does anyone have any recommendations for a review video on how to read the periodic table and what the columns/rows mean??
Thanks!!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 3:14 pm
by shouse1f
does anyone have any recommendations on resources to use to brush up on units and unit conversions?

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 3:17 pm
by taywebb
Hi Guys!!
I definitely recommend making quizlets with basic SI units, conversions, and terms so that you can drill yourself on basic stuff before it gets too confusing!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 5:11 pm
by Kevin Arokiaraj 4E
I would definitely recommend quizlet for conceptual questions. For practical questions I would recommend khanacademy and chemwiki.

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 8:55 pm
by Janelle Magaling 3L
I am also super rusty in chemistry! The last I took chem was my sophomore year of high school and even then it wasn’t my best subject. However I’ve been feeling better about chemistry because Prof Lavelle has given us so many resources! There’s his modules which are practice problems and videos of his lectures. Plus lots and lots of office hours, workshops, and step up sessions! If you can’t attend those sessions then there’s always the internet! The weekly outline on the website details all the topics we are studying so that is super helpful!

Re: Rusty on High School Chem

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 10:15 pm
by Cameron_Greenberg_3C
I'm in a similar place having not taken Chemistry in 4 years. I worried about this as well but I have come to realize that this class is lower division and therefore Lavelle is accustomed to teaching rusty students. He gave many useful resources including study sessions both on the Hill and on campus, several times every day. Taking notes and reading the material are super important too especially having not learned many of the concepts in AP Chemistry. Either way I believe staying on task will allow you to be successful in this class. Good luck!