Investigative Chemistry is a course designed to help students learn how to apply the scientific method without relying on their teacher too much. Unlike most science labs, Investigative Chemistry encourages students to do their own research, design their own experiment, and report their results to the rest of the class. If you or your child are having a hard time managing this level of freedom, Varsity Tutors can refer you to a knowledgeable Investigative Chemistry tutor to help you pursue your economic goals.
Here are the most important components of Investigative Chemistry tutoring:
- Identifying A Problem to Study (entails independent research)
- Planning an Experiment with Available Resources in Mind
- Performing the Experiment (during class)
- Drawing Conclusions Based on Your Results
- Presenting Your Findings to the Rest of the Class
Designing your own experiment can be fun, but it can also feel daunting. If you don't know where to begin, your Investigative Chemistry tutor may be able to guide you based on your interests. For instance, a student interested in acidity might design an experiment comparing the pH of common household items, while another might use a Bunsen Burner to measure the impact heat has on chemical reactions. Both experiments are simple enough to realistically perform using the equipment found in a high school lab, and researching the expected results should be a piece of cake.