We recently had a customer who was the leader of a co-op group using Friendly Chemistry write with a concern whether the labs in Friendly Chemistry could be considered a significant lab experience according to college admissions requirements. Here is how we replied: Thanks for writing with your question regarding lab credits using Friendly Chemistry. Seems like the question here is our definition of significant. If we are stating that the student participated in a lab activity where there is strong correlation between course content and lab activity, the student actually touched and manipulated chemicals and observed changes, and the student was able to draw meaningful conclusions based upon their observations, then, yes, your kids will have completed a significant laboratory experience. However, if we feel like a significant lab experience means your students will have used traditional laboratory equipment in a laboratory setting, then, most likely, no, unless youve provided these opportunities for them. To be frank, in my most recent observations of what goes on in most public school high school labs, is that there are very, very few labs taking place and most of those are simulated via computer models or youtube videos (mainly due to expense, liability and time constraints.) So, if a lab taught in a public school is what admissions officers are what basing their requirements upon, then the Friendly Chemistry labs far out perform their experiences. So, I would have to say that if your group has followed the labs in Friendly Chemistry, your students will have had *significant* high school laboratory experiences. Ive done this in the past and am always willing: if you have an admissions person question the credibility of Friendly Chemistry, please contact me or have them contact me. Ive had families express concerns like you have but have yet to have had an admissions official not accept Friendly Chemistry as a suitable high school chemistry course. (Heck, show em my credentials, not too many can question the capabilities of a DVM and MEd degree. ) So, in the end it will obviously be your call. I will stand behind you 100% if you choose to state your child(ren) have had a significant laboratory experience using Friendly Chemistry. More questions or concerns? Please let us know.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 01:10:18 +0000
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