Anacortes Senior College

This course will cover the very basics of chemistry necessary to appreciate the nature of atoms and molecules in the world. We will begin with a review of the elements and their behavior, what makes an atom react with other atoms to form molecules and what is a salt and how do they behave. We will move on to simple molecules like water and explain its unique properties such as its ability to dissolve so many salts and yet it does not dissolve fats. Solution chemistry, chemical reactions, energy of chemical reactions and nuclear reactions, the importance of pH, and a variety of chemical topics suggested by the students in the class will be the topics of discussion.

Answers to the following questions will be explained… why does ice float?, why do fireworks produce different colors?, why are sunrises and sunsets so colorful?, why do salts form?, how does rust happen?, why does salt on the road prevent freezing in the winter?, how can we produce more product in a chemical reaction?, how do buffer systems work in carbonated sodas or other foods? In our bodies?, what is an antioxidant?, how does soap work?

With just enough chemistry you will be able to understand so much more of what we experience daily from a chemical perspective in a fun way!

Instructor: Michaela Bertch

Michaela received her B.A. in Chemistry from Goucher College and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a thesis in Biophysics from the University of Connecticut Health Center. She has taught Chemistry and Biochemistry at the college level and Chemistry, AP Chemistry Algebra and Physics at the high school level. Her passion is to teach in a way that helps students master information while enjoying the experience. Teaching at Anacortes Senior College is an opportunity to continue to help others understand a challenging subject which helps to explain the world around us.