Chemistry (A.C.E.)

ScienceGrade 11

About This Curriculum

A.C.E.'s Chemistry course presents high school chemistry through twelve self-instructional PACE workbooks with accompanying free videos, emphasizing vocabulary and requiring algebra familiarity.

What makes it unique: Self-instructional mastery-based approach with integrated Christian character-building principles and free professional video support for each PACE

Chemistry (A.C.E.): Self-Paced Workbook Program with Video Support

A.C.E.'s Chemistry is a self-instructional high school chemistry curriculum delivered through twelve PACE workbooks with accompanying videos. The program emphasizes vocabulary mastery and requires algebra familiarity, using a mastery-based approach where students work independently through structured materials.

Best for

Grade 11 students in homeschool or independent study settings who prefer self-paced learning and can work independently with minimal teacher support

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 4 concerns · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The program provides direct instruction through both written materials and professionally produced videos that closely follow the text content.

Students 'read through text material' and can 'watch the video' where 'video narration sticks fairly closely to the wording of the PACEs'

Scientific VocabularyStrength

Scientific vocabulary receives significant emphasis throughout the program, with explicit focus on terminology and definitions.

Multiple reviews highlight that the course is 'vocabulary intensive' and dedicates substantial time to 'vocabulary and definitions'

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum appears to cover standard high school chemistry content but heavily emphasizes vocabulary and definitions over deeper conceptual understanding.

Reviews note the course is 'vocabulary intensive' and 'so much time is spent on vocabulary and definitions,' suggesting surface-level treatment of concepts

Teacher TrainingConcern

The self-instructional format provides minimal teacher support, relying primarily on student independence rather than teacher guidance.

Program is described as 'self-instructional' with students working independently through PACEs and videos

Retrieval PracticeConcern

The curriculum includes regular assessment but lacks comprehensive review, with tests covering only individual PACE content rather than cumulative material.

Reviews specify 'periodic tests cover content only within the PACE' and 'there are no comprehensive, cumulative tests'

Hands On IntegrationConcern

Hands-on activities are extremely limited, consisting primarily of lab demonstrations viewed on video rather than student-conducted experiments.

Lab demonstrations are presented on video where 'students complete lab data worksheets' but don't conduct actual experiments; parents specifically noted disappointment with lack of hands-on opportunities

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

Alignment to current science standards cannot be determined from available information, though content appears similar to traditional chemistry courses.

Reviews note 'content is similar to other high school chemistry courses' but provide no specific information about standards alignment

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thecurriculumchoice.com