If you haven't done so before, please read Introduction and Caution below before beginning.

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Introduction to ie-Chemistry

This is a science curriculum project being developed for independent study without a well stocked chemistry laboratory.  But the content can be used in many different situations.  (Read more about the significance of the ie-Science Project).

Today most scientists work in teams.  But there have always been scientists who, for a variety of reasons, worked alone.  Likewise there are many reasons why learning science as part of a team is superior to learning alone.  But occasionally the advantages of working with others is not possible or practical.  This project is a guide to assist those who want to learn chemistry despite the handicap of isolation.

To learn chemistry alone will involve some danger.  You probably won’t have the benefit of the supervision of an expert chemist or the assistance of peers to make sure you haven’t skipped a step or misunderstood a critical instruction.  So it will be more important than ever to have a parent, friend, or co-worker know what you are trying to do, to be close enough to hear a call for help, and to occasionally check your well being in case an emergency occurs.  The world involves many hazards.  Part of science instruction should help you learn about those hazards and to learn the skills needed to work safely despite the risks.  But practicing to develop those skills must involve risks.  If you do not wish to assume the entire liability for the risks, do NOT undertake learning science alone.  The author, has extensive training in the sciences, has decades of experience as a chemist and physicist, science teacher, and chemical hygiene officer, and has tried to write the following directions to caution you about potential hazards.  But it is probably not possible to foresee all possible errors by students.  The student and parents must decide if the benefits justify the risks of working alone.  If at any point either now or in the future you are unwilling to accept the risks, DO NOT PROCEED.