Chemistry is a unique science course requiring you to spend time outside of the classroom to be successful. It is like a foreign language because you have to memorize symbols and formulas to write the names and formulas of compounds. Chemistry is an applied mathematics course using algebra, conversions and problem solving techniques. Students that have poor math skills generally struggle in chemistry. And of course it is a laboratory science course investigating the very nature of elements and compounds. The textbook definition of chemistry is the study of the composition of mater and the changes that mater undergoes. A dictionary definition of chemistry is the study of structure, composition, properties, and reactions of matter. Laboratory investigations are the primary means of developing problem-solving skills and for developing the major concepts and principles of chemistry. Regardless how you define it, this class will require you to study and retain a large amount of interesting information. Topics and information covered during the start of school will still be required knowledge at the end of the course. This course continues to build on previous information to get a better understanding of the world on a chemical level. By the time we get to stochiometry, generally at the end of the third nine weeks,   you will have to write chemical formulas, write and balance equations for a chemical reaction and then apply mathematical analysis to solve a word problems expressing your answer in the proper significant digits including the units.