Advice on Enjoying & Doing Well in Chemistry for A-Level Student

[Georgepowell]

I am doing my A-Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

I am doing very well at F-Maths/Maths and physics. I'm getting 90-100% in the mock tests, but I'm just not enjoying or doing well in chemistry.

The teacher doesn't seem to have a deep understanding of the subject, so she can't answer my questions that are beyond the syllabus. I have not had a problem with revision or understanding with subjects that I enjoy, but chemistry at my school just bores me. I am considering dropping it.

I got interested in maths/physics when I read "A Brief History Of Time". I then went on to read a whole load of popular science books, and I find them all fascinating. But they were all physics/maths orientated.

Can someone recommend a good chemistry pop-science book? I'm not fussy, I think even knowledge beyond the syllabus is a motivator for me.

Any other advice/comments would be good.

Thanks

edit: I should have put this thread into the Academic Guidance section... Is there a way I can move it?

 

[physics girl phd]

Off the top of my head:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047144149X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (John Emsley)

 

[charng]

my advice would be to not give up on chemistry just yet. While it may not be your favorite subject, it is an important part of your A-Level curriculum and can open up many opportunities for you in the future. Here are a few tips that may help you enjoy and do well in chemistry:

1. Find a different source of information: If your teacher is not able to answer your questions, try finding other resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, or even other teachers who may have a better understanding of the subject. This will not only help you understand the material better, but it may also spark your interest in chemistry.

2. Connect chemistry to your interests: Since you enjoy physics and maths, try finding ways to connect chemistry to these subjects. For example, chemistry plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of matter and energy, which are key concepts in physics. By making these connections, you may find chemistry more interesting and relevant to your interests.

3. Experiment and explore: Chemistry is a highly experimental subject, and sometimes it can be more fun to learn by doing rather than just reading from a textbook. Try conducting your own experiments or participating in science fairs to explore different aspects of chemistry that may interest you.

4. Read popular science books on chemistry: There are many popular science books that make chemistry more interesting and accessible to a wider audience. Some recommendations include "The Disappearing Spoon" by Sam Kean, "The Periodic Table" by Primo Levi, and "The Poisoner's Handbook" by Deborah Blum. These books not only cover the basics of chemistry but also delve into its history and real-world applications.

5. Seek help from others: Don't be afraid to ask for help from your peers or even your teacher. Sometimes discussing difficult concepts with others can help you understand them better and make the learning process more enjoyable.

Remember, it's completely normal to struggle with a subject and not enjoy it as much as others. However, with the right resources and approach, you may find that chemistry can be just as fascinating as physics and maths. Don't give up and keep exploring different ways to make chemistry more enjoyable for you. Good luck!