Chemistry
The OpenStax Chemistry- 2e covers core concepts and required course learning outcomes of a two-semester general chemistry course. I have been using it for my general chemistry 1 lecture (Chapter 1 – Chapter 9) in the last three semesters. It is very comprehensive.
The content is accurate. I haven't encountered any errors.
This textbook covers how chemistry concepts apply to our daily lives and the world around us. My students find all examples very helpful. Their favorite example is making a grilled cheese sandwich in section 4.4.
Learning objectives at the beginning of each section, figures and examples are very helpful. I assign the “Check your learning” questions and exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce the key concepts covered in each lecture.
The textbook is consistent throughout. Every chapter contains an outline consistent of an introduction, several sections, key terms, key equations, summary and exercises.
Most sections can be covered in a 75-minute class time. In some lectures, we covered more than one section.
This textbook includes interactive exercises and real-world applications that are very helpful. The clickable “table of contents” and “exercises” are easy to navigate. We cover Chapter 9 (Gases) after Chapter 4 (Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions) and before Chapter 5 (Thermochemistry). For Lewis structure examples introduced in section 7.3, we go through steps 1-5 for each molecule/ion instead of going over each step for all five examples.
Throughput the semester, we accessed the textbook online from our learning management system (Blackboard). I also downloaded a pdf version to my computer for easy access when I am working offline. PhET simulation links have been very helpful for my students to learn challenging topics such as molecular shapes covered in section 7.6.
I haven't encountered any grammatical errors.
This textbook is available in both English and Spanish. Being a faculty in the second largest Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in the continental United States in terms of enrollment of Hispanic students (92% of UTRGV students are Hispanic), I choose this book because of its bilingual content.
I have been using this textbook for my general chemistry 1 lecture since Spring 2023 semester. It is well organized and overall, my students find it very helpful. Since it can be incorporated into Blackboard, it is readily accessibility. Two-thirds of UTRGV students are first-generation college students. This open-source textbook has been instrumental for students who cannot afford to purchase a textbook. “Check your learning” questions, exercises at the end of each chapter and linked answers to odd questions have been very helpful to reinforce the examples covered in lectures.