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I can't take calculus, chemistry, nor physics cause they don't teach that in 9th. The only class that I have that has to do with mechanical engineering is biology.

So I was wondering if I should study calculus over the internet or should I just study in my math class although my math class isn't calculus and study in my biology class. #mechanical-engineering #internet #math #chemistry #physics #higher-education #high-school-classes

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Calvin’s Answer

9th grade is a little early for chemistry, physics, and calculus. You don't want to try to self educate and then develop bad habits or get a bad experience to make yourself feel inadequate. Study the classes you have now, get the best grades you can. If this is too easy for you, try working a few problems on the internet, but keep in mind unless you are truly gifted, this can be difficult to comprehend without a little help and knowledge of the basics.
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Hema’s Answer

Congratulations - you are entering High School.
I strongly agree with majority of the answers above.
You will be learning Calculus, Math and Physics as part of the high school curriculum.
You dont need a jump start on those by learning online.
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Alison’s Answer

Hi David,

I would encourage you to focus on doing really well in your biology class, and talk with the teacher after school about any science clubs that may exist at your school. In addition, if you want to take any free online self-study classes, there is no harm in that.

Good luck!

Alison
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Irina’s Answer

Hi David,


My mother is a calculus professor so growing up there was no per-grade approach to what I should or shouldn't have been learning when it came to math (wasn't always fun... :)) Calculus is difficult and I don't think there's a time too early to start at least exploring it. I agree with everyone above that you should focus on doing well in your biology class and, if that leaves time, then yes, start reading up on Calculus or doing online course work. There is no harm. Also remember that the US is behind on math and sciences so what to us is early, in other countries might be considered timely.


Good luck!


Irina

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Amy’s Answer

Think of 9th grade as achieving the building blocks for 10th, then 11th, 12th, college, career. Each step along the way builds a stronger foundation of knowledge and skills. Whatever math you are taking now will build the foundation for the next level, eventually getting to Calculus and those advanced math classes. If you have already passed the algebra and pre-calculus classes, consider community college classes. These are typically offered to 16 year olds and older. The same applies to your science courses. Biology may come in handy with your future career, if nothing else, it builds those foundational skills of scientific inquiry and makes you a more well-rounded individual. Enjoy the journey! You'll get to your dream job all in due time.
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Spruce’s Answer

I agree with Calvin above. Getting ahead of the math and science sequence that you're going to go through anyway is not the best use of your time. Some public school districts have advanced programs for STEM subjects and others that might be available to you, and some of them are competitive so you need to keep all your grades up. Another thought is that some school districts allow you to go to community college for 11th and 12th grades and get college credits so you could end up with a high school diploma and a two-year college degree at the same time.

I also read a lot that companies are looking for engineers with a more well-rounded education because more and more kids today are really good at working and playing hard on computers and the Internet and when they graduate they do their jobs very well but only when they work by themselves (especially computer science students). In some of the worst situations, new employees don't know how to interact with other people on their work teams or on the phone or when presenting to large groups, etc. Please take this as general information that even engineers have to work with other people. Good luck.
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