Thirty-five students.

Thirteen units.

One new after-school organic chemistry class.  

OnRamps Chemistry teacher Robert Morales has created the latest opportunity for high schoolers passionate about learning at the college level with the introduction of a new scientific subject. Organic chemistry is a science that studies the properties and structure of organic compounds and is usually taken during sophomore or junior year in college.

“I came to realize that organic chemistry is actually very simple, fundamentally,” Morales said. “But most professors don’t want to treat it that way. I do treat it that way, and I think it helps students to understand it.”

Every Wednesday at 4:10 p.m. “on the dot,” he opens his doors to students interested in  conducting synthesis labs, studying chemical reactions or understanding molecules on a 3D scale.

“Mr. Morales is a really funny and knowledgeable teacher,” sophomore Kalyani Gifford said, who aspires to participate in UIL Science. “He makes it easy for people of all backgrounds and levels to understand the topics.”

Before teaching organic chemistry, Morales sponsored the Science Olympiad, Cancer Awareness Club, Chemistry Club, Engineering Club, and Quiz Bowl.

“Last year, there was a ragtag group of students who put together a UIL science team. They were also prepping for the chemistry Olympiad,” Morales said. “So I just put those clubs together. And then at some point, someone said we should do organic chemistry too. And I was like, ‘Let’s do organic chemistry.’”

Regardless if students are planning to pursue a career involving organic chemistry, the class has something to offer for all.

“The nature of organic chemistry is fascinating, even just learning the nomenclature for various materials provides a deeper understanding [of] the composition,” said sophomore Kalyani Gifford, who wants to do applied physics and mechanical engineering 

For STEM students, though, the class offers preparation for their future, especially for aspiring doctor and senior Kevin Li.

“If we could get other teachers to give even as much as half of the effort that Mr. Morales gives, we would be able to do really well in other events like the Science Olympiads and UIL science,” Li said. 

Although the structure of the class is less formal from a typical honors class, Morales makes sure to keep up the same rigor and expectations for this year-long.

“I’ve broken up organic chemistry into 13 units,“ Morales said. “Each unit is about two to three weeks long. I do have a test for every one of those units that they can do online on Google Classroom on their own time. “

But besides the tests and assignments, the goal of the class is for students to have fun learning – perfection is not required nor expected. Morales emphasizes the importance of taking the pressure of perfection away so that you can grow as a person.

“Now, you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good,” Morales said. “Whereas folks strive for perfection, I don’t think you need to be that.”