I feel like he has it in him to be better at math, but he just isn’t interested, so he does the bare minimum needed to get the grade. Apparently, algebra equations are boring, while chemical equations are fascinating. 
If he’s not interested in math, he may be more suited to being a chemistry major.
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He likes the hands-on aspects of engineering and manufacturing, maybe working in industrial setting. Chemistry degree is mostly theory and lab research, if I understand it correctly.
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My daughter works industry and also loves the hands on part of the job. There is just no getting away from math though ; )
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Maybe he’d be more interested in an engineering technology degree?
Here’s an ABET one not far from Illiniois and inexpensive. Scroll down to see the requirements - which include Chem and doesn’t’ go nearly as deep in math.
There are no Chem Engineering technology degrees - but certainly there are opportunities at Chem plants. My son, as an example, with a MechE degree, had an opportunity at a Chem company.
Engineering Technology: Mechanical & Manufacturing Systems | SEMO
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Thanks, but he is set on Chemical Engineering, so that’s what we’re going with. If he flunks out, then we will have to look for other options.
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He doesn’t need to “flunk out” (I assume you are joking). But he does need to wrap his mind around the fact that math is the language of engineering. And if it’s not a language he enjoys, he is going to intensely dislike some of the required classes for a chemical engineering major! Just something to consider. The cool specialized courses that he’s likely looked up online-- yes, they are cool and clearly interesting to him. But first he’s going to slog through the first two semesters (you can’t specialize until you nail the basics) and that often comes as a shock to the kids who love the engineering but aren’t in love with math!
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You came here worried about Chem weed out but this is your bigger issue IMHO.
He’s in regular Calc, not AP, he doesn’t love math and he’s going many interations of math higher.
That’s my concern here, at least based on what you wrote.
From what my son told me, math is why kids leave engineering, because the high level engineering courses are often math driven.
Edit - this matters in the sense of you pick - IIT just make sure they have other majors he’d be good with. Not to go in with that mindset but just in case.
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He needs a strong foundation in math, and a willingness to work on the math courses that are hard. Both my engineer husband and my engineering major daughter had good foundations, but neither “enjoyed” the math until they got to the upper level courses which were more application. They both thrived in those courses…because they were actually using the math.
Maybe this kid is like them!
If there is uncertainty, perhaps he needs to be open minded once he gets to college. He might actually find something different that piques his interest…or he might just fly.
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I would have a talk with him and his math teachers. This part is concerning. He should be set up for success. Not failure. Many very high end mathy high school students drop out of engineering. It’s a very tough two year’s to get through the basic courses. Most schools weed outs are Calc 2/3 and physics 1 or 2. First Chem is usually not bad. . All evidently are math driven. Having a solid foundation of math is really paramount for any engineering major. Maybe his teacher or a tutor can help him. It’s only January. Lots of time left.
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Maybe this is his problem - he just doesn’t see the purpose of calculating all these abstract things. But he does what is required of him in school, so hopefully, he’ll do the same in college.
Maybe we will look into doing some additional math work, just to be sure he can handle what’s coming.
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