Nobody to ask for letter of recommendation

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

So, my freshman year, I had really bad grades. Very, very bad. I was moved down from two honors courses. This year, my grades are much better; however, I want to apply for a science internship, but I have no idea who to ask for letters of rec. Here’s a quick summary on all my teachers, and I was hoping you could tell me which one would be my best shot. Also, should I ask the teacher something like “would a letter of rec from you be detrimental or helpful to my application” before actually asking them for a letter? Or would that be rude?

Alg2 Level 1 teacher: I have a 98.1 in her class. Great. She likes me as a person. Unfortunately, she is the same teacher who moved me down from honors geometry last year…
Chem Level 1 teacher: Our personalities clash. She is a horrible teacher. B+ last marking period, because she gave me a 0 on a lab that I handed in twice. She would probably be too lazy to write a letter of rec.
Eng Honors teacher: loves me. I do well enough in her class, but not a genius or anything.
APUSH teacher: Also my track coach where I am MVP. Loves me (mostly) as a person, but I had a B last marking period and may get a B+ this marking period.

Since it is a science opportunity, I guess it would make sense to get a math/sci teacher letter of rec. I am actually leaning toward my math teacher… maybe she will help this “I made a big mistake last year but now I am a try-hard and love school” angle I am going for.
Thoughts?
Help pls

2

Instead of “Would a letter from you be helpful” I’d phrase it more like “Would you be able to write a positive letter about me” because the other way around comes across a little rude to me.

3

@bodangles makes a VERY good suggestion, and your “I screwed up but …” approach sounds good.

4

@bodangles @AboutTheSame thanks for your advice! Which teacher do you think I should ask?

5

Algebra. She did what she had to do when when you were tanking honors. You’re doing fine this year. You got the message. That is what a teacher wants to see.

6

^ And/or English, as you say she likes you a lot too.