SUFFIELD HIGH SCHOOL - ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY - PROGRAM GUIDE

I) COURSE DESCRIPTION (PROGRAM OF STUDIES)

Academic Chemistry # 443 1.0 credit

Chemistry is a study of the fundamental structure of matter that serves as a basic understanding of science needed in today’s world. It is a study of matter, energy, atomic and molecular structure, composition, bonding, the periodic law, chemical equations, acid-base reactions, solutions, gas laws, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and nuclear reactions. The course is designed to foster scientific literacy by using real-life examples and case studies that allow students to use the concepts and skills of chemistry to make informed decisions about current issues and situations. Students will be expected to communicate in a variety of ways the results of their research and investigations. A major part of Chemistry is extensive laboratory experiences in which students will design experiments, control variables, conduct safe investigations, and analyze data. All college bound students are expected to complete a course in Chemistry.

Prerequisites:

successful completion of Biology

completion of Algebra I or C or better in Basic Algebra

II) Course Learning Goals:

A) Skills embedded throughout the Chemistry course:

As a result of the Chemistry course, students will be able to:

1) Use knowledge of chemistry to make and support informed judgments about current issues and problems.

2) Identify and solve problems through scientific experimentation: formulate hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data, and make and communicate conclusions.

3) Apply the scientific process to critically evaluate data, its sources, and its validity in constructing theories and models.

4) Assess and apply knowledge of safe chemical procedures, both to the classroom and to everyday life.

5) Select and use appropriate laboratory equipment, technology, and units to measure chemical properties.

B) Content Goals of Academic Chemistry:

As a result of the Chemistry course, students will be able to:

1) Classify matter and its properties in different ways.

2) Distinguish between types of matter and how changes in matter occur.

4) Use the historical evolution of the structure of the atom to demonstrate how scientists use different chemical models to explain observations.

5) Understand the development of the organization of the Periodic Table and apply its horizontal and vertical relationships.

6) Recognize and name common compounds and formulas.

7) Apply the principle of conservation of matter to describe quantitative and qualitative aspects and types of chemical reactions that students encounter in their daily lives.

8) Analyze acid/base/salt reactions in order to synthesize knowledge of chemical principles and their application to real life situations.

9) Investigate the behavior of chemicals in solutions (including electrochemical reactions) in order to analyze commercial and technological processes.

10) Identify different types of chemical bonds (ionic/covalent, polar/non polar) and their intermolecular forces in order to predict molecular shapes and behavior of compounds.

11) Investigate the structure and behavior of common carbon-based compounds and their role in manufacturing, living organisms. and the environment.

12) Relate knowledge of nuclear chemistry and reactions to current energy, environmental and political issues.

13) Employ the basic ideas of energy flow to understand the behavior of chemical reactions.

14) Explain the dynamics of matter by applying the kinetic molecular theory.

15) Apply the concepts of the relationships between pressure, temperature, concentration and volume of gases to their behavior in common situations.