VIRTUAL Chemistry | Course Approval

Course title

VIRTUAL Chemistry

Pre-requisite

A physical science course and one year of Algebra

Course description

Chemistry offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology.

The course provides students with opportunities to learn and practice critical scientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science, the importance of chemistry to society, atomic structure, bonding in matter, chemical reactions, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phases of matter, equilibrium and kinetics, acids and bases, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear reactions, organic chemistry, and alternative energy.

Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about concepts. Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.

Throughout this course, students are given an opportunity to understand how chemistry concepts are applied in technology and engineering. Journal and Practice activities provide additional opportunities for students to apply learned concepts and practice their writing skills. Students spend about 2 hours a week completing laboratory assignments.

This inquiry- and lab-based course is designed to support modern science curriculum and teaching practices. It robustly meets NGSS learning standards associated with high school chemistry along with additional concepts and standards typically included in a full-year high school chemistry course. Content topics include atoms and elements, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, quantitative chemistry, molecular-level forces, solutions, and energy and changes in matter.

It also addresses additional concepts and standards typically included in a full-year high school chemistry course, including molar concentrations, acid-base reactions, advanced stoichiometry, gas laws, and organic compounds. Each lesson includes one or more inquiry-based activities that can be performed online within the context of the lesson. In addition, the course includes a significant number of hands-on lab activities. Approximately 40% of student time in this course is devoted to true lab experiences, as defined by the National Research Council (2006, p. 3).

Lab materials note: Most hands-on labs employ relatively-common household materials.

laboratory experiments list:

Lab: Observing and Inferring