Course title

SCI002

Pre-requisite

Concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Algebra or higher; successful completion of Physics or Environmental Science. Current science teacher approval required.

Course description

Chemistry Essentials
Course Outline

Note: Although the topics presented in this course are similar to those taught in the General Chemistry course; the level at which they are presented is at a lower level than that of the General Chemistry course. A significant amount of time is devoted to developing study skills and reviewing basic math skills.

Semester 1:

Topics:

What is chemistry?
Observations and inferences
Matter and its properties
Elements
Isotopes ? not abundances
Compounds
Mixtures
Dalton?s Atomic Theory
Chemical and Physical Changes
Physical properties
Chemical Properties
Atomic theory and the Periodic Table
Historical development of atomic theory
Modern atomic theory (basic structure of atom)
Basic structure of the Periodic Table
Basic information found on Periodic Table
Chemical changes and reactions
Chemical nomenclature
Writing and balancing chemical equations

Labs and Activities:

Distinguishing between observations and inferences
Making inferences from indirect observations
Distinguishing between physical and chemical changes
Separating a mixture using paper chromatography
Separating a compound using electrolysis

Projects:

Chemical Scavenger Hunt -- Search out assigned substances in local stores. Present the following information about each substance: Chemical Name; Common Name; Chemical Formula; Type of Substance (element; or compound); Found as Pure Substance or Mixture; Brand Name; Use (as stated on packaging); and Store Where Found.

Element Project ? Research an element and present basic information(name; symbol; atomic number; atomic mass; common valences; isotopes and abundances; origin and/or meaning of its name; date discovered; discoverer(s); physical properties ? melting point; boiling point; color; shape; odor; state at room temperature; solubility in water; and density; some compounds it forms (if any) ? give both chemical and common name of the compound if it has a common name; uses of the element and/or its compounds; dangers of the element and/or its compounds; and any other interesting information) about that element in a creative way.

Industrial Chemical Project -- Research a chemical that is used as a starting material for other chemicals/products to determine how that starting material affects you and society.

Semester 2:

Topics:

Classifying chemical reactions
Synthesis
Combustion
Decomposition
Single Replacement
Double Replacement ? Precipitation
Double Replacement ? Acid - Base
Basic Math Skills for Chemistry
Measurement in Chemistry
Conversions
Chemical Composition
Counting by weighing
Avogadro?s number calculations
Atomic Mass Unit calculations
Molar Mass calculations
Basic Stoichiometry
Mass to mole and mole to mass calculations
Mole ratios
Mass to mass calculations

Labs and Activities:

Determining if chemical reactions or physical changes occurred during a series of reactions
Attempting to verify the Law of Conservation of Matter
Classifying chemical reactions from chemical equations
Developing an activity series for selected metals by performing a series of single replacement reactions
Using solubility data to create a list of general solubility rules
Measuring various quantities using both English and SI systems
Comparing various units in the English and SI systems
Determining the number of objects in a sample without counting the individual objects
Introduction to stoichiometry by making S?mores

Projects:

OTC Medication Project -- Research a common Over-The-Counter medication and prepare a brochure that includes Generic name of compound; chemical name of compound; chemical formula of compound in standard form and structural form; physical properties of the compound; chemical equation for synthesis of compound; indications for the compound; positive effects; contraindications for the medication; how the compound works in the body to treat the illness/condition; side effects of medication; and severity of each; precautions in using medication; typical dosage; available forms the medication will be in; and possible interactions with other medications.

The Chemistry of ____________; and How it Affects My Life Project -- Research a real product or process that involves chemistry and determine how that product or process and the chemistry of that product or process affects your life.

Famous Chemist Project (Optional Project) -- Research a famous chemist and create a resume and a letter of recommendation about that chemist. Required information includes name of chemist; biographical information; education; why this chemist is famous; awards/honors received; controversies around chemists? work/life; descriptions of chemist?s experiment(s); other scientists whose work influenced this person; and other scientists who were influenced by the person?s work.

You Are the Teacher Project --Research a topic involving chemistry and prepare and teach a 10 - 12 minute lesson on that topic. Presentation must include either a demonstration or models.

Description; continued from Course Description Book 2011-2012: "This lab and project based course focuses on the concepts of chemistry with minimal emphasis on calculations. This course seeks to help students understand the macroscopic; as well as the molecular; nature of matter through the principles of structure and reactivity. The hands-on activities are designed to show how chemistry is a part of one's daily life."

School country

United States

School state

Arizona

School city

Tucson

School / district Address

2475 W Naranja Drive

School zip code

85742

Date submitted

Approved

Yes

Approved competency code

  • LCHM
  • Chemistry

Approved date

Online / Virtual

No