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Chemistry

Can you turn a penny into gold? How does our nose smell things? Using a hands-on, thematic approach, this first-year Chemistry course is intended to introduce students to the major topics and skills in a high school chemistry class while directly applying the learning to real-life situations. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply and explain what chemistry has to do with weather, smell, toxins, fire, and sustainability. In this course, students won’t ever have to ask “When am I going to use this?”

In the first semester, students will use the idea of alchemy to explore foundational topics in chemistry such as how to classify matter, the structure of an atom, and how to use the periodic table. They’ll learn all about smell and how they can use the shape of a molecule to predict its scent. Students will learn to use the Lewis dot and octet rule to create models of molecules. Students will explore the atmosphere and why chemistry plays a vital role in understanding weather. Topics in this unit would include gas laws, density, phase changes, and more.

In the second semester, students will use the theme of toxins to explore mixtures, and how to make predictions about chemical reactions. They will learn to write and balance chemical equations and predict limiting reactants. By learning about fire and energy, students will investigate endothermic and exothermic reactions, calorimetry, activation energy, kinetic molecular theory, and more. In the final unit of the year, students will apply their understanding of chemistry to real-life sustainability issues by demonstrating an understanding of chemical equilibrium and reversible reactions.

This course incorporates a variety of textbook and multimedia resources such as animations, simulations, and video demonstrations. Students will use the Sapling Learning platform to complete chemistry practice problems, and they will be required to perform both guided and inquiry-based hands-on lab experiments to develop a deeper understanding of chemistry topics. Students will engage in collaborative activities such as class discussions, contribute to class data and participate in group projects throughout the course.

In this standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their coursework.

Acknowledgements

  • Completion of Algebra 1
  • A required lab kit fee of $245. Lab kits shipped internationally may incur additional fees.
  • International schools must have the ability to receive lab materials through customs.
  • The course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions

  • How do we use the periodic table to make predictions about the properties of elements and chemical reactions?
  • How do scientific theories help us make sense of chemistry?
  • Why is chemistry relevant?
  • How can we use models to explain chemical phenomena?

Course Learning Objectives

  • Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking, guide investigations, or support scientific claims.
  • Develop and use models to make predictions about, or explain chemical phenomena.
  • Explain and predict chemical phenomena using mathematical representations.
  • Plan and implement data collection strategies appropriate to a specific scientific question.
  • Explain the properties and behavior of matter and chemical phenomena using appropriate scientific language and conventions.
  • Analyze and interpret data to explain chemical processes.
  • Explain common applications of chemical phenomena in everyday life.

Additional Requirements

  • Students will need to document lab work by taking digital images of their lab setup and experiments in progress.
  • Students will need to access a number of YouTube videos throughout the course.
  • Accessibility Note: Although every effort has been made to make this course accessible to all students, some resources or activities in this course, such as audio files, images of visual art pieces, or hands-on activities, may present accessibility challenges.
  • The following additional materials are required:
    • A ruler or tape measure
    • 3 objects to toss
    • Paper and markers
    • Microwave or stovetop
    • Ice
    • Toilet tissue or paper towels
    • Dirt or soil
    • 2 small containers of different size and shape (glass, vase, bowl, etc.)
    • 10 different household substances
    • Empty soda cans and bottles
    • Hot hands or oven mitts
    • Opaque bag, hat or bowl