S3 Chemistry

AIMS OF THE COURSE

We aim to show how Chemistry contributes to the quality of everyday life.  Food, clothes and the environment are the results of Chemistry in action.  Chemists search for better fuels, fight corrosion and develop and improve substances to help crops grow, produce plastics and other useful materials.  Chemistry is about what things are made of and how we can change them.

Why do some changes result in new substances?  Where do these materials come from?  When you study Chemistry you will find out the answers to these questions.

COURSE CONTENT

• Rates of Reaction

In this topic pupils will develop their understanding of chemical reactions, carrying out a range of practical activities to be able to calculate average rates of reactions.

• Atomic, Structure and the Periodic Table

Pupils will learn the basics of atomic theory looking at protons, neutrons and electrons.  Pupils will see how the periodic table is constructed and how trends and patterns can be observed.  Finally pupils will learn how to write formula for simple and complex substances.

• Energy from Fuels

Pupils will develop their understanding of the chemistry of fuels, from how fossil fuels are formed in the earth’s crust to what materials can be made from the products of fractional distillation.  Alternatives to fossil fuels are explored through a group research project.   

• Acids and Bases

Pupils will develop on their understanding from S2, learning how to identify acids and bases using indicators.  Pupils will look at the four fundamental reactions of acids through practical work before applying their formula writing skills to these reactions.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

A variety of methods is used, including class teaching, project work, practical activities of different types, problem solving exercises, tutorials in small groups, videos and discussion. 

Pupils work in pairs when doing practical activities.  A range of skills are developed in the Chemistry course, with particular emphasis on practical work.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

Each topic will be assessed through an end of topic test.

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

Pupils should expect to work at home on a regular basis.   Without prompting, they should look back each week and summarise what they have covered.  In addition, they can expect to be doing either a written exercise or preparation for assessments.