Year 11 Chemistry
(Unit 1 & 2)

COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 1 – How can diversity of Materials be explained? 

The development and use of materials for specific purposes is an important human endeavour. In this unit students investigate the chemical structures and properties of a range of materials, including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds and polymers. They are introduced to ways that chemical quantities are measured. They consider how manufacturing innovations lead to more sustainable products being produced for society through the use of renewable raw materials and a transition from a linear economy towards a circular economy. 

Outcome 1 

On completion of this unit students should be able to explain how elements form carbon compounds, metallic lattices and ionic compounds, experimentally investigate and model the properties of different materials, and use chromatography to separate the components of mixtures. 

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit students should be able to calculate mole quantities, use systematic nomenclature to name organic compounds, explain how polymers can be designed for a purpose, and evaluate the consequences for human health and the environment of the production of organic materials and polymers. 

Outcome 3 

On completion of this unit students should be able to investigate and explain how chemical knowledge is used to create a more sustainable future in relation to the production or use of a selected material. 

Unit 2 – How do chemical reactions shape the natural world? 

Society is dependent on the work of chemists to analyse the materials and products in everyday use. In this unit students analyse and compare different substances dissolved in water and the gases that may be produced in chemical reactions. They explore applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society. Students conduct practical investigations involving the specific heat capacity of water, acid-base and redox reactions, solubility, molar volume of a gas, volumetric analysis, and the use of a calibration curve. 

Outcome 1 

On completion of this unit students should be able to explain the properties of water in terms of structure and bonding, and experimentally investigate and analyse applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society 

Outcome 2 

On completion of this unit students should be able to calculate solution concentrations and predict solubilities, use volumetric analysis and instrumental techniques to analyse for acids, bases and salts, and apply stoichiometry to calculate chemical quantities. 

Outcome 3 

On completion of this unit students should be able to draw an evidence-based conclusion from primary data generated from a student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation related to the production of gases, acid-base or redox reactions or the analysis of substances in water. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS

Unit 1 & 2

• A report of a laboratory or fieldwork activity, including the generation of primary data

• Comparison and evaluation of chemical concepts, methodologies and methods, and findings from at least two student practical activities 

•  Reflective annotations of one or more practical activities from a logbook

•  Critique of an experimental deisgnm chemical process or apparatus 

• Analysis and evaluation of generated primary and/or collated secondary data

• A modelling or simulation activity

• A media analysis /response

• Problem-solving involving chemical concepts, skills and/or issues

• A report of an application of chemical concepts to a real-world context

• Analysis and evaluation of a chemical innovation, research study, case study, socio-scientific issue, secondary data or a media communication, with a reference to sustainability (green chemistry principles, sustainable development and/or the transiltion to a circular economy)

• An infographic

• A scientific poster

The level of achievement for Units 1 and 2 is also assessed by an examination in each unit

No parent payment