Chemistry (G10)

Science has given humans the most widely accepted understanding of how the world around us works. We believe that this understanding should be used for ‘building peace and a sustainable future’. Through our Science options, students will critically engage with global issues, exploring research and data through a scientific lens as a way of solving problems and supporting innovation. Students will appreciate how using science specific terminology and the scientific method can lead to evidence-based conclusions which have a role in personal and societal decision making.

Chemistry allows students to study the fundamental nature of matter, how matter changes and interacts in predictable ways that can be described through patterns and processes. Students will build an understanding of materials, including their chemical structures and interactions, which they will use to relate the energy and climate crises and explore different solutions such as by applying principles of green chemistry.

With a strong emphasis on experimentation and through an inquiry based approach, Chemistry students will deepen their understanding of the world by developing scientific investigative skills. Students will explore tools and techniques specific to each discipline, as well as methodologies that are common across all three sciences. This includes developing an understanding of the Nature of Science, including the ability to apply the scientific method and critique and analyse information from different sources.

Course Aims

Develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of scientific thinking and the scientific method in both local and global contexts (e.g. in peace building).
Appreciate the role of science in solving challenges faced by society by becoming informed about local and global issues through a scientific lens
Develop conceptual understandings in science using science specific terminology precisely and applying the scientific method accurately.
Communicate effectively the connections between conceptual understandings, experimental methods, tools and techniques within scientific contexts.
Develop an awareness of the ethical, environmental, and cultural/social impact of science, leading to evidence based conclusions.
Appreciate how a scientific approach (world view) allows exploration of personal identity and can enhance wellbeing.
Develop an interdisciplinary approach that allows connections to be made between different areas of Science & the UWCSEA learning programme.

Course Outline

C11: Why Matter Matters

C12: Acids, Bases & Salts - the cause or the solution?

C13: The Clean Energy Transition (the age of fire is over)

C14: Chemists' Role in the Fight Against Disease

Skills developed

The science course options will focus on students developing:

Collaboration within groups in classwork, project work and practical work
Communication and presentation of scientific concepts and the scientific method
Hands on practical skills and techniques in the laboratory
Analytical skills of patterns and trends in data
Critical thinking around application of scientific understanding
Creativity in designing independent investigations and solving problems

Assessment

There will be a variety of assessments, both formative and summative, that vary in their form and purpose. These will include assessment through practical skills, extended responses to conceptual questions, communication in science, project work, laboratory and field work, and tests of knowledge and understanding.

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