Chemistry

Chemistry deals with the fundamental nature and reactions of matter. It is the central science as chemical concepts form the basis of our understanding of biological systems and the physical world around us. Chemistry has been hugely influential on humankind’s development throughout the ages and this is no less true now. The development of medicines, fuels, fertilisers, polymers and semiconductors, affect all of us one way or another.

At a time when our planet seems to be at the brink of so many problems, Chemistry has a major role to play in most areas of human endeavour: understanding the global process; monitoring the environment and pollution; finding alternative fuels and discovering cures for malaria, AIDS and cancer. This is a course, which, through practical experience and intellectual arguments, takes students into the fascinating and sometimes perplexing realms of the nature of light and matter.

Course Structure

There are two organizing concepts in the chemistry roadmap: structure and reactivity.

Each of these concepts is subdivided into topics and subtopics, which are all connected through the idea that structure determines reactivity, which in turn transforms structure.

Course outline

Grade 11

Unit 1: Astroid Mining (atomic structure & introduction to moles)
Unit 2: Make every atom count (further moles)
Unit 3: Material Science (the periodic table & bonding)
Unit 4: How Far How Fast (kinetics)
Unit 5: Energy from Fuels (organic chemistry & energetics)
Unit 6: Patterns (periodicity & transition metals)

Grade 12

Unit 7: Covalency
Unit 8: Equilibria, Acids & Bases with Spontaneity
Unit 9: Further Organic Chemistry

Skills developed

Integral to the student experience of a chemistry course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry within the classroom.

Experimentation through a variety of forms can be used to introduce a topic, address a phenomenon or allow students to consider and examine authentic questions and curiosities.

Students are encouraged to develop investigations to support their learning through open-ended inquiry with a focus on laboratory experiments, databases, simulations and modelling.

This in turn develops many skills are shown in the diagram.

Assessment

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