Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition, and reactivity. Students will perform laboratory work to learn connections between evidence, reasoning, and models that explain natural phenomena.Examples of student lab experiences include:

• Properties of matter

• Stoichiometry and percent composition

• Density of materials

• Dilution of solutions

• Types of chemical reactions

• The gas laws

• Acid-base titration

In these exciting, hands on lab experiences, students will learn to use laboratory equipment safely and appropriately to make measurements of relevant data.  Students will work collaboratively with peers to design and carry out investigations, perform data analysis, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Essential Learning Goals

• Explanation of Phenomena (30%) - Students will use models and systems to make sense of matter and its changes, as evidenced by correct explanations of observed data and phenomena.

• Process of Inquiry (40%) - Students will ask questions, define problems, design and carry out investigations, and communicate the results of those investigations as evidenced by presentation of lab processes and results in written and/or verbal form.

• Computational Thinking/Problem Solving (30%) - Students will use mathematics and computational thinking to solve problems as evidenced by articulating the process of solving a variety of problems, and by arriving at a correct answer.

Major Assessments and Success Criteria

Students will be assessed on their explanations of natural phenomena using chemistry principles, their solutions to a variety of problems, and on their conducting and communicating  the results of laboratory investigations. Success criteria include: correct use of vocabulary and reasoning when explaining scientific phenomena, a clearly articulated process for problem solving, and appropriate use of the scientific method when conducting and reporting the results of investigations.