Chemistry Triple Spring Term

Learners will finish the bonding unit they started last term and then begin energy and chemical changes

Bonding; In this unit we look at how chemists have used theories of structure and bonding to explain the physical and chemical properties of materials. Learners start by looking at the different types of bonds that compounds have; ionic, simple covalent, giant covalent and metallic. They look at how they are arranged in these bonds. They will also look at how scientists use this knowledge of structure and bonding to engineer new materials with desirable properties such as fullerenes. Triple learners also look at nanoparticles including the risks of using these in medicine and other products. We also will look into how we can test for specific cations and anions. 

Energy changes; Energy changes are an important part of chemical reactions. The interaction of particles often involves transfers of energy due to the breaking and formation of bonds. Reactions in which energy is released to the surroundings are exothermic reactions, while those that take in thermal energy are endothermic. These interactions between particles can produce heating or cooling effects that are used in a range of everyday applications. Some interactions between ions in an electrolyte result in the production of electricity. Cells and batteries use these chemical reactions to provide electricity. Electricity can also be used to decompose ionic substances and is a useful means of producing elements that are too expensive to extract any other way.

Chemical changes; In this unit learners will recap the reactivity series of metals, look at how they react with different substances and gain an understanding of how this is used when extracting metals. They will look at the reactions of metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides and metal carbonates with acids. They will learn about the pH scale and what an acid and an alkali is. They will then look at the different methods of extracting metals.

Bonding, chemical & energy changes 

End of unit assessment will consist of a 40 mark test

Midway assessment set by class teacher which could be an exam question

Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways.  These include marked assessments, reports, verbal feedback, written feedback in books, 1:1 interaction, Google Classroom and whole class feedback.