Chemistry

KLA: SCIENCE

Chemistry - 2 Units for each Preliminary and HSC

[Board Developed Course]

Exclusions: Senior Science (Preliminary Only)

Course Description:

The Chemistry course is framed around Inquiry Questions that both direct learners to specific content as well as allow for appropriate skill development in each of the modules identified below.

At Marian, the Science learning environment uses questioning as our prime starting point for learning. Upon asking questions, making observations that link content with investigation we seek to develop deep understanding across each module.

Throughout the courses in both Preliminary and HSC, learners will have opportunities to experience Learning across the Curriculum which engages and inspires today’s learners to be ready for the challenges of tomorrow by seeking contexts within which we study Chemistry.

A focus on questioning allows for a diverse range of learners, seeking to inspire and develop young scientific minds that can shape the future.

We encourage all learners to develop their ability to work with their peers and teachers to Work Scientifically to gain insight into the chemical world.

Opportunities exist throughout each module for students to engage in Depth Studies. These allow for individual interests and abilities in seeking further understanding of the course concepts. They include individual or collaborative investigative techniques, opportunities to use technology for further investigation of specific concepts as well as development of self assessment skills.

Main Topics Covered

Preliminary Course

Properties and Structure of Matter
Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry
Reactive Chemistry
Drivers of Reactions

HSC Course

Equilibrium and Acid Reactions
Acid / Base Reactions
Organic Chemistry
Applying Chemical Ideas

Particular Course Requirements:

Scientific investigations include both practical investigations and secondary-sourced investigations. Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11and 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time in each year, including time allocated to practical investigations / in depth studies.

Practical investigations include:

Undertaking laboratory experiments, including the use of appropriate digital technologies
Fieldwork

Secondary-sourced investigations include:

Locating and accessing a wide range of secondary data and/or information
Using and reorganising secondary data and/or information

Skills Developed:

Developing and evaluating questions and hypotheses
Designing and evaluating investigations
Conducting investigations to collect reliable and valid data
Selecting and assessing appropriate data
Analysing and evaluating data
Solving scientific problems using data and critical thinking skills
Communicating scientific understanding using suitable language
and terminology

Additional Information

It is essential that students of Science are confident and proficient in Mathematics and have good information processing skills and a capacity for independent learning. Successful performance in Science relies on sound knowledge of course content and the development of skills such as comprehension, analysis, application of knowledge, evaluation, communication of ideas, problem solving, making and recording observations and the planning and carrying out of practical investigations. As a result, it is highly desirable that students choosing Chemistry have a RECORD OF PROVEN ABILITY IN SCIENCE (minimum B Grade Year 10 Science), good work ethic in Year 10 and have selected to study either Advanced Mathematics or Extension Mathematics in Year 11.

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