Chemistry

In this unit we will learn about atoms, physical and chemical properties and change, states of matter, density, and mixtures and solutions.

Week 1 (Sep 26): We will learn about atoms by experimenting with scents traveling through balloons and watching Bill Nye. The Point: Substances are made of different types of atoms. Also, apply the steps of the scientific method, specifically procedures.

Week 2 (Oct 3): We will work on variables and matter through the M&M labs. The Point: Apply the steps of the scientific method, specifically variables and data/averages.

Week 3 (Oct 10): We will use the "psychedelic milk" phenomena and other related investigations to delve into the way atoms and objects interact, and we will create a summary table to show our learning. We will also learn how to write scientific conclusions. The Point: Fields exist between objectsexerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact (NGSS MS-PS2-5). Also, apply the steps of the scientific method, specifically conclusions.

Week 4 (Oct 17): We will study physical properties of solids and perform four physical tests (appearance, crush, solubility, and re-crystallization) to identify a mystery substance. We will also study atomic structure and the periodic table. The Point: Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties. Solids have characteristic properties that can be used to identify an unknown.

Week 5 (Oct 24): We will study physical properties of liquids and perform physical tests (beading, pull, absorption, and evaporation) to identify a mystery substance. We will also study the elements and adopt elements to create a large periodic table in the classroom. The Point: Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties. Liquids have characteristic properties that can be used to identify an unknown.

Week 6 (Oct 31): We will continue our adopt-an-element project and review atomic structure. The Point: Substances are made from different types of atoms.

Week 7 (Nov 7): We will study chemical properties of matter. We will create an atomic clock and then perform a series of chemical tests to help us explain the atomic clock. The Point: Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties.

Week 8 (Nov 14): We will continue our series of chemical change labs and our "Iodine Clock" summary tables. The Point: Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties.

Week 9 (Nov 21): We will finish our series of chemical change labs and finalize our "Iodine Clock" summary tables. We will have some practice and then a quiz on physical and chemical properties. The Point: Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties.

Week 10 (Nov 28): We will learn states of matter by going through "Science Court" and a series of labs. The Point: Atoms are in motion, which is affected by heat, and they become solid, liquid or gas depending on this their motion. A change in state of matter is a physical change.

Week 11 (Dec 5): We will learn density and then mixtures and solutions by doing a series of labs. The Point: Density = mass/volume. The density of liquid water is 1 g/cm³. Substances have characteristic properties.

Week 12 (Dec 12): We will review what we have learned in the Chemistry Unit and take our unit test. The Point: Everything in the universe is made up of matter and energy. Our Chemistry Unit has been all about matter.

Week 13 (Jan 3): We will review the Chemistry Unit test and recap the entire unit with the help of Bill Nye. The Point: Everything in the universe is made up of matter and energy. Our Chemistry Unit has been all about matter.

Documents and assignments are linked below.

Journal Prompts and Notes from Chemistry Unit Weeks 1-4

Journal Prompts and Notes from Chemistry Unit Weeks 5-8

Journal Prompts and Notes from Chemistry Unit Weeks 9-12

Chemistry Unit Test Review Document - Chemistry Review Jeopardy 1 - Chemistry Review Jeopardy 2

Scientific Inquiry Process:

Notes: Hypothesis

Notes: Materials

Quiz: Hypothesis, Materials, and Measurement

Notes: Variables

Variable Practice

Simpson's Variable Practice