CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
INTRODUCTION
Four major themes integrate
the chemistry topics studied at the intermediate level: Classification and
constituents of matter, chemical reactions and energy, organic chemistry, and
environment. However, while "chemistry and the environment" is presented in a separate chapter at the Grade 9 level, the
environment is a central theme that permeates all the topics covered at all
three grades of the intermediate level.
The emphasis in the chemistry
program at this level is on the conceptual and practical aspects of chemistry
and on the interplay between the macro- and micro natures of this subject. It
avoids, to some extent, the use of mathematical applications in presenting the
topics. This program strives to acquaint students with chemicals used in the
laboratory and in everyday life, while, at the same time, making them aware of
the risks involved in and safety measures needed for working with chemicals.
Finally, the program aims at providing students with a better understanding of
the role of chemistry in causing and solving environmental problems.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the intermediate level, students
should:
1- Understand that:
-
Matter is
discontinuous.
-
Chemical compounds are formed of a limited number of elements.
-
Chemical change
involves the production of new substances.
-
Energy accompanies
chemical change.
-
Chemical bonds
involve the redistribution of electrons around the nucleus.
-
Matter is conserved during chemical change.
-
Chemical reactions
proceed at different rates.
-
Carbon is the
fundamental element in organic compounds.
-
Symbols, formulas,
and equations constitute the language of chemistry.
2- Acquire skills in:
-
Scientific observation.
-
Classification according to various criteria.
-
Experimentation using a variety of techniques.
-
Constructing
models, simple devices, and setting up experimental apparatus.
-
Organization and interpretation of data.
-
Selection and use of scientific reference materials.
-
Using precise scientific language.
-
Using scientific information in novel situations.
3- Acquire attitudes and orientations to:
-
Perceive the close
relationship among chemistry, technology, and industry.
-
Identify careers in
chemistry.
-
Practice safety
measures when using chemicals.
-
Develop cooperative
skills by working in groups.
-
Appreciate such
scientific values as objectivity, honesty, open-mindedness, tolerance of
differing viewpoints, and respect for manual work.
-
Develop positive
attitudes toward and interest in science.
-
Appreciate the role
of chemistry in improving the standard of living.
-
Be aware of the
close inter-relationships between chemistry, other sciences, and technology.
CONTENTS:
|
Grade Seven |
|
1) Matter: Classification and
Separation Techniques §
Classification of
Matter -
Solid, Liquid, Gas. -
Mixtures, Pure Substances. -
Homogeneous, Heterogeneous Mixtures. §
Separation
Techniques -
Separating Heterogeneous Mixtures: Decantation, Filtration,
Centrifugation and other techniques. -
Separating Homogeneous Mixtures: Distillation, Crystallization,
Chromatography and other techniques. -
Limitations of separation techniques. §
Environmental
Applications -
Water
Purification -
Home and Industrial Filters. 2) Solutions, Suspensions and
Colloids §
Solutions -
Liquid Solutions: Aqueous and Non-aqueous solutions, Concentrated and
Dilute solutions. -
Gaseous and Solid Solutions. -
Solubility:
Saturated solutions, Rate of dissolving and Factors influencing solubility. §
Suspensions and
Colloids §
Environmental
Applications -
Dilution of toxic wastes. -
Importance of nutrition and respiration at the level of the habitat. 3) Chemical Reactions §
Reactants and
Products §
Conservation of
matter §
Energy and
Chemical Reactions: -
Heat Energy,
Electrical Energy and Light §
Combustion as one
type of chemical reaction -
Combustion
reactions need oxygen -
Complete and
Incomplete combustion reactions -
Energy and
combustion reactions -
Slow and Rapid
combustion reactions -
Pollution due to
combustion reactions -
Safety (Laboratory, House, Forests...). |
|
Grade Eight |
|
1)
Electrical Nature of Matter §
Electrification §
Electric
Discharge §
Conductors and
Insulators §
Electricity and
Safety 2) Pure Substances § Elements -
Metals and Non-metals § Compounds § Atoms, Molecules
and Ions -
Electrical Nature
of atoms -
Molecules -
Mono- and
Polyatomic ions -
Anions and Cations §
Symbols and
Formulas §
Allotropes:
diamond and graphite 3) Chemical Reactions §
Chemical
Equations -
Word equations
and using symbols and formulas -
Balancing
chemical equations §
Types of Chemical
Reactions -
Decomposition
reactions -
Synthesis
reactions -
Displacement
reactions: (single and double) §
Rate of Chemical
Reactions 4) Acids, Bases and Salts §
Acidic and Basic
Solutions -
Common acids and
bases -
Properties of
acids and bases §
Acidity: Concept
of pH §
Salts -
Salt formation -
Tests to identify
some ions §
Applications -
Acid Rain, Antacids, Fertilizers |
|
Grade Nine |
|
1) The Atom §
Structure of the
Atom -
Development of
the Atomic Model across history -
Constituents of
the nucleus -
Energy levels -
Atomic Number,
Mass Number, Atomic Mass -
Isotopes -
Electron
configuration §
The Mole concept §
Periodic Table 2) Chemical Bonding §
Stability of the
inert gases §
Formation of a
chemical bond §
Electron-dot
symbols §
Covalent bond §
Ionic bond 3) Electrochemistry §
Electric energy
from chemical reactions -
Applications: Electrochemical cells. §
Using electric
energy to produce chemical reactions -
Applications:
Electrolysis of water, electroplating, cathodic
protection §
Oxidation -
Reduction reactions 4) Organic Chemistry §
Hydrocarbons -
Aliphatic
hydrocarbons -
Aromatic
hydrocarbons §
Petroleum,
Natural Gas and Coal §
Esterification and Saponification §
Synthetic
Materials 5) Chemistry and Environment §
Pollution of Air,
Water, and Soil -
Pollutants and
their sources -
Effects of
pollution §
Addressing
pollution problems |