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Chemistry (Elective)

“As the depth of our insight into the wonderful works of God increases, the stronger are our feelings of awe and veneration in contemplating them and in endeavoring to approach their Author…So will he [the earnest student] by his studies and successive acquirements be led through nature up to nature’s God.” - William Thomson

 OVERVIEW

This unit aims to cultivate an enthusiasm for Chemistry as well as give students an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in preparation for VCE Chemistry. Experimental work will be used to introduce the concepts of selected everyday phenomena. Students investigate why some reactions absorb heat while others release heat. They seek to understand the laws of thermochemistry and will use stoichiometry and the law of conservation of mass to calculate quantitative data for chemical reactions. Throughout the unit students will learn about the mole and will conduct experiments that require them to calculate precise quantities needed for a chemical reaction to produce a desired outcome. By understanding thermochemistry, students will be able to explain how the formation or breaking of chemical bonds results in exothermic or endothermic reactions and they will be able to calculate the amount of energy stored in a substance.

SUBJECT LENGTH

  • 4 periods a cycle

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • The mole and chemical formulae
  • Thermochemistry and balancing chemical equations
  • Stoichiometry; including predicting products and finding excess/limiting reagents
  • Science Skills: Experimental design, critical thinking and laboratory skills

PREREQUISITES

Levy cost

ASSESSMENT

  • Extended Practical Investigations
  • Practical tasks
  • STILE Activities

 “Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2