View source for Quest: Chemistry

In junior high school chemistry, students are introduced to fundamental concepts that form the foundation for more advanced study in high school chemistry. Here's a list of key topics that should typically be covered:

=== https://www.uen.org/core/core.do?courseNum=3621 ===
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By covering these topics, students will gain a solid understanding of basic chemistry principles and be well-prepared for more advanced chemistry topics in high school.



=== 5-Week, 4-Days-Per-Week Course Plan: Strand CHEM.1: The Structure and Properties of Atoms ===

=== '''[[ Week 1: Foundations of Chemistry ]]''' ===

'''[[ W1:Day 1: Elephant toothpaste ]]'''


'''[[ W1:Day 2: Introduction to Chemistry ]]'''

* '''Topics''': Definition of chemistry, branches, and the scientific method.
* '''Activities''': Discuss the role of chemistry in everyday life and ask testable questions.

'''[[ W1:Day 3: Matter and Its Properties ]]'''

* '''Topics''': States of matter, physical vs. chemical properties and changes.
* '''Activities''': Develop a model showing particle arrangements in solids, liquids, and gases.

'''[[ W1:Day 4: Atomic Structure ]]'''

* '''Topics''': Protons, neutrons, electrons, and the periodic table's organization.
* '''Activities''': Explore patterns in the periodic table to predict element properties.

'''[[ w1:Day 4: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures ]]'''

* '''Topics''': Classification of matter, mixtures vs. pure substances.
* '''Activities''': Design an experiment to separate a mixture based on physical properties.

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=== '''Week 2: Chemical Reactions Basics''' ===
'''Day 5: Introduction to Chemical Reactions'''

* '''Topics''': Evidence of chemical reactions, reactants, and products.
* '''Activities''': Perform a simple reaction (e.g., vinegar and baking soda) and analyze results.

'''Day 6: Balancing Chemical Equations'''

* '''Topics''': Law of Conservation of Mass.
* '''Activities''': Practice balancing chemical equations using real examples.

'''Day 7: Types of Chemical Reactions'''

* '''Topics''': Synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion.
* '''Activities''': Classify reaction types from provided equations.

'''Day 8: Energy in Chemical Reactions'''

* '''Topics''': Endothermic vs. exothermic reactions.
* '''Activities''': Investigate temperature changes in simple reactions.

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=== '''Week 3: Advanced Concepts in Chemistry''' ===
'''Day 9: Rates of Reaction'''

* '''Topics''': Factors influencing reaction rates (temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts).
* '''Activities''': Experiment with Alka-Seltzer tablets under different conditions to observe reaction rates.

'''Day 10: The Mole Concept'''

* '''Topics''': Avogadro’s number, molar mass, conversions between moles and grams.
* '''Activities''': Perform mole-to-mass calculations with provided examples.

'''Day 11: Solutions and Solubility'''

* '''Topics''': Solvent, solute, concentration, and factors affecting solubility.
* '''Activities''': Prepare solutions and measure solubility at different temperatures.

'''Day 12: Acids and Bases'''

* '''Topics''': Properties, the pH scale, and neutralization reactions.
* '''Activities''': Test pH of common household items and observe neutralization.

----

=== '''Week 4: Applications of Chemistry''' ===
'''Day 13: Gas Laws'''

* '''Topics''': Boyle’s Law, Charles’s Law, and the Ideal Gas Law.
* '''Activities''': Conduct an experiment with balloons to observe changes in volume and pressure.

'''Day 14: Thermodynamics'''

* '''Topics''': Heat transfer, exothermic vs. endothermic processes.
* '''Activities''': Investigate heat changes using a simple calorimetry setup.

'''Day 15: Organic Chemistry Basics'''

* '''Topics''': Hydrocarbons, functional groups, and polymers.
* '''Activities''': Build molecular models of organic compounds (e.g., methane and ethanol).

'''Day 16: Environmental Chemistry'''

* '''Topics''': Greenhouse gases, pollution, and sustainability.
* '''Activities''': Analyze data on CO₂ emissions and brainstorm solutions to reduce environmental impact.

----

=== '''Week 5: Review, Projects, and Assessment''' ===
'''Day 17: Chemistry in Industry'''

* '''Topics''': Applications of chemistry in medicine, agriculture, and technology.
* '''Activities''': Research and present examples of real-world chemical processes.

'''Day 18: Review and Reinforcement'''

* '''Topics''': Recap major concepts (e.g., atomic structure, reactions, solutions).
* '''Activities''': Work on review worksheets or interactive quizzes.

'''Day 19: Project Work'''

* '''Topics''': Create a solution to a real-world problem using chemistry.
* '''Activities''': Begin project presentations and peer feedback.

'''Day 20: Final Presentations and Assessment'''

* '''Activities''': Present projects and complete a short cumulative test or interactive group quiz.

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