Learning Recommendations:
- Successful completion of SCI126 - Physics Laboratory Methods or SCI125 - Chemistry Laboratory Methods
- Successful completion of SCI200 - Biology
- Successful completion of MTH100 - Common Core Algebra 1 (recommended "B" or better) and concurrent enrollment in MTH200 - Common Core Geometry or higher
- Proficient in the use of computer software for word processing and spreadsheets
- Proficient in lab technique, problem solving and critical thinking
General Description:
- This is a yearlong laboratory course, which fulfills the science requirements for graduation and university entrance.
- Emphasis on lab skills and scientific inquiry
- Emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving
- Chemistry is a quantitative science and students do a significant amount of math
- This course fulfills one (1) college prep science requirement, as outlined by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) as a lab-based and Algebra-based Science course.
Content: Students will be actively engaged in learning and experiencing the following:
- Structure of Matter: including atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding with formula writing and equations, molecular structure
- States of Matter: gases, liquids, solids with physical, chemical and phase change and their characteristics
- Reaction types: acids, bases, and precipitation
- Equilibrium and Reaction Rates: gas and ionic equilibrium and factors affecting rates of reactions
- Thermodynamics: energy changes in chemical and physical reactions
- Application of Chemistry in daily life and environment
Skills Taught in this Course:
- Extended inquiry-based laboratory work with emphasis on analysis of data
- Extended problem solving and critical thinking strategies
- Use of sophisticated equipment and probe ware to investigate chemistry phenomena
- Data analysis and graphing techniques
- Communication through scientific writing
Strategies: Students will learn through a combination of:
- Inquiry-based laboratory work with emphasis on analysis of data
- Critical thinking exercises
- Cooperative learning
- Technology based data collection devices for data collection
- Demonstrations (teacher and student led)
- Student project and research
- Interdisciplinary applications are used when appropriate/possible
- Communication through scientific writing
- Lecture/discussion
Equipment to be provided by Student: Graphing or scientific function calculator recommended (TI-83+, TI-84, or TI-Nspire)
The Washington State Technology Standards addressed in this course include: