Learning Recommendations:
- Successful completion of SCI126 - Physics Laboratory Methods or SCI125 - Chemistry Laboratory Methods
- Successful completion of SC200A/B - Biology
- Successful completion of MT100A/B - Common Core Algebra 1 (recommended "B" or better) and concurrent enrollment in MT200A/B - 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 structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding with formula writing and equations, molecular structure, and physical and chemical properties
- States of Matter: gases, liquids, solids and phase changes
- Reaction types: acids, bases, and precipitation
- Thermodynamics: energy changes in chemical and physical changes of state
- Application of Chemistry in daily life and in the 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 calculator. If you need to purchase a scientific calculator, the TI-30XIIS is recommended. For families considering investing in a graphing calculator, a TI-brand graphing calculator (not CAS) is recommended.
The Washington State Technology Standards addressed in this course include: