Year: 11 (Stage 1) – Elective
Length: Semester (10 SACE Credits)
Contact Person: Clay Reid
Recommended Background: Successful completion of Year 10 Science.
Content: In their study of Chemistry, students develop and extend their understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources. They explore examples of how scientific understanding is dynamic and develops with new evidence, which may involve the application of new technologies.
Topic 1: Materials and Their Atoms. Students investigate the physical properties of a range of materials and how these properties relate to their uses; for example, how these properties are important in separating materials.
Topic 2: Combining of Atoms. In this topic students explore the different types of primary bonding — metallic, ionic, and covalent — as well as secondary interactions, and use models of bonding to develop and extend their understanding of the chemistry behind the macroscopic properties of materials.
Topic 3: Molecules. In this topic, students explore the three-dimensional arrangement of simple molecules and the principles that explain these structures.
Assessment: Students are assessed using the SACE Performance Standards. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:
- Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (at least one practical investigation and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour)
- Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications tasks (at least one task)
This course has been designed as a prerequisite for Stage 2 Chemistry. Therefore, students must successfully complete a full year of Chemistry at Stage 1 (both units Chemistry A and Chemistry B) if they intend to study Stage 2 Chemistry.
Additional Charges: A fee applies to participate in this subject in addition to the CHS Materials and Service charges. This fee is for purchasing a Chemistry Workbook / Textbook and approximate cost is $55.00.