Marlborough Boys’ College
NCEA L2 Chemistry - Mātai Matū
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S. Withers.
Coastal chemistry - Waitā, Pohutakawa, Waipunarangi and Ururangi
Chemistry is a fascinating subject because of its history, the beauty of its logic and its multitude of applications.
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes in composition that this matter undergoes. We do experiments to describe what matter looks like and does and then we learn how to use chemical principles to explain and discuss why matter behaves in this way.
This course is for students who wish to develop their thinking skills, their ability to engage in logical argument, laboratory skills and their understanding of the microstructure and behaviour of matter and chemical systems as they learn about the chemicals and chemical reactions that affect our coastal waters and our kaimoana - seafood.
Topics you will learn about include:
Organic chemistry - carrying out reactions to change organic chemicals from one type to another and to identify unknown solutions.
Redox reactions - carrying out experiments to observe the movement of electrons between chemicals
Qualitative analysis - experimenting to find the chemicals present storm water
Factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions - experimenting to control the speed of chemical reactions
Chemical equilibrium and Kc values - experimenting to find ways to control chemical reactions
Acids, bases and salts, and pH - building an understanding of chemical reactions in water
Quantitative analysis - finding the concentration of chlorine in chlorine water
How chemistry, technology and government regulations have driven the development of emission control systems
By the end of the course you will know about the principles of
- IUPAC nomenclature of a variety of organic molecules
- Oxidation, reduction, addition, substitution, elimination and acid base reactions
- Using qualitative analysis to identify a range of organic and inorganic molecules
- Collision theory
- Catalysis
- Le Chatelier's principle
- pH and acid-base strength
- Stoichiometry
- Incomplete and complete combustion
and you will have built and had the opportunity to communicate your understanding of
- the implications of chemicals and chemical reactions for our coastal waters and our kaimoana
- how chemistry, technology and government regulations have driven the development of emission control systems
Course Overview
Term 1
At the start of our Coastal chemistry course we will focus on the significance of the Matariki stars- Waitā and Pohutakawa - as we build knowledge about the implications of the chemicals that flow via our storm water drains and sewage works into our coastal waters.
We will use qualitative analysis to identify the chemicals in storm water and qualitative analysis to find the concentration of chlorine in water.
The skills that you develop and knowledge you build will be assessed via a three credit and a four credit internal assessments.
Term 2
As we move into Term Two we continue our focus on the significance of the Matariki stars - Waitā and Pohutakawa - as we build further knowledge about the implications of the chemicals that are introduced into our coastal waters and mined from beneath the waves. A new language will be introduced to you - IUPAC nomenclature. As you practise using this language to name organic molecules and carry out reactions to change organic chemicals from one type to another you will become familiar with alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, haloalkanes, amines, alcohols, carboxylic acids and their associated physical and chemical properties. By using the qualitative analysis skills that you developed in Term 1, you will distinguish between a range of organic molecules and learn to craft concise, scientifically worded explanations to justify your answers. The knowledge you have built around Organic chemistry will be assessed via a four credit external examination at the end of the year.
Towards the latter part of Term 2 we will focus on the significance of the Matariki stars - Ururangi and Waipunarangi - as we build knowledge about the implications of the chemicals that make their way into our winds and rainwater. You will learn about Collision theory and Le Chatelier's principle, carry out experiments that involve changing the conditions under which reactions occur and observing to see which factors cause a reaction to rate to increase or decrease and a system at equilibrium to be disturbed. You will use these reactions to improve your ability to craft concise, scientifically worded explanations and justifications. These activities will also allow you to make sense of the way emission control regulations have driven recent chemical and technological developments in vehicle exhaust systems.
Term 3
In Term 3 we continue our focus on the significance of the Matariki stars - Ururangi and Waipunarangi - as we build knowledge about the implications of the chemicals that make their way into our winds and rainwater.
We experiment with and build knowledge about acids bases and salts and pH. This will support you in being able to apply reaction rates, equilibrium and pH to explain the implications of chemicals that have made their way into our winds and rain. This unit is assessed via an external four credit examination at the end of the year.
After our derived grade examinations you will carry out experiments that involve electrons moving from one chemical to another. Though these Redox Reactions cause many of the negative effects of pollutants in our winds and rainwater, they are also the mechanisms whereby antioxidants and many emission control systems function. This unit is assessed via an internal three credit practical examination where you justify your results using the concise, scientifically worded explanations and justifications that you have practised throughout the year.
Term 4
We follow a revision program to prepare for the two external examinations.
Recommended Prior Learning
The BCS Level 1 Science course, or higher. However, if you are really keen and are willing to work hard, we will consider you.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
All curriculum costs will be covered by the school.
Pathway
CHOOSE THIS COURSE IF.….
You want to keep your career options open or if you are considering a career in any science or in law, writing , politics, farming or a trade or or if you are just interested in the world around you and want to be able to make informed decisions about consumer products and your effect on the environment.
AND BECAUSE ........
Chemistry develops habits of thinking logically and clearly that can be applied to almost any sort of work
A knowledge of chemistry is useful, no matter what career you follow
Chemistry is part of all natural sciences and a person cannot go very far in any science without a knowledge of chemistry
Chemistry is an essential prerequisite for many university and technical courses.
Assessment Information
This course has six documented assessments - two 3 credit and one 4 credit practical internal credits on Redox reactions, Qualitative analysis and Quantitative analysis and two 4 credit externals on Organic chemistry and Reactivity.This course does however provide opportunities for students to design a personal unique course according to their abilities and aspirations as well as the opportunity to compete for a place on the New Zealand team for the international Chemistry Olympiad.
For example there is an option to take a year long 5 credit Level 3 Chemistry course from 3:30 to 4:30 one afternoon a week throughout the year.
These options can be negotiated with your teacher during the course.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactivity
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation into a substance present in a consumer product using quantitative analysis
NZQA Info
Chemistry 2.2 - Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
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