NCEA L2 Chemistry - Mātai Matū B
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S. Withers
Protecting our air, water and caves
Chemistry is a fascinating subject because of its history, the beauty of its logic and its multitude of applications.
At MBC chemistry is a subject for everyone.
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 can be used to protect our air, water, and caves
Topics you will learn about include:
Factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions
Chemical equilibrium and Kc values
Preserving the stalactites and stalagmites in the Waitomo caves
Acids, bases and salts, and pH
Using Quantitative analysis to find the concentration of ethanoic acid in household vinegar
Emission control systems in diesel engines
By the end of the course, you will know about the principles of
- Collision theory
- Catalysis
- Le Chatelier's principle
- pH and acid-base strength
- Stoichiometry
- Incomplete and complete combustion
- You will gain an understanding of the implications of chemical reactions on tourism as well as air and water health
Course Overview
Semester B
At the start of the PROTECTING OUR AIR ,WATER AND CAVES course 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 practice crafting concise, scientifically worded explanations and justifications.
Using the knowledge you have built you will apply these skills to explain the formation of cave structures and the need to monitor tourist numbers in our limestone caves.
While continuing to experiment with and build knowledge about acids bases and salts and pH you will be able to apply reaction rates, equilibrium and pH explain the chemistry of our water ways and suggest ways to protect them. This section is assessed as an external examination.
Your next challenge will be to process provided information and draw on the skills you mastered and the knowledge you built at the start of the course to craft a concise, scientifically worded report on the interaction of chemistry and technology in the development of the NO emission systems on diesel vehicles.
You will then learn to engage in Quantitative analysis as you develop a method for finding the percentage of ethanoic acid in Household vinegar and compare your result with that provided by the manufacture.
If you choose to complete another internal in place of the external you will complete another processing of information report (AS91389) on a wider range of emission control technologies and the effect of these emissions on people and the environment.
Recommended Prior Learning
14 credits in Science at Level 1, or higher.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
All curriculum costs will be covered by the school.
Assessment Information
This course has three documented assessments - a 3 credit practical internal on Quantitative analysis and a 4 credit processing information report on the chemistry involved in Diesel emission control and one 4 credit external on Reactivity.This course does however provide opportunities for students to design a personal unique course according to their abilities and aspirations.
For example there is an option to take a year long 5 credit Level 3 Organic Chemistry course (AS 91391) Monday afternoon 3:15 -4:15) from the start of the year and an option to swop the external Level 2 Reactivity (AS 91166) for another internal 3 credit Level 3 processing information report (AS91389) on a wider range of emission control technologies. These options can be negotiated with your teacher before/during the course.
Credit Information
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
Total Credits Available: 11 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 4 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 7 credits.
External
NZQA Info
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines