Chemistry

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

This course will focus on the application of chemistry concepts in daily life, with a somewhat "lighter" mathematical load. This general chemistry course will introduce students to the study of matter and its properties including atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical reactions, basic chemical equations (successful completion of at least algebra 1 is required for this course), gas laws, solutions, acid base reactions, and redox chemistry. This 32-week course includes weekly 1.5-hour class sessions combining demonstration, lecture, and discussion. During the week students will engage in hands-on experimentation that will include documenting findings in lab reports and science journals, opportunities for presentation to the class, and will occasionally include some group work outside of the scheduled live Zoom meetings. Chemistry lab activities, demonstrations and virtual chemistry lab activities will help students to visualize important chemistry concepts.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will acquire a basic understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts with application to issues of science and technology that impact our society.
2. Students will have opportunities to learn and practice scientific skills including careful observation, testing hypotheses through experimentation, using evidence to draw conclusions, and documenting findings for review.
3. Students will apply concepts to their own interests and communicate their understandings through projects and presentations.
4. Students will investigate the development of the Chemistry over time through engagement with primary sources and reflections on current debates.

Texts:

• Novarre General Chemistry Text - ISBN 978-0-9972845-1-5
• The Chemistry Book, Derek B. Lowe - ISBN-13: 978-1454911807
• Additional Readings Assigned by Instructor

Recommended Laboratory Equipment

• General Supplies (for multiple experiments) – glass containers (you can order 100 and 250mL beakers or use juice glasses but they must be glass), a digital mass scale, measuring cups and spoons, funnel, thermometer that reads from 0 – 100 degrees Celsius, safety goggles, rubber cleaning gloves
• Electrolysis of Water – Four connecting wires with alligator clips, glass container, 3 9-volt batteries, leads for mechanical pencils, water-resistant tape
• Comparing Conversions to Measurements – book, metric and English rulers
• Law of Mass Conservation – lye (be sure it is 100% lye – commonly sold as drain cleaner), white vinegar, red cabbage
• Iron Particles in a Mixture – iron fortified flaked breakfast cereal (box should say 100 percent daily requirement for iron), gallon-sized food storage bag, strong magnet, sheet of paper
• Energy In Ionic Bonds – lye
• Comparing Ionic, Polar, and Covalent Compounds – salt, vegetable oil
• Determining the Limiting Reactant – baking soda, vinegar, string of tape measure, ruler, balloon, 2-liter bottle
• Using Ideal Gas Law to Determine the Value of R – towels or napkins, butane lighter (if possible a small lighter with a clear case will work best)
• Determine Acid in Vinegar – 2-liter bottle, balloon, vinegar, baking soda, string and ruler
• Homemade Ice Cream – 2 large freezer bags, sugar, whole milk, coarse salt, vanilla, ice
• Acids and Bases At Home – litmus paper, apple, soda or orange juice, toilet cleaner, bar soap (not labeled ph balanced), all-purpose cleaner, drain cleaner
• Concentration of Ammonia – eyedropper or pipette, distilled water, white paper, red cabbage, ammonia (clear), vinegar (clear)
• Electroplating – wires with alligator clips (2), 9-volt battery, piece of copper (elbow from the plumbing section for example NOTE: most pennies are not copper anymore), vinegar, water resistant tape (Band aid)