Web development 9
Samantha Shen
Chemistry Competency
BIG IDEAS
Structure of Matter
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Atoms are the building blocks of everything. Atoms combine to make molecules and compounds. By understanding the structure of an atom we can understand why substances behave how they do.
Properties of Matter
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Matter also has physical and chemical properties such as colour, density, melting point, and reactivity. The properties of a substance allow us to identify the substance and predict how it will behave.
Chemical Change through Chemical Reactions
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Matter can change through chemical reactions; atoms are rearranged to create new substances, and energy may be released or absorbed.
Energy in Chemistry
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Energy is involved in every step of each chemical process. The energy produced by chemical reactions often influences how and why a chemical reaction takes place.
The Use of Models and Theories in Chemistry
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Models, diagrams, and theories are useful in describing, predicting, and providing insight into the chemical behaviour of substances, especially those which we cannot see (i.e. atoms and electrons).
Chemistry and Its Applications
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Chemistry is everywhere in our daily lives, from cooking to cleaning to medicine to the environment to industry.
Chemistry competency also requires critical thinking skills. Students must develop these critical thinking skills in order to evaluate laboratory results, draw conclusions, and connect chemistry to real-world situations, such as cooking, cleaning, and the environment. Students are supported in developing these critical thinking skills and improving their chemistry competency through continued participation in laboratory experiences, conducting experiments, and receiving guidance from their teachers.
Conclusion
An appropriate level of competency in chemistry includes the ability to understand fundamental chemistry concepts including atoms, molecules, chemical equations, and reactions. In addition, a student should be able to complete quantitative problems, balance chemical equations, and write the associated chemical notation and units. Laboratory experience is also an integral component of competency within chemistry. A student who is able to complete laboratory experiments with attention to detail, follow safety protocols, and accurately document observations will develop confidence as a member of a laboratory environment.
THE GOAL
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To summarize, if a student is competent in chemistry, they will be able to understand, apply, and carry out chemistry concepts with greater ease than if he or she were not competent. There are two aspects to developing competency; the first is acquiring knowledge relating to chemistry. The second aspect of chemistry competency relates to the fact that students learn how to apply the concepts they have learned by actually performing experiments.
