Chemistry High School Standards

Learning Standards for a full first-year course

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The chemistry high school standards address the following topics: Properties of Matter; Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry; Periodicity; Chemical Bonding; Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry; States of Matter, Kinetic Theory, and Thermochemistry; Solutions, Rates of Reactions, and Equilibrium; and Acids, Bases and Reduction-Oxidation Reactions.

 

At the high school level, students learn about the properties of matter and how these properties help to organize elements on the periodic table. Through history, students develop a better understanding of the structure of the atom. Students develop an understanding of chemical reactions including the involvement of energy and sub-atomic particles to better understand the nature of chemical changes. By learning about various chemical reactions, such as oxidation-reduction, combustion, and decomposition, students learn about chemical reactions that occur around us everyday. Students also gain a deeper understanding of acids and bases, rates of reactions, and factors that affect those rates. From calculating stoichiometry problems and molar concentrations, students learn about proportionality and strengthen their mathematical skills.

 

I. Content Standards

1. Properties of Matter

Broad Concept: Physical and chemical properties reflect the nature of the interactions between molecules or atoms and can be used to classify and describe matter.

1.1  Identify and explain physical properties (such as density, melting point, boiling point, conductivity, and malleability) and chemical properties (such as the ability to form new substances). Distinguish between chemical and physical changes.

1.2  Explain the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures. Differentiate between heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures.

1.3  Describe the three normal states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) in terms of energy, particle motion, and phase transitions.

 

2. Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry

Broad Concept: Atomic models are used to explain atoms and help us understand the interaction of elements and compounds observed on a macroscopic scale. Nuclear chemistry deals with radioactivity, nuclear processes, and nuclear properties. Nuclear reactions produce tremendous amounts of energy and the formation of the elements.

2.1  Recognize discoveries from Dalton (atomic theory), Thomson (the electron), Rutherford (the nucleus), and Bohr (planetary model of atom) and understand how these discoveries lead to the modern theory.

2.2  Describe Rutherford’s “gold foil” experiment that led to the discovery of the nuclear atom. Identify the major components (protons, neutrons, and electrons) of the nuclear atom and explain how they interact.

2.3  Interpret and apply the laws of conservation of mass, constant composition (definite proportions), and multiple proportions.

2.4  Write the electron configurations for the first twenty elements of the periodic table. 

2.5  Identify the three main types of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, and gamma) and compare their properties (composition, mass, charge, and penetrating power).

2.6  Describe the process of radioactive decay by using nuclear equations and explain the concept of half-life for an isotope, for example, C-14 is a powerful tool in determining the age of objects.

2.7  Compare and contrast nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

 

3. Periodicity

Broad Concept: Repeating (periodic) patterns of physical and chemical properties occur among elements that define families with similar properties. The periodic table displays this repeating pattern, which is related to an atom’s outermost electrons.

3.1  Explain the relationship of an element’s position on the periodic table to its atomic number. Identify families (groups) and periods on the periodic table.

3.2  Use the periodic table to identify the three classes of elements: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

3.3  Relate the position of an element on the periodic table to its electron configuration and compare its reactivity with other elements in the table.

3.4  Identify trends on the periodic table (ionization energy, electronegativity, and relative size of atoms and ions).

 

4. Chemical Bonding

Broad Concept: Atoms bond with each other by transferring or sharing valence electrons to form compounds.

4.1  Explain how atoms combine to form compounds through both ionic and covalent bonding. Predict chemical formulas based on the number of valence electrons.

4.2  Draw Lewis dot structures for simple molecules and ionic compounds.

4.3  Use electronegativity to explain the difference between polar and nonpolar covalent bonds.

4.4  Use valence-shell electron-pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) to predict the electron geometry (linear, trigonal planar, and tetrahedral) of simple molecules.

4.5  Identify how hydrogen bonding in water affects a variety of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena (such as, surface tension, capillary action, density, and boiling point).

4.6  Name and write the chemical formulas for simple ionic and molecular compounds, including those that contain the polyatomic ions: ammonium, carbonate, hydroxide, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate.

 

5. Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry

Broad Concept: In a chemical reaction, one or more reactants are transformed into one or more new products. Chemical equations represent the reaction and must be balanced. The conservation of atoms in a chemical reaction leads to the ability to calculate the amount of products formed and reactants used (stoichiometry).

5.1  Balance chemical equations by applying the laws of conservation of mass and constant composition (definite proportions).

5.2  Classify chemical reactions as synthesis (combination), decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, and combustion.

5.3  Use the mole concept to determine the number of particles and the molar mass of elements and compounds.

5.4  Determine percent compositions, empirical formulas, and molecular formulas.

5.5  Calculate the mass-to-mass stoichiometry for a chemical reaction.

5.6  Calculate percent yield in a chemical reaction.

 

6. States of Matter, Kinetic Molecular Theory, and Thermochemistry

Broad Concept: Gas particles move independently of each other and are far apart. Their behavior can be modeled by the kinetic molecular theory. In liquids and solids, unlike gases, the particles are close to each other. The driving forces of chemical reactions are energy and entropy. The reorganization of atoms in chemical reactions results in the release or absorption of heat energy.

6.1  Using the kinetic molecular theory, explain the behavior of gases and the relationship between pressure and volume (Boyle’s law), volume and temperature (Charles’s law), pressure and temperature (Gay-Lussac’s law), and the number of particles in a gas sample (Avogadro’s hypothesis). Use the combined gas law to determine changes in pressure, volume, and temperature.

6.2  Perform calculations using the ideal gas law. Understand the molar volume at 273K and 1 atmosphere (STP).

6.3  Using the kinetic molecular theory, describe and contrast the properties of gases, liquids, and solids. Explain, at the molecular level, the behavior of matter as it undergoes phase transitions.

6.4  Describe the law of conservation of energy. Explain the difference between an endothermic process and an exothermic process.

6.5  Recognize that there is a natural tendency for systems to move in a direction of disorder or randomness (entropy).

 

7. Solutions, Rates of Reaction, and Equilibrium

Broad Concept: Solids, liquids, and gases dissolve to form solutions. Rates of reaction and chemical equilibrium are dynamic processes that are significant in many systems (biological, ecological, and geological).

7.1  Describe the process by which solutes dissolve in solvents.

7.2  Calculate concentration in terms of molarity. Use molarity to perform solution dilution and solution stoichiometry.

7.3  Identify and explain the factors that affect the rate of dissolving, such as, temperature, concentration, surface area, pressure, and mixing.

7.4  Compare and contrast qualitatively the properties of solutions and pure solvents (colligative properties such as boiling point and freezing point).

7.5  Identify the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction (temperature, mixing, concentration, particle size, surface area, and catalyst).

7.6  Predict the shift in equilibrium when the system is subjected to a stress (LeChatelier’s principle) and identify the factors that can cause a shift in equilibrium (concentration, pressure, volume, temperature).

 

8. Acids and Bases and Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Broad Concept: Acids and bases are important in numerous chemical processes that occur around us, from industrial procedures to biological ones, from the laboratory to the environment. Oxidation-reduction reactions occur when one substance transfers electrons to another substance and constitutes a major class of chemical reactions.

8.1  Define the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases in terms of the presence of hydronium and hydroxide ions in water and the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases in terms of proton donor and acceptor.

8.2  Relate hydrogen ion concentrations to the pH scale, and to acidic, basic, and neutral solutions. Compare and contrast the strength of various common acids and bases such as vinegar, baking soda, soap, and citrus juice.

8.3  Explain how a buffer works.

8.4  Describe oxidation and reduction reactions and give some every day examples, such as, fuel burning, corrosion. Assign oxidation numbers in a reaction.

 

 

II. Scientific Inquiry Skills Standards

Scientific literacy can be achieved by supporting students to inquire about chemical phenomena. Engaging students in scientific inquiry allows them to develop conceptual understandings and scientific skills that are necessary to be informed decision-makers. The science curriculum should include substantial hands-on laboratory and field experiences, as appropriate, for students to develop and use these skills in a Chemistry course.

 

SIS1. Make observations, raise questions, and formulate hypotheses.

Students will be able to:

q       Observe the world around them from a scientific perspective.

q       Pose questions and form hypotheses based on personal observations, scientific articles, experiments, and knowledge.

q       Read, interpret, and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information, such as scientific articles, advertisements, or media stories.

 

SIS2. Design and conduct scientific investigations.

Students will be able to:

q       Articulate and explain the major concepts being investigated and the purpose of an investigation.

q       Select required materials, equipment, and conditions for conducting an experiment.

q       Identify independent and dependent variables.

q       Write procedures that are clear and replicable.

q       Employ appropriate methods for accurately and consistently

o       making observations;

o       making and recording measurements at an appropriate level of precision and;

o       collecting data or evidence in an organized way.

q       Properly use instruments, equipment, and materials (such as scales, probeware, meter sticks, microscopes, computers, etc.) including: set-up, calibration (if required), technique, maintenance, and storage.

q       Follow safety guidelines.

 

SIS3. Analyze and interpret results of scientific investigations.

Students will be able to:

q       Present relationships between variables in appropriate forms.

o       Represent data and relationships between variables in charts and graphs.

o       Use appropriate technology (such as graphing software, etc.) and other tools.

q       Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data results.

q       Identify reasons for inconsistent results, such as sources of error or uncontrolled conditions, and assess the reliability of data.

q       Use results of an experiment to develop a conclusion to an investigation that addresses the initial questions and supports or refutes the stated hypothesis.

q       State questions raised by an experiment that may require further investigation.

 

SIS4. Communicate and apply the results of scientific investigations.

Students will be able to:

q       Develop descriptions and explanations of scientific concepts that an investigation focused on.

q       Review information, explain statistical analysis, and summarize data collected and analyzed from an investigation.

q       Explain diagrams and charts that represent relationships of variables.

q       Construct a reasoned argument and respond appropriately to critical comments and questions.

q       Use language and vocabulary appropriately, speak clearly and logically, and use appropriate technology (such as presentation software, etc.) and other tools to present findings.

q       Use and refine scientific models that simulate physical processes or phenomena.

 

 

III. Mathematical Skills

Students are expected to know the content of the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework, November 2000 through Grade 8. Below are some specific skills from the Mathematics Framework that students in this course should have the opportunity to apply:

 

ü      Construct and use tables and graphs to interpret data sets.

ü      Solve simple algebraic expressions.

ü      Perform basic statistical procedures to analyze the center and spread of data.

ü      Measure with accuracy and precision (length, volume, mass, temperature, time, etc.)

ü      Convert within a unit (such as, centimeters to meters).

ü      Use common prefixes such as milli-, centi-, and kilo-.

ü      Use scientific notation, where appropriate.

ü      Use ratio and proportion in the solution of problems.

 

The following skills are not detailed in the Mathematics Framework, but are necessary for a solid understanding in this course:

 

ü      Determine the correct number of significant figures.

ü      Determine percent error from experimental and accepted values.

ü      Use appropriate metric/standard international (SI) units of measurement for mass (kg); length (m); and time (s).

ü      Use Celsius and Kelvin scales.