Chemistry

SEMESTER: 0.5 CREDITS | FULL YEAR: 1 CREDIT - NCAA Eligible

Chemistry takes students on a journey with Elena Gilbert, a crime scene investigation intern, who applies the fundamentals of chemistry to CheMYSTERY crime scene investigations at the conclusion of each topic. The journey begins with an exploration of scientific practices, laboratory safety guidelines, and measurement skills. Next, students work through the properties of matter, atomic theory and structure, and quantum mechanics. The history and organization of the periodic table precedes exploring the basics of chemical bonding, rules for naming compounds, proper construction of chemical formulas, and methods of chemical quantification. Semester one concludes by investigating the types of chemical reactions and balancing chemical equations. During semester two, students begin with conducting stoichiometric calculations, studying the behavior of gases, and investigating the nature of solutions. Next, the world of thermochemistry is explored, as well as the concept of equilibrium. Students continue into an investigation of acids, bases, and salts and the concept of oxidation-reduction reactions. The course culminates with a look at specialty areas of chemistry, including nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and electrochemistry. As a prerequisite to Chemistry, students must have completed Algebra I with a passing grade of C or better.