Chemistry Launchpad (X014) is an Enrichment Programme Unit for students with an interest in chemistry who would like to know more about foundational chemistry, chemical formulae and combining relationships, chemical equations, mathematical skills in chemistry, mole calculations, quantitative chemistry, strengthening chemistry confidence and proficiency, and accessible chemistry for students not formally studying the subject.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, students should be able to:
- interpret chemical symbols and formulae correctly
- distinguish between elements, compounds, atoms, molecules and ions
- use ionic charges and combining capacities to derive appropriate chemical formulae
- explain why chemical species combine in particular whole-number ratios
- construct and balance straightforward chemical equations
- distinguish between subscripts in formulae and coefficients in equations
- interpret balanced equations as quantitative relationships
- calculate relative formula/molecular masses and molar masses
- apply essential mathematical skills in chemistry, including rearranging simple equations, ratios and proportional reasoning, unit conversions and appropriate use of significant figures
- explain the basic meaning and purpose of the mole concept
- convert between mass and amount of substance
- apply mole ratios from balanced equations
- perform fundamental reacting-mass and introductory concentration calculations
- integrate formulae, equations and mole concepts when solving quantitative chemistry problems.
21st century skills addressed in the unit:
- Numeracy
- Scientific literacy
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Curiosity
- Initiative
- Persistence
- Adaptability
Duration and frequency of sessions
2 hours per week
Total duration of the EPU
10 hours
Proposed day and time
Typically Wednesday between 14:00 and 16:00. THe EPU is provisionally intended to commence in mid-November.
Marks earned
Maximum marks possibly earned in this EPU: 5 marks
Further details
Five, 2-hour weekly structured sessions, progressing from essential chemical language and interpretation of chemical formulae through combining relationships, chemical equations and the mole concept to fundamental quantitative chemistry, with relevant mathematical skills developed and applied throughout.
Sessions will cover: chemical language and representations; understanding and deriving chemical formulae; combining ratios and ionic charges; constructing chemical equations; balancing equations; essential mathematical skills for chemistry, including ratios and proportional reasoning, unit conversions and significant figures; understanding the mole; mass–mole relationships; mole ratios; reacting masses and concentration; and integrated consolidation.
Students will be expected to attend the five scheduled two-hour sessions and participate actively in taught and guided activities, worked examples and problem-solving exercises. Students should attempt problems independently as their confidence develops and undertake short consolidation activities between sessions where appropriate. Regular attendance is particularly important because the programme follows a progressive sequence in which each session builds upon concepts and skills developed during preceding weeks.
Additional benefits
- Stronger understanding of essential chemistry foundations.
- Increased confidence in interpreting formulae and equations.
- Improved understanding of why chemical substances combine in particular proportions.
- Greater proficiency with the mole concept and fundamental quantitative chemistry.
- Improved confidence and accuracy in applying essential mathematical skills within chemical calculations.
- Identification and correction of common chemistry misconceptions.
- Improved readiness for Intermediate or Advanced Matriculation Chemistry.
- Accessible introduction to chemistry for Junior College students who do not formally study the subject.
- Increased confidence and independence when approaching chemistry problems.
- This EPU may be used as an SOK project, subject to terms, conditions, and approval from your SOK project tutor.
Conditions
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to students following Advanced or Intermediate Matriculation Chemistry who would benefit from strengthening their foundations.
- A minimum of 5 students is required to run the unit.
- The maximum number of students participating in the unit is 15.
Registration/Participation fees
No fees are envisaged.
EP Coordinator
Ms Maria Flask
