Below is a basic outline of some of the possible topics to be included in the curriculum. It is by no means all inclusive and will need to be checked against local and NGSS standards.
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for chemistry are designed to give students a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices of chemistry. The following is a sample curriculum for a high school chemistry course that aligns with the NGSS:
Unit 1: Matter and its Properties
- Students will investigate the properties of matter, including density, solubility, and heat capacity.
- Students will learn about the different states of matter, including solids, liquids, and gases.
- Students will learn about the particle theory of matter and how it explains the properties of matter.
Unit 2: Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
- Students will learn about the structure of atoms, including the protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Students will investigate the periodic table of elements and learn about the properties of different elements.
- Students will learn about chemical bonding, including ionic and covalent bonds.
- Students will learn about the properties of compounds and how they differ from elements.
Unit 3: Chemical Reactions
- Students will learn about the different types of chemical reactions, including synthesis, decomposition, and combustion reactions.
- Students will learn about the role of catalysts in chemical reactions.
- Students will learn about acid-base reactions and the pH scale.
- Students will learn about oxidation-reduction reactions and the role of electron transfer in these reactions.
Unit 4: Thermochemistry
- Students will learn about the laws of thermodynamics and how they relate to energy changes in chemical reactions.
- Students will learn about the different forms of energy, including kinetic energy and potential energy.
- Students will learn about enthalpy and how it relates to the heat of a reaction.
Unit 5: Solutions and Colloids
- Students will learn about solutions and how they are formed.
- Students will learn about the properties of solutions, including concentration and conductivity.
- Students will learn about the different types of colloids and their properties.
Unit 6: Nuclear Chemistry
- Students will learn about the structure of the nucleus and the types of radioactive decay.
- Students will learn about the uses and dangers of nuclear reactions.
- Students will learn about the role of nuclear reactions in energy production.
Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on laboratory activities and investigations to help them develop scientific inquiry and data analysis skills. They will also be encouraged to make connections between the chemistry concepts they are learning and real-world applications. The curriculum should also include opportunities for students to engage in crosscutting concepts, such as patterns, cause and effect, and systems and system models, and Science and Engineering practices, such as planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, developing and using models, and engaging in argument from evidence.
It's important to note that the curriculum should be flexible and tailored to the specific school and students, it's not a one-size-fits-all.