化學導論 I & II (學期)

Chemistry is one of the pillars of middle school science. Your student will be introduced to chemistry through a mix of hands-on experience with classic classroom preparation in this course. 

We will break apart each concept, look at the parts, and then put them together to see the whole picture. There will be drawings, hands-on activities, and opportunities to practice concepts for better understanding. Each week will focus on a specific idea, and there will be an opportunity for practice and exploring ideas between classes. 

🧪Week 1 - The Atom - Subatomic Particles (proton, neutron, and electron)
In week 1, we will start with the basic building block of matter, an atom!  We use different atom models, identify subatomic particles and their charges, and understand how to draw or model atoms of specific elements. 

🧪Week 2 - Atoms, Elements, and Molecules 
In week 2, we will discuss chemical versus physical combinations, pure substances, how elements combine to make new substances (molecules), and the basics of bonding (covalent and ionic bonding).

🧪Week 3 - Reading the Periodic Table of Elements
In week 3, we will discuss basic vocabulary associated with the periodic table of elements such as atomic number, atomic mass, and chemical symbol. We will also practice calculating the number of protons and neutrons in a specific element and then discussing groups and trends in the periodic table. 

🧪Week 4 - Density and Other Physical Properties - How to Identify an Unknown Substance
In week 4, we will practice identifying elements using their physical and chemical properties, such as density. We will spend more time on density, what it is, calculate it, and use it to identify elements and compounds. 

🧪Week 5 - The Law of Conservation of Mass and Balancing Equations (Basic)
In week 5, we will discuss chemical equations, the law of conservation of mass, and balance simple equations. Your student may want a manipulative such as candy (skittles, m&ms, or any multicolor candy) or beads for this activity. 

🧪Week 6 – Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams
In week 6, we will use our knowledge of the outermost energy level (valence shell) to create Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams!  This shorthand model is used to show ionic and covalent bonding. It emphasizes the attraction between valence electrons in bonding.

🧪Week 7 – The Unique Properties of Water
In week 7, we will explore the polar nature of water. Water is a neutral molecule but has slight charges due to its oxygen and hydrogens arrangement. This gives water some fascinating and unique properties that we will explore together in this lesson.

🧪Week 8 - Dissolving – Solids, Liquids, and Gases
In week 8, we will investigate how different types of liquids dissolve specific kinds of molecules. We will look at how and why water, oil, and alcohol dissolve differently. Students will have the opportunity to watch demos and explore these properties on their own at home.

🧪Week 9 – Chemical Reaction Review
In week 9, we will review a chemical reaction and chemical equations. We will look at controlling the number of products. We will analyze the reaction of baking soda and vinegar with differing amounts of reactants.

🧪Week 10 – Exothermic and Endothermic Chemical Interactions
In week 10, we will discuss how the interactions between atoms, ions, and molecules can take in or release heat when they come together. Students will learn molecular reasoning for absorbing or releasing energy. They will be able to predict whether a reaction will be endothermic or exothermic.

🧪Week 11 – Acid-Base Reactions
In week 11, we will explore acids and bases. We will learn what makes a solution more acidic or basic, along with the properties of acids and bases. We will use this information to discuss neutralizing acids and bases and real-world applications.