What will I learn?

The S3 Chemistry course is broadly based around the content of level 4 CfE outcomes. These outcomes give teachers scope to explore many interesting and up-to-date aspects of Chemistry including environmental chemistry, use of fuels and our increasing knowledge of the use of smart materials. There are 3 main units described below:

What will I be learning about in this course?

The course has four units:

• Atoms, Acids, and Alkalis – elements, bonding, environmental chemistry
• Nature’s chemistry – fuels, alcohols and consumer products
• Chemistry in Society – metals ,polymers and radioisotopes

What skills will I improve?

The topics have been planned to allow pupils to progress their knowledge of chemistry from the foundations of S1 and S2 Science. In order to prepare pupils effectively for progression onto N4 and N5 chemistry the S3 course will also have a strong skills focus. Staff have analysed the new N4/5 qualifications and selected out specific skills which pupils need to develop in order to succeed as they continue to study chemistry. For example:

·           Numeracy- pupils will develop their selecting, processing, presenting and analysing skills by looking at experimental data.

·           Literacy- pupils will be exposed to increasingly complex vocabulary and encouraged to develop their skills in describing and explaining physical concepts. Scientific report writing skills will also be improved through continued practise and feedback.

·           Practical- pupils will carry out increasingly complex and interesting experiments which they will have a hand in planning.

·           ICT- pupils will make use of the internet to research new and interesting areas of chemistry before making summary reports of their findings.

·           HWB- pupils have the chance to discuss a number of medical applications of chemistry which is intended to improve their understanding of how essential chemistry is for the modern world.

How will I be assessed?

The knowledge content of the course will be assessed continuously as the course progresses and through an end of unit test. Literacy and numeracy skills will also be assessed as pupils progress in class with some skills based questions in the end of unit test as well.

What homework will I get?

Homework tasks will be issued on a regular basis (around 1 per fortnight) and vary from question sheets to research tasks or posters. It is expected that pupils will also begin looking over work from class at home in order to prepare them for effective study skills in the senior phase.

What can I do next?

The S3 Chemistry course is essential for studying chemistry in the senior phase at various levels and will also be effective preparation for various other courses on offer at the colleges:

·           N4 Chemistry

·           N5 Chemistry

·           Higher Chemistry (in S5/6)

·           Advanced Higher Chemistry (in S6)

·           Other Science courses at college

·           University courses