LEVEL: Stage 1
SACE Credits: 10 per Semester
LENGTH: One Semester for each unit. Students wishing to do Chemistry B must successfully complete Chemistry A.
Recommended background:
Successful completion of Year 10 Science and the recommendation of the Year 10 Science teacher to enrol in Stage 1 Chemistry.
Content:
In Stage 1 Chemistry, students study how atomic structure and the bonds that form between atoms determine the properties of materials. These are then related to their uses in society. They also study various chemical reactions which occur around us and which are used in the production of many of the materials we use everyday.
Students develop investigation skills, and explore the interaction between science and society enabling them to become questioning, reflective, and critical thinkers.
The topics covered in Stage 1 Chemistry are:
- Materials and Their Atoms
- Combinations of Atoms
- Molecules
- Mixtures and Solutions
- Acid and Bases
- Redox Reactions
Assessment:
Students’ performance will be determined according to the subject’s Performance Standards, as outlined by the SACE Board. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes.
For a 10-credit subject, students undertake four assessment tasks including:
- At least one practical investigation (i.e. experiment and report)
- One investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour, and
- At least one skills and applications task (i.e. test or similar assessment item).
Leads to: Stage 2 Chemistry