Sao Tome and Principe Ensino Secundário, 12º Ano - Química (Chemistry)

The Chemistry course is part of the general studies track in the 2nd cycle of secondary education (10th-12th grade) and is a biennial course with a weekly workload of 3 hours. It can be integrated into the curriculum of the 10th and 11th grades or 11th and 12th grades. The program aims to develop scientific reasoning, reflection, and curiosity, and to deepen fundamental elements of scientific and technical culture. This provides cognitive and methodological support for further studies or entering the workforce. The program covers essential Chemistry content, helping students understand its importance in interpreting the world, the nature of phenomena, and predicting their evolution. The program is designed for 60 weeks, 30 per year.

General Objectives:

• Understand the object of study of Chemistry as a science.
• Understand chemical concepts, laws, and theories.
• Know important milestones in the history of Chemistry.
• Understand the historical evolution of some Chemistry concepts.
• Interpret some natural phenomena based on Chemistry knowledge.
• Recognize the impact of Chemistry knowledge on society.
• Identify areas of Chemistry intervention in personal, social, and environmental contexts.
• Recognize the diversity of existing and manufactured materials.
• Develop competencies on scientific processes and methods using practical activities.
• Understand the contribution of different disciplines to the construction of scientific knowledge and how they articulate with each other.
• Develop the ability to critically select, analyze, and evaluate information in specific situations.
• Develop teamwork skills.
• Develop oral and written communication skills.
• Be critical of issues such as defending and improving the quality of life and the environment.
• Develop a love of learning.

Units of Learning:

The program is divided into five units of learning, covering topics such as organic compounds, atomic structure, atmospheric chemistry, chemical equilibrium, and solutions.

• 10th Grade:
• The World of Organic Compounds (24 hours): Nomenclature, properties, and applications of various organic compound families. Structure of polymers and biomolecules.
• From the Stars to the Atom (45 hours): History of atoms, elements, subatomic particles, and the periodic table. Interpretation of absorption and emission spectra.
• In Earth's Atmosphere: Solutions, Colloids, and Suspensions (24 hours): Composition and evolution of the atmosphere. Different types of dispersions. Quantitative composition of solutions.
• 11th Grade:
• Chemistry and Industry: Equilibrium and Disequilibrium (42 hours): Chemical reactions, including complete and incomplete reactions. Analysis of chemical equilibrium and disequilibrium situations. Factors affecting equilibrium.
• From the Atmosphere to the Ocean: Solutions on Earth and for Earth (48 hours): Reactions in aqueous solutions, including acid-base, solubility, and oxidation-reduction reactions.

Methodological Suggestions:

While Chemistry is theoretical, practical activities are recommended whenever possible. The program emphasizes building upon prior knowledge, highlighting essential concepts, and adapting the level of treatment to the students' abilities. It encourages interpretations of phenomena in everyday language and using mathematical language appropriately. The program also promotes critical thinking and analysis, and the use of diverse work documents.

Assessment:

Assessment is an integral part of the teaching-learning process and is student-centered. It is formative, providing feedback to students on their learning. Teachers should provide accurate and justified information about student learning without discouraging enthusiasm and self-confidence. Assessment tools should be appropriate for the learning being assessed and allow for judgment on the level of competency achieved. The program's CTS (Science, Technology, and Society) orientation implies that assessment extends to knowledge, actions, and values, and focuses on objectives directed towards Science (Chemistry), Technology, and Society.