Seychelles S4 School Syllabus - Chemistry

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Chemistry at the S4 level in Seychelles, based on the document retrieved from the European Schools system. It emphasizes an inquiry-based approach to learning, focusing on practical work to develop key competencies. The syllabus is structured around several core topics, each with specific learning objectives and suggested activities.

S4 Chemistry Topics

1. Fundamental Concepts and Skills (Structure of Matter) (25% of teaching time)

• Introduction: Covers laboratory safety procedures and the proper use of chemistry apparatus.
• Elements and Atoms: Explores the historical development of atomic models, from Democritus to Bohr. Students will learn about protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, atomic number, and mass number. Activities may include simulations of Rutherford's gold foil experiment and atom building.
• Periodic Table: Focuses on arranging elements by atomic number (up to 20), understanding electron arrangement, and drawing Lewis representations of atoms. Students will explore the reactivity of elements and learn about alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, halogens, and noble gases. Flame spectroscopy may be used as a demonstration.
• Chemical Bonds: Covers ionic and covalent bonds, electronegativity, and polarization. Students will learn about ionic lattices, molecular representations, and the properties of compounds formed by different bond types. Activities may include comparing ionic and covalent compounds and exploring molecule polarity simulations.
• Solutions: Introduces the concept of solutions, including ionic and molecular solutions, concentration, and the effect of concentration on properties like conductivity and color intensity. Simulations on sugar and salt solutions and concentration may be used.

2. Reactivity (10% of teaching time)

• Chemical Reactions: Defines chemical reactions, emphasizing energy and mass conservation. Students will learn to write balanced chemical equations and explore simulations of atomic collisions leading to reactions.
• Activation Energy: Introduces the concept of activation energy and its role in bond breaking and forming. Combustion of carbon may be used as an example.
• Exothermic and Endothermic Processes: Explores the differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions, with examples like dissolving sodium hydroxide or magnesium sulfate in water (exothermic) and mixing barium hydroxide with ammonium chloride (endothermic).
• Reaction Rate: Examines factors affecting reaction rate, including concentration, temperature, and active surface area. Experiments may involve reactions like sodium thiosulfate with hydrochloric acid, zinc with diluted acid, or the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
• Catalysts: Explains the role of catalysts in lowering activation energy.

3. Petroleum, Plastic, and Pollution (15% of teaching time)

• Crude Oil: Covers the origin and formation of fossil fuels, fractional distillation, and the naming of alkanes and alkenes. Students will learn about molecular, structural, and line formulas of hydrocarbons and explore structural isomers. A demonstration of fractional distillation may be included.
• Fuels as a Source of Energy: Describes the complete combustion of fossil fuels and its connection to energy release. Experiments may involve comparing the energy released by different fuels.
• Fossil Fuels and Pollution: Explores the link between CO2 production, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change. Experiments may involve testing the products of combustion and simulating the greenhouse effect.
• Plastic: Introduces polymers and their structure, focusing on repeating units. Students will explore the properties of common polymers and their uses, as well as the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Activities may include synthesizing Bakelite or Nylon and researching the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

S5 Chemistry Topics (Following S4)

The syllabus also outlines topics for S5, which build upon the foundation laid in S4:

• Electrochemistry: Covers redox reactions, galvanic cells, and electrolytic cells.
• Quantitative Approach of a Reaction: Focuses on the mole, molar mass, molar volume, concentration, dilution, and predicting reaction results.
• Food and Chemistry: Explores alcohols, carboxylic acids, esterification, carbohydrates, fermentation, and triglycerides.
• Acids and Alkalis (Bases): Covers definitions, dissociation in water, acidity of solutions, the environmental problem of CO2, and acid/base reactions, including titration.

This detailed syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for Chemistry education at the S4 level, emphasizing practical work, inquiry-based learning, and the development of key competencies.