Sweden Grundskola Chemistry Curriculum - Year 9

This curriculum outlines the core content and knowledge requirements for Chemistry in Year 9 of the Swedish Grundskola. It emphasizes developing students' understanding of chemical concepts, theories, models, and methods, fostering a scientific approach to the world, and highlighting the importance of chemistry for climate, the environment, and human health. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, experimental work, and communication using scientific language.

Core Content

The core content for Year 9 Chemistry covers the following areas:

• Chemistry in Nature: This section delves into the particle model, explaining the structure, recycling, and indestructibility of matter. It covers atoms, electrons, and nuclear particles, as well as chemical compounds and reactions, including how atoms form molecular and ionic compounds. The particle model is also used to explain the properties of phases, phase transitions, and distribution processes of matter in air, water, and ground. Water's role as a solvent and carrier of substances is explored, along with solutions, deposits, acids, bases, and pH values. Chemical processes in the ground, air, and water are examined from environmental and health perspectives. The properties of carbon atoms and their significance as building blocks of life are emphasized, along with the carbon cycle. Finally, photosynthesis and combustion are studied, including the energy conversions involved in these reactions.
• Chemistry in Everyday Life and Society: This section focuses on the practical applications of chemistry and its societal impact. It examines people's use of energy and natural resources from a local and global perspective, emphasizing sustainable development. Chemical processes in the manufacture and recycling of metals, paper, and plastics are explored, including life-cycle analysis of common products. The breakdown of materials like iron and plastic is investigated, along with methods for prevention. Processes for purifying drinking water and wastewater are also covered. The content of food and beverages and their importance for health are discussed, along with chemical processes in the human body. Common chemicals in the home and society are examined, including their effects on health and the environment, safe handling practices, and labeling.
• Chemistry and World Views: This section explores the historical and contemporary discoveries in chemistry and their impact on world views, technology, the environment, society, and human life. Current research areas, such as material development and nanotechnology, are also discussed. The usefulness, limitations, validity, and variability of chemical theories and models are considered. The historical perspective on the grouping of atoms is also touched upon.
• Chemistry, Its Methods, and Ways of Working: This section emphasizes systematic studies, including formulating questions, planning, executing, and evaluating experiments. Models for separation and analysis, such as distillation and substance identification, are explored. Documentation of studies using tables, diagrams, pictures, and written reports is emphasized. Critical examination of information sources and arguments encountered in different sources and social discussions related to chemistry is encouraged.

Knowledge Requirements

The knowledge requirements for Year 9 Chemistry are differentiated into grades (A-E), with increasing complexity and depth of understanding. These requirements assess students' ability to:

• Grade E: Describe chemical concepts, use them in familiar contexts, apply simple reasoning, perform basic experiments, and document findings.
• Grade D: Achieve the requirements of Grade E and most of Grade C.
• Grade C: Explain chemical relationships, use concepts in a relatively well-functioning way, perform more complex experiments, draw developed conclusions, and create detailed documentation.
• Grade B: Achieve the requirements of Grade C and most of Grade A.
• Grade A: Explain complex chemical relationships, generalize about chemical processes, use concepts in new contexts, perform advanced experiments, draw well-developed conclusions, and create comprehensive documentation.