Turkey Lise Chemistry Curriculum (12th Grade)

This outlines the chemistry curriculum for Lise 12th Grade in Turkey, based on the Ministry of National Education (MEB) curriculum document. The curriculum is structured around four units.

Unit 1: Chemistry and Electricity

• Redox Reactions and Electric Current: This topic introduces oxidation and reduction concepts, balancing redox reactions, and common oxidizing and reducing agents like O₂, KMnO₄, H₂SO₄, HNO₃, H₂O₂, H₂, and SO₂. Ionic redox reactions are not included in this scope. The relationship between redox reactions and electrical energy is explored, including the feasibility of electron transfer between reducing and oxidizing agents through indirect means and the connection between electrical energy and the spontaneity of redox reactions.
• Electrodes and Electrochemical Cells: This section covers the concepts of electrodes, cathodes, anodes, half-cells, and electrochemical cells, linking them to reduction and oxidation processes. The function of salt bridges in batteries is explained. Experiments with Zn/Cu electrochemical cells are conducted.
• Electrode Potentials: This topic explains the spontaneity of redox reactions using standard electrode potentials. Standard half-cell reduction potentials are related to the standard hydrogen half-cell. The activity series of metals is discussed. The relationship between the standard reduction potentials and the spontaneous redox reaction between two different half-cells is established. Work on calculating electrode potentials under non-standard conditions is included.
• Electricity Generation from Chemicals: This section explains the voltage and lifespan of galvanic cells under standard conditions with examples. The importance of lithium-ion batteries and their current applications is also discussed.
• Electrolysis: This topic explains electrolysis in terms of electric current, time, and the mass of the substance undergoing change. The relationship between electric charge and mass is established through the total charge of 1 mole of electrons. The Coulomb (C) unit of charge is defined. Faraday's law is explained and applied in calculations. Electroplating experiments are conducted. The process of obtaining chemical substances through electrolysis is explained, with a focus on the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
• Corrosion: This section explains the electrochemical basis of corrosion prevention methods. The concept of corrosion is explained. The corrosion protection process is linked to the activity series of metals, with a focus on the sacrificial anode concept. Examples of sacrificial anode applications are provided.

Unit 2: Introduction to Carbon Chemistry

• Inorganic and Organic Compounds: This topic differentiates between inorganic and organic compounds, covering the historical development of the organic compound concept and highlighting the properties of both types of compounds.
• Empirical and Molecular Formulas: Calculations related to finding the empirical and molecular formulas of organic compounds are performed.
• Carbon in Nature: This section links the ability of carbon to form numerous compounds to its bonding properties. The structures and significance of diamond, graphite, fullerene, nanotubes, and graphene are discussed.
• Lewis Structures: Students learn to write Lewis structures for covalently bonded chemical species, including molecules with expanded octets.
• Hybridization and Molecular Geometries: This topic explains the formation of single, double, and triple bonds based on hybrid and atomic orbitals. Students determine molecular geometries based on the hybridization of central atom orbitals, focusing on the hybridization and VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) approach. Examples are limited to compounds formed by 2nd-period elements with hydrogen.

Unit 3: Organic Compounds

• Hydrocarbons: This section covers the different types of hydrocarbons. The names, formulas, properties, and uses of simple alkanes are explained, focusing on combustion and substitution reactions with halogens. Structural isomerism and its types are discussed. The use of alkanes in fuels (LPG, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, tar, and asphalt products) and hexane as a solvent is highlighted. The names, formulas, properties, and uses of simple alkenes are explained, focusing on cis-trans isomerism. Their use as raw materials for alkyl halides and alcohols is emphasized, along with their applications in the food industry and polymerization properties. The names, formulas, properties, and uses of simple alkynes are explained, focusing on acetylene production, uses, addition properties, and primary explosive salts. Other alkyne examples are not included. The names, formulas, and uses of simple aromatic compounds (benzene, naphthalene, aniline, toluene, and phenol) are introduced.
• Functional Groups: Organic compounds are classified according to their functional groups. Compounds formed by attaching alkyl groups to hydroxy, alkoxy, halo, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, nitro, and phenyl groups are introduced.
• Alcohols: This section classifies alcohols, explaining their names, formulas, properties, and uses. The production of ethanol through fermentation is explained, along with its derivation from alkyl halides and alkenes. The classification of alcohols based on the number of hydroxyl groups and alkyl groups on the alpha carbon is covered. The focus is on mono-alcohols with 1-4 carbons, ethanediol (glycol), and propanetriol (glycerin). The toxic properties of methanol are emphasized, along with the use of ethanol in healthcare, as a biofuel, and as a solvent.
• Ethers: This topic classifies ethers, explaining their names, formulas, properties, and uses. The distinction between asymmetric and symmetric ethers is made. Their solvent properties are emphasized. Functional group isomerism is explained, including the isomerism of ethers with alcohols.
• Carbonyl Compounds: This section classifies carbonyl compounds, explaining their names, formulas, properties, and uses. The structural relationship between aldehydes and ketones is established to compare their reduction-oxidation properties. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzaldehyde are given as examples of aldehydes, while acetone is given as an example of a ketone. Functional group isomerism of aldehydes and ketones is discussed. Their use in the food and cosmetic industries is also covered.
• Carboxylic Acids: This topic classifies carboxylic acids, explaining their names, formulas, and uses. Formic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid, citric acid, malic acid, folic acid, and benzoic acid are introduced. Formulas are not provided for acids other than straight-chain monocarboxylic acids. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are introduced. The use of fatty acid salts as soap is emphasized, along with the use of benzoic acid and benzoates as food preservatives.
• Esters: This section explains the names, formulas, and uses of esters. Esterification reactions are exemplified. Lanolin, beeswax, and balsam are given as examples of natural substances containing esters. Their use as solvents is exemplified. Functional group isomerism of carboxylic acids and esters is discussed. Soap making experiments are conducted.

Unit 4: Energy Resources and Scientific Developments

• Fossil Fuels: This section encourages students to propose solutions for reducing the harmful environmental effects of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels and their formation are explained. The individual, societal, and environmental harms of unconscious consumption and waste of fossil fuels are addressed.
• Alternative Energy Sources: This topic introduces alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, hydrogen, geothermal, and biomass energy. The importance of hydrogen production from boron minerals for Turkey's development is emphasized.
• Sustainability: This section explains the importance of sustainable life and development for society and the environment, relating it to chemistry. The impact of the energy, polymer, paper, and metal sectors on sustainable life is discussed.
• Nanotechnology: This topic evaluates developments in nanotechnology in terms of their impact on science, society, technology, the environment, and the economy. The concept of nanotechnology is explained with examples.