Zimbabwe Form 3 School Syllabus - Chemistry

This syllabus covers Forms 3 and 4. It emphasizes understanding and applying chemistry concepts and principles in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The syllabus aims to equip learners with problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical skills, enabling them to apply chemistry in real-life situations and for further studies.

Topics Covered:

• Physical Chemistry:
• Laboratory Techniques: Measuring instruments, separation techniques (filtration, distillation, crystallization, chromatography)
• Matter: States of matter, kinetic theory, diffusion
• Atoms, Elements and Compounds: Atomic structure, electronic configuration, isotopes, chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic)
• Mole Concept: Calculations involving moles, mass, molar mass, and concentration
• Stoichiometry: Balancing chemical equations, calculating quantities of reactants and products, limiting reagents
• Acids, Bases, and Salts: Properties, preparation, pH scale, indicators
• Electrochemistry: Redox reactions, cells, batteries, electrolysis
• Chemical Energetics: Endothermic and exothermic reactions, energy profile diagrams
• Equilibria: Reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium, Haber process, Contact process, Ostwald process
• Reaction Kinetics: Rates of reaction, factors affecting rates
• Inorganic Chemistry:
• Periodic Table: Periodic trends, group trends
• Metals and Non-metals: Properties, reactivity series, uses, extraction of metals, lime in agriculture and construction
• Organic Chemistry:
• Fuels: Types, production, fuel efficiency
• Classification and Nomenclature: Homologous series, hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids
• Hydrocarbons: Alkanes, alkenes, chemical properties
• Alcohols: Fermentation, properties and uses of ethanol
• Carboxylic Acids: Chemistry of carboxylic acids, uses, saponification
• Polymers: Synthetic polymers (addition and condensation), natural polymers (starch, proteins)
• Environmental Chemistry:
• Waste Management: Classification, effects, disposal methods, re-using and recycling
• Pollution: Sources, effects, control methods
• Water Purification: Composition of water from different sources, hardness, purification methods
• Herbs: Uses in health and agriculture

Assessment:

The final grade is based on 30% continuous assessment and 70% summative assessment.

• Continuous Assessment: Practical tests, theory tests, projects.
• Summative Assessment:
• Paper 1 (20%): Multiple choice questions.
• Paper 2 (40%): Structured theory questions.
• Paper 3 (40%): Practical examination.