Zimbabwe Lower 6 Chemistry Curriculum

This curriculum emphasizes understanding and applying chemical concepts in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way. It encourages problem-solving and practical application of scientific methods. The curriculum covers Forms 5 and 6 and is designed to prepare students for further study in chemistry and related fields.

Aims

• Develop fundamental chemistry principles for application in life and further studies.
• Instill the importance of safety and environmental protection.
• Develop research, experimental, practical, enterprising, and technological skills.
• Foster an appreciation for the scientific method's strengths and limitations.
• Encourage applying chemistry for societal benefit, guided by Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu principles.
• Promote awareness of chemistry's potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Develop appreciation for chemistry's role in value creation and resource beneficiation.

Objectives

• Follow practical instructions.
• Make and record observations.
• Use ICT tools and assistive software for simulations.
• Apply safety measures in practical work.
• Present, analyze, and interpret data.
• Demonstrate knowledge of facts, laws, definitions, and concepts.
• Measure and express quantities accurately.
• Design practical solutions to real-world problems.

Methodology

Learner-centered and multi-sensory methods are employed, including demonstrations, experiments, research, models, site visits, simulations, seminars, discovery learning, exhibitions, and work-related learning. Eight 40-minute theory periods and a 4-period practical block per week are recommended. Educational tours, exhibitions, and industrial attachments are also encouraged.

Topics

The syllabus covers theory and practical activities in the following areas:

Physical Chemistry

• Atoms, Molecules, and Stoichiometry
• Atomic Structure
• Chemical Bonding
• States of Matter
• Chemical Energetics
• Electrochemistry
• Equilibria
• Reaction Kinetics

Inorganic Chemistry

• Chemical Periodicity of Period 3 Elements
• Chemistry of Group II Elements
• Chemistry of Group IV Elements
• Chemistry of Group VII Elements
• Chemistry of Nitrogen and Sulphur

Organic Chemistry

• Hydrocarbons
• Halogen Derivatives
• Hydroxy Compounds
• Carbonyl Compounds
• Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
• Nitrogen Compounds
• Polymerization

Applied Chemistry

• Transition Elements
• Phase Equilibria
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nano Chemistry

Assessment

The final grade is 30% continuous assessment and 70% summative assessment. Continuous assessment includes practical tests, theory tests, and projects. Summative assessment consists of four papers: multiple choice, structured theory, free response, and practical examination. Details of the assessment objectives and specification grid are available in the syllabus document.