VCE Units 1 & 2 - Chemistry
VCE Units 1 & 2 - Chemistry
Overview
In this unit students investigate the chemical properties of a range of materials including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds, and polymers. They conduct practical investigations involving the reactivity series of metals, separation of mixtures by chromatography, use of precipitation reactions to identify ionic compounds, determination of empirical formulas, and synthesis of polymers.
Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
Students focus on elements as the building blocks of useful materials. They investigate the structures, properties and reactions of carbon compounds, metals, and ionic compounds, and use chromatography to separate the components of mixtures.
Areas of Study
- How do the chemical structures of materials explain their properties and reactions? Investigate the structures, properties and reactions of carbon compounds, metals, and ionic compounds, and use chromatography to separate the components of mixtures.
- How are materials quantified and classified? – Measurement of quantities in chemistry and the structures and properties of organic compounds, including polymers.
- How can chemical principles be applied to create a more sustainable future? – Undertake an investigation involving the selection and evaluation of a recent discovery, innovation, advance, case study, issue, or challenge.
Unit 2: How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?
Society is dependent on the work of chemists to analyse the materials and products in everyday use. In this unit students analyse and compare different substances dissolved in water and the gases that may be produced in chemical reactions. They explore applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society.
Areas of Study
- How do chemicals interact with water? – Understanding the properties of water and investigating acid-base and redox reactions.
- How are chemicals measured and analysed? – Analysis and quantification of chemical reactions involving acids, bases, salts, and gases.
- How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions? – Adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation related to chemical equations and/or analysis, which must include the generation of primary data.
Forms of Assessment
- Experimental Investigations
- Infographics
- Reflective annotations of a practical logbook
- Problem solving involving chemical concepts, skills, and/or issues
- Scientific poster
- Topic Tests
- Research Assignment
- End of Unit Exams
Prerequisites and Corequisites
A module of Year 10 Chemistry would be helpful but not essential. Students should have completed 2 units of Year 10 Science.