Chemistry

Chem.

courses

Chemistry from Grades 8 - 10

In Chemistry 8, students are introduced to the basis of chemistry, starting with the atomic theory and structure, kinetic molecular theory, and some applications to science and the real world. They will learn that the electron formation and the amount of protons and neutrons influence the atom's overall structure and properties. Moreover, they will also touch on the categories and types of particles found in atoms, include protons, neutrons, and electrons, and will also cover quarks in some cases.

In Chemistry 9 and 10, students mainly learn about chemical equations, their types, and balancing. They learn the different types of chemical reactions that could occur both in theory and lab settings. Chemistry 10 takes the matter further with content regarding the properties and uses of pH, as well as the basic structure and introduction to organic chemistry.

These courses are integrated into the main Science 8, 9, or 10 course based on your grade level. A lot of labs and demonstrations are done in these courses to enhance and facilitate the understanding of topics, which is especially prominent in chemistry. For students in the Incentive program, the Grades 8-10 courses are accelerated and compressed in two years, which makes the students take their Science 11 courses in Grade 10 and can provide students more time and an easier method to take AP Science courses.

Chemistry from Grades 11 - 12

In the Grades 11 and 12 courses, the Sciences begin to split into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students have the freedom and opportunity to take any of the 3 courses, which will dive deeper into the specifics and complex ideas of the subjects based on Science 8, 9, and 10.

In Chemistry 11, the course enhances students' skills and capabilities to work in lab settings and dealing with problem solving and analysis of data, using extensive scientific concepts. Various topics such as nuclear chemistry, gases, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and industrial chemistry will be covered. A scientific calculator is crucial for this course to tackle complex math problems.

Meanwhile, in Chemistry 12, it requires a strong base in Chemistry 11 and study at an advanced and professional level of topics such as kinetics, chemical equilibrium, solubility, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis is needed in lab work. AP Chemistry, usually only taken in Grade 12 after or alongside Chemistry 12, is a replica of the general first-year chemistry curriculum of students in university-level institutions. Students who successfully finish this course will gain course credit for the first-year course and might be able to skip ahead in university, thereby making AP courses invaluable for students who wish to push themselves.

Inside the Class

Inside an average science classroom. Various project boards are on display.

The lab coat storage. Lab coats are mandatory in labs for safety purposes.

A shelf with all kinds of animal and plant specimens on display, along with hand-in bins.

Science Prep

The Science Prep room is where teachers store most of their lab materials and prepare batches for students' lab activities. It is usually off-limits to students, but they could enter with a teacher's permission. There are also various equipment such as an incubator and a shower hose for coming in contact with chemicals, as well as other items that teachers couldn't store in the classroom.