G/T Chemistry
This class covers the basic principles of chemistry and incorporates various laboratory investigations in which students develop an understanding of the characteristics and quantitative relationships associated with matter. It is strongly encouraged that you are concurrently enrolled in Algebra II GT or higher, as this course requires a certain mathematical facility in problem solving. Withdrawal after the first interim report will result in no credit earned for the course.
- Quarter 1: In order to build a strong foundation of skills for the rest of the year, we will cover chapters 2 (data analysis), 3 (matter and change), 4 (atomic structure), and 25 (nuclear chemistry). This is generally considered to be the easiest quarter, as much of it is review from previous years of science.
- Quarter 2: In this quarter, we explore the history of chemistry and the interactions between atoms in order to figure out how molecules are shaped and why. We will cover chapters 5 (electron configuration), 6 (history and patterns in the periodic table), 8 and 9 (bonding and nomenclature), and 22 and 23 (organic chemistry). This quarter is very conceptual and every day will build on the previous one; the material in third and fourth quarter is also very strongly dependent on understanding these chapters. Attendance and focus are particularly important.
- Quarter 3: This is the most math-heavy quarter, and you will need a calculator every day once we begin chapter 11. We start out with chapter 10 (writing and balancing chemical reactions), then cover chapter 11 (the mole), 12 (stoichiometry), and 13 (states of matter).
- Quarter 4: This is the quarter in which we put it all together. In order to apply all of our skills from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter, we cover chapters 14 (behavior of gases), 15 (solutions), 17 and 18 (reaction rates and equilibrium), and 19 (acids, bases, and salts).