10th Grade Chemistry

The 10th-grade Chemistry class is a comprehensive look at the real world. All sophomores at Beacon are enrolled in this required course, and by the end of the year, students should have a basic understanding of the chemistry around them in the physical world, while also being set up to take higher-level electives for in the 11th or 12th grades, especially for those hoping to pursue a college major in science, technology, engineering, or medical fields.

Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Chemistry is a fascinating science and chemical principles are a foundation for understanding many things. Our goal is for each student to assimilate a better understanding of the universe and of science itself. The class is full of intricate problem-solving, interactive experiments, and colorful demonstrations. We become scientific collaborators, and it is fantastic to work together. Chemistry is a prerequisite course required of all 10th-grade students at The Beacon School.

Topics to be covered:

• Introduction to chemistry, scientific method, matter, and change
• Scientific measurement, conversions, and problem-solving skills
• Basic atomic structure
• Quantum theory and atomic electron configuration
• Chemical periodicity and trends
• Introduction to the periodic table, writing chemical names and formulas
• Properties of ionic compounds, covalent compounds, and bond structures
• Chemical quantities and the “Mole”
• Chemical reactions and equation writing and balancing
• Stoichiometry and calculations in chemical equations
• A deeper look into the states of matter and their transitions
• Thermochemistry
• Laws governing gas behavior
• Special properties of water; the behavior of solutions and aqueous systems
• Acids and Bases & Neutralization and Titration