Senior
Chemistry
Chemistry in
Science Stage 6 provides
students with a contemporary and
coherent understanding of matter
and its interactions. It focuses
on investigating the physical
and chemical properties of
substances, chemical reactions
and processes, and the
interaction of energy and
matter, and attempts to explain
and predict events at the atomic
and molecular level.
The study of Chemistry
recognises that a study of the
nature of materials includes
natural and made substances,
their structures, changes and
environmental importance. The
history and philosophy of
science as it relates to the
development of the
understanding, utilisation and
manipulation of chemical systems
is important in developing
current understanding in
Chemistry and its applications
in the contexts of technology,
society and the environment.
Chemistry in Stage 6 draws upon
and builds onto the knowledge
and understanding, skills, and
values and attitudes developed
in Stages 4–5 Science. It
further develops students’
understanding of science as a
continually developing body of
knowledge, the role of
experiment in deciding between
competing theories, the
provisional nature of scientific
explanations, the
interdisciplinary nature of
science, the complex
relationship between evidence
and ideas and the impact of
science on society.
The study of Chemistry involves
the students working
individually and with others in
practical, field and interactive
media experiences related to the
theoretical concepts considered
in the course. It is expected
that students studying Chemistry
will apply investigative and
problem-solving skills,
effectively communicate the
theoretical concepts considered
in the course and appreciate the
contribution that a study of
Chemistry makes to our
understanding of the world.
The Chemistry Stage 6 course is
designed for those students who
have a substantial achievement
level based on the Stages 4–5
Science course performance
descriptors. The subject matter
of the Chemistry course
recognises the different needs
and interests of students by
providing a structure that
builds upon the foundations laid
in Stage 5 yet recognises that
students entering Stage 6 have a
wide range of abilities,
circumstances and expectations.
(Board of Studies 2002)
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