Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

 

Time line: 2 1/2 weeks

Unit Objectives:

1. To analyze the hierarchy involved in the composition of matter.

2. To develop a working understanding of the structure and

behavior of atoms by creating models of specific atoms showing

their valence level.

3. To analyze the types of chemical bonds, and be able to

recognize the properties of these specific bonds in holding the

various chemical compounds together.

4. To relate the extraordinary properties of water and their

relationship to living organisms by deciding how to support

their decisions on why organisms benefit from these properties

in the environment.

5. Develop a working understanding of the variety of compounds

that can be developed from the element carbon, by creating

a variety of compounds and their isomers in model form.

6. Design a classification pattern of carbon compounds based on

their functional groups.

7. Outline the four major classes of biological macromolecules,

analyze the roles of each in a living organism, and derive an

understanding of their chemical make up by comparing and

contrasting their sub-compound make up.

 

Teacher/Student Activities:

1. Discuss the relationship among the elements comprising matter. Students will be given a Periodic Table of Elements to use and refer to as the course progresses.

 2. Teacher Demonstration: Electroconductivity of various chemical compounds when dissolved in water. This is to demonstrate the bonding capabilities of various organic and inorganic compounds.

3. Teacher created worksheet: Independent Practice on the formation of covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds. worksheets

4. Discussion on the six properties of water and their relationship to living organisms. 

5. Student Lab: The determination of pH of aqueous solutions using various methods of detection. labs 

6. Discussion of carbon and its versatility in living things.

 7. Student Activity: Create note cards of each end group and its function. On one side draw the end group, while on the other describe its function or functions. Keep and review regularly. worksheets

 8. Student Activity: Using the molecule construction kits, have the students construct the end groups for a 3-D representation.

 9. Discuss the form and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

10. Student Activity: Teacher constructed work sheet on the comparison of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. worksheets

 11. Student Activity: Create a series of note cards showing the chemical and structural formulas of all the major groups of organic compounds. Have the students create 3-D models using the molecule construction kits.

 Evaluation:

1. Teacher Labs are guided practice and will not be counted in the grading process.

2. Pop quizzes are formative assessments and will not be counted in the grading process.

3. Major Test: Summative and will follow the A P Exam format.