Intermediate 1

This course will help you to understand how Chemistry is relevant to our everyday lives. You will study various issues and discover how school chemistry links to the world of work and to the chemical industry.

a) Substances	Examining chemical elements and reacting them to form compounds. Making solutions. Hazards.
b) Chemical Reactions	Identifying chemical reactions. Finding out which factors affect the speed of chemical reactions. Writing word equations.
c) Bonding	How atoms combine. Making models of molecules.
d) Acids & Alkalis	Measuring acidity. Common acids & alkalis. Neutralisation reactions and making salts. Acid rain and its effects.

a) Metals	Properties and uses. Extracting metals from ores. Reactions of Metals. Corrosion of metals. Making batteries.
b) Personal Needs	Keeping clean. How soap works. Clothing – what is it made of? Dyes and dyeing. Fireproofing.
c) Fuels	The chemistry of burning. Fossil fuels. Finite resources. Conservation. Renewable resources. Processing crude oil. Pollution problems associated with cars.
d) Plastics	Properties & uses of plastics. Advantages and disadvantages. Disposal of plastics and pollution problems. Making plastics.

a) Photosynthesis	How plants make food. Respiration – how animals obtain energy from food. The greenhouse effect.
b) The effects of chemicals on plant growth	Pesticides & fertilisers. Testing fertilisers. Investigating which chemicals are required for plant growth.
c) Food and diet	Elements in the body. Carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins, fibre, vitamins & minerals and food additives. Testing foods.
d) Drugs	Alcohol – what is it, how does it effect the body. Fermentation and distillation. Illegal drugs. Medicines.

The formal assessment consists of a National Test at the end of each Unit and a written exam at the end of the course. There are 9 set practical experiments which pupils must carry out.