Importance of studying Chemistry
guiding Questions
What is science? How is science different from non-science disciplines? What is ^ chemistry? What does it do? What are laws of nature? What is an experiment? Why ris it important to conduct experiments in science? What is a hypothesis? How is it Qiffererit from speculation? What is a generalization?<■ How can generalizations be made? What are the main methods and processes used in chemistry? What type of w(knowledge arid information is derived through them? In what way do we use this knowledge and information? What are the skills needed to learn chemistry? Why is it necessary to learn mathematics in order to study chemistry?
The students have already examined chemistry as a separate discipline in classes IX and X and are familiar with many basic concepts on the importance of studying chemistry should help to elevate their understanding of the importance of chemistry to a higher level. The students should gain a very clear understanding of the nature of chemistry as distinct from other disciplines and how it answers many needs of human life, to appreciate the importance of studying chemistry. Adiscussion of the following areas and related activities will help the students comprehend disappropriate ideas.
♦ Howxhemistry is used as a tool by other disciplines?
♦ What is involved in the study of chemistry?
concept guideline below to develop lecture/discussion sessions. Add more concepts and points from references and internet resources. Elaborate the points using a number of examples and activities. Prepare questions to prompt the students.
Concept guide | |||
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Chemistry as | How chemistry is used as a | What'^.nfolved Wfke | |
a science. v - > | toot by other disciplines? k. J | gk study of chemistry? 1 '' .. j | |
• What is a science? ? | Why is chemistry important | Chemistry contains | « |
It is a way of thinking based on | to: | • Facts' about chemical | |
knowledge of the laws of | • geology . | substlmoe their n^jnes, | |
nature. It is based on observation of things that exist and events that take place in nature. | • biology • medicine • industry | appearai^s, manufacturing methods,uses, thew^ they react with each other, how they are identified. | c |
Science discusses only things that can be observed, either directiy or indirectly (not blind speculation) Is based on the 'method of science' which involvedexperimentation. • | • • Provide some concrete situations for discussion eg. A doctor has prescribed 100 mg dose of a mddicine to a patient. The medication available contains 20 mg of medicine in each 5 ml of syrup. .-£>'• | • General rules about the " behaviour of chemical substances and how to use these rules to pf edict wfiat is going to happen in a given . ♦ » . , situation** < ' a'- 9 • Procedutfes«andmetfiojls + . . • An attitude to natures ' • ( • | o • |
You may elaborate these aspects from the view point of chemistry. | How can chemical calculations you know be made use of to determine how many millilitres of the syrup is to be given to the patient. , | ||
I ° | 'J |
Tracking Tip
Use discussions in the previous section to give a very clear idea to the students about the skills expected in a student of chemistry. Explain these skills and advise the students what to do to envelop and reinforce these skills.