IV. CHEMISTRY TOPICS

1. Inquiry, Reflection, and Social Implications
2. Forms of Energy
3. Energy Transfer and Conservation
4. Properties of Matter
5. Changes in Matter

High School

a. C1.1 Scientific Inquiry
Science is a way of understanding nature. Scientific research may begin by generating new scientific questions that can be answered through replicable scientific investigations that are logically developed and conducted systematically. Scientific conclusions and explanations result from careful analysis of empirical evidence and the use of logical reasoning. Some questions in science are addressed through indirect rather than direct observation, evaluating the consistency of new evidence with results predicted by models of natural processes. Results from investigations are communicated in reports that are scrutinized through a peer review process.

1. Anion Puzzle Virtual Lab
   This site allows the students to test chemicals using different solid and aqueous reagents. The students can also test pH, create precipitates, centrifuge those precipitates, and perform reactions according to different "recipes" listed in the reactions section. An even more extensive lab concerning coded unknowns can be bought for $25.
2. Cation Puzzle Virtual Lab
   This site allows the students to test chemicals using different solid and aqueous reagents. The students can also test pH, create precipitates, centrifuge those precipitates, and perform reactions according to different "recipes" listed in the reactions section. An even more extensive lab concerning coded unknowns can be bought for $25.
3. Evidence: The True Witness
   Become KC Rogers, the forensic detective without a clue. Apply your newfound knowledge of forensic science to search for a kidnapper, case a house for evidence, process evidence in the lab, and interview suspects. Reference and glossary sections help keep you on the trail, and a careers section is included in case you get really good.
4. ETE Teacher Pages: Problem-Based Learning - Science Process - Reflecting
   A teacher's guide for using problem based learning in the classroom. This site provides a lot of good information on this subject including, a definition of problem based learning, goals and objectives and steps that should be followed during instruction.
5. ExploraVision ExploraVision is a competition for all students in grades K-12 attending a public, private or home school in the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories. It is designed to encourage students to combine their imagination with their knowledge of science and technology to explore visions of the future. ExploraVision is more than a contest. It can be a spark to ignite every student's enthusiasm for science.
6. Heats of Solution Interactive Experiment
   An animation that allows the students to choose different salts in order to investigate their heats of solution. Changes in temperature are graphed to allow the students to analyze which salt, when dissolved, releases the most energy.
7. Instrumental Chemistry New
   Virtual demonstration that can be performed by students in a lab or as a teacher demonstration. It demonstrates how a mass spectrometer works.
8. Science Research
   Outstanding! Your one-stop source for scientific research, access to numerous scientific journals and public science databases.
9. Virtual Science Comes Alive
   This site has a number of interactive science animations available. This site is part of The Why Files site. This is an outstanding interactive site.
11. Whelmers
    Whelmers offers a selection of science activities which are designed to "catch the eye and mind of even the most indifferent student". Most materials are simple and easily obtainable. Activities have been aligned with the National Science Education Standards.

b. C1.2 Scientific Reflection and Social Implications
The integrity of the scientific process depends on scientists and citizens understanding and respecting the “Nature of Science.” Openness to new ideas, skepticism, and honesty are attributes required for good scientific practice. Scientists must use logical reasoning during investigation design, analysis, conclusion, and communication. Science can produce critical insights on societal problems from a personal and local scale to a global scale. Science both aids in the development of technology and provides tools for assessing the costs, risks, and benefits of technological systems. Scientific conclusions and arguments play a role in personal choice and public policy decisions. New technology and scientific discoveries have had a major influence in shaping human history. Science and technology continue to offer diverse and significant career opportunities.

1. Chem Com Teacher's Resource Center
   Outstanding! ChemCom® takes a different approach to the learning of chemistry. Each of the eight units revolves around a societal question. This question creates a need to know chemistry to find a solution. The context of each question is a community: local, workplace, national, or global. The chemistry presented to the students builds upon the same vocabulary, thinking skills, problem solving and lab techniques as most traditional introductory chemistry courses.
2. EPA-Office of Solid Waste-Reusable News
   This site has a list of Newsletters and Bulletins about waste, waste reduction, greenhouse gases and federal, state, and local efforts at recycling. They are PDF files. There is an Acrobat Reader download on the site if you don't have it. This enables you to read the PDF files.
3. EPA-recycling Publications
   Explains recycling and why we should recycle. Also has many links to other sites on recycling. Recycling solid waste consumers handbook for reducing solid waste. Includes steps to reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage. Can be downloaded as a PDF file or ASCII text file.
4. EPA-Office of Solid Waste-Managing Used Oil
   This site contains a PDF file or test format file to download about how to handle used oil. The file explains what is considered used oil, where it can be found, how it is recycled and how to handle spills.
5. Environmental Molecules
   This website discusses properties of some common environmental molecules in terms of risk/benefit analysis. The emphasis is on agricultural materials.
6. How Stuff Works
   Descriptions of how a TV or alkaline battery works tend to be brief and impart only a very cursory sense of what's going on inside. Not here. You get detailed yet understandable explanations married with plentiful illustrations and pictures of how everyday technologies such as engines, VCRs, cellphones, refrigerators, and smoke detectors work
7. Science Friday New

   Outstanding. This website has multiple downloads and videos about current science issues. There is also a teacher resource section for ideas on implementation into the classroom.

8. The Chemical Database  
   This is a great site for both teachers and students as a resource on specific chemicals.  Any chemical can be looked up to find out its registry number, chemical formula, chemical and physical properties, hazards, protection, fire and health information.
9. The Love Canal Debate
   This is a great site for an advanced science class that wants to learn about hazardous waste dumping and how it affects the area around it as well as the people.  Students become active in this site by researching different interests concerning the issue.
10. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
    Serious about laying your claim to a great invention? This site, or the office of a good patent attorney, should be your first stop. The U.S. Patent Office posts a wealth of information about issued patents and patent applications, and you can search its vast patent database to see if your idea's already been taken.
11. Virtual House of Hazardous Products in the House
    This is a  very student interactive that allows the student to select a room, see the most common products found in that area.  Each product can be selected to find out detailed information.