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Chemistry is the study of the nature, properties, and composition of matter, and how these undergo changes.[1] Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds.
Chemistry is always called "the central science" because it connects physics with other natural sciences such as geology and biology.[2] Chemistry plays an important part and essential role in all of the other natural sciences: Plant growth and metabolism, the formation of igneous rocks, the role played by ozone in the atmosphere, issues concerning environmental pollution, the properties of lunar soil, medical action of drugs and establishment of forensic evidence.[3] None of the above aspects can be understood without the knowledge and perspective provided by chemistry.[4]
Curriculum Aims
According to the Curriculum and the Assessment Guide published by the Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, one of the aims of studying chemistry is to develop students’ interest and curiosity about chemistry.[5] The learning of chemistry, starting from F. 3 and F. 4 is situated in real-life contexts. Different teaching strategies and a wide range of learning activities would be adopted to arouse students’ interest in learning Chemistry. Students are expected to develop the knowledge of properties of common matters, knowledge of common chemical phenomena and facts, basic concepts of chemical reactions and principles, in addition to the interconnections between science, technology and society. These contexts help students to develop skills such as communicating with appropriate science languages, performing simple experiments safely, observing phenomena, analyzing facts and principles, scientific thinking as well as problem solving skills.
Learning Chemistry in higher forms involve the understanding of more abstract and advanced science theories, performing of more complicated or inquired-based experiments, designing of safe experiments to solve problems, and applying of chemistry knowledge in unfamiliar situations. Concentrations on Industrial Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry would be highlighted for F. 6 students.
[1] John B. Russell, General Chemistry (New York: McGraw-Hill International Book Company, 1980).
[2] Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene Lemay, Bruce Edward Bursten, H. Lemay. Chemistry: The Central Science (New Jersey: Prentice Hall; 8th ed, 1999), 3-4.
[3] John B. Russell, General Chemistry (New York: McGraw-Hill International Book Company, 1980).
[4] Ibid.
[5] Curriculum Development Council, Chemistry Curriculum and Assessment Guide (Secondary 4-6) (Hong Kong: Printing Department of CDC, 2007), 3-4.