Lesson 1: What is chemistry? Chemistry

Typical Teacher Talk Many science teachers begin a new topic with a lecture and vocabulary.

What is chemistry? Too many definitions with circular reasoning or with unclear and new vocabulary.  Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them.  Chemistry is the science of the materials that make up our physical world.  Chemistry and physics are specializations of physical science.  Chemistry tends to focus on the properties of substances and the interactions between different types of matter, particularly reactions that involve electrons.

What is chemistry? Lesson 1 is based on an explanation of chemistry from The Chemical History of a Candle, published in Michael Faraday (22 September 1791 – 25 August 1867)

What is chemistry? What did you learn?  Observations are important.

What is chemistry? Balances are different from scales balance measures mass scale measures weight

What is chemistry? What did you learn?  Observations are “enhanced” with tools.  Misuse of vocabulary may be avoided through descriptions.

What is chemistry? Two activities yield the following.  Working definition: Chemistry is a science based on observations

What is chemistry? Expand our working definition with Ob-Scertainers Ob-Scertainer® Kit

What is chemistry? Macroscopic versus Microscopic Views  Visible to the naked eye; usually pertaining to large substances.  Invisible or indistinct (hidden) with the naked eye; usually pertaining to small or far away substances.

What is chemistry? An Analogy: The Chemistry Tree

What is chemistry? Common definitions found in textbooks  Organic chemistry: The study of chemicals that contain carbon  Inorganic chemistry: The study of elements, but particularly in metals, and are often involved in the preparation of new catalysts.  Biochemistry: The study of process that take place in an organism  Analytical: The study that focuses on composition of matter  Physical: The study that focuses on mechanisms, rate, and energy transfers that occur when matter change

What is chemistry? Pure, applied, chance  Pure: Knowledge for the sake of knowledge  Applied: Research directed toward a goal or application  Chance discoveries (“Chance favors the prepared mind” - Louis Pasteur)

What is chemistry? Put it all together  Chemistry is a science  Like a tree, chemistry has many branches  Chemistry is based on experimentation  Chemistry may be done with a purpose of gaining knowledge or making a product.

What is chemistry? Assessment Before we can go to the next topic, right?  85% of students must earn a 70% or greater on the assessment.  Due tomorrow.  Do not copy from the textbook, notes, or internet. Use your own thoughts!