Chemistry and Our Earth

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
D/505/5350
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Know how uses of chemical substances depend upon their chemical and physical properties.

Learning Outcome 1: Indicative Content

Learners might start by locating and naming chemicals found in their own environment, such as the workplace and finding out the properties of such chemicals. They could then move on to relating the properties of these chemicals to their uses.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Describe physical and chemical properties of chemical substances.
  • 1.2
    Describe how chemical substances are used based on their physical properties.
  • 1.3
    Describe how chemical substances are used based on their chemical properties.
2.

Know about chemical reactivity and bonding.

Learning Outcome 2: Indicative Content

Learners might research common chemicals found in the workplace to discover their structure and how they interact with other chemicals. Examples of these might include water, its polarity and uses in dissolving, nitrogen and its use in food preservation, e.g. crisps, dry ice and its use in lowering temperatures.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Describe the physical and chemical properties of group 1 and 7 elements.
  • 2.2
    Describe the formation of ionic compounds in terms of electron transfer.
  • 2.3
    Describe the formation of covalent compounds in terms of electron sharing.
  • 2.4
    Relate properties of typical ionic and covalent compounds to their bonding.
3.

Be able to investigate the factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions.

Learning Outcome 3: Indicative Content

Learners should carry out investigations into the factors that affect the rate of reaction such as temperature, concentration of reagents and products. Examples of reactions learners might investigate include calcium carbonate and acid (linking to acid rain [L/O4]), iron to an iron oxide (linking to rusting [L/O4]), carbonates and acids (linking to indigestion remedies).

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Describe the factors that can affect the rates of chemical reactions.
  • 3.2
    Carry out an investigation to establish how factors affect the rates of chemical reactions.
4.

Know the factors that are affecting the Earth and its environment.

Learning Outcome 4: Indicative Content

Learners could research how the Earth evolved over time in terms of its structure and chemical composition today and develop a video clip or storyboard demonstrating their knowledge and understanding. They could investigate, through further research, how specific factors and human activities affect the Earth leading to either acid rain or global warning or depletion in the ozone layer. These should be related to the workplace where possible and include any risk mitigation taken by the industry.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Describe human activities that are affecting the Earth and its environment.
  • 4.2
    Describe natural factors that have changed the surface and atmosphere of the Earth over time.