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Browse by Grade: 12th Grade

United States · Common Core State Standards

12th Grade Chemistry

This course explores the sophisticated interactions of matter and energy through the lens of modern chemical theory. Students investigate the relationship between microscopic structures and macroscopic behaviors using quantitative analysis and predictive modeling.

6 units·54 topics·Ages 17-18

01Atomic Architecture and Quantum Mechanics

11 topics·Weeks 1-9

Students examine the internal structure of the atom and how quantum mechanical models explain the arrangement of electrons and periodic trends.

Historical Models of the Atom

Students will compare and contrast early atomic models (Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr) and their experimental evidence.

Timeline ChallengeConcept Mapping
Wave-Particle Duality and Quantum Numbers

Students will explore the wave-particle duality of matter and light, and the four quantum numbers that describe electron states.

Socratic SeminarSimulation Game
The Quantum Mechanical Model

Exploration of wave particle duality and how electron configurations determine the chemical identity of elements.

Simulation GameConcept Mapping
Electron Configurations and Orbital Diagrams

Students will apply the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and Pauli exclusion principle to write electron configurations and draw orbital diagrams.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingPeer Teaching
Periodic Trends and Shielding

Analysis of how effective nuclear charge and electron shielding influence atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.

Case Study AnalysisDecision Matrix
Ionization Energy and Electron Affinity

Students will investigate the energy changes associated with removing or adding electrons to atoms and their periodic trends.

Inquiry CircleInquiry Circle
Electronegativity and Metallic Character

Students will examine electronegativity as a measure of an atom's attraction for electrons in a bond and its relationship to metallic character.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-Share
Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry

Students will be introduced to the nucleus, isotopes, and the forces holding the nucleus together.

Flipped ClassroomDocument Mystery
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life

Students will study different types of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma) and calculate half-life.

Problem-Based LearningSimulation Game
Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Students will investigate the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, their energy release, and applications.

Formal DebateCase Study Analysis
Nuclear Chemistry

Study of radioactive decay, fission, and fusion and their applications in energy and medicine.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based Learning

02Bonding and Molecular Geometry

5 topics·Weeks 1-9

Investigation into the forces that hold atoms together and how three dimensional shapes dictate the physical properties of substances.

Ionic Bonding and Lattice Energy

Students will explore the formation of ionic bonds, properties of ionic compounds, and the concept of lattice energy.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-Share
Covalent Bonding and Lewis Structures

Students will learn to draw Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions, representing covalent bonds and lone pairs.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingPeer Teaching
Resonance and Formal Charge

Students will investigate resonance structures and use formal charge to determine the most stable Lewis structure.

Inquiry CircleDecision Matrix
VSEPR Theory and Molecular Shape

Using valence shell electron pair repulsion theory to predict the geometric arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Inquiry CircleGallery Walk
Hybridization and Sigma/Pi Bonds

Students will explore the concept of orbital hybridization and differentiate between sigma and pi bonds.

Simulation GameConcept Mapping

03The Mathematics of Reactions

11 topics·Weeks 10-18

A quantitative approach to chemical change, focusing on the conservation of mass and the concept of the mole.

Intermolecular Forces

Distinguishing between intramolecular bonds and the attractions between separate molecules.

Stations RotationCase Study Analysis
Types of Intermolecular Forces

Students will identify and compare dipole-dipole forces, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion forces.

Gallery WalkJigsaw
Metallic and Network Covalent Bonding

Examining the unique structures of metals and giant covalent networks like diamond and graphite.

Stations RotationGallery Walk
Properties of Solids: Ionic, Molecular, Covalent Network, Metallic

Students will classify solids based on their bonding and predict their physical properties.

Museum ExhibitDecision Matrix
The Mole Concept and Avogadro

Bridging the gap between the microscopic world of atoms and the macroscopic world of grams.

Problem-Based LearningThink-Pair-Share
Molar Mass and Conversions

Students will calculate molar mass and perform conversions between mass, moles, and number of particles.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingStations Rotation
Empirical and Molecular Formulas

Students will determine empirical and molecular formulas from percent composition or combustion analysis data.

Inquiry CircleProblem-Based Learning
Balancing Chemical Equations

Students will learn to balance chemical equations to satisfy the law of conservation of mass.

Peer TeachingRound Robin
Stoichiometric Calculations

Using balanced equations to predict the amounts of products formed and reactants consumed.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingJigsaw
Limiting Reactants and Percent Yield

Students will identify limiting reactants and calculate theoretical and percent yields for reactions.

Problem-Based LearningDecision Matrix
Yield and Atom Economy

Evaluating the efficiency of chemical processes in laboratory and industrial settings.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis

04Thermodynamics and Kinetics

9 topics·Weeks 19-27

Analyzing the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions and the factors that control reaction speed.

Energy and Chemical Change

Students will define energy, heat, and work, and apply the first law of thermodynamics to chemical systems.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-Share
Enthalpy and Calorimetry

Measuring and calculating the heat flow in chemical systems.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis
Hess's Law and Enthalpies of Formation

Students will use Hess's Law and standard enthalpies of formation to calculate reaction enthalpies.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingProblem-Based Learning
Introduction to Reaction Rates

Students will define reaction rate and explore factors that influence it.

Flipped ClassroomSimulation Game
Collision Theory and Rates

Investigating how molecular collisions lead to chemical change and how to manipulate reaction speed.

Simulation GameInquiry Circle
Reaction Mechanisms and Rate Laws

Students will explore multi-step reaction mechanisms and derive rate laws from experimental data.

Document MysteryCase Study Analysis
Catalysis and Activation Energy

Students will investigate the role of catalysts in lowering activation energy and speeding up reactions.

Experiential LearningSimulation Game
Entropy and Spontaneity

Predicting whether a reaction will occur naturally by looking at disorder and Gibbs free energy.

Socratic SeminarConcept Mapping
Gibbs Free Energy and Spontaneity

Students will use Gibbs free energy to predict the spontaneity of reactions under various conditions.

Problem-Based LearningDecision Matrix

05Equilibrium and Solution Chemistry

8 topics·Weeks 19-27

Studying reversible reactions and the behavior of substances dissolved in liquids.

The Dynamic Equilibrium

Understanding that chemical reactions can reach a state where forward and reverse rates are equal.

Simulation GameDecision Matrix
Equilibrium Constant Expressions

Students will write equilibrium constant expressions (Kc and Kp) and calculate their values.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingPeer Teaching
Le Chatelier's Principle

Predicting how a system at equilibrium responds to external stresses like pressure or temperature changes.

Inquiry CircleProblem-Based Learning
Solubility and Precipitation

Analyzing the limits of dissolution and the formation of solid precipitates in aqueous solutions.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis
Solubility Product Constant (Ksp)

Students will calculate and use the solubility product constant to predict precipitation.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingDecision Matrix
Introduction to Solutions

Students will define solutions, solutes, and solvents, and explore different types of solutions.

Stations RotationConcept Mapping
Concentration Units

Students will calculate and interconvert various concentration units (molarity, molality, percent by mass/volume).

Collaborative Problem-SolvingProblem-Based Learning
Colligative Properties

Students will investigate how the presence of a solute affects the physical properties of a solvent.

Case Study AnalysisInquiry Circle

06Acids, Bases, and Redox Systems

10 topics·Weeks 28-36

Exploring proton transfer and electron transfer reactions that drive biological and industrial processes.

Acid Base Theories

Comparing the Arrhenius and Bronsted Lowry definitions of acids and bases.

Stations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Strong and Weak Acids/Bases

Students will differentiate between strong and weak acids and bases and their ionization.

Concept MappingSocratic Seminar
pH and Titrations

Using neutralization reactions to determine the unknown concentration of a solution.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis
Acid-Base Equilibrium (Ka, Kb)

Students will calculate and use acid and base ionization constants (Ka, Kb) for weak acids and bases.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingProblem-Based Learning
Buffers and Buffer Capacity

Students will investigate the composition and function of buffer solutions.

Project-Based LearningSimulation Game
Introduction to Electrochemistry

Students will define oxidation and reduction and assign oxidation numbers.

Flipped ClassroomThink-Pair-Share
Balancing Redox Reactions

Students will balance complex redox reactions using the half-reaction method.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingPeer Teaching
Electrochemistry

Investigating the movement of electrons in oxidation reduction reactions and its application in batteries.

Inquiry CircleCase Study Analysis
Galvanic Cells and Standard Potentials

Students will construct galvanic cells and calculate standard cell potentials.

Experiential LearningSimulation Game
Electrolytic Cells and Applications

Students will explore electrolytic cells and their applications in electroplating and industrial processes.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based Learning