Form 1 Chemistry — Term 2

Form 1 Chemistry — Term 2 is a structured chemistry course designed to help learners understand how substances are classified, how they behave and how mixtures can be separated using appropriate techniques.

The course begins with Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, where learners develop a clear understanding of the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures. Learners will learn how to describe and classify elements as metallic and non-metallic, and use simple diagrams to represent elements.

Learners will then explore compounds, including their characteristics and examples found in everyday life. They will use diagrammatic representations to understand how elements combine to form compounds.

The course also introduces mixtures, including the distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. Learners will compare and contrast compounds and mixtures and develop an understanding of why mixtures retain the properties of their components while compounds have different properties from the elements that form them.

Learners will investigate physical and chemical changes, identifying the differences between changes in which no new substance is formed and changes that result in the formation of new substances.

The course then introduces criteria of purity, helping learners understand how the purity of a substance can be determined and why pure and impure substances are important in chemistry and everyday life.

A major part of the course focuses on purification and separation techniques. Learners will study and compare methods including filtration, evaporation, simple distillation, fractional distillation, crystallisation, chromatography, separating funnels, centrifugation, sublimation and decantation.

Learners will also explore the applications of separation techniques and consider their effects on the environment. This helps connect classroom chemistry to real-world processes such as water treatment, petroleum refining, food processing and the recovery of useful substances.

Through clear explanations, diagrams, demonstrations, worked examples, practical activities, quizzes and assessments, learners will develop classification, observation, analysis and problem-solving skills.

Understand substances. Separate mixtures. Think like a scientist.