Our journey in this course started with the atom, the basic unit of an element. For thousands of years,
people have been questioning about these tiny particles and have came up with many theories based
around it. Though many people believe atomic theories started with John Dalton around the late 1700s
or early 1800s. This is not true as the atomic theories started sometime during 300 or 400 B.C. with the
philosopher, Democritus, being one of the first to come up with a theory about atoms. Democritus’
theory gave the basics of an atom, but his theory was rejected by many during his time as fellow
philosophers, Aristotle and Plato, rejected his theory ("The History of the Atom" discussed by teacher
Carla and teacher Ceed). After hundreds of years, the theory came back and was formed into what we
now know as the modern atomic structure. From the ideas presented by Sir Dalton to the experiments
conducted by Ernest Rutherford, to the idea of electrons and to Neils Bohr's contribution in the modern
atomic structure as well as in the quantum mechanics.
“Chemical bonding is the language of logic for chemists,” according to Anastassia N. Alexandrova, a
theoretical and computational chemist. This is what I learned and realized when we proceed in
understanding and revisiting the concepts of chemical bonding and compounds. Living things are made
up of atoms, but in most cases, those atoms aren’t just floating around individually. Instead, they’re
usually interacting with other atoms. For instance, atoms might be connected by strong bonds and
organized into molecules or crystals. Or they might form temporary, weak bonds with other atoms that
they bump into or brush up against. Both the strong bonds that hold molecules together and the weaker
bonds that create temporary connections are essential to the chemistry of our bodies, and to the
existence of life itself.
Ahhh before I forget, we also had revisiting discussion of the history and importance of periodic table.
Every human has a natural tendency to organize, that is what I contemplated. The periodic table is a
perfect example of how organization betters the scientific world. Much like a poem, it tells a significant
amount of information in a condescended fashion. The periodic table is the most important
development in the field of chemistry and is the most important chemistry reference there is for
chemistry teachers like us and to the other field of sciences. The periodic table played a crucial part in
the development in the field of chemistry as it allowed for a way of organizing the elements so that it
was possible to make predictions about both the chemical and physical properties based on the
elements’ position in the table. The periodic table is grouped into many different divisions: Groups,
Periods, Blocks, Metals, Metalloids and Non- Metals. It also allowed for many periodic trends to be
identified. The similarities and reactions of per Group of elements and periods. At that manner scientists
and industries were able to predict and consider chemical reactions that might happen to produce
products that we use today! Speaking of chemical reactions, I was able to understand it better also to
have a discussion topic about chemical reactions. In short, I can say that chemical reactions alone allow
living things (cells, animals, people, insects) to grow, develop, reproduce, and adapt. It also make the
industry that we enjoy to flourish and develop dynamics of products. All in all, this unit in Integrated
Science 2 is a great deal for us as Chemistry pre-service teachers. This revisiting of the basic concepts in
chemistry plays an important role in enhancing the quality of teaching, research and development as
well as ensuring that students are equipped with good knowledge to produce intensive good and
services to mean human needs for food, health care products and other materials aimed at improving
the quality of life. We can use this learning and realizations in our future career for the benefit of our
learners.
At this section you can wonder around and read a lot from my own realizations, learning, and
understanding of the topics I have encountered in this course. From the concepts in chemistry, to the
essence of life in biology, appreciation of the wonders and beauty of physics, and the importance of
becoming aware in the environment we live on for our safety and sake.
About the Course
Integrated Science 2 ( 2S SCI 06)