Properties of Matter – How does the structure of matter affect the properties and uses of
materials?
9.5 – Due to its unique chemical structure, carbon forms many organic and inorganic
compounds.

Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings and branching networks to form
a variety of structures, including fossil fuels, synthetic polymers and the large molecules
of life.
D 13. Explain how the structure of the carbon atom affects the type of bonds it forms in
organic and inorganic molecules.
D 14. Describe combustion reactions of hydrocarbons and their resulting by-products.
D 15. Explain the general formation and structure of carbon-based polymers, including
synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, and biopolymers, such as carbohydrate.
Understandings:
Students will understand that...
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Carbon is the building block of life.
o
That carbon as an element can form bonds to become a variety of compounds
from plastic to bone to oil.
o
The relationship between combustion of hydrocarbons and our environment on
a consumer, economic and ecological level.
o
Carbon based polymers can be natural or synthetic and what purpose(s) they
serve.
Students will know...
o
The difference between inorganic and organic compounds.
o
How the structure of carbon determines its behavior and the bonds it can form
with other molecules.
o
What combustion is and why it is important to understand.
o
What products and by-products form from the combustion from hydrocarbons.
o
The difference between monomers and polymers.
o
What carbon-based polymers are.
Essential Questions:
o
o
o
o
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What is the difference between and organic and inorganic molecule?
What physical and chemical properties of carbon determine the bonds it can form?
How does combustion happen?
How can carbon make so many different molecules with very different chemical and physical properties?
How do we use polymers?