BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CURRICULUM GUIDE
UNIT III. Carbon Chemistry
Estimated Time Range
4-6 weeks
Content Standard
9.5 & 9.6
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
The student will understand that:
1. Carbon’s chemical properties allow numerous compounds that reflect
the chemical structure of its molecules.
2. Carbons 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
3. Chemical technologies present both risks and benefits to the health and
well-being of humans, plants and animals.
4. Materials produced from the cracking of petroleum are the starting
points of the production of many synthetic compounds.
5. The products of chemical technologies include synthetic fibers,
pharmaceuticals, plastics and fuels.
SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS
Position paper or research paper on one organic chemical technology and
discuss implications to society.
Fossil fuels debate.
Write a company brochure on a new carbon compound or product specifying
how its made, what its used for and other marketable properties.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1. How does the structure of matter affect the properties and uses of
materials?
2. How does science and technology affect the quality of our lives?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will be able to:
1. Explain how the structure of the carbon atoms affects the type of bonds it
forms in organic and inorganic molecules.
2. Describe combustion reactions of hydrocarbons and their resulting byproducts.
3. Explain the general formation and structure of carbon-based polymers,
including synthetic polymers such as polyethylene and biopolymers such
as carbohydrates
4. Explain how simple chemical monomers can be combined to create
linear, branched and/or cross-linked polymers.
5. Explain how the chemical structure of polymers affects their physical
properties (strength, flexibility).
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Physical Science – Concepts in Action with Earth and Space Science
Prentice Hall
Wyession, Frank, Yancopoulos
ISBN #: 0-13-069982-9
Chapter 9
Global Science – Energy, Resources, Environment
Kendall, Hunt Publishing Company
Christensen
ISBN #: 0-7872-9010-6
Chapter 2, 3, 6, 7 & 10
Molecular model lab
Saponification Lab
Preparing a cross-linked polymer
Esterification Lab
“Apple Juice” CAPT Lab
SUGGESTED CONNECTIONS