Grade 9 Chemistry Syllabus
Chemistry is the study of substances (matter), what they are made of and the chemical reaction
(changes) that they undergo.
Chemistry is the subject that links in a significant way all the other Science subjects, Geography,
Food and Nutrition and Mathematics. An understanding of basic Chemistry concepts will allow
students to appreciate the power and impact with Chemistry in the modern world.
The subject demand a practical approach and most of the concepts that are to be covered carry
a variety of activities. Charts, models and other audio visual aids will play an important part in
imparting concepts to students. Wherever it is possible application to real life situations will be
incorporated in the teaching strategies so that students will begin to gain an appreciation for
the role that Chemistry play in their life.
The Chemistry curriculum covers concepts that will form a part of the grade 9 Diagnostic Test as
well as provide a foundation for students who will study the subject at the CSEC level grades 10
and 11.
Students will be required to carry out an investigation which will be part of the regular
course/class work, as well as provide the marks for the internal Assessment requirement of the
course. Students will be guided through the tasks by the respective teachers.
Term 1
Introduction to the Chemistry Lab
Lab safety rules
What is Chemistry
Chemistry as a science and its relevance to society
Chemistry related career choices
Bunsen burner
Properties of Matter
Matter as mass and volume
States of Matter
Identify solids, liquids and gases as the three states of matter
Explain that the particles in solids, and gases have different arrangements and have
different forces between them
The particulate Nature of Matter
State that matter has mass and occupies space
Deduce that substances are made up of minute particles that cannot be seen with the
naked eye-particulate nature of matter
Infer that there are spaces between the particles of a substance
Deduce that small particles can combine to produce larger particles
Carry out experiments to demonstrate diffusion and osmosis
Use diffusion and osmosis experiments as evidence of the particulate nature of matter
Pure and Impure Matter
State that matter may be pure and impure
Perform activities to show the differences, the melting points of pure and impure
matter
Infer whether matter is pure or Impure based on melting point and boiling point data
State that pure matter maybe elements or compounds and impure matter are usually
mixtures
List examples of pure and impure matter
Physical and Chemical changes
Observe and identify changes as physical or chemical
Identify a change as the process which results in the formation of a new substance with
different properties
Explain what is meant by a physical change
Give examples of common, physical and chemical changes
Perform investigations to determine the conditions necessary for rusting
Acids Bases and Salts
State that compounds can be classified as acids, bases and salts
Give examples of common acids, bases and salts
Classify substances as acids and bases based on their reaction with indicators
Term 2
Atoms, Molecules and ions
State that the particles of elements are atoms or molecules of the same the kind
State that the particles of compounds are atoms, molecules or ions of different kind
Identify the particles making up molecules as atoms
Identify protons, neutrons and electrons as the particles making atoms
Differentiate among the sub-atomic particles (protons neutrons and electrons) on the
basis of their charge, relative mass and location
Deduce that the atom is electrically neutral and explain why ions have positive or
negative charges
The periodic Table
State electronic configuration of the first twenty (20) elements
Identify the correlation between electronic configuration and group and period number
Give the names and properties of groups I, II, VII, and VIII elements
Explain the term of valence shell and valence electrons
Metals and Non-Metals
Classify elements as metals or non-metals
Perform activities to identify the properties of metals and non-metals (hardness,
malleability, conduction of heat and electricity luster)
List at least six (6) examples each of metals and non-metals
State some uses of metals and non-metals
Identify some common alloys and give their uses
Discuss the effects of metals and non-metals on body systems
Term 3
Bonding
Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonds
Draw dots/cross diagrams to illustrate ionic and covalent bonding
Differentiate between single, double and triple bonds
Write formulae for binary ionic compounds and covalent compounds
Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
Suggest reasons why substances rarely exist in nature
State the chemical symbols for some commonly occurring elements
Interpret the notation ab X where X=symbol of the element, a=mass number, b=atomic
number
Describe with illustrations the structure of the atoms with atomic number 1-10
State the chemical formulae for some commonly occurring compounds
Identify carbohydrates, fats and proteins as compounds in living things
Identify the elements present in carbohydrates, fats and proteins given their chemical
formulae
Differentiate between mixtures and compounds
Explain the differences between solutions, suspensions and colloids
List ways in which components of a mixture may be separated