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ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (AKS) FOR CHEMISTRY
(College Prep, Honors, Gifted)
 
Instructor: Dr. Dorcas Okor  
 
 A-Characteristics of Science
  1. Design and conduct scientific investigations
  2. Apply standard safety practices for all classroom and laboratory and field investigations
  3. Use technology to collect, observe, measure, and manipulate data and findings
  4. Use valid assumptions to draw conclusions
  5. Apply computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing conclusions
  6. Communicate scientific investigations clearly
  7. Read scientific materials to establish context for subject matter, develop vocabulary, and to be aware of current research
 B. Nature of Matter
  1. Analyze the nature of matter and its classifications
  2. Assess how the Law of Conservation of Matter is used to determine chemical composition I compounds and chemical reactions
 C - Atomic Structure of Matter
  1. Use the modern atomic theory to explain the characteristics of atoms
  2. Use the organization of the periodic table of elements to predict the properties of elements
 D – Chemical Reactions
  1. Predict how various factors affect the rate of chemical reactions
  2. Assess the motion and behavior of atoms and molecules in chemical and physical processes
 E - Acids and Bases
  1. Analyze properties that describe solutions and the behavior of acids and bases.
Safety in the Laboratory
 
Safety in a chemistry laboratory is similar to safety in driving. The person who is careless may not be the one who is hurt. The chemistry laboratory is a place to experiment and learn, not horseplay. Accidents are usually caused by somebody’s carelessness. Therefore, all accidents are preventable. Safety is the responsibility of everybody in the laboratory. You must assume responsibility for your safety and that of everybody else working near you. You can help prevent laboratory accidents by closely following the safety rules below and any instructions given to you by the teacher. Safety is the number one priority and any violation of safety rules will result in serious consequences.
  1. The chemistry lab is a place for serious work. Do not perform activities without your teacher’s permission. NEVER work alone in the lab. Work only when your teacher is present. ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY.
  2. Study your lab activity BEFORE you come to the lab. If you are in doubt about any procedures, ask your teacher for help.
  3. Safety goggles and a lab apron must be worn whenever you work with chemicals and/or glassware in the lab. Gloves should be worn whenever you use chemicals that cause irritations or can be absorbed through the skin.
  4. Contact lenses can absorb vapors and are difficult to remove in an emergency. You are advised not to wear contact lenses in the lab even if goggles are worn.
  5. Long hair should be tied back to reduce the possibility of it catching fire.
  6. Avoid wearing dangling jewelry or loose. dangling clothing. Loose clothing may catch fire and either the clothing or jewelry may catch on apparatus during lab.
  7. Wear shoes that cover the feet at all times. Bare feet or sandals are not permitted in the lab.
  8. Know the location of fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, fume hood, and first aid kit. Know the exits from the lab and how to use the safety equipment provided in the lab.
  9. Any accident or injury, no matter how minor, incorrect procedure or damage to equipment MUST be reported immediately to the teacher.
  10. Handle chemicals carefully. Check the labels of all bottles THREE times: before you pick up the container, when the container is in your hand and when you put the container back.
  11. DO NOT return unused chemicals to the reagent bottles.
  12. DO NOT take reagent bottles to your work stations unless specifically told to do so. Use test tubes, paper, graduated cylinders or beakers to obtain your chemicals. Take only small amounts. It is easier and safer to get small amounts than to dispose of excess.
  13. Do not insert droppers into reagent bottles. Pour a small amount of the chemical into a beaker or test tube.
  14. NEVER taste any substance (liquid or solid) in the lab. NEVER draw any chemicals into a pipet with your mouth. Use a bulb or propipet. Smoking, eating and chewing gum are prohibited in the lab.
  15. If chemicals come in contact with your eyes or skin, immediately flush the area copiously with large amount of water for at least 15 minutes. Inform the teacher at once.
  16. Keep combustible materials (alcohol, acetone, ether, etc...) away from open flames. Heat flamable materials ONLY on a water bath.
  17. Handle toxic and combustible materials only under the direction of the teacher and in a fume hood.
  18. When heating a substance in a test tube, be very careful not to point the mouth of the tube at anybody including yourself. Heat the whole length of the tube and NEVER look down the mouth of the test tube.
  19. Use heat resistant gloves or tongs when handling hot apparatus or glassware. Hot glass looks exactly the same as cold glass.
  20. Dispose of broken glass, unused chemicals and reaction products ONLY as directed by the teacher.
  21. Know the correct procedure for preparing acid solutions. ALWAYS ADD ACID SLOWLY TO WATER.
  22. NEVER weigh chemicals or wet substance directly on the pan of the balance. Keep balance area clean and dry at all times.
  23. Do not heat graduated cylinders, burets or pipets with a laboratory burner.
  24. Housekeeping is an essential part of laboratory activity. Your lab activity is not complete until you have cleaned and returned your equipment to their proper locations. Clean your work area. Make sure the gas and water are turned off.
  25. Finally, before you leave the lab, you must wash your hand with soap and water.

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