The ten lessons of chemistry cover sections CW1-CW3 of the stage 4 NSW science syllabus with the first lesson focused on working scientifically skills.
Lessons 2-4 cover section CW1. In lesson 2, students are introduced to the particle model of matter which they are then expected to use to describe and predict the behaviour of matter in different situations. In lesson 3, students learn about the physical properties of matter and relate changes in the physical properties of matter to heat energy and particle movement. Students are also expected to explain density in terms of the particle model. In lesson 4, students explain state changes in terms of the particle model and identify the benefits and limitations of the particle model.
Lessons 5 and 6 cover section CW2. In lesson 5, students learn about elements, compounds and mixtures. They should be able to describe the differences between these types of substances at a particle level as well as explain why internationally recognised symbols are used for elements. In lesson 6, students describe the properties and uses of common elements, investigate how different cultures used elements and compounds, and identify how our understanding of the structure and properties of elements has changed as a result of technological advances.
Lessons 7-9 cover CW3. In lesson 7, students describe aqueous mixtures in terms of solute, solvent and solution; and describe the importance of water as a solvent in daily life, industries and the environment. In lesson 8, students relate separation techniques to the physical principles involved. Separation techniques include filtration, decantation, evaporation, crystallisation, chromatography, and distillation. In lesson 9, students investigate the practical applications of filtration techniques.