Exploring Chemistry: Meaning, Careers & Real-Life Applications – SS 1 Lesson Chemistry SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Chemistry SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 1

Subject: Chemistry
Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 14-16 years
Topic: Introduction to Chemistry
Sub-Topic: (1) Meaning of Chemistry, (2) Career Prospects Tied to Chemistry, (3) Applications of Chemistry

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define chemistry.
2. Explain various career opportunities in chemistry.
3. Describe the applications of chemistry in different fields.

Keywords: Chemistry, career, application, industry, petrochemical, agriculture, military.

Set Induction:

Engage students by discussing everyday products and asking how they think these products are made, hinting at the role of chemistry.

Entry Behavior:

Basic knowledge of science and familiarity with common substances and their uses.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Posters of famous chemists and their contributions
• Sample chemicals (salt, sugar, water, etc.)
• Career brochures in chemistry-related fields

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Ask students about any previous knowledge of chemistry or the scientific processes they encounter daily.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Scientific literacy

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Standard Chemistry Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard/Markers
• Projector (for career videos if available)

Content

Meaning of Chemistry

1. Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, composition, and how it changes.
2. It explores the substances that make up the world and how they interact.

Career Prospects Tied to Chemistry

1. Pharmaceuticals – Chemists develop drugs and medicines.
2. Environmental Science – Chemists study pollution and create solutions.
3. Chemical Engineering – Involves the design of chemical plants.
4. Teaching – Chemistry teachers educate the next generation of scientists.
5. Forensic Science – Chemists work in crime labs to analyze evidence.

Applications of Chemistry

1. Hospital: Use of chemicals in medications and diagnostic tests.
2. Military: Development of chemical warfare defense, explosives, and protective gear.
3. Teaching: Chemistry teachers pass down knowledge and conduct experiments.
4. Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: Production of plastics, fuels, and lubricants.
5. Space Agriculture: Using chemistry to grow plants in non-Earth environments.

Presentation

Step 1: Introduce Chemistry and Its Definition

• Teacher’s Activity: Explain the basic definition of chemistry and ask students for examples of matter.
• Learners’ Activity: Share examples of substances they encounter daily.

Step 2: Discuss Career Prospects in Chemistry

• Teacher’s Activity: Display and discuss various career paths available for chemists.
• Learners’ Activity: Note down career opportunities and ask questions.

Step 3: Explore Applications of Chemistry

• Teacher’s Activity: Explain the different applications of chemistry in various fields.
• Learners’ Activity: Discuss how chemistry influences daily life.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Chemistry is the scientific study of __________.
   • a) matter
   • b) nature
   • c) energy
   • Answer: a) matter
2. Chemists working in __________ develop drugs and medicines.
   • a) engineering
   • b) pharmaceuticals
   • c) architecture
   • Answer: b) pharmaceuticals
3. Chemistry teachers work in the field of __________.
   • a) agriculture
   • b) teaching
   • c) military
   • Answer: b) teaching
4. The study of __________ and its changes is part of chemistry.
   • a) plants
   • b) animals
   • c) matter
   • Answer: c) matter
5. __________ is an application of chemistry in the military.
   • a) Fuel production
   • b) Explosives
   • c) Farming
   • Answer: b) Explosives
6. Chemistry helps in developing __________ for hospitals.
   • a) entertainment
   • b) medications
   • c) books
   • Answer: b) medications
7. __________ is one career related to chemistry.
   • a) Nursing
   • b) Forensic science
   • c) Driving
   • Answer: b) Forensic science
8. Chemical engineers work to design __________.
   • a) vehicles
   • b) chemical plants
   • c) sports gear
   • Answer: b) chemical plants
9. Chemistry is used in __________ to study pollution.
   • a) accounting
   • b) environmental science
   • c) literature
   • Answer: b) environmental science
10. In space agriculture, chemistry helps grow __________.
    • a) chemicals
    • b) metals
    • c) plants
    • Answer: c) plants
11. __________ is the science of matter and its properties.
    • a) Biology
    • b) Chemistry
    • c) Physics
    • Answer: b) Chemistry
12. A chemist who analyzes evidence works in __________.
    • a) pharmaceuticals
    • b) forensic science
    • c) education
    • Answer: b) forensic science
13. Chemistry is essential in __________ industries for fuel production.
    • a) petrochemical
    • b) automotive
    • c) textile
    • Answer: a) petrochemical
14. __________ helps in protecting the environment from pollution.
    • a) Military science
    • b) Environmental chemistry
    • c) Industrial design
    • Answer: b) Environmental chemistry
15. Chemistry contributes to __________ by producing plastics.
    • a) teaching
    • b) chemical industries
    • c) music
    • Answer: b) chemical industries

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is chemistry?
   Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and interactions.
2. How does chemistry apply to daily life?
   It’s used in food, medicine, cleaning products, and more.
3. What career opportunities are there in chemistry?
   Careers include pharmaceuticals, teaching, engineering, and forensics.
4. Why is chemistry important in hospitals?
   Chemistry helps create medications and diagnostic tools.
5. How does chemistry relate to the military?
   Chemistry develops explosives, protective gear, and defense measures.
6. What does a chemist do in the petrochemical industry?
   They create fuels, plastics, and lubricants.
7. Can I pursue a teaching career with a chemistry degree?
   Yes, many chemists become teachers or professors.
8. What is forensic science?
   It’s the application of science in criminal investigations.
9. What is environmental chemistry?
   It studies chemicals in the environment to prevent pollution.
10. What are chemicals used for in agriculture?
    Chemicals aid in plant growth and pest control.
11. Is chemistry useful in space?
    Yes, in areas like space agriculture to grow plants.
12. Can chemistry solve pollution problems?
    Environmental chemistry creates solutions for pollution.
13. What is space agriculture?
    It’s growing crops in non-Earth environments, supported by chemistry.
14. What is the role of chemistry in medicine?
    Chemistry develops drugs and medical treatments.
15. What does a chemical engineer do?
    They design chemical plants and processes.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define chemistry.
2. List three career paths in chemistry.
3. How is chemistry applied in hospitals?
4. Explain the role of chemistry in the petrochemical industry.
5. Describe space agriculture.
6. What is forensic science?
7. Name one application of chemistry in the military.
8. How does chemistry help in environmental protection?
9. Mention one career in chemistry related to medicine.
10. What does a chemist do in the chemical industry?

Conclusion

Summarize the importance of chemistry and its role in career development and everyday applications.