COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dear Learners,

Hello and welcome to the world of chemistry!

This online module aims to engage learners like you through interactive activities and real-world examples, fostering a deeper appreciation of chemistry’s foundational principles, measurements and experimental methodologies, and atomic structure, preparing them to apply this knowledge in practical contexts and understand its broader implications in scientific research and industry, with a particular focus on Ethiopia.

This module is structured to be engaging, informative, and relevant to learners interested in understanding how chemistry shapes our world and contributes to sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.

The first unit of this module aims to provide Grade 9 learners with a foundational understanding of chemistry’s scope, its interdisciplinary nature, and its practical applications within the context of Ethiopian industries and society.

The second unit of this module aims to equip Grade 9 learners with foundational skills in measurements and scientific methods essential for understanding chemistry. Through engaging and interactive learning experiences, learners will gain practical knowledge applicable to their academic studies and future scientific endeavors.

The final unit of this module is designed to introduce Grade 9 learners in Ethiopia to the fundamental concepts of the structure of an atom. Learners will explore the historical development of atomic theories, the properties of subatomic particles, and the composition of atoms. Through interactive lessons, and practical exercises, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of atomic structure and its significance in chemistry.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Dear Learners,

Upon the completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Define chemistry;
• Describe the scope of chemistry;
• Discuss the relationships between chemistry with physics, biology, medicine, geology and other subjects;
• Describe the application of chemistry in the field of agriculture, medicine, food production and building construction;
• Name some common chemical industries in Ethiopia and their Product;
• List the seven SI units and their prefixes;
• Describe the seven SI units and their prefixes;
• Write the names and symbols of derived SI units;
• Use the factor label method for solving problems and making conversion of SI units;
• Describe uncertainty of measurement;
• Identify the digits that are certain and the ones that are uncertain given a number representing measurement;
• Identify causes of uncertainty in measurement;
• Define precision and accuracy;
• Estimate the precision possible for any instrument they use in the laboratory;
• Explain systematic and random errors;
• Analyze given data in terms of precision and accuracy;
• Define significant figures;
• Determine the number of significant figures in a calculated result;
• Use the scientific notation in writing very large or very small numbers.
• Discuss the development of Dalton’s Atomic Theory and Modern Atomic Theory;
• Explain the discovery of the proton, electron, neutron and the nucleus;
• Differentiate the terms like atomic number, mass number, atomic mass, isotope, energy level, valence electrons and electronic configuration;
• Develop skills in determining the number of protons, electrons and neutrons of atoms from atomic numbers and mass numbers;
• Develop skills in calculating the atomic masses of elements that have isotopes;
• Develop skills in writing the ground-state electron configurations of atoms using main energy levels and drawing diagrammatic representations of atoms;
• Demonstrate scientific inquiry skills: observing, comparing and contrasting, communicating, asking questions, and applying concepts.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

In this online module for grade 9 chemistry, learners engage in a variety of interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. Quizzes, mid exam and final exam challenge your comprehension and problem-solving skills, while discussion forums encourage collaboration and peer- learning. Through these activities, learners not only grasp the basics of chemistry but also develop critical thinking abilities essential for scientific inquiry.

MODULE CONTENTS

Unit 1: CHEMISTRY AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Unit 2: MEASUREMENTS AND SCIENTIFIC METHODS

• 2.1 Measurements and Units in Chemistry
• 2.2 Chemistry as Experimental Science

Unit 3: STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

• 3.1 Historical Development of the Atomic Theories of Matter
• 3.2 Fundamental Laws of Chemical Reactions
• 3.3 Atomic Theory
• 3.4 Discoveries of Fundamental Subatomic Particles and the Atomic Nucleus
• 3.5 Composition of an Atom and the Isotopes

REFERENCES

• Grade 9 textbook
• Atkins, P., & Jones, L. (2016). Chemistry: Molecular Science. Oxford University Press.
• Timberlake, K. C. (2017). Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry. Pearson Education.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Name: Abraham Berhanemeskel

Email address: abraham111105@gmail.com

Mobile number: +251985471532