Unit I: Introduction to Chemistry

Activity I

Chemistry In Us!

I. Introduction

The benefits and the problem created by chemistry in the modern world may not be
as obvious as in other fields of science. But the impact of chemistry on our society
pervades. It is a must to learn more about the things around us, whether they occur
naturally or not, and how to use them profitably for our common good.

II. Engage
 Motivation

Read the statements below. Move around the classroom and find another
person. Ask him/her to sign his/her initial if possesses the following. Thank the
person and find a new partner to repeat the process. Continue until all answer
boxes are completed. Each person may only sign once.

Find Someone Who…

1. …is wearing a cotton fabric.

2. …have braces on.
3. …loves mentholated candy.
4. …brings toothpaste and toothbrush today.
5. …uses citrus cologne.

III. Explore

 Objectives
1. Determine the different contributions of chemistry to human society.
2. Explain the uses of some chemical products that are essential to our
continued well-being.
3. Recognize chemistry as a “Central Science”

 Materials

old newspapers, magazines, or calendars with pictures

pair of scissors
paste

 Procedure
1. Cut three pictures each of the following from newspapers, magazines, or
calendars:
a. chemical processes; and
b. chemical products.
2. Paste the pictures on the succeeding pages. Label your pictures.
 3. Give the area of human needs in which they are used.
4. Explain the uses of each chemical process or product.
5. Discuss some possible disadvantages of the chemical processes or products
you have presented.

 Guide Questions
From the data collected…
1. …which of the chemical processes do you consider very essential I every day
living?
___________________________________________________________

2. …which of the chemical product you can live without it?

___________________________________________________________

 Generalization

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

IV. Explain

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties and the changes it undergoes,
including the energy changes that accompany these processes. Technological
breakthroughs, new agricultural practices to increase food production, improved
modes of transport and communication, and demand for housing and shelter,
necessitate the use of new chemicals or materials.

Chemists perform certain tasks to help meet the needs of industry and the other
sciences, including medicine, as well as the needs of man. Chemists produce
new materials and improve existing ones, discover or synthesize new
pharmaceuticals to target cancer, AIDS, and other diseases which have proved
resistant to existing drugs or which have no known cure as yet. Chemists
participate in looking for solutions to environmental issues such as acid rain,
waste management, the widening hole in the ozone layer, disposal of nuclear
wastes, and alternative sources of energy.

Chemistry is called the “Central Science” because knowledge of the basic

principles in chemistry is needed for the study of the other physical sciences, the
life sciences, and other fields such as geology, ecology, medicine, and
engineering. Chemistry overlaps many sciences.

Chemistry works in all areas of chemistry but some choose to work in one or two
of the five special areas of Chemistry. Biochemists find interest in the chemical
processes that occur in living organisms. Organic chemists focus their attention
on the study of substances containing carbon and hydrogen in combination with
other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Physical chemists are
concerned with the fundamental theories, principles, and experiments that
describe the behavior of chemicals. Analytical chemists are interested in the
 composition of substances. Inorganic chemists study elements other than
carbon and their compounds. These are substances from nonliving things.
Environmental chemists are added as a special division of Chemistry that
focuses on chemical pollution and disposal of chemical waste.

V. Evaluation

VI. Extend

Ask students to collect food and label of other consumer products. Together with the
cut out articles on the latest discovery and products of chemistry. Make a scrap
book out of the said materials. Show creativity in making one