MAPPING THE PFAs —

CONQUERING CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY COURSE
Introduction to the PFAs

CHART SHOWING PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREAS IN DETAIL

PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA PRELIMINARY COURSE PFA
(GENERAL) —A STUDENT: DETAILS OF THIS PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
1 the history of P1 outlines the historical • applies to the thinking and to the knowledge
chemistry development of major at that time in the past
principles, concepts
• should be addressed using terminology
and ideas in chemistry
appropriate to the time

• gives us an insight into the use of the

scientific method in the past

• allows us to gain an appreciation of the

importance and significance of the work done
in the past

• gives us an insight into how general thinking

in society has changed over time
2 the nature and P2 applies the processes • is tentative, i.e. information is not fixed but in
practice of that are used to test a state of flux
chemistry and validate models,
• is empirical (based on the scientific method—
theories and laws of
research, experimentation, observation)
science with particular
emphasis on first- • involves hypothesising, theories and models
hand investigations in • may show bias (e.g. cultural, religious, gender
chemistry specific)

• shows how the constraints brought about

by limitations in technology in the pursuit of
further knowledge often lead to developments
and advancements in that technology

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 PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA HSC COURSE PFA
(GENERAL) —A STUDENT:
3 applications and P3 assesses the
uses of chemistry impact of particular
technological advances
on understanding in
chemistry
4 implications of P4 describes applications
chemistry for of chemistry which
society and the affect society or the
environment environment
5 current issues, P5 describes the scientific
research and principles employed
developments in in particular areas of
chemistry research in chemistry
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DETAILS OF THIS PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
• can be very contemporary, involving latest
discoveries
• may also have a strong historical emphasis
• usually highlights the strong link between
research and implementation, especially in
fields such as health and genetics
• has a strong overlap with the previous PFA
• includes ethical considerations and
contentious issues
• requires a knowledge of chemistry sufficient
to make predictions
• may also require a good depth of general and
background knowledge, i.e. wider reading
• is constantly changing, drawing on recent and
current events in chemistry
• requires reading of newspapers and popular
science magazines, e.g. New Scientist
• subscribing to local research organisations is
beneficial
• also involves ethical and technical aspects of
chemical issues
CONQUERINGCHEMISTRY PRELIM 2
 INTEGRATION OF THE PFAs USING CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY (PRELIMINARY COURSE)
Conquering Chemistry (4th ed) is easily able to integrate the PFAs into teaching objectives and
outcomes. Throughout the text, sections of the syllabus lend themselves to particular PFAs and their
associated backgrounds in chemistry. The following table highlights the sections of the CC text which
address particular identifiable PFAs. The notes suggest ways in which lessons or further research may
assist students address these important syllabus objectives.

CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
MODULE ONE: P3 assesses the In terms of the general description of this PFA—
impact of particular applications and uses of chemistry—these sections of
THE CHEMICAL
technological the CC text on separation techniques broadly relate
EARTH
advances on to many applications, some of significant importance.
1.6–1.14 pp. 12–18 understanding in Students could investigate how one or more of these
chemistry separation techniques is applied in our wider society.

1.10 pp. 14–5 P4 describes It is possible to integrate this section with the wider
applications of applications of fractional distillation in our society,
chemistry which e.g. crude oil refining. This has implications for both
affect society or the society and for our environment.
environment
1.25 pp. 28–9 P1 outlines the The historical development of the Periodic Table is
historical also covered in the HSC course. However, students
development of may investigate some of the historical origins of the
major principles, Periodic Table here, incorporating the historical PFA 1.
concepts and ideas
in chemistry
2.1 pp. 33–4 P1 outlines the The particle theory of matter is covered briefly
historical in this section. This topic has significant historical
development of significance and provides an opportunity for further
major principles, investigation by students to integrate this PFA.
concepts and ideas
in chemistry
2.7 pp. 40–1 P1 outlines the These sections of the CC text parallel the
historical development of atomic theory. The syllabus,
2.8 pp. 41–2
development of however, does not include this topic. As a major
2.9 pp. 42–3 major principles, historical perspective in chemistry, students could
2.10 pp. 43–4 concepts and ideas investigate the important milestones in atomic theory
in chemistry from Dalton and Rutherford through to Bohr. The
2.11 pp. 44–5 nature of this topic goes to the heart of the study of
2.12 pp. 45–7 chemistry and chemical concepts in general.

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 CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
3.1 pp. 67–9 P1 outlines the Observations and their crucial role led to the advent
historical of modern chemistry, using the modern scientific
development of method. The section of the CC text on physical and
major principles, chemical changes can be used to emphasise the
concepts and ideas importance of making and recording observations
in chemistry in chemistry, setting it apart from the ages of the
alchemists and the Greek philosophers.
3.5 pp. 73–4 P3 assesses the This section of the CC text could be used as
impact of particular the basis for further research incorporating the
technological applications and uses of chemistry. Decomposition
advances on and direct combination reactions have significant
understanding in roles in our industrial society, with technological
chemistry advances being responsible for their widespread use.
MODULE TWO: P4 describes The application of metallurgy makes for a very
applications of large area of study related to PFA 4. Our society is
METALS
chemistry which dependent upon the use of metals in their various
4.1 pp. 100–1 affect society or the applications. The effect on the environment due
environment to the manufacturing, use and disposal could be
investigated further, but it would be necessary to
limit the research to particular examples.
4.3 pp. 105–7 P4 describes Particular examples of applications of iron and
applications of aluminium can be used to highlight their effect on
chemistry which society and the environment.
affect society or the
environment
4.4–4.6 pp. 107–112 P1 outlines the The historical development of the extraction and use of
historical metals from around 300 BCE to the modern era, linked
development of to the chemistry involved in the processes, allows for a
major principles, very good opportunity to address PFA 1 at this stage of
concepts and ideas the course.
in chemistry
4.14–4.15 pp. 122–4 P1 outlines the These two sections of the CC text can be integrated
historical with the previous sections 4.4–4.6, giving a chemical
development of explanation to the early use of certain metals and to
major principles, the later development of the ‘modern’ metals.
concepts and ideas
in chemistry
4.15 pp. 122–3 P5 describes the Further research into the use of metals such as
scientific principles titanium and modern alloys in specific applications
employed in could be investigated further by students wishing to
particular areas cover this PFA.
of research in
chemistry

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 CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
4.17 p. 126 P5 describes the The applications of chemistry to recycling have very
scientific principles significant consequences for our society and the
employed in environment. Further research being done to enable
particular areas recycling to be extended to other materials (e.g. car
of research in tyres) could be investigated here. Both PFA 4 and
chemistry PFA 5 are addressed by this issue.

P4 describes
applications of
chemistry which
affect society or the
environment
5.1 pp. 130–2 P2 applies the Relative atomic mass can be used as an example
processes that are of the way in which models and theories are applied,
used to test and tested, validated and modified in the light of further
validate models, information. PFA 3 is also covered by this area of
theories and laws study in that the advances made in measurement
of science with technologies led to better understanding of the
particular emphasis relative atomic mass.
on first-hand
investigations in
chemistry
5.12 pp. 149–51 P1 outlines the The works of Dalton, Avogadro, Gay-Lussac and
historical Mendeleev provide an excellent example of both the
development of development of models, theories and laws as well
major principles, as the scientific processes used to validate these
concepts and ideas laws using first-hand investigations. This section
in chemistry of the CC text, along with section 6.1, should be
covered with these relevant PFAs in mind. Drawing
P2 applies the
students attention to the processes involved in
processes that are
the development of these theories as well as
used to test and
their validation neatly integrates syllabus content
validate models,
(knowledge domain) with the PFAs.
theories and laws
of science with
particular emphasis
on first-hand
investigations in
chemistry
6.1 pp. 154–6 P1 outlines the The history of the development of the modern
historical Periodic Table is a classic example of this PFA. The
development of coverage of this content in the CC text allows for the
major principles, integration of the PFA into the lessons at this point.
concepts and ideas
in chemistry

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 CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
MODULE THREE: P4 describes As the author suggests, there is little scope in this
applications of module for the treatment of the PFAs. However, this
WATER
chemistry which section on the role of water on Earth is relevant
7.1 p. 184 affect society or the to the application of chemistry, and how it affects
environment our society and the environment. General class
discussion, overlapping with stage 5 studies on
weathering and erosion, focussing on the role of
water and its properties (expansion upon freezing)
is possible at this point.
7.2 pp. 184–5 P4 describes The unique physical properties of water have
applications of significant implications for the environment,
chemistry which especially its specific heat capacity. The huge heat
affect society or the sinks that are our oceans provide a moderating effect
environment on our weather and on Earth’s climate. Water’s
melting and boiling points also have great significance
to the environment. Class discussions surrounding
these aspects of water to emphasise these
implications will help to reinforce this PFA.
7.8 p. 195 P4 describes In a similar manner to the previous two sections,
applications of water as a solvent can be used as another example
chemistry which of how the unique chemistry of water has major
affect society or the implications for our society and our environment.
environment
8.3 p. 205 P2 applies the There are few opportunities in this module to
processes that are integrate this PFA. However the nature and practice
used to test and of chemistry is clearly evident in this section on
validate models, using the solubility table. Using information to
theories and laws make predictions is an important part of the scientific
of science with method while simultaneously emphasising first-hand
particular emphasis investigations.
on first-hand
investigations in
chemistry
8.7 pp. 210–1 P4 describes The formation of limestone caves over millions of
applications of years due to the reaction of carbonic acid (found in
chemistry which natural rain water) with calcium carbonate (limestone)
affect society or the gives students a link to the way in which chemistry
environment affects the environment. The content of this section
is not directly from the syllabus, however, reversible
reactions are certainly addressed by the syllabus.

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 CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
8.10–11 & 13–14 P4 describes These sections of the CC text cover the important
applications of aspect of the thermal properties of water. Referred
pp. 221–3, 226–7
chemistry which to previously, the way in which the environment is
affect society or the affected by this property is a relevant opportunity
environment to relate it to PFA 4. Thermal pollution caused, for
example, by coal-fired power stations, shows how
the environment is affected by the needs of our
society.
MODULE FOUR: P4 describes Fossil fuels as a source of chemical energy,
applications of released by combustion, have had and continue
ENERGY
chemistry which to have an enormous impact on our society and
9.3 pp. 247–8 affect society or the the environment. A discussion which outlines the
environment chemical processes involved in the formation of fossil
fuels, the extraction and refining of crude oil, as
well as the final applications of the fuels will serve
to highlight this PFA.
9.5 pp. 249–51 P5 describes the The relatively recent discovery of fullerenes has
scientific principles led to wide-ranging further research into their
employed in potential applications in medicine, industry and as
particular areas superconducting materials. PFA 5 in its general
of research in scope addressing current research and developments
chemistry in chemistry is applicable here. Students could
undertake research into the scientific methods
employed in their production and analysis.
9.8 pp. 256–8 P3 assesses the The general scope of this PFA, applications and
impact of particular uses of chemistry, is exemplified by the fractional
technological distillation of crude oil. As mentioned previously,
advances on PFA 4 is also addressed by the use of fossil fuels.
understanding in The technology involved in refining crude oil, and how
chemistry this has enhanced our chemical understanding of the
fuels refined can be discussed at a class level.
9.13 pp. 269–70 P4 describes The widespread use of hydrocarbons as fuels,
applications of solvents and raw materials for the production of
chemistry which plastics (Module 1 of the HSC course) allows for
affect society or the the easy integration of PFA 4 into lessons at this
environment point. Emphasis on these applications and how the
environment is affected by the use of hydrocarbons
will address this PFA.

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 CONQUERING
CHEMISTRY
PRELIMINARY PRESCRIBED FOCUS AREA
(CHAPTER SECTION/ (NUMBER AND
PAGE NUMBERS) DESCRIPTION) NOTES AND DETAILS OF PFA INTEGRATION
10.5 pp. 282–3 P2 applies the The emphasis on first-hand investigations in building
processes that are up a body of evidence for the development of the
used to test and model used to explain chemical energy changes
validate models, is a good example of this PFA. The breaking and
theories and laws formation of chemical bonds, along with the energy
of science with changes involved, is an important chemical model
particular emphasis that has been tested and validated by the results of
on first-hand first-hand investigations.
investigations in
chemistry
10.8 pp. 286–8 P4 describes Pollution from the burning (combustion) of fossil
applications of fuels has an all-pervading effect on our society
chemistry which (health issues) and on the environment (enhanced
affect society or the greenhouse effect, acid rain, etc.). Research being
environment and undertaken by scientists to address these issues has
led to changes being made (e.g. reducing the sulfur
content of diesel fuel sold in Australia). Present and
P5 describes the future research will become very significant in social,
scientific principles political and environmental contexts. Students could
employed in perform their own investigations into some of these
particular areas particular areas of research.
of research in
chemistry

10.15 pp. 296–9 P5 describes the The future applications of catalysts will have
scientific principles far-reaching consequences. Presently, catalytic
employed in converters used in car exhaust systems are
particular areas necessary to meet emission standards imposed
of research in by governing bodies. Future developments using
chemistry biological catalysts to help reduce pollution and to
assist chemical reactions will have considerable
financial implications for their discoverers and
benefits to our society.

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