2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PCADE 068 Earth Chemistry with Lab (ESL) (5 credits)



Course Description
This course will introduce students to the chemical properties of matter and how to apply that knowledge to explore the chemical origins of the universe and the evolution of planet Earth and the features therein. This course integrates technology, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills around assignments and activities related to chemistry and Earth science. Lab included.

Student Outcomes
1. Collect experimental evidence and depict data in graphical form.
2. Utilize appropriate units when making measurements.
3. Understand the components of the scientific method.
4. Recognize and use chemical symbols for elements and compounds.
5. Describe the basic structure of atoms and ions and relate them to their location on the Periodic Table, their charge, and the number of fundamental particles.
6. Relate physical and chemical properties of matter to the Periodic Table, including metals, non-metals, metalloids, group names, ionic charge, and valence electrons.
a. HS-PS1-1. Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the basics of chemical bonding, describing how and why atoms come together to make molecules.
a. HS-PS1-2. Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
8. Relate energy changes to changes on a molecular level that affect reaction rates and chemical equilibrium.
a. HS-PS1-4. Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
b. HS-PS1-5. Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
c. HS-PS1-6. Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium.
9. Describe physical phenomena on a molecular level.
a. HS-PS1-3. Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
10. Balance simple chemical equations to demonstrate the law of conservation of matter.
a. HS-PS1-7. Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
11. Apply chemical knowledge to explain the formation of the universe, solar system, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets and justify using supporting evidence.
a. HS-PS1-8. Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
b. HS-ESS1-2. Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.
c. HS-ESS1-1. Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
d. HS-ESS1-3. Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
12. Explain how the earth has changed through geologic history and the chemical evidence that supports these changes.
a. HS-ESS1-6. Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history.
b. HS-ESS2-3. Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
13. Evaluate evidence to explain the ages of crustal rocks (HS-ESS1-5).
a. Radioactive dating.



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