Have you ever wondered why food spoils, how drinking water is tested, or what chemicals are used in products you use every day? How do scientists help protect waterways, reduce pollution and develop safer, more sustainable materials?
Chemistry General explores the science behind everyday substances, materials and chemical reactions that impact our lives and communities. Students investigate how chemistry is used in areas such as food production, environmental management, agriculture, health, recycling and industry, while developing practical skills that prepare them for further training, employment and informed participation in society.
Through hands-on investigations and real-world applications, students develop problem-solving, teamwork and scientific inquiry skills while learning how chemistry can contribute to sustainability, responsible decision-making and care for the environment and wider community.
Why does fruit ripen faster in warmer conditions? How do food labels show what is inside products? And why do some substances dissolve while others do not?
In Unit 1, students explore the properties and behaviour of matter through everyday examples such as cooking, food preservation, cleaning products and recycling. They investigate the structure of atoms, the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures, and how physical and chemical changes occur in everyday life.
Students learn how substances can be separated using techniques such as filtration, evaporation, distillation and chromatography, including how chemists identify food additives and analyse materials. They also investigate solutions and solubility, examining factors that affect dissolving and reaction rates in contexts such as food spoilage, refrigeration and chemical safety.
Through practical experiments and scientific investigations, students develop skills in collecting and analysing data, identifying patterns and communicating evidence-based conclusions.
Why are algal blooms harmful to rivers and oceans? How do soaps and detergents work? And why is water quality important for both people and ecosystems?
In Unit 2, students investigate how chemistry plays an important role in protecting the environment and supporting sustainable practices. They explore water quality, acids and bases, indicators, salinity and chemical testing used to monitor and manage waterways and ecosystems.
Students examine how chemicals are used in products such as soaps, detergents and shampoos and investigate issues including hard and soft water, eutrophication, acid rain, oil spills and waste management. Through practical investigations, students use pH indicators, observe chemical reactions and analyse solutions to understand how chemistry is applied in environmental science, agriculture and community health.
The class may explore these concepts through a variety of real-world contexts such as food chemistry, environmental chemistry, recycling and waste management, agriculture, aquaculture, consumer products and sports chemistry.
Students also consider how scientific knowledge can be used responsibly to improve environmental sustainability and evaluate both the benefits and challenges of chemical use in modern society.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
Students will develop skills in:
Potential Careers
Chemistry provides a strong foundation for further study and careers in:
Post-School Study Options
Students may pursue university pathways including:
Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this course
Ms Kerry-Anne Randall
Head of Science
Kerry.Randall@cewa.edu.au