This is the second semester of a two-semester chemistry program (it is best taken following Matter in Context, but may be taken alone by a student with a comfort level in science and mathematics). As with the first course, it provides content area training within the context of contemporary issues. This semester, the focus will include chemical reactions, acid rain, natural, synthetic and bio polymers, recycling, sustainable energy sources, a qualitative look at heat and energy, and others. Although more emphasis is placed on the quantitative aspects of chemistry such as measurement, uncertainty, the use and limitations of mathematical modeling, dimensional analysis, quantitative laboratory skills, and others, the focus of the course is to provide a lasting qualitative understanding of basic chemical concepts. The goal is to provide middle school science teachers with an accurate picture of the scientific processes and the skills that are needed to understand and solve individual, local and global chemistry-based problems.

Instructors

Sharon Palmer, Ph.D.
Project Manager, STEM Institute
University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
spalmer@k12s.phast.umass.edu

Peter Shaughnessy
Lecturer, Continuing Education
University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
petersh@k12s.phast.umass.edu

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