Chemistry

I. Knowing the Content

 

The professional education program provides evidence that Chemistry certification candidates complete a program of Chemistry studies the same as the academic content area courses and required electives of a major in a bachelor's degree. The program shall require the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of and competence in teaching inquiry based laboratory experiences and the fundamental concepts of chemistry to secondary school students grades 7-12 including:

 

Note: Students majoring in Biochemistry may complete certification in Chemistry, as the sequence of required courses is the same. In addition, Biochemistry majors are required to take Chemistry 45C: Biophysical Chemistry rather than 45 B: Intermediate Physical Chemistry and Chemistry 108: Topics in Biochemistry.

 

I.A.      Basic principles of mathematics and physics as they relate to chemistry

 

(Chemistry l0: General Chemistry, Chemistry 34: Principles of Physical Chemistry, include the topics below. In addition, Math 5:Calculus I, Math 6: Calculus II, and Math l8: Several Variable Calculus, Physics 3: General Physics I and Physics 4: General Physics II or Physics 7: Introductory Mechanics and Physics 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves)

 

            ¥           relationships between matter and energy,

            ¥           Physical parameters, units and dimensional analysis,

            ¥           states of matter,

            ¥           gas laws and the kinetic-molecular theory.

 

I.B.      Applications of chemistry

 

(Chemistry 32: Organic Chemistry II, Chemistry 38: Biological Chemistry, 46: Inorganic Chemistry, include the topics below. In addition, Biology 1: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology 2: Organismal and Population Biology)

 

            ¥           the life sciences and earth sciences,

            ¥           scientific discovery and technological advancement.

 

I.C.      Atomic theory

 

(Chemistry 10: General Chemistry, Chemistry 22: Organic Chemistry I, Chemistry 34: Principles of Physical Chemistry)

 

            ¥           atomic structure and nuclear chemistry,

            ¥           electronic configuration and periodicity,

            ¥           chemical bonding and molecular structure.

 

 

I.D.      Chemical concepts

           

(Chemistry 10: General Chemistry, Chemistry 22: Organic Chemistry I, include the topics below)

 

            ¥           chemical formulas and nomenclature,

            ¥           chemical reactions and stoichiometry,

            ¥           mixtures, solutions, solubility, and chemical equilibrium

 

I.E.      Inorganic chemistry

 

(Chemistry 10: General Chemistry, Chemistry 46: Inorganic Chemistry, include the topics below)

            ¥           descriptive chemistry of metallic and nonmetallic elements and their industrial

importance,

            ¥           valence bond and molecular orbital theories,

            ¥           group theory and crystal systems,

            ¥           chemistry of inorganic complexes.

 

I.F.      Organic chemistry

 

(Chemistry 22: Organic Chemistry I, Chemistry 32: Organic Chemistry II, Chemistry 50: Modern Instrumental Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry include the topics below)

 

            ¥           bonding and structure,

            ¥           nomenclature and stereochemistry,

            ¥           reactions and mechanisms,

            ¥           synthesis and spectroscopy applications related to biology, medicine, industrial

chemistry, material sciences, agriculture and emerging areas of technology.

 

I.G.      Thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions

 

(Chemistry 34: Principles of Physical Chemistry, Chemistry 38: Biological Chemistry, include the topics below)

 

            ¥           laws of thermodynamics,

            ¥           chemical equilibrium,

            ¥           electrochemistry,

            ¥           chemical kinetics.

 

I.H.      Extensive laboratory activities

 

(All Chemistry courses except courses over l00.)

 

            ¥           reinforcement or extension of chemical theory,

            ¥           experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation,

            ¥           methods of preparation, use, storage and disposal of reagents conforming to state

and federal regulations,

            ¥           laboratory safety.

 

I.I.       Historical and contemporary issues

 

(Chemistry 1: Chemistry in the Human Environment, Chemistry 10: General Chemistry, include the topics below).

 

            ¥           ethical implications of science and technology,

            ¥           history of chemistry,

            ¥           safety of household products, medicine, agriculture, and gardening,

            ¥           environment and ecology,

            ¥           risk benefit trade-offs

            ¥           risk benefit trade-offs

 

 

II.        Performances

 

The professional education program shall provide evidence of the candidates participation in sequential and developmental field experiences and student teaching, under the supervision of college personnel and well trained cooperating teachers who have interpersonal skills and demonstrated competence in teaching chemistry. The program shall provide evidence that the criteria and competencies for exit from the Chemistry certification program are assessed in coursework, field experiences and student teaching and require the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in fostering student learning through:

 

II.A. Managing the instructional environment:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Ed.21: Educational

Psychology)

 

            ¥           creating a climate that promotes fairness,

            ¥           establishing and maintaining rapport with students,

            ¥           communicating clear, challenging learning expectations to each student,

¥           establishing and maintaining consistent standards of classroom behavior,

            ¥           creating a safe environment conducive to learning,

            ¥           using instructional time effectively.

 

II.B.     Planning instruction which promotes problem analysis, critical thinking, creativity, leadership development and decision-making:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Ed 21: Educational Psychology, and Special Methods Workshops in Chemistry).

 

            ¥           subject matter, organization and integration of content and the relationship of

content to education, career and life goals,

            ¥           Pennsylvania Academic Standards,

¥           student learning and motivation, with emphasis on individual differences and diversity,

 

            ¥           the community and community resources,

            ¥           current education standards and practices.

 

II.C.     Selecting, analyzing, modifying and incorporating instructional materials to meet the learning needs and reading level of diverse learners:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Ed 21: Educational Psychology and Special Methods Workshops in Chemistry).

 

 

            ¥           curriculum resources and technology,

            ¥           inquiry based laboratory experiences,

            ¥           information from the internet, professional organizations, and business and industry

 

II.D.    Monitoring student progress and performance and adjusting instructional strategies through a variety of assessment tools in order to provide student feedback, and strengthen the effectiveness and quality of instruction for improved student learning:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Ed 21:

Educational Psychology).

.

 

III.       Professionalism

 

The professional education program provides evidence that Chemistry certification candidates demonstrate knowledge and competencies that foster professionalism in school and community including:

 

III.A. Professional organizations and associations, professional publications and journals:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Special Methods Workshops in Chemistry).

 

III.B.   Integrity and ethical behavior, professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania's Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations:

 

(Ed. 14: Introduction to Education, 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar).

 

III.C.   Cultivating professional relationships and collaborating with school colleagues, organizations and other community agencies to improve student learning:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar).

 

III.D.   Communicating effectively with parents/guardians, business and industry, and other agencies, and the community at large to support learning by all students:

 

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar).