VCE ChemistryUnits 3 and 4 2008–2011VCAA and CEA Implementation WorkshopsTerm 2 2007

Purpose of the workshop

● Highlight differences between the reaccredited study design and the current study design with focus on Units 3 and 4

● Introduce the assessment requirements for Units 3 and 4

● Provide some time for discussion● Provide some sample teaching and learning programs

for Units 3 and 4● Seek feedback as to future professional development

and support

Study design: structural changes

● A set of key skills applicable to all units

● Two areas of study in each Units 1–4

● Newer and fewer assessment tasks

● Glossary

● Two year implementation− Units 1 and 2 in 2007− Units 3 and 4 in 2008

Study design: content changes

● Key concepts ‘spiral’ through each unit● Choice in Unit 4 area of study● ‘The Periodic Table’ introduces the study of VCE

Chemistry in Unit 1● ‘Rationale’, ‘Aims’ and ‘Introduction’ for each unit

and area of study have been updated● More detail on safety and laboratory time provided● More detailed ‘Advice for teachers’ section

Study design: summary of new content

Unit 3 - additional techniques of analysis, biochemical fuels, forensic analysis, design new medicines

Unit 4 - waste management and health and safety, choice of industrial chemical, sustainability of energy sources

Assessment

● Number of examinations− one for Unit 3 mid-year− one for Unit 4 end-of-year

● Contributions to study scores− 34% School-assessed Coursework

(17% each for Units 3 and 4)− 33% mid-year examination− 33% end-of-year examination

● Time allocated for each exam− One and a half hours

plus 15 minutes reading time

Key skills (Study design page 12)

● Apply to each unit

● Developed, used and applied in a variety of contexts

● Demonstrate skills at a progressively higher level as the complexity of knowledge increases

● Examinable for Units 3 and 4

Structure

Unit 1The big ideas of chemistry

Unit 3Chemical pathways1. Chemical analysis2. Organic chemical

pathways

Unit 2EnvironmentalChemistry

Unit 4Chemistry at work1. Industrial chemistry2. Supplying and using

energy

1. The Periodic Table2. Materials

1. Water2. The atmosphere

Unit 3: Chemical pathways

Area of study 1 Chemical analysis

Area of Study 2 Organic chemical pathways

Outcome 1Evaluate the suitability of techniques and instruments used in chemical analyses

Outcome 2Identify and explain the role of functional groups in organic reactions and construct reaction pathways using organic molecules

Unit 3: School-assessed Coursework

Three assessment tasks

An extended experimental investigation that can be drawn from either area of study 1 or area of study 2

AND

From the area of study NOT used for the extended experimental investigation

Unit 3: School-assessed Coursework (cont.)

A written report of one practical activity

AND

One task selected from the following:● a response to stimulus material in written, oral or

visual format● an analysis of first or second-hand data using

structured questions● a report in written, oral, multimedia or visual

format related to chemical pathways

Activity 1

Selection of assessment tasks for Unit 3

Unit 4: Chemistry at work

Area of study 2Supplying and using energy

Area of study 1Industrial chemistry

OutcomeAnalyse the factors that determine the optimum conditions used in the industrial production of the selected chemical

OutcomeAnalyse chemical and energy transformations occurring in chemical reactions

Unit 4: School-assessed Coursework

Assessment tasks

A summary report including annotations of three practical activities drawn from either area of study 1 and area of study 2

AND

From the area of study NOT used for the summary report

Unit 4: School-assessed Coursework (cont.)

A written report of one practical activity

AND

One task selected from the following:● a response to stimulus material in written, oral or

visual format● an analysis of first or second-hand data using

structured questions● a report in written, oral, multimedia or visual format

related to chemistry at work

Activity 2

Selection of assessment tasks for Unit 4

Break

VCE Chemistry Units 3 and 4 2008–2011

VCE Assessment Handbook Chemistry

● Section 1 Administrative Procedures

● Section 2 Chemistry Assessment Advice

● Section 3 Assessment Support Materials and

Further Resources

Section 2: Chemistry Assessment Advice

● Outcome statement(for each area of study in each unit)

● Task− Description− Designing the assessment task− Resources and scheduling− Performance descriptors

● Information about examinations

The Performance Descriptors

● Guide for expected standards when setting and marking assessment tasks

● 5 mark ranges provided

● Each range is accompanied by a list of typical performance

● Each mark range allows for discrimination

Activity 3

Using Performance Descriptors

Exams

Exam 1 (June)● Multiple choice● Short answer● Data booklet● Equal weighting of

each area of study

Exam 2 (Nov)● Multiple choice● Short answer● Data booklet● Equal weighting of

each area of study

Support for implementation

● Chemistry – a pathway to Emerging Sciences in Victoria, CD-ROMDepartment of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD)

● Ongoing professional development program such as RACI (VIC), VICS, STAV, CEA, GTAC, Ecolink (Bacchus Marsh), Victorian Science Space Centre

Examples of Useful websites

● www.science.org.au/nova

● www.bio21.com.au/

● www.thescientist.com/

● www.csiro.au/helix/sciencemail/index.html

● www.abc.net.au/science

Errata

● Page 21 Outcome 1 dot point 6 inclusion after techniques ‘and interpretation’ (refer March 2007 VCAA Bulletin)

● Page 21 Outcome 2 dot point 2 spelling ‘esterification’

● Page 33 ‘bases’ (not basis)

● Page 60 ‘colorimetrically’ (not calorimetrically)

For further information

● VCAA website

Units 1 and 2www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/chemistry/chemistry1-2.html

Units 3 and 4www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/chemistry/chemindex.html

For further information (cont.)

● VCAA BulletinMarch 2006 Supplement 2 – VCE studies accredited 1 January 2007: Summary of changes

● ContactAnn OsmanCurriculum Manager, Scienceosman.ann.e@edumail.vic.gov.au