S3 Chemists will work their way through a level 4 course which mirrors the topics covered at National 4 and 5 level.

The key concepts covered in S3 are:

Reaction rates

This builds on what learners looked at in S2.  They will develop their practical skills, graph drawing and numeracy skills.

Atoms and The Periodic Table

This topic looks back at S1 when learners were first introduced to the Periodic Table.  Using the National 5 data book Learners will become familiar with the numbers and symbols associated with elements, what makes up an element and  the key features of the Periodic Table.

Structure and Bonding

Every substance in the world has a use.  In this topic learners will develop a knowledge of the types of bonding and structures found in all materials and the properties associated with these.  With this knowledge they can then appreciate why specific substances are used or not e.g. why metals are used as fire guards and not chocolate.

Chemical Formulae and Quantities

The chemical industry is about development, design and profit.  This topic introduces learners to chemical formula writing and the basic mathematical concepts found in chemistry.  Using basic arithmetic learners will write formulae and calculate masses of compounds in order to begin to appreciate the chemical design process.

Acids and Bases

Acids and Bases were first introduce in S2.  In this topic learners will look back at the pH scale and develop their knowledge further.  They will look at how acids and bases are made and where these substances are commonly found.  They will look again at neutralisation and how to predict the products of a neutralisation reaction