1. NSS Understanding and Interpreting the Chemistry Curriculum June 2006

2. Curriculum Structure Compulsory part (198 hours) –compiled with fundamental chemistry knowledge, principles, concepts and scientific process skills

3. I. Planet earth8 hours II. Microscopic world I24 hours III. Metals22 hours IV. Acids and bases27 hours V. Fossil fuels and carbon compounds 20 hours VI. Microscopic world II8 hours VII. Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis 26 hours Compulsory Part (Total 198 hours) VIII. Chemical reactions and energy 9 hours IX. Rate of reaction9 hours X. Chemical equilibrium 10 hours XI Chemistry of carbon compounds 27 hours XII Patterns in the chemical world 8 hours

4. Elective part (26 hours x 2) –Select any 2 out of 3 topics –In-depth treatment or extension of certain areas of the compulsory part

5. Elective Part (Total 52 hours) XIII. Industrial chemistry26 hours XIV. Material chemistry26 hours XV. Analytical chemistry26 hours

6. Investigative study (20 hours) Design and conduct a first-hand investigation Searching for and defining questions3 hours Developing an investigative plan4 hours Conducting the investigation6 hours Organizing and analyzing data4 hours Presenting findings3 hours

7. Amendments on curriculum framework of NSS chemistry TopicAddDeleteModify II Microscopic world I Structures and properties of giant covalent substances Simple molecular substances with non-octet structures Teaching time : 24 hours Comparison of structures and properties of important types of substances Shapes of simple molecules III MetalsMethods used to prevent rusting – Cathodic protection

8. TopicAddDeleteModify V Fossil fuels and carbon compounds Isomerism – structural isomerism, geometrical isomerism, enantiomerism Teaching time : 20 hours VI Microscopic world II Simple molecular substances with non-octet structures Structures and properties of giant covalent substances Teaching time : 8 hours Shapes of simple molecules Comparison of structures and properties of important types of substances

9. TopicAddDeleteModify VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis Characteristics of common primary and secondary cells – Lead-acid accumulator Characteristics of common primary and secondary cells – Nickel-cadmium cell VIII Chemical reactions and energy Standard enthalpy change of hydration XI Chemistry of carbon compounds Isomerism – structural isomerism, geometrical isomerism, enantiomerism Teaching time : 27 hours

10. TopicModify XII Patterns in the chemical world Behaviour variation of the following oxides in water: Na 2 O, MgO, Al 2 O 3, SiO 2, P 4 O 10, SO 2 and Cl 2 O Variations of acid-base properties of the oxides of elements Na to Cl as exemplified by Na 2 O, Al 2 O 3 and SO 2

11. TopicAddDeleteModify XIII Industrial chemistry Advancement of industrial processes as exemplified by the conversion of methane to methanol Processes involved in making synthetic products from different raw materials as exemplified by the Fisher- Tropsch synthesis XV Analytical chemistry Contribution of analytical chemistry to our society – clinical diagnoses

12. Why methanol production? World demand : 33 million tonnes per year One of the most important industrial chemicals As solvent, fuel (blended with gasoline), an intermediate for chemicals including methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), formaldehyde, acetic acid.

13. Methanol manufacturing process water Natural gas (96% methane) desulphurized natural gas & steam Removal of excess heat Compression Feed purification Reforming: CH 4 + H 2 O  CO + 3H 2 CO + H 2 O  CO 2 + H 2

14. Methanol manufacturing process compressed “reformed gas” 68% methanol 31% water Distillation columns for methanol purification 99% methanol Methanol synthesis: CO + 2H 2 CH 3 OH CO 2 + 3H 2 CH 3 OH + H 2 O