Understanding Carbon

Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will be able to:

describe the properties and atomic structure of carbon as an element
identify the incorporation of carbon in naturally occurring organic compounds, including fossil and bio-fuels
recognise the cyclic nature of the movement of carbon through the biosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere
explain the difference in time scales of the biological and geological cycles, and the impact of recent fossil carbon release into the atmosphere
investigate how much carbon-based technology is involved in our "Western lifestyle", and relate this to our carbon footprint.

Teaching Rationales

Recent interest in depleting fossil fuel reserves, greenhouse gas emissions and associated global warming has focused attention on our use of carbon-based energy technology. To develop a deeper understanding of these issues, students need to understand the underlying concepts and principles regarding the nature of carbon and carbon compounds, the carbon cycle and our "carbon footprint". They will consider ways of reducing their own reliance on fossil fuel technology.

Learning Areas, Strands, Achievement Objectives

5 -6	Science	Material World
5	Science	The structure of matter Students will distinguish between an element and a compound, a pure substance and a mixture at particle level. Chemistry and society Students will link the properties of different groups of substances to the way they are used in society or occur in nature.
6	Science	Properties and changes of matter Students will identify patterns and trends in the properties of a range of substances, for example, acids and bases, metals, metal compounds and hydrocarbons. The structure of matter Students will distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions. Chemistry and society Students will investigate how chemical knowledge is used in a technological application of chemistry.
5	Technology	Technological Knowledge Technological products Students will understand how materials are selected, based on desired performance criteria.

Activity-specific Achievement Objectives

5 -6	Science	Material World
5	Science	The structure of matter Students will distinguish between elemental carbon, hydrocarbon mixtures and individual hydrocarbon and alcohols at the atomic and molecular level. Chemistry and society Students will link the use of hydrocarbons (especially short chain) to their use as easily ignited fuels.
6	Science	Properties and changes of matter Students will identify patterns and trends in the properties of a range of substances, for example, acids and bases, metals, metal compounds, and hydrocarbons where the pattern is that hydrocarbons are combustible, the trend is that shorter-chain HC are more volatile molecules and easier to ignite. The structure of matter Students will distinguish between atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; and hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, and water molecules. Chemistry and society Students will investigate how knowledge of combustion chemistry can be applied to determine carbon footprints.
5	Technology	Technological Knowledge Technological products Students will understand how materials are selected, based on desired performance characteristics.