NGSS-Aligned Chemistry Storylines

Unit 0 introduces foundational chemistry concepts by focusing on the identification of patterns, cause-and-effect relationships, and the conservation of matter during physical and chemical changes.

Students also develop critical laboratory skills by applying dimensional analysis, calculating density, and analyzing experimental data to construct scientific arguments supported by evidence.

Unit 1 centers on the phenomenon of the Northern Lights to explore foundational chemistry concepts such as atomic structure, electromagnetic forces, and the classification of matter.

Students develop models and analyze spectral data to understand how energy interactions at the microscopic level produce visible light and drive both atmospheric and stellar processes.

Unit 2 explores the physical and chemical properties of elements, periodic trends, and metallic bonding through the real-world context of materials used in smartphones.

Students analyze atomic models to explain reactivity and evaluate the environmental, ethical, and economic trade-offs of engineering solutions related to resource extraction and battery design.

Unit 3 uses the context of sports drink formulation and the environmental challenges of the Great Salt Lake to explore chemical bonding, electrolyte behavior, and ionic compound formation.

Students apply these concepts by modeling synthesis and double replacement reactions, predicting chemical formulas involving transition metals and polyatomic ions, and designing separation procedures to evaluate real-world engineering solutions.

Unit 4 uses the real-world context of powering artificial intelligence data centers to explore the chemistry of fossil fuel combustion, the greenhouse effect, and nuclear processes including fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

Students analyze binding energy, model transmutations, calculate average atomic mass, and apply these concepts to construct an evidence-based policy brief evaluating the environmental and safety trade-offs of competing energy solutions.

Unit 5 uses the real-world context of forever chemicals (PFAS) to explore molecular chemistry concepts, including covalent bonding, electronegativity, molecular polarity, and intermolecular forces.

Students develop Lewis electron-dot models and analyze bulk properties like surface tension and vapor pressure to explain how the unique structure of these designed materials causes them to persist in environmental and biological systems.

Unit 6 uses the ecological phenomenon of Mirror Lake's stressed trout population to explore solution chemistry, focusing on solute concentration, solubility curves, and dynamic equilibrium.

Students analyze experimental data regarding freezing point depression, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen to evaluate and recommend environmentally responsible winter road deicing strategies.

Unit 7 investigates the factors that govern chemical reaction rates and energy changes by analyzing the real-world phenomenon of the Imperial Sugar refinery explosion.

Students apply collision theory and the concept of activation energy to explain how physical properties and environmental conditions can trigger and accelerate exothermic reactions.

Unit 8 explores the relationship between thermal energy, phase changes, and gas dynamics by comparing the popping of popcorn kernels to industrial methane combustion systems.

Students model how heat influences particle collisions and pressure, applying these principles to evaluate the efficiency, safety, and environmental impacts of scaling up chemical reactions to perform mechanical work.

Unit 9 explores electrochemistry and oxidation-reduction reactions through the real-world context of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries.

Students analyze the life cycle of these batteries by evaluating the energy required for production and the chemical recycling processes used to recover valuable metals like lithium.

Unit 10 centers on the phenomenon of dissolving shells in the Great South Bay to explore foundational chemistry concepts such as acid-base properties, dynamic equilibrium, and Le Chatelier's principle.

Students develop equilibrium models and analyze titration data to understand how shifts in hydrogen ion concentrations produce macroscopic pH changes and drive ecological solutions like the kelp "halo effect."