Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom): Frequently Asked Questions
- How is Chemistry in the Community different from conventional chemistry courses?
- Does the text cover standard high school chemical concepts?
- What societal issues does ChemCom address?
- How many units should teachers cover in an academic year?
- Is it appropriate to supplement the content with additional exercises?
- Is ChemCom a laboratory-based science course?
- Does ChemCom require any special laboratory equipment?
- What is in the Teacher's Edition?
- Who is the intended audience for ChemCom?
- Is there a ChemCom standardized examination?
- How does the 5th edition differ from the 4th edition?
- What additional resources are available to support the text?
- How is Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom) different from conventional chemistry courses?
The primary difference is that ChemCom is structured around societal issues related to chemistry rather than around specific chemical concepts. ChemCom features decision-making investigations and activities that give students practice applying their chemical knowledge in various problem-solving situations.
- Does the book cover standard high school chemical concepts?
Most concepts found in traditional chemistry courses are covered in the book’s seven units. Exceptions include molecular orbital theory and mathematical treatments of equilibrium and kinetics. ChemCom introduces more content from nuclear, organic, industrial, and biochemistry than most conventional chemistry courses.
- What societal issues does ChemCom address?
Societal themes in ChemCom include water supply, resource conservation, petroleum usage, air quality, foods, nuclear energy and radiation, and the role of chemical industries in society.
- How many units should teachers cover in an academic year?
Most first-year chemistry syllabi include five to seven units. It is essential to study units one through four in sequence. The selection and order of the remaining units can be varied based on the needs and preferences of students and teachers.
- Is it appropriate to supplement the content with additional exercises?
It may not be appropriate in many cases to supplement with additional exercises. Certain concepts are reinforced and extended throughout the spiral design of the text, thus mastery is not expected on first exposure to a concept.
- Is ChemCom a laboratory-based science course?
ChemCom is a laboratory-based science course and meets college standards for science credits. The text is 50% laboratory-based, with laboratory investigations fully integrated within the text. Laboratory investigations are used to introduce and develop important concepts within the context of each unit.
- Does ChemCom require any special laboratory equipment?
No. All chemicals, materials, and equipment used in ChemCom are found in a standard high school chemistry laboratory. A complete list of materials by unit is found in the Teacher's Edition.
- What is in the Teacher's Edition?
The Teacher's Edition lists all materials and procedures for preparation of the laboratory investigations. Also included are background material, supplemental activities, answers to problems, objectives for each unit and descriptions of how ChemCom meets the National Science Education Standards.
- Who is the intended audience for ChemCom?
ChemCom is a year-long high school chemistry course designed for the college-bound student. Closely aligned with the National Science Education Standards, ChemCom presents the chemistry concepts and processes of science that students should learn.
- Is there a ChemCom standardized examination?
Yes. Two examinations are available through the ACS Division of Chemical Education Examination Institute. A new conceptual chemistry exam will be released in Fall 2008. To order:
- How does the 5th edition differ from the 4th edition?
ChemCom, 5th edition, brings with it several new features to improve student learning:
- An updated page design with more photographs and line art helps to clarify concepts and engage student interest
- Sample data tables with explicit guidance for processing and analyzing data are introduced early in the study to help students cultivate inquiry skills
- New “End of Section” questions
- Sample problems
- Limited instruction for investigations appearing further into chemistry study prompt students to develop their own data tables, design parts of lab procedures, and cite evidence to support their responses
- More extensive development of chemistry concepts and applications
- Revisions address state and national science education standards
- What additional resources are available to support the text?
Workshops (both web-based and residential) provide professional development for teachers who use or plan to use the ChemCom textbook. Learn more about ChemCom workshops.
