SCH4U - Chemistry 12 (2024-25) - A

SCH4U-25A

*2-5B: Organic Compounds and Environmental Impact [6%]

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Description

 

Learning Strands & Expectations

  • I will select, organize, and record relevant information on research topics from a variety of appropriate sources, including electronic, print, and human sources, using suitable formats and an accepted form of academic documentation (A1.7)  
  • I will identify and locate a variety of print and electronic sources that enable them to address research topics fully and appropriately (A1.3)  
  • I am learning how using organic compounds affect society and the environment (B1.1)   
  • I am learning effective practices to reduce the use of organic compounds that are harmful to human health and the environment. (B1.1)  
  • I am learning how to investigate organic compounds and organic chemical reactions, and use various methods to represent the compounds (B2.)  
  • I am learning how to demonstrate an understanding of the structure, properties, and chemical behaviour of compounds within each class of organic compounds (B3.) (Knowledge/Application) 
  • I am learning how to draw, name and provide the chemical formulas for different classes of organic compounds (B3.1)  
  • I am learning how to predict describe the similarities and differences in in different classes of organic compounds based upon their melting point, boiling point and solubility in polar and non-polar solvents.  (B3.2)  

 

Instructions:

 Organic compounds can have significant negative impacts on the environment. In this research assignment, you will investigate two different organic compounds and analyse the positive and negative impacts of the compounds use on human health and the environment. You will use your knowledge of chemistry to propose a solution to reduce the harm caused by using such compounds.  

Task 

Step 1: Select Two Organic Compounds 

Below is a list of industries that use organic compounds. Select two industries to research.  

  • Agriculture 
  • Pharmaceuticals 
  • Petroleum 
  • Rubber and Plastics 
  • Textiles 
  • Cosmetics 
  • Detergents 
  • Food 
  • Pesticides

For each industry chosen, select 1 organic compound that is used. Select different compounds from each industry.  

 

Step 2: Research your Compounds  

  • State its IUPAC chemical name, common name (if available), chemical formula, and structural formula. 

    • Identify and describe 2 physical properties due to intermolecular and/or intramolecular forces. Explain how inter and/or intramolecular forces are responsible for the properties identified.  

    • Identify and describe 2 chemical properties due to molecular structure, inter-molecular forces, and/ or intramolecular forces.  Explain how molecular structure, inter-molecular forces, and/ or intramolecular forces are responsible for the properties identified.  

    • Describe how this compound is obtained or synthesized. Support your answer with a diagram of the process.  

 

Step 3: Assess the Impact  

  • Assess the impact that each organic compound has on human health, society, and the environment. Record your answers in the graphic organizer.  

  • For each compound: 

    • Describe how the chemical is used and disposed of in the industry chosen.  

    • Identify and explain at least 1 advantage/ benefit of using this chemical in the industry chosen. Consider economic, efficiency, safety, environmental advantages, etc.  

    • Identify and describe at least 2 safety concerns (1 for humans and 1 for the environment) related to the use and disposal of this chemical. How does exposure to this chemical impact humans? How does the chemical impact the environment? Provide at least one specific example for each.  

    • Evaluate the economic impact of using not or not using this compound.  Does the benefit of using the chemical outweigh the harm?  

 

Step 4: Propose Alternatives 

  • Read the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry found here: https://www.acs.org/greenchemistry/principles/12-principles-of-green-chemistry.html 

  • Propose 3 actions that the industry could take to improve safety or reduce the harm caused by each chemical compound based on the principles of Green Chemistry. Briefly describe how each action would improve the safety or reduce the harm caused by the compound.  

  • Evaluate your proposed actions for each chemical. Decide which of your solutions will have the greatest impact on improving safety and/or reducing harm. Justify your position with an explanation and evidence from your research.  

  • Record your answers in the graphic organizer. 

 

Step 5: Present your Research 

  • Use the information in your Graphic Organizer to prepare a PowerPoint presentation.  

  • Organize your presentation into two parts: Part 1: Compound 1 and Part 2: Compound 2. 

  • In each part, present all of your researched information as outlined in the organizer.  

  • Follow the guidelines on the Graphic Organizer to help you organize the content and determine length of the presentation. Your slide deck should not exceed 15 slides.  

  • Include 2-3 images per compound to provide visual support to your ideas.  

  • Create your presentation. 

 

Step 6: Record your Presentation 

  • Select either Part 1 or Part 2 of your presentation to present (either compound 1 or compound 2) as a video presentation. Use the slides created for that compound to support your presentation.  

  • Present the information for that compound in a 3-4 minute presentation.  

  • Practice your presentation until you are able to deliver it without reading and hesitation. Your presentation should NOT exceed 3-4 minutes.  

  • Record your presentation while presenting your slides.  

  • NOTE: Record your presentation in a quiet space. Speak loudly clearly & loudly. Make sure your full face, shoulders, and hands are visible. Do not read directly from your notes. 
  • Submit your Presentation video, along with a pdf of your full PPT. 

 

Submission Requirements: 

  • Submit a pdf of your complete slide deck (Parts 1 and 2) and your video presentation in mp4 format.  

Note: This activity is meant to be completed by you in your own words. It is meant to bring out your own thoughts and ideas. Please ensure that you keep citations to a minimum and that you follow the  academic policies that are outlined in your Academic Integrity contract 


 

Success Criteria:

You will be assessed on the success criteria that is listed here: 

  1. I can identify the chemical formula, structural formula, chemical name, and common name (if available) of the compound. 

  1. I can describe 2 physical properties for each compound and explain how inter and intramolecular bonding lead to these physical properties.  

  1. I can describe 2 chemical properties for each compound and explain how molecular structure and inter and intramolecular bonding lead to these properties.  

  1. I can describe how chemicals are synthesized and identify the type of reactions involved. (Inquiry) 

  1. I can describe how chemicals are used and disposed of in industry.  

  1. I can identify safety concerns related to the use and disposal of chemicals and explain how exposure to chemicals impacts humans and the environment.  

  1. I can present my ideas in an organized and logical sequence. 

  2. I can use appropriate scientific terminology related to organic chemistry.  

  1. I can speak at an appropriate pace and tone (with inflection).  

  1. I can deliver a presentation without reading directly off my notes/script.   

  1. I can explain one advantage or benefit of using this chemical in the industry chosen. 

  1. I can assess the economic impact of using or not using this compound. 

  1. I can propose and describe 3 actions that the industry could take to improve safety or reduce the harm caused by the chemical compound based on the principles of Green Chemistry.  

  1. I can evaluate actions and solutions to reduce harm and improve safety.  

  1. I can decide which solution will have the greatest impact on improving safety or reducing harm.  

  1. I can cite my sources using APA format. 

  1. I can use in-text citations and a reference list to acknowledge my research sources.