Module 1 Intro: Module Summary/Assessment

1. Module 1 Intro

1.28. Module Summary/Assessment

Module Summary and Assessment

Module 1—Chemical Foundations

Module Summary

In this module you discovered that science is a complex mix of observation and theory.

A salt crystal can be easily observed: it is a hard, white, crystalline solid. However, if you want to know which elements make up that salt crystal or why it has the properties it does, an understanding of theoretical concepts is required.

A theoretical entity you studied extensively in this module is the electron. Electrons play a vital role in chemistry since all chemical bonding is the result of electron behaviour. A salt crystal is a hard, ionic solid because an electron is transferred from a sodium atom to a chlorine atom that results in a strong, ionic bond. Other compounds, however, do not form an ionic bond; they form a covalent bond.

A molecule of methane contains carbon and hydrogen atoms that share an electron. The nature of a chemical bond can be determined by looking at the electronegativity differences between atoms making up the compound. Depending on how large this difference is, a compound may be nonpolar covalent, covalent, or ionic.

Finally, you studied the kinetic molecular theory, which states that the tiny entities within any substance are continuously in random motion. This theory helps answer many questions, such as why chemical reactions occur, why ink spreads more slowly in cold water than in hot water, and why a balloon shrinks when put in a freezer. You will learn the answers to these questions as you proceed through this course.

Module Assessment

The assessment in this module consists of two (2) assignments, as well as a final module project.

Assignment 1 (Lesson 2)
Assignment 2 (Lesson 3)
Module Project on Nuclear Technology

In Module 1 you will be required to complete a module project. You will be required to prepare a speech, letter, report, or multimedia presentation that promotes nuclear technology or speaks against nuclear technology. For more information, you can read “Appendix D: STS Problem Solving” on page 806 of your textbook.

A mark out of 5 will be given for each project component according to the following guidelines.

Score	Criteria
5 Excellent	The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of the component of the project and fully and correctly supports opinions using relevant facts and details. Statements made in the response are organized, unambiguous, and are supported explicitly but may contain a minor error or have minor omissions.
4 Good	The student demonstrates a good understanding of the component of the project and fully and adequately supports opinions using facts and details. Statements made in the response are unambiguous, mostly complete, mostly correct, but may contain errors.
3 Satisfactory	The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the component of the project. Statements made in the response may be disorganized, ambiguous, incomplete, and may lack support.
2 Limited	The student demonstrates a limited understanding of the component of the project. Statements made in the response lack details, clarity, and support.
1 Poor	The student provides one or more relevant but unconnected statements that address some aspects of the project.
0 Insufficient	The response is incorrect and/or totally off topic.

Score

Criteria

Excellent

The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of the component of the project and fully and correctly supports opinions using relevant facts and details.

Statements made in the response are organized, unambiguous, and are supported explicitly but may contain a minor error or have minor omissions.

Good

The student demonstrates a good understanding of the component of the project and fully and adequately supports opinions using facts and details.

Statements made in the response are unambiguous, mostly complete, mostly correct, but may contain errors.

Satisfactory

The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the component of the project.

Statements made in the response may be disorganized, ambiguous, incomplete, and may lack support.

Limited

The student demonstrates a limited understanding of the component of the project.

Statements made in the response lack details, clarity, and support.

Poor

The student provides one or more relevant but unconnected statements that address some aspects of the project.

Insufficient

The response is incorrect and/or totally off topic.

Your project will be assessed based on the following criteria.

Project Components	Weighting
clearly states a position and supports it by evaluating risk-benefit of nuclear technology	5
communicates ideas using appropriate strategies	5
considers complex issues from multiple perspectives	5
Demonstration of Specific Knowledge	Weighting
Lesson 2 Research What isotope of uranium exists? What isotope of uranium is used in the CANDU process? What is half-life? What is the half-life of the isotope of uranium used in a CANDU reactor? How does the uranium used in a CANDU reactor exist in nature? What processes are used to prepare the uranium for use in a reactor? What isotopes are produced as waste from a CANDU nuclear reactor? How is waste material from a CANDU reactor stored and disposed?	5
Lesson 3 Research How does the uranium used in a CANDU reactor exist in nature? What processes are used to prepare the uranium to be used in a CANDU reactor? What concerns exist about the mining and the processing of natural sources of uranium? How have uranium mining and extraction facilities affected communities?	5
Lesson 4 Research What kind of radiation is classified as ionizing radiation? What effect does ionizing radiation have on water? Why is there concern about changes to matter as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation?	5
Research Skills	Weighting
appropriate selection of resources representing a range of viewpoints	5
proper citation of sources at the conclusion of the project (e.g., a bibliography)	5
	Total of 40 marks