Nebraska Requirements for Passing High School Chemistry | General Chemistry 1

Is Chemistry Required in High School in Nebraska?

Of the 200 credit hours required to graduate high school in Nebraska, 30 credit hours must be achieved through science courses. However, Nebraska law also gives schools some freedom to impose additional graduation requirements, so it is important to contact the school directly with questions. According to the Nebraska High School Science Standards, the average student will explore basic chemistry topics, such as:

 

SC.HS.3 Structure and Properties of Matter

  • SC.HS.3.3 - Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of the structure, properties, and interactions of matter.
    • SC.HS.3.3.A - Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
    • SC.HS.3.3.B - Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the macro scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
    • SC.HS.3.3.C - Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
    • SC.HS.3.3.D - Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.

 

SC.HS.5 Chemical Reactions

  • SC.HS.5.5 - Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of chemical reactions.
    • SC.HS.5.5.A - Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
    • SC.HS.5.5.B - Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends on the changes in total bond energy.
    • SC.HS.5.5.C - Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
    • SC.HS.5.5.D - Refine the design of a chemical system by specifying a change in conditions that would produce increased amounts of products at equilibrium. 
    • SC.HS.5.5.E - Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.    
    • SC.HS.5.5.F - Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction. 

 

SC.HSP.3 Structure and Properties of Matter

  • SC.HSP.3.1 - Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of the structure, properties, and interactions of matter.    
    • SC.HSP.3.1.A - Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
    • SC.HSP.3.1.B - Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the macro scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles. Examples of intramolecular forces include bond type, polarity of bonds and, resonance structures. Examples of intermolecular forces include hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole.
    • SC.HSP.3.1.C - Develop and use models to predict and explain forces that are in and between molecules. Examples of intramolecular forces include bond type, polarity of bonds and, resonance structures. Examples of intermolecular forces include hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole.      
    • SC.HSP.3.3.D - Evaluate a solution to a complex, real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. Examples could include the effects of concentration of solutions on the freezing/boiling point (melting of ice on roadways), aspartame and caffeine in beverages, fluoride in drinking water.    
    • SC.HSP.3.3.E - Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
    • SC.HSP.3.3.F - Develop and use models to describe and predict mechanisms of the quantum mechanical model of the atom. Examples of representation include Aufbau Diagram, Hund’s Rule, Pauli Exclusion, and orbital shapes, Hybridization of orbitals, and electron configuration.    
    • SC.HSP.3.3.G - Evaluate the evidence supporting claims about how atoms absorb and emit energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Examples include using mathematical relationships to demonstrate the relationship between observed light spectrum, wavelength of light, and emission spectrum.        
    • SC.HSP.3.3.H - Use mathematical representations to quantify matter through the analysis of patterns in chemical compounds at different scales. Emphasis is on the mole concept, empirical formula, molecular formula, percent composition, and law of constant composition.  

 

SC.HSP.4 Energy: Chemistry

  • SC.HSP.4.2 - Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of the interactions of energy.    
    • SC.HSP.4.2.A - Use statistical and mathematical techniques to describe qualitative and quantitative thermodynamic relationships. Thermodynamic relationships may include: Enthalpy, Hess’s Law, Heats of Formation. Examples of data displays or graphs could include energy diagrams to communicate bond energies of products or reactants. Lab investigations may include calorimetry.      
    • SC.HSP.4.2.B - Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence of how the Kinetic Molecular Theory and gas laws are related. Examples include Dalton’s Law of particle pressures, Graham’s Law of Diffusion and Effusion, and empirical gas laws.  
    • SC.HSP.4.2.C - Analyze and interpret data to explain changes in energy within a system and/or energy flows in and out of a system. Emphasis is on the use of mathematical expressions to describe the change in energy within the system. Investigations could include electrochemistry (electrolysis).    
    • SC.HSP.4.2.D - Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants. Examples could include alternative energies, carbon footprint, and crude oil refining process.  

 

SC.HSP.5 Chemical Reactions

  • SC.HSP.5.3 - Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of chemical reactions.  
    • SC.HSP.5.3.A - Plan and conduct an investigation to generate evidence that answers scientific questions related to changes in solution chemistry. Examples include titrations, solubility, and Le Chatelier’s Principle      
    • SC.HSP.5.3.B - Use a model to identify electron transfer and balance a redox reaction. Emphasis would be on using the half-reaction method for balancing equations and understanding electron transfer. Examples include electrochemical cells and electroplating.      
    • SC.HSP.5.3.C - Use mathematical and/or computational representations to predict and explain relationships within chemical systems. Examples include stoichiometric calculations, gas stoichiometry, limiting reactant, empirical formula/molecular formula calculations, % comp % yield.    
    • SC.HSP.5.3.D - Use mathematical representations to analyze the proportion and quantity of particles in solution. Emphasis is on molarity and developing net ionic equations.    
    • SC.HSP.5.3.E - Plan and conduct an investigation to predict the outcome of a chemical reaction based on patterns of chemical properties. Examples of reaction types could include single replacement, double replacement, etc. Examples of patterns could include the use of solubility rules, activity series.    
    • SC.HS.5.3.F - Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.  

 

Additionally, Nebraska has NCAA-approved online chemistry courses for students involved with high school sports. These courses are offered through the University of Nebraska Online High School program. Courses, where students will study chemistry concepts, include:

SCIH031: Chemistry 1

Credits: 0.5 units/5 hours

(SCIH031063)

The course presents an introduction to principles and procedures in chemistry. Students study scientific measurements, chemical names and formulas, states of and changes in matter, numerical relationships in chemical reactions, trends expressed in the periodic table, and the behavior of gases. Students calculate empirical and molecular formulas, write and balance equations, determine mole and mass, interpret chemical equations and gain insight into the various models of the atom.  This course contains both hands-on labs and multimedia activities to provide an in-depth investigation into the subjects presented.

SCIH032: Chemistry 2

Credits: 0.5 units/5 hours

(SCIH032063)

In this course, students continue their study of the principles and procedures in chemistry. They focus on chemical bonding, water and solutions, reaction rates and equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, oxidation-reduction reactions and carbon compounds. This course contains both hands-on labs and multimedia activities to provide an in-depth investigation into the subjects presented.

Physical Science 1

Credits: 0.5 units/5 hours

SCIH 023 055

This course is the first in a two-semester series that provides an introduction to the basic principles of physics and chemistry. Students will use basic mathematics in these areas as well as logical methods and practical applications. Topics covered include the nature of science, motion, velocity and momentum, standards of measurement, forces, Newton’s Laws, energy, work and machines, electricity, magnetism, energy sources, waves, light, sound. Hands-on labs that allow students to experience the application of concepts, interactions, and processes are included.

Physical Science 2  

Credits: 0.5 units/5 hours

SCIH 024 055

This course is the second in a two-semester series that provides an introduction to the basic principles of physics and chemistry. Students will use basic mathematics in these areas as well as logical methods and practical applications. Topics covered include the properties and classification of matter, solids, liquids, and gases, chemical bonds and reactions, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, applications of chemistry, solutions, acids, bases, and salts, and organic compounds. Hands-on labs that allow students to experience the application of concepts, interactions, and processes are included.

Biology 1  

Credits: 0.5 units/5 hours

SCIH 025 062

Biology 1 includes a basic understanding of biology, basic chemistry, the structure of cells and how they communicate, energy conversions, cell reproduction, genetics, gene expression, genetic engineering, the origin of life, changes in organisms, ecosystems, and succession, environmental problems and solutions, and the classification of living things.

 

Does Nebraska Award Credit for Passing the AP Chemistry Exam?

Nebraska does not require post-secondary institutions to award credit for minimum AP scores. However, policies may differ between schools. Be advised that universities may not award credit for AP Capstone courses.