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Achievement objective MW 8-2

Students will:

  • relate properties of matter to structure and bonding
  • develop an understanding of and use the fundamental concepts of chemistry (for example, equilibrium and thermochemical principles) to interpret observations.


  • Models the electron configuration of atoms and ions using s, p, d notation.
  • Uses atomic structure to predict trends in atomic and ionic radii, ionisation energy, and electro-negativity.
  • Draws Lewis structures for simple molecules and uses these to determine the shape and polarity of the molecules.
  • Relates the physical properties of molecular substances to the shape and structure of the molecules and the intermolecular forces involved.
  • Classifies organic compounds, using the structure and functional groups.
  • Relates the structure and bonding in organic molecules to the physical properties and chemical properties of a range of organic substances.
  • Explores optical, geometric, and structural isomerism by using models to represent the structures of organic molecules.
  • Relates the properties of aqueous solutions of acids, bases, and sparingly soluble ionic solids to the relative equilibrium concentrations of the dissolved species present.
  • Models the movement of ions and electrons in electrolytic and electrochemical cells.

Possible context elaborations

  • Available oxygen in the stream water on a lifestyle block: How does it change with location?
  • Synthesise this! What goes around comes around: Developing reaction pathways.
  • Synthesise this! Carbohydrates: Making and breaking starch.
  • Chemical energy: Is firewood or gas better for home heating?
  • Chemical energy: Rocket fuels such as hydrazine vs hydrocarbons.
  • What’s in the water?
  • Caving: How do stalactites and stalagmites form?
  • The chemistry of art: What’s in a colour/paint?
  • Vitamins: What happens to them when we cook or store our food?
  • How does the pH of blood stay constant?
  • What went wrong with the drug thalidomide?
  • Which chemicals will give us the best cell?
  • What’s the antidote to eating rhubarb leaves?
  • What changes the flavour of oranges to lemon?
  • Disposable nappies: How does the super absorbent polymer work?
  • Salt from the sea: What chemistry is behind the process used at Lake Grassmere?
  • Artificial tanning: Redox reactions.

Assessment for qualifications



Learn more with NZQA subject resources for:


  • 91387 Chemistry 3.1 Carry out an investigation in chemistry involving quantitative analysis; Internal, 4 credits
  • 91388 Chemistry 3.2 Demonstrate understanding of spectroscopic data in chemistry; Internal, 3 credits
  • 91389 Chemistry 3.3 Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us; Internal, 3 credits
  • 91390 Chemistry 3.4 Demonstrate understanding of thermochemical principles and the properties of particles and substances; External, 5 credits
  • 91391 Chemistry 3.5 Demonstrate understanding of the properties of organic compounds; External, 5 credits
  • 91392 Chemistry 3.6 Demonstrate understanding of equilibrium principles in aqueous systems; External, 5 credits
  • 91393 Chemistry 3.7 Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction processes; Internal, 3 credits

Last updated September 15, 2020