Chemistry is a key science subject that connects physics and biology and drives many technological and scientific advancements essential for academic growth and development.
Chemistry is vital because it forms the basis for further studies in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and more. It develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, useful both in scientific research and everyday life. Understanding chemistry enhances your ability to make informed decisions about health, safety, and the environment.
The Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work ensures a standardized and comprehensive chemistry curriculum for SSS3 students, promoting consistency in teaching and learning. It helps SSS3 students meet the academic requirements for WASSCE, prepares them for tertiary education, and supports overall academic excellence and uniformity across the state and the country. Excelling in WASSCE chemistry is important for university admission and scholarships, opening doors to future opportunities.
SSS3 students in Nigeria are assessed in Chemistry through continuous assessments and the WASSCE. Continuous assessments include class tests, assignments, oral presentations, projects, and class participation. The WASSCE consists of multiple-choice questions, essays, and practicals. These assessments evaluate a range of skills, ensuring holistic evaluation, skill development, preparation for higher education and careers, and identification of areas for improvement.
| LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: UNIFIED SCHEMES OF WORK FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS | ||
| Chemistry Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools 3(SSS3) | ||
| Class | S.S.S 3 | |
| Subject | Chemistry | |
| Term | First Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| THEME: CHEMISTRY AND INDUSTRY | ||
| 1 | Metals and their compounds | (1) Metals: -chemical characteristics -relative abundance (2) Compounds of metals. (3) Principles of extraction of metals -Electrolysis -Reduction of oxides. -Reduction of chlorides. -Reduction of sulphates (4) The alkali metals: -General properties (5) Sodium -Extraction of sodium. -Properties of sodium -Compounds of sodium. -Uses of sodium. |
| 2 | Metals and their compounds II | (1) The alkaline earth metals (general properties). (2) Calcium: -Extraction of calcium. -Properties -Compounds of calcium -Use of calcium (3) Aluminum: -Extraction of aluminum. -Uses of aluminum (4) Tin -Extraction of tin -Uses of tin. |
| 3 | Metals and their compounds III | (1) Transition metals -Properties of the first transition series only. (2) Copper: -Extraction of copper -Uses of copper |
| 4 | Iron | (1) Extraction of iron. (2) Uses of iron (3) Rusting of iron and methods of prevention. |
| 5 | Fats and Oils | (1) Sources of fats and oil. (2) Physical and chemical properties. |
| 6 | Fats and Oils | (1) Reactions of fats and oils (saponification) (2) Uses of fats and oils. (3) Tests for oxidants and resultants. (4) Identification of fats and oils, simple sugar, proteins and starch. |
| 7 | Soap | (1) Soap -Preparation -Structure (2) Action of soap as emulsifying agents. |
| 8 | Detergents | (1) Detergents: -preparation -mode of action of detergents. (2) Differences between soap and detergents. |
| 9 | Giant Molecules -Sugars | Sugars: (1) Sources (2) Classification as: (a) monosaccharide -disaccharides -polysaccharides (b) as reducing and non-reducing sugars. (3) Hydrolysis of sucrose and starch (4) Test for starch and sugars (5) Use of starch and glucose |
| 10 | Proteins | (1) Proteins: -sources (2) Structure and properties. (3) Test for proteins (4) Uses of proteins. |
| 11 | Revision of Team Work | |
| 12 | Examination | |
| Term | Second Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| THEME: CHEMISTRY AND INDUSTRY | ||
| 1 | Petroleum or Crude Oil I | (1) Origin and composition of petroleum (crude oil). (2) Nigerian and world crude oil reserves. (3) Exploration and drilling of crude. |
| 2 | Petroleum or Crude Oil II | (4) Fractional distillation and major products. (5) Location of Nigerian refineries (6) Cracking and reforming. |
| 3 | Petroleum or Crude Oil III | (7) Petrochemicals as starting materials of organic synthesis (8) Quality of petrol: meaning of octane number (9) Natural gas: -occurrence -packaging as liquefied natural gas (LNG) -Uses -Economic importance of petroleum. |
| THEME: CHEMICAL WORLD | ||
| 4 | Quantitative and qualitatative analysis | Acid/base titrations (Neutralization) continued. |
| 5 | Quantitative and qualitatative analysis | (2) Identification of ions (Fe2+, NH4+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Pb2+ etc.) -Chlorides, nitrates sulphates, sulphide bicarbonates, carbonates, sulphite etc. (3) Test for hydrogen oxygen, NH3, HCl, NO2, CO, CL2, (bleaching action. |
| THEME: CHEMISTRY AND INDUSTRY | ||
| 6 | Ethical, legal and social issues | (1) Chemical wastes (2) Industrial wastes |
| 7 | Ethical, legal and social issues | (3) Roles of governments in preventing chemical degradation: -legislation -setting of minimum standards -enforcement of standards and legislation. |
| 8 | Revision of Team Work | |
| 9 | Examination | |
At the end of SSS3, students can;
The recommended Chemistry textbooks for SSS3 include but are not limited to the following:
