Chemistry Merit Badge

Introduction

The Chemistry Merit Badge is all about exploring the world of chemicals and how they interact with each other. You'll learn about the properties of matter, how to identify different substances, and how to conduct experiments safely. By earning this badge, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and how it works.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Do the following:
1. Define chemistry.
2. List three branches of chemistry. For each, explain what you can study using this branch of chemistry.
3. Name four scientists from different countries who made important contributions to chemistry.
2. Do the following:
1. Describe three examples of safety equipment used in a chemistry laboratory and the reason each one is used.
2. Give four examples, other than those listed in this merit badge pamphlet, of how chemistry is used in everyday life.
3. Do the following:
1. Define an element. Give an example of an element you encounter in everyday life.
2. Define a compound. Give an example of a compound. Tell how you can determine that water is a compound.
3. Construct molecular models of three compounds, one of which is water, using the materials provided or other materials you may already have on hand. Include one that shows molecules in three dimensions.
4. Do the following:
1. Write the symbols for the following elements: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, sodium, and gold. Write the names of the following compounds: water, carbon dioxide, and methane.
2. Construct a periodic table that includes the symbols and names of the following elements: hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium, calcium, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, iodine, and gold.
5. Do the following:
1. Define acid and base using the Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry definitions.
2. Name an acid commonly used in food. Name a base commonly used in household cleaning.
3. Write the chemical formula for the common ion formed by each of the following elements: potassium, sodium, calcium, iron.
4. Write the chemical formula for the following compounds: hydrogen peroxide, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate.
6. Do the following:
1. Define oxidation and reduction.
2. Define an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.
3. Balance a simple chemical equation containing one or two steps.
7. Do the following:
1. Define exothermic and endothermic reactions.
2. Describe the energy changes that occur during the burning of a match.
3. Do ONE of the following:
1. Write a short paper or make a presentation on a topic in chemistry that interests you.
2. Visit a museum, a laboratory, an industrial plant, or other facility where chemical research or processes are carried out, and write a report of your visit.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Welcome to the world of chemistry. Today, we're going to explore the properties of matter and how different substances interact with each other. Are you ready to dive in?

Let's start with the basics. What is chemistry? Simply put, chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Chemistry helps us understand how matter behaves and how we can use it to make new things.

Now, let's talk about the three branches of chemistry. The first is organic chemistry, which is the study of carbon-based compounds. This includes things like plastics, fuels, and medicines. The second is inorganic chemistry, which is the study of non-carbon-based compounds. This includes things like metals, minerals, and salts. The third is physical chemistry, which is the study of the physical properties of matter and how they relate to chemical reactions.

Now, let's get hands-on. We're going to conduct an experiment to see how different substances react with each other. First, let's gather our materials. We'll need a beaker, some vinegar, and some baking soda. Pour the vinegar into the beaker and add a spoonful of baking soda. What do you notice? That's right, the mixture starts to fizz and bubble. This is because the vinegar is an acid and the baking soda is a base. When they combine, they create carbon dioxide gas, which causes the fizzing.

Now, let's talk about safety in the chemistry lab. It's important to wear protective gear like goggles and gloves to prevent accidents. You should also never taste or smell any chemicals, as they can be harmful. Always follow the instructions carefully and ask your merit badge counselor if you have any questions.

Finally, let's talk about the real-world applications of chemistry. Did you know that chemistry is used to make everything from medicines to plastics to food? It's true! By studying chemistry, you can help create new products and technologies that make the world a better place.

Questions

• What is chemistry?
• What are the three branches of chemistry?
• What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
• Why is safety important in the chemistry lab?
• What are some real-world applications of chemistry?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing the Chemistry Merit Badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Requirements
1	1a, 1b, 1c
2	2a, 2b
3	3a, 3b, 3c
4	4a, 4b
5	5a, 5b, 5c, 5d
6	6a, 6b, 6c
7	7a, 7b, 7c