ICSE Chemistry Class 7 Syllabus

The syllabus consists of seven themes - (i) Matter and its Composition, (ii) Physical and Chemical Changes, (iii) Elements, Compounds and Mixtures (experimental techniques), (iv) Atomic Structure, (v) Language of Chemistry, (vi) Metals and Non-Metals, and (vii) Air and Atmosphere.

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Theme 1: Matter and its Composition

  • Definition of matter.
  • Matter has mass and occupies space - Explanation.
  • Composition of matter - brief introduction.

Theme 2: Physical and Chemical Changes

  • Physical and chemical changes.
  • Chemical change - formation of a new product with new properties.
  • Differentiating between physical and chemical change.
  • Classification as physical & chemical change.
  • Types of change involved when there is a change of state of matter.
  • Types of change involved when there is a change of energy.

Theme 3: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures (experimental techniques)

Identification of elements, and compounds from representation of their symbols and formulae.

Mixtures and compounds: difference between mixtures and compounds on the basis of the chemical composition of constituents.

Recall that a mixture is formed when two or more substances are mixed in any proportion such that their particles are in intimate contact with one another without undergoing a chemical change.

Types of mixtures

  • Homogeneous & Heterogeneous mixtures
  • On the basis of State: Solid-solid; Solid-liquid; Liquid-liquid.

Separation techniques

  • evaporation
  • distillation
  • use of separating funnel
  • sublimation
  • fractional distillation

Examine the principle behind each separation technique.

Chromatography as a separation technique; Paper chromatography.

Theme 4: Atomic Structure

Atoms, Molecules and Radicals

  • An atom is the smallest particle of an element.
  • It is not capable of independent existence.
  • The properties of an element depend upon the atoms constituting it.
  • A molecule is the smallest particle of an element or compound, capable of independent existence. It consists of one or more than one atom of the same or different elements.
  • A radical is a single atom of an element or a group of atoms of different elements behaving as single charged unit.
  • Atomicity (no. of atoms in an entity) of elements and compounds - mono atomic, di atomic, tri atomic, polyatomic.
  • Associate the first 20 elements in the periodic table with their names and symbols.
  • Valency is the combining capacity of an element or the number of hydrogen atoms with which it combines or replaces.

Theme 5: Language of Chemistry

Chemical reactions

A chemical reaction may take place when two or more reactants come in contact with one another and transfer of energy takes place.

Characteristics of occurrence of a chemical reaction:

Change of:

  • Colour
  • State
  • Smell
  • Evolution of gas
  • Precipitate formed
  • Heat evolved / released

Chemical Equations

  • Writing word equations for chemical reactions and emphasize on the observational skills and the names of products formed
  • Some examples of word equations for practice.

Theme 6: Metals and Non-Metals

  • Properties
  • Distinguish between metals and non-metals with the general properties (lustre, conduction of electricity, heat, malleability, ductility, sonority, melting point, boiling point, density, strength.)
  • Classification of elements as metals & non-metals.
  • Corrosion of iron (rusting); ways to prevent rusting (oiling, painting, chrome plating, galvanization, tinning) (avoiding contact with air and water vapour).
  • Uses of certain metals (iron, gold, copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, magnesium).
  • Metalloids: elements that show the properties of both metals and non-metals - e.g. silicon, germanium, tungsten, antimony); uses.

Theme 7: Air and Atmosphere

  • Air a mixture of gases.
  • Composition of air and uses of its components.
  • Oxygen is needed for combustion.
  • Mass change during burning (burning of magnesium and candle).
  • Word equations for reactions of metals and non-metals (S, C, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg) with O.
  • Products formed in acid rain; effects of acid rain.
  • Air quality.
  • Study the properties of oxygen: (physical properties to include colour, odour).
  • Distinguish between:
    • Respiration and combustion
    • Combustion and rusting