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.

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