D871 is the undergraduate version of Secondary Chemistry Curriculum at Western Governors University.
WGU describes it as synthesizing the core content of the secondary chemistry program and applying education theory and teaching approaches to the chemistry content areas, in line with the areas covered by the Chemistry Praxis exam.
It tests two things at once: whether you understand the chemistry deeply and whether you can deliver it to secondary students. Students who only review content, or only discuss teaching in general, tend to lose points on the missing half.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | D871 (the graduate version is D872) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Subject area | Secondary chemistry content and pedagogy |
| Exam link | Aligned to the areas covered by the Chemistry Praxis exam, per WGU |
| Assessment | Set by WGU on your course page; check it before you plan |
What D871 Covers
| Theme | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Atomic structure | Models, periodic trends, electron arrangement |
| Chemical bonding | Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, shape and polarity |
| Energy relationships | Heat, enthalpy and rates of change |
| Chemical reactions | Types, balancing, stoichiometry |
| Solutions | Concentration, solubility and acid-base ideas |
| Science and engineering in society | Context and applications |
The topics list above follows the graduate description, which WGU shares with this course in its published materials.
Key Concepts Explained
Teaching a Concept, Not Just Stating It
For each topic, ask what students typically think and what experience would move them towards the accepted idea. Then plan an activity that makes the concept visible.
Example: Bonding. Common idea: "bonds are strings between atoms". Better model: electrons are shared or transferred, and attraction between nuclei and electrons holds atoms together. Activity: compare melting points of salt and sugar and ask what that says about the particles and the forces between them.
Conservation of Mass in Reactions
Atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed. Students often think burning "uses up" matter. A closed-system demonstration with a balance shows no change in mass.
Example: Antacid tablet and water in a sealed bag: gas inflates the bag, but the total mass on the scale stays the same. Open the bag and the mass drops as gas escapes, which students can explain.
Aligning to the Exam Content
Praxis-aligned review means working through content areas systematically. Use the exam outline from the testing provider and your state to see what is assessed.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
WGU's guidebook does not list task prompts. The table describes kinds of work a synthesis course points to. Follow your own instructions.
| Work type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Content synthesis | Depth across the chemistry strands | Cover each strand with accurate explanation |
| Teaching approach | Pedagogy for a topic | Name the grade level, misconception and activity |
| Short problems | Core calculations | Show steps and units |
| Rationale | Justifying choices | Link each activity to a learning aim |
A Study Approach That Works
- Make a content map. One page per strand with key ideas.
- Add a teaching layer. For each strand, one misconception and one activity.
- Practice calculations. Short sets keep skills fresh.
- Write integrated answers. Content and teaching in the same response.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Pure content review. A strong response shows how to teach the chemistry as well.
- Generic pedagogy. Tie every approach to a specific topic and grade level.
- Weak links between strands. Connect bonding, energy and reactions.
- Ignoring the exam scope. Check the published outline.
Planning Table
| Stage | Goal | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Read the task | List requirements | Rubric checklist |
| Content map | Summarize strands | One-page notes |
| Misconceptions | List and match to activities | Two-column table |
| Draft | Integrate content and teaching | Working draft |
| Review | Match rubric | Tick list |
Self-Check Questions
Use these questions to join content and teaching.
- What is the most common misconception about bonding, and what activity addresses it?
- How would you demonstrate conservation of mass in a reaction safely?
- Which calculation skills do secondary students need before moles make sense?
- How does the Chemistry Praxis outline map to the content strands you studied?
- How do you check understanding after an explanation?
Study Tips for D871
- Pair every concept with a demonstration idea.
- Name the grade level in the first line.
- Keep calculations brief but complete.
- Use the exam outline as a checklist.
- Re-read the rubric after each draft.
How We Help with D871
Send the task instructions, the rubric and your notes. A tutor can explain topics at secondary level with new examples, review how you join content and teaching, edit your draft for clarity, or prepare a model on a different topic for you to study. See our education assignment help guide as well.
GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the method, then complete and submit your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy.
We do not offer to sit exams. Orders are written from scratch, include free revisions within the scope of your original request, and are refunded in full if late. We cannot promise that any assessment will be passed.
Strengthen Your D871 Response
Share the assignment and feedback. We prepare a model that joins content and teaching for you to study and adapt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WGU's undergraduate Secondary Chemistry Curriculum course, which synthesizes program content and teaching approaches, aligned with the Chemistry Praxis exam areas.
D871 is the undergraduate version; D872 is the graduate version, which also stresses evaluating learning experiences and resources.
No. WGU describes applying education theory and teaching approaches too.
No. It supports preparation. Check state requirements separately.
No. We provide tutoring, model examples and editing. You complete and submit your own work.
On your D871 course page and with your instructor. WGU sets the assessment.