D872 is the graduate version of Secondary Chemistry Curriculum at WGU, used in a Master of Arts science education program.
WGU states that it synthesizes the core content of the secondary chemistry program, applies education theory and teaching approaches, and aligns with the Chemistry Praxis exam. WGU also says there are no prerequisites.
The graduate emphasis is evaluation. Using evidence-based methods from learning science, candidates judge learning experiences and resources that convey chemistry concepts to secondary students. The skill is justifying why one resource works better than another, with reasons tied to evidence rather than preference.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | D872 (the undergraduate version is D871) |
| Level | Graduate |
| Prerequisites | None, per WGU |
| Subject area | Secondary chemistry content and evaluation of teaching resources |
| Assessment | Set by WGU on your course page; check it before you plan |
What D872 Covers
| Theme | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Atomic structure | Models and periodic ideas |
| Chemical bonding | Types of bonds, shape, properties |
| Energy relationships | Heat, enthalpy, energy in reactions |
| Chemical reactions and solutions | Reaction types, stoichiometry, concentration |
| Science and engineering in society | Context and applications |
| Evaluating learning experiences | Using learning science evidence to judge resources |
Key Concepts Explained
Evidence-Based Evaluation
State what you are judging and what research or principle supports your criteria. For example, resources that prompt students to predict, test and explain tend to support deeper understanding than those that only present facts.
Example: A simulation lets students change temperature and watch particle motion. Strength: it makes a hidden process visible and invites prediction. Limitation: students may treat it as a game without recording ideas. Recommendation: add a prediction sheet and a short written explanation.
Cognitive Load and Sequencing
Beginners can be overwhelmed by too many new terms at once. Good resources introduce a few ideas, connect them, and build gradually.
Example: A page introduces moles, molarity and dilution on the same sheet. Suggested change: separate into three short stages, each with a worked example and a check question before moving on.
Linking Content Accuracy to Resource Quality
A beautiful resource with an error teaches the error. Check chemical accuracy first, especially common slips such as treating bonds as physical connectors.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
WGU's guidebook does not list task prompts. The table describes kinds of work the description points to. Follow your own instructions.
| Work type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Resource evaluation | Judgment with evidence | State criteria, apply them and recommend changes |
| Content synthesis | Depth across strands | Cover each strand accurately |
| Instructional recommendation | Teaching approach | Match approach to topic and grade level |
| Reflection | Use of experience | Link choices to your classroom |
A Study Approach That Works
- Refresh the content strands. Prioritize areas you teach least.
- Write evaluation criteria. Accuracy, alignment, engagement, accessibility and evidence.
- Practice on real resources. Evaluate one lesson from your own materials.
- Cite what you know. Tie each judgment to a learning principle or your classroom evidence.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Content review alone. The course also requires evaluating how well a resource conveys content.
- Opinions without evidence. Give reasons tied to principles or observations.
- Generic recommendations. Be specific about what to change.
- Ignoring accuracy. Check the chemistry first.
Planning Table
| Stage | Goal | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Read the task | List requirements | Rubric checklist |
| Criteria | Define evaluation rubric | Criteria list |
| Evaluate | Apply with evidence | Annotated notes |
| Recommend | Name specific changes | Change table |
| Justify | Link to evidence | Short rationale |
Self-Check Questions
Use these questions to test a resource evaluation.
- What learning principle supports my judgment of this resource?
- Is the chemistry accurate from start to finish?
- Is the sequence manageable for beginners, or does it overload them?
- What specific change would improve student explanation, not just engagement?
- How do my classroom observations support the recommendation?
Study Tips for D872
- Check chemical accuracy before you comment on design.
- Quote parts of the resource.
- Pair each criticism with a fix.
- Draw on your own classroom evidence.
- Re-read the rubric after each draft.
How We Help with D872
Send the task instructions, the resource, the rubric and any feedback. A tutor can explain criteria-based evaluation with new examples, review your reasoning, edit your draft for clarity, or prepare a model evaluation of a different resource for you to study.
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 invent classroom experiences or credentials. 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.
Sharpen Your D872 Evaluation
Share the task and feedback. We prepare a model evaluation for you to study and adapt in your own words.
Start My D872 HelpFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
D871 is the undergraduate course. D872 is the graduate version, where candidates evaluate learning experiences and resources using learning science evidence.
WGU states there are none for this course.
The program is for licensed teachers, so draw on real experience where the task invites it. Never invent it.
Learning principles from your course materials and concrete observations of how students respond.
No. We provide tutoring, model examples and editing. You complete and submit your own work.
On your D872 course page and with your instructor. WGU sets the assessment.