Text     Chemistry in the Community, ACS (2002).

           

Materials

  • Class:  Binder.  There will be notes and a lot of handouts that you need to keep organized. All handouts will be 3-hole punched.
  • Lab:  Composition Book for lab reports, tape or glue sticks (as desired) to attach graphs and other diagrams.
  • Science Fair Project: either will work, but needs to be dedicated to the project only.

 Overview

            Chemistry deals with matter, its structure, its characteristics, and how matter reacts in certain situations, both as a single entity and multiple ones. Our perspective for this study will be on the impact of chemical compounds on our everyday lives. This class is an honors course; expect appropriate pacing and assignments and commit to getting the most out of this experience.

Grading

            Grades will be based on points. Earned points divided by the total possible points will determine your “average”. (If you wish to determine your current grade, calculate it from your returned marks.) The points may be earned as follows:

  • Homework:  Homework will be assigned most days.  Homework will often be checked at the beginning of class.  Longer assignments will be worth more. A reasonable amount of time to spend outside of class (completing assignments or studying) for each period in class is the time it takes each individual to prepare for the next class. 
  • Quizzes:  Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced. Announced quizzes will vary in points, depending on the material; pop quizzes will be based on homework assignments or notebook contents.  Announced quizzes need to be made up if you are absent.  Pop quizzes are not made up.
  • Labs: Your class will meet for lab for a double period on day 6. Lab reports are generally 30 points each. Five points are for your pre-lab preparation; five points are for your participation the day of the lab activity; and the other 20 points are for the report in your lab notebook, which will be turned in. You will work on the labs in groups (usually in twos), but your write-ups are to be done on your own.  Lab notebooks are due at the beginning of class on the next day 2. Labs are late if you are not ready to hand it in as soon as you walk in the door.
  • Tests: Tests will generally cover a pair of sections and will vary in length and importance. First semester tests are scheduled for September 17, October 10 and 30, November 29, and December 18.
  • Science Fair:  There will be several shorter assignments ultimately leading up to The Science Fair, which will be held in March.  Time-lines and detailed expectations for the science fair will be handed out mid-September.  Start thinking about topics which interest you now if you haven’t already.

Note about late assignments: Penalties will be assessed based on lateness; generally, first day is 50%, subsequent days are 25%. Some assignments will necessarily still need to be completed for no credit in order to continue.

Daily Procedures: 

  • Please enter class prepared to work. This means you have your notebook, something to write with and the assignments that are due. You will not be allowed out of the class to retrieve things from your locker. Have your homework due that day out on your lab bench.
  • Usually, homework will be checked by a quick walk around the room, so please have your homework in plain view as soon as you sit down. Unless told otherwise, you do your homework in your class notebook. Some homework assignments will be collected, but you will know ahead of time if it is to be collected.
  • Your homework assignment(s) will always be contained in your unit plan handouts and on the website.
  • Look on the board for daily instructions. Proceed as indicated.
  • Successful participation in this class will involve both listening and speaking. Listening politely generally looks like your eyes are on the speaker (unless you are writing in your notebook) and sounds like only one person at a time is speaking.   Always ask when you have a question.
  • If you finish with an activity and are waiting for your classmates…

               Work on your lab report.

               Read in your textbook or other available reading found in the classroom.

               Work on your Science Fair project.

               Ask what other way you might be of assistance.

  • Dismissal time:  If it’s time to go and class is still proceeding, continue proper participation procedures.  Class will wrap up quickly, in plenty of time to proceed to your next class. Wait until the end of class is properly signaled.
  • At the end of class, please push your stool under the lab bench and check your area for your belongings, and trash that you need to drop off in the garbage basket on your way out the door. 

 Procedures for special occasions:

  • I will be available for extra help on every day from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., except Wednesdays, and other times by appointment.  Tuesday is specifically designated for my science classes. Let me know if you plan on coming in for extra help. 
  • If you are absent or tardy, please see me outside of class.  You are responsible for finding out missed work.  You are also responsible for turning in work that was due the day you missed.