Course Description
This one-semester course is an introductory study of chemical theories, their application, and laboratory procedures. The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation with which they can apply chemistry concepts to the world around us. Included is an overview of the structure of matter, the atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium and acid and base behavior. An array of methods and activities will be used including laboratory exercises, demonstrations, lecture and note taking, discussion, research, audio-visual materials, computer usage and group activities.
In addition to chemistry content, students will learn and/or brush up on life skills that will prepare them for whatever path they choose in life. Some of the self-directed skills we will focus on are: persistence, precision of language and thought, managing impulsivity, questioning, flexibility of thinking, using all of the senses, checking for accuracy, drawing on past knowledge and experiences, listening and understanding with empathy, metacognition, creativity, and wonderment.
In addition to chemistry content, students will learn and/or brush up on life skills that will prepare them for whatever path they choose in life. Some of the self-directed skills we will focus on are: persistence, precision of language and thought, managing impulsivity, questioning, flexibility of thinking, using all of the senses, checking for accuracy, drawing on past knowledge and experiences, listening and understanding with empathy, metacognition, creativity, and wonderment.
Topics to be Studied
The curriculum for Chemistry is derived from the Michigan Department of Education Benchmarks and Standards along with the National Next Generation Science Standards. The following topics will be covered during the course of the year:
Introduction: Science Inquiry and Safety
Unit 1 – Scientific Method, Metrics and Measurement
Unit 2 – States of Matter
Unit 3 – Elements, Atoms, Ions, and the Periodic Table
Unit 4 – Introduction to Bonding
Unit 5 – Nomenclature and Chemical Composition
Unit 6 – Equations and Stoichiometry
Unit 7 – Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy
Introduction: Science Inquiry and Safety
Unit 1 – Scientific Method, Metrics and Measurement
Unit 2 – States of Matter
Unit 3 – Elements, Atoms, Ions, and the Periodic Table
Unit 4 – Introduction to Bonding
Unit 5 – Nomenclature and Chemical Composition
Unit 6 – Equations and Stoichiometry
Unit 7 – Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy
Making the Grade
Grades are weighted according to the following scale:
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Labs/Projects 25%
Tests 60%
The grade received for the class at the end of the trimester will account for 80% of the final report card grade. Your final exam will account for 20% of the final report card grade.
Grading Policies:
1. You are expected to complete all assignments with 100% effort
2. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get missed work from your study partner.
3. If your study partner is absent, take notes, record the day’s activities, and collect an extra set of assignments for your partner to use upon their return.
4. If you and your study partner are absent, see teacher.
5. Missed quizzes or tests must be immediately made up before school or after school.
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Labs/Projects 25%
Tests 60%
The grade received for the class at the end of the trimester will account for 80% of the final report card grade. Your final exam will account for 20% of the final report card grade.
Grading Policies:
1. You are expected to complete all assignments with 100% effort
2. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get missed work from your study partner.
3. If your study partner is absent, take notes, record the day’s activities, and collect an extra set of assignments for your partner to use upon their return.
4. If you and your study partner are absent, see teacher.
5. Missed quizzes or tests must be immediately made up before school or after school.
Recovery Program
The Recovery Program is designed to give you the opportunity to retake quizzes in which you did not understand the material. Any student who receives a 77% or below will have an opportunity to retake the quiz. You are required to study the material again and receive outside help if necessary.
To be fair, the highest recovery grade you can receive is a 78%. The following table shows the grade that will be entered in the grade book for the score received on the recovery quiz.
To be fair, the highest recovery grade you can receive is a 78%. The following table shows the grade that will be entered in the grade book for the score received on the recovery quiz.
recoverytable.doc | |
File Size: | 33 kb |
File Type: | doc |
How to be Successful in Chemistry
1. Don’t miss class! There is a lot of information covered each day. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get caught up.
2. Read ahead. It will be extremely beneficial to read the sections in advance to have a foundation of what will be taught and be able to ask questions about anything confusing.
3. Make note cards. For a lot of students chemistry can seem like a foreign language. It is important to understand instead of memorize. Once you understand you can correctly “file” the gained knowledge appropriately into your mind.
4. Study every day. It is important to take your book/notes home every day to spend time reading and re-reading, studying diagrams, researching the internet, and taking practice tests. Cramming works against you if you are truly trying to learn something.
5. Review notes. Before every class spend a few minutes going over the previous lesson.
6. Use a variety of resources. If you get frustrated with different concepts use an encyclopedia, the internet, a different text book (available in the class), or ask your teacher for help.
7. Ask questions. I would love to be able to read your mind, but I can’t. So if you’re struggling ask me for help. Most often you are not the only one with the particular obstacle. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of the class, make a note and ask me immediately after class.
8. Go above and beyond. A lot of the activities and projects in this class are open for you to display your many gifts and talents.
9. Turn in homework. Turn in homework that is 100% complete and done with 100% effort.
10. Make success a habit. There are a lot of things going on in high school. It is important to plan ahead and set aside time for your school work and stick to it. Just because your friend doesn’t study doesn’t mean you don’t need to. What you do now leads to who you become!
2. Read ahead. It will be extremely beneficial to read the sections in advance to have a foundation of what will be taught and be able to ask questions about anything confusing.
3. Make note cards. For a lot of students chemistry can seem like a foreign language. It is important to understand instead of memorize. Once you understand you can correctly “file” the gained knowledge appropriately into your mind.
4. Study every day. It is important to take your book/notes home every day to spend time reading and re-reading, studying diagrams, researching the internet, and taking practice tests. Cramming works against you if you are truly trying to learn something.
5. Review notes. Before every class spend a few minutes going over the previous lesson.
6. Use a variety of resources. If you get frustrated with different concepts use an encyclopedia, the internet, a different text book (available in the class), or ask your teacher for help.
7. Ask questions. I would love to be able to read your mind, but I can’t. So if you’re struggling ask me for help. Most often you are not the only one with the particular obstacle. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of the class, make a note and ask me immediately after class.
8. Go above and beyond. A lot of the activities and projects in this class are open for you to display your many gifts and talents.
9. Turn in homework. Turn in homework that is 100% complete and done with 100% effort.
10. Make success a habit. There are a lot of things going on in high school. It is important to plan ahead and set aside time for your school work and stick to it. Just because your friend doesn’t study doesn’t mean you don’t need to. What you do now leads to who you become!