Course Overview
In this course you will learn about some of the
important topics in chemistry. We will start with some
essential math skills and use these to cover such
topics as density, atomic structure, the nature of
light, nuclear chemistry, molecular structure, moles,
chemical reactions, and gases.
What to Bring to Class
Assignments
Homework Assignments may take a variety of forms. You may be asked to complete a handout from class, read and do work from your textbook, or take a practice quiz online. All of these are given a grade that reflects the degree of completion. If it is 100% complete, you earn a 100. If it is missing for any reason or it is incomplete your grade may be as low as zero.
Lab Assignments are written work that may take either of two forms. A formal lab report is a multi-page report requiring specific content and layout. Another type of lab assignment will consist entirely of answering designated pre-lab and post-lab questions in a typed document. This second type of assignment will be weighted at the equivalent of one half the weight of a formal report. Labs will be collected mostly in digital form and are expected to be turned in on time unless prior arrangements have been made.
Unless specifically given as group work all lab assignments must be done by each individual student. Students may not work together, may not share answers, and may not copy one another’s work.
A Quiz will be a short assessment of usually one page that will show whether or not you have mastered the skills and understood the concepts in a given lesson. They are practice for the final quarter test. All material in quizzes will be on the test.
The final quarter Test will be comprehensive, covering everything you have learned in class. A useful way to study is to correct your mistakes on quizzes and to focus on things you did not understand the first time you took an assessment.
Missing Class
If you are tardy or miss class you must present me with
an absence slip from the main office. This will clearly
indicate whether it was excused or unexcused. If you
come to class without one you will be asked to go to
the office to obtain it.
If you miss class, and it is an excused absence, then
you may make up the work you missed. You must see me
before class starts or after it has ended and ask for
the work. It is your responsibility to find out what
you missed and to do it. You must complete the work no
later than the due date plus the number of days absent
or the usual late penalties will apply.
Lateness is not acceptable unless you were absent and
have shown me proper documentation to prove your
absence was excused. Arrangements to hand in work
missed when absent must be made at the first class
meeting upon your return. Late work is subject
to a penalty of 15 points on a 100 point
assignment.
Incomplete
work handed in late will not be accepted. Key
point: If you think you may not be able to avoid handing
your work in late then speak to me at least one full day before
the due date to see whether arrangements can be made. See the separate late work policy page for more details.
Lab Safety
Safety is of paramount importance in the lab. Warnings
of particular hazards will be given in the introduction
to each lab activity. Students will be reminded once of
safety rules. Students who do not heed such reminders
will have to sit out the lab and take a
zero.
Recitation
If you are struggling, make an effort to come and see
me. In my experience this one action can improve your
understanding (and your grades) immensely.
One of the most important ways to improve your grade in my
class is to do well on tests and quizzes. In order to
encourage you to come in for help with your preparation I
will offer 5% in extra credit points on a quiz if you come
in at least once to study in my room during AEAST
and actively ask me questions. You must do this at least one full
day before the quiz date. This is a great opportunity
to get together with friends to come in and ask questions
and study together.
Books used in this course
Introductory Chemistry,
Nivaldo J. Tro. Pearson, ©2018.
POGIL Activities for High
School Chemistry, Laura Trout, editor. Flinn
Scientific, Inc. ©2012
