Chemistry

 

CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS

Teacher: Judith Hutton

 

 

1.       Course Description: Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of substances, and the changes that such substances can undergo.  Chemistry is often considered the central science because it overlaps other sciences.  This course will provide an overview of basics needed to provide depth of understanding in chemistry.

 

 

2.       Course Prerequisites: Teacher approval and successful completion of Biology and Physical Science

 

3.    Textbooks:
This year we will use an online textbook CK12 Chemistry Concepts.
The textbook can be accessed online.  Go to http://www.ck12.org, and make a username and password.  Please write these down so you can use them later.  I will provide the course pass code so that you can join our online classroom as well as the textbook.

Supplementary Materials for Each Class:
We will also be using an online quiz and practice platform found on Quia.  
Go to https://www.quia.com/studentZone, and make a username and password.  Please write these down so you can remember them later.  I will provide the pass code so that you can access practice games and quizzes or take tests. as well as the textbook.

 

4.       Course Overview:  Like all sciences, the science of chemistry is an organized and systematic attempt to understand the world around us.  Chemists make careful observations about the world, generating questions which they seek to answer.  Then they test possible answers, or hypotheses, through experimentation.  We will use this basic strategy to examine the main categories in chemistry.

 

5.       Tentative Course Calendar/Schedule: 

Units of Study

      

SEMSETER 1

The Laboratory

Chemistry Calculations

Matter & Its Changes

Atomic Theory & Structure

Atomic Models & Periodic Trends            

Chemical Bonding

Nomenclature

Electrochemistry

 

SEMSETER 2

Writing Chemical Reactions

Compound Stoichiometry

Reaction Stoichiometry

Gas Laws

Solutions

Acids & Bases

Thermochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry

Kinetics & Equilibrium

The study of chemistry requires some memorization.  For example, element symbols and polyatomic ions must be memorized so that chemical formulas and reactions can be written.  We will begin working on this at the beginning of the year, and will continue throughout the course.  Many of our topics require the use of math, some of which should be done without a calculator.  Other topics will require a calculator, although not necessarily a graphing one.  Either way, the emphasis is on the problem-solving method and effective written and verbal communication.  The topics are arranged sequentially and build upon each other.  As the course progresses, previous skills will be refreshed and used to connect to new ideas. 

SUPPLIES: Please bring the following every day!

a. Scientific calculator- Bring a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator.  There are several units of study which require daily use of a calculator.  

b. Writing utensils and paper- homework and calculations must be done in pencil, with erasures done neatly.  Number 2 pencils will be needed for tests.  

c. 3-Ring Chemistry binder - It is your responsibility to keep up with your notes and other handouts. A binder dedicated to Chemistry is required. There will be notebook checks on test days to make sure that you are keeping up with warm-ups, notes, and handouts.  

d. Closed-toe shoes on lab days- If you do not have closed-toe shoes on lab day you will not be allowed to participate.  This is an important safety rule.

6.       Grading Policy: 

Grades are assigned in my class based on the following types of assignments:

        Formative Assignments:  These are generally homework and classwork assignments.  Formative assessments will be viewed as practice, preparing students for the summative assignments which will make up the students’ grade in Science.  The purpose of formative assessments is to identify areas of difficulty so re-teaching can occur.

 

Summative Assignments:  These are generally tests, quizzes, projects and lab activities.  Summative assessments are the proof that students know the content expectations.  Certain summative assessments can be redone with teacher approval and completion of correctives.

7.       Course Policies:

Make Up Work

·         If you have been gone due to illness or other emergency, it is your responsibility to check with me to get the work. 

·         One assignment grade may be dropped per quarter.

 

8.       Teacher Responsibilities.

My Pledge to You

·         I will trust you until you give me reason to do otherwise.

·         I will respect you and work with you to solve problems.

·         I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work.

·         I will work with you to meet learning goals.

·         I will offer extra help and alternative assessments should you require them.

 

9.       Student Responsibilities. 

·         Be prepared!  You are expected to bring a pencil or pen, book, and notebook with you to class each day.  You will not be allowed to go and get materials you forget.

·         All students are expected to complete all assignments. 

·         Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise communicated.

·         Use pencil, blue or black ink.  Illegible work will not be accepted.

·         No eating or drinking is allowed in class, with the exception of bottled water.

·         Take pride in your work!  Show effort and a desire to learn and it will be rewarded.

·         Be on time!  Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings.

 

Be respectful of school property and others

·         The books issued to you should be returned in reasonable condition.

·         No writing on school desks, books, or other destruction of school property will be tolerated.

·         I will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of anyone in the classroom.  Respect for others must be demonstrated at all times.

·         Be respectful of the plants and animals in the classroom.

·         Clean up after yourselves!

 

Follow all safety rules and procedures at all times.