Class Syllabus

To view the chemistry standards and performance objectives please refer to the district website.

General topics that will be covered first semester:

General introduction to chemistry

Energy and Matter

Atomic Structure

Electron Configurations

The Periodic Table

Groups of Elements

Chemical Formulas and Bonding

Molecular Shape

Chemical Reactions and Equations

General topics that will be covered second semester:

The Mole

Mathematics of Chemical Equations (Stoichiometry)

Heat in Chemical Reactions

Gases

Liquids and Solids

Solutions

Chemical Equilibrium

Acids, Bases, and Salts

Reactions of Acids and Bases

Oxidation and Reduction

Class Policies

Students will be asked to keep a bound notebook (journal). In this notebook students will record data, take notes, answer bell work. reflect, store papers (organize), input assignments, add graphic organizers etc...  The use and purpose for the notebooks is endless. The notebooks will be graded periodically and will be worth a lab grade.  Students are expected to keep their notebooks up to date and bring them to class every day.

Late Work.  Students are allowed to turn in an assignment one day late for half credit. 

Absences.  It is crucial that students be here every day.  I understand this is not always a reality.  When students return to class after being absent within 2 days, they must see me about making up the missed work within 2 days. 

Tardies.  It is an expectation that students arrive to class on time. Students coming into class late disrupt the lesson. Tardies may result in loss of points from the student's grade.

Calculators!! Chemistry is similar to a math class applied to science. Students must have a scientific calculator.  This is not a $60+ graphing calculator !  Just a $10 version that can work with numbers in scientific notation.

Grading. There are three weighted categories in chemistry: 

Assignments  15%   Labs  35%    Test/Quiz  50% These categories make up 80% of the semester grade.  The final exam, which consists of a written and multiple choice portion, is 20% of the semester grade.

Chemistry is a subject that builds.  If a student has difficulty with chapter 4 then chapters 5, 6, etc... will be difficult to understand.  I am available for help outside of the classroom.  The student is encouraged to see me to set up a time for extra assistance.