Chemistry (Period 6)

Chemistry

Instructor:  Miss Jackson

                   [email protected]

                   Office:  off of Room B2

                   I am available before and after school, by appointment

                         Email is the best way to get a hold of me!

Course Description:  The chemistry course is lecture-based with a lab component.  Lectures will be based on the “Introductory Chemistry” text.  During class students will be given lecture notes and practice problems which will adequately equip them for nightly homework sets.  Labs will be performed periodically throughout the year, and are an opportunity for students to apply lecture concepts as well as to create a foundation for understanding laboratory protocols. 

 

By the end of the year students are expected to be proficient in the following areas:

Measurement and Problem Solving Techniques

Matter, Energy and Atomic Modeling

Formulas, Equations and Stoichiometry

Phases of Matter, Gas Laws

Wave Mechanics, Quantum Theory

Periodic Trends, Bonding

Solubility

Kinetics, Thermodynamics

Chemical Equilibrium, Acid/Base Chemistry

Redox, Electrochemistry

Nuclear Chemistry

 

Students will also master critical thinking, problem solving and the appropriate technical computer skills.

 

Course Materials: 

--“Introductory Chemistry,” textbook by Nivaldo J. Tro

-- Chemistry notebook or binder

         (to be used only for chemistry class!)

-- Appropriate lab materials, as specified by teacher and

                                   Alemany lab safety regulations

 

Grading:      Tests: 40-45%

                   Quizzes: 15%

                   Labs: 10-15%

                   Homework/Assignments: 20%

                   Participation:  10%

 

                   90-100%        A

                   80-89%          B

                   70-79%          C

                   60-69%          D

                     0-59%         F

 

Homework/Assignments:  Three types of homework/assignments will be given in this class: nightly homework, graded assignments and notebook grades.

 

Nightly homework assignments will be given nightly, and are necessary to practice the concepts and skills which are taught in lecture.  Nightly homework is due at the beginning of the class it is assigned to be completed for.  Students will be graded for completion.  No partial credit will be given for late work!

 

Graded Assignments will be given periodically.  Students will be informed that the assignments will be graded, and credit will be given according to the number of correct answers.  Half credit may be given for late graded work.

 

Notebooks will be graded.  A notebook which receives full credit contains all the lecture notes, in order; is written neatly in blue or black pen; starts each day of notes on a new page, with the date written on the top right hand corner; contains only chemistry notes.

 

Laboratory:  Students will participate in laboratory projects throughout the year, with accompanying lab write-up assignments.  Laboratory safety is very important.  Students must behave appropriately at all times.  Not following lab safety rules set by the teacher puts everyone at danger.  There will be severe consequences for inappropriate lab behavior.

 

Absences:  Students who miss class for any reason are responsible for obtaining the missed notes and making-up any missed assignments in a timely manner and according to the Alemany absence policy.  It is the student’s responsibility to do this!

 

Extra Help:  Students are always encouraged to seek extra help, and are expected to advocate for themselves when they are having trouble in class.  Walk-in tutoring is available after school; days are organized by the department.  Students are also encouraged to make an appointment with me to meet before or after school.

 

Honor Code:  Students are expected to uphold the Alemany honor code and school policies at all times.

 

Classroom Behavior:  Students are expected to act appropriately and respectfully towards each other and the teacher at all times.  Students are expected to be engaged and involved during lecture and lab and are required to raise hands in order to participate or to ask questions.  Speaking out of turn, cheating, cell phones, food, gum and other distractions will not be tolerated.

 

General:  Success in chemistry class is contingent on a student’s commitment to work diligently and to master chemistry concepts and skills.  The homework and labs in this course are designed to enhance the learning process and are necessary to track students’ progress and comprehension.  When difficulties arise, I highly encourage students to seek extra help through me or the departmental tutoring! 

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me throughout the year.