BOOOOOO!!!!

General:

Not many annoucements today.

By the way, did I ever tell you guys that Chattahoochee was built on an indian burial ground? Oh and several dozen pilgrims died while sheltering from a blizzard, not to far from here. In fact, it was 300 years ago today to the day!

Oh and that science teacher that got fired a few years ago for running human cloning experiments in the H104 stockroom? He was spotted again last night. Seems he's been living in the celing, and plotting horrible revenge.

Just some things to think of while you trick-or-treat.

Anyway, dark powers have ensorcelled my classroom and possessed me to let you guys do the creepy dry ice lab today. Enjoy, as it will probably be only a matter of time before someone freezes their forehead to the desk and the lab gets banned permanently.

Also, this thing was hiding in the stockroom when I got here this morning:

I was cool with it at first, you know "Live and let live" and all. Then he lunged and I spilled my coffee.

...thats when I knew the fool had to go DOWN! Luckily, I keep nunchucks under the eyewash. I was able to manage the problem, and clean up the splattered ichor before the cafe closed. So I still got my biscuit, which is good, because if I miss my biscuit it puts me in a BAD mood.

Regardless, I'm banning food in the classroom yet again. I'm pretty sure it was the leftover smell of cheetos that attracted the thing in the first place. That and the prevalent scent of despair that has been lingering ever since I passed back the last PS test.

Random

#2 On the countdown? I went with animals, yet again.

These are african Driver ants. They bite, sting, travel in colonies of the millions, and can strip animals to the bone in a matter of hours. Its a popular method of torture to stake some poor guy to the gound near a colony of these guys. Yikes.

Tuesday stuff...

General:

If you came by to see me this morning and I wasn't there, I apologize. I had a meeting at 8:00 and it didn't get going until later...you get the idea. This part of the year is hectic for teachers, so patience on your part is appreiciated.

If you show up for something and I'm not there, please wait or come back 10 minutes later. It helps if you leave me a note, also. I am always available in the mornings, but I do step out occasionally.

Chemistry ( Hwk p. 163, #1-4):

Spectrum lab is postponed. I hope we can get to it this week (Friday?), but if not we will do it. Its a pretty cool lab, and I think everyone should get a chance to do it. Just remember to BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY ELEMENTS IN THEIR EXCITED STATES!

To day is a conglomeration of assorted bookwork. I hand-picked these problems so we could go over them in class, and you could take them home and work on them. Think of it as a supplement for the Test review sheet.

We are also going to delve a little deeper into chemical bonding today. Pay attention to how electronegativity is used to determine the polarity of a bond. Electronegativity is one of the traits that has a trend on the periodic table. If you understand both concepts, it will make it a whole lot easier when we start predicting bond types.

Physical Science

ONE MORE DAY OF TESTING. I hope you did your homework because I am sure as heck gonna check it today.

Once we get done with testing, we're gonna do something cool. I promise. You have all handled yourselves very maturely and I really apprieciate it. Thank you for taking the test seriously, it will make it better for yourself in the long run.

Test Make-ups are still going on, and if you have not taken it DO IT. Please, the longer you wait the less material you remember. TRUST ME, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STUDY FOR IT LATER. YOU SAY YOU WILL BUT YOU WON'T!

If you were unhappy with your test grade (you probably are, and thats good. Its not students that do badly that worry me, its the ones that do bad and don't care later) make arrangements with me to do a correction. I mean, seriously, there is no reason to not do it. Also, I am extending the deadline one day, as I did not annouce it yesterday.

Random:

#4 in the countdown is not necessarily scary, so much as totally creepy. Its a Guitar Fish. A deep sea fish related to sharks, skates and rays. Its pretty harmless, and is reportedly delicious, but just imagine this thing brushing your feet while you swim on spring break.

Ok, actually this picture is of a guitarfish laying on its back, or dorsal surface. Those spots are not its eyes, but nostrils or nares. They are sensitive organs that allows it to hunt for food. The fishermen that caught it tried to pass it off as an alien. Then they ate it, and claimed they had eaten alien. Which means if extraterrestrials ever do make contact with the human race, and that contact happens to be russian fishermen, intergalactic war is inevitable.

Still, IT LOOKS FREAKY!

#3 stays in the same vein of creepy deep-sea fish. Once again let me set the stage: You're swimming in the ocean on spring break...something brushes your foot....

AAAHHHHHHHH!!!

Actually the blobfish only lives in the deeper parts of the ocean, so brushing against your feet is not really possible. But still, dang... it looks like Ziggy. I suspect its frowning in this picture because its just been pulled from the chilly depths and flopped in front of a camera. That and its dead.

Monday...Monday...

General Info:

Everything is going according to my evil plan: Physical science has checkpoint tests today and tomorrow. Chemistry is starting the test review process. All is going according to schedule...for now.

Physical Science (Hwk: Read Chapter 2.3, complete questions 1-7 on p. 53): Many students are disappointed in their test grades, and that is to be expected. If you did bad and are not disappointed, thats a whole other issue we'll have to deal with.

Here is the process for reclaiming some points. I am doing this in lieu of a curve, which benefits no one as far a content knowledge is concerned.

1. Tests may be corrected, before or after school.

2. Corrected answers will be counted for HALF credit.

3. Only 1 (one) correcting session per student.

4. One session lasts a maximum of 50 minutes. There is no minimum.

5. Make sure you make an appointment with me before you stop by.

6. It is YOUR responsibility to account for time. If you show up at 8:15am and the bell rings at 8:30 that is your ONLY session with your test. You can't come by again and finish later.

7. Its a "Testing Environment" meaning you can't use a book/notes/partner ect.

8. You have ten days to set this up, so get on it.

This method allows you to get more points back than recovery, but if you insist on recovering your grade, of course I'll let you. Remember, the highest you can score on a recovered test is a 74. Please refer to your student hand book for further information.

Randomness: Since its so close to halloween I thought I'd count down the 5 scariest things in the universe (well, MY universe at least).

#5: The alien from the movie Aliens. Its big, shiny and black, and wants to tear your face off. It also has a retractable mouth capable of punching a hole in your skull, and a life-cycle that requires a live host for its embryo. I saw this movie when I was 9, and was still checking my closet before bedtime when I was 21. Man, did my college roomate ever think I was weird.

Stuff, More stuff and then its the WEEKEND!

General:

Grade print outs should be ready to go by monday. I've been trying to keep these frequent, and have not done such a great job. Expect more regular checkups in the future.

Parent connect should be fixed and showing all grades now. If you get a grade print-out and it has assignments that are not present on Parent Connect, please let me know so I can fix it.

If you have specific questions about your grade, please make sure to see me between bells, before or after school. It is far too hectic to try to discuss grades during class, or in the last 10 minutes.

Also remember I do make mistakes when entering grades. Please remember to save all graded work that is passed back. If you have a paper with my grade on it, and it does not match the grade on a print-out, then I'll gladly change it. If you simply "remember" that you made a specific grade, then you do not have sufficent evidence and I apologize for the confusion, but the grade stays.

Chemistry :

It was pretty eerie how fast you guys figured out that Straw Lab, I was pretty impressed!

Monday or Tuesday it looks like you guys will be doing the "Spectrum Tube Lab" in order to better your understanding of atoms in their excited states. Reviewing the notes on excited state orbital diagrams might not be a bad idea.

We are gearing up for a test which will most likely be during the following week. We have a few more concepts to cover, and judging by the quizzes, you guys are getting the material fairly quickly, despite all the interuptions we've been having.

UPDATE: I am going to try and test next Thursday (Tentative), so we'll start reviewing earlier in the week. As usual, you can expect a large, fearsome, study guide. Expect it to hit you like a freight train come monday. The Spectrum Tube lab is getting pushed back to either friday or early the following week.

Physical Science:

The Chapter 3 and 7 test was...interesting... to grade. There were some surprising performances on both ends of the spectrum. The test format may change, but this is the "level" you can expect to be tested at.

Judging by the averages, I will be allowing some way of getting points back. It will be up to the individual to decide wether or not they want to take my method, or just do a recovery.

Once again, tests, makeups and recovery are only discussed before or after class. This is the only really practical way to do it, and I apologize if it seems inconvienient. My homeroom is 4B and I will write you a pass if that's the only time you can come by.

Regardless, now is the time to step up and take responsiblilty for your grades. Handle your business, as the saying goes.

Random:

This is one of my favorite poems. I think it pretty much hits the nail on the head. There is a lot of wisdom here, if you listen to it.

"If"

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
--Rudyard Kipling

Til the end of the week!

Chemistry- Thursday and Friday are most likely to be consumed by our new project, "The Straw Lab". Doing the straw lab in a chemistry class brings a mixture of good news and bad news. Lets start with the bad:

1. THIS THING IS CONFUSING! But I have full confidence we can figure it out.

2. You have to use SCISSORS!

3. You have to MEASURE STUFF! GAHHH!

The Good News!

1. It's a really good visual representation of trends on the periodic table.
2. It takes 2 days, and I generally don't assign homework on lab days!
3. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!

So as you can see, its a lab well worth doing. In fact I would give it a Total Awesomeness Factor of a solid 5.

-Quizzes: These are in the process of being graded. It shouldn't take too long, as most appear to be very, very good grades. Congratulations!


Physical Science- HWK: p. 52, #1-8

Checkpoint tests are MONDAY and TUESDAY! I'll be explaining more in class, but the general idea is that we assess your general science knowledge with a standardized test. 2 main points:

1. They do not count for a grade.

2. You should still do your best even though they do not count for a grade. The grades for the Checkpoint tests will be entered in to Fulton County's shiny new computer systems called "S.A.M.S". SAMS is a huge database that contains a lot of grade info about you in a Big Brother-esque fashion (Read: 1984). Eventually, SAMS will evolve and attain conciousness and use this information to enslave all humanity. Until then, teachers will use this data to determine who needs extra help before the EOCT.

If you randomly fill in blanks and then take a nap, you'd best believe that you'll fall into that "needs extra help" category. This means I'm personally going to come after you with a bunch of worksheets, hounding you until I'm sure that you're going to passt the EOCT.

Ask yourself if that's what you really want? Is it?

Of course, once SAMS takes over, we'll all be turned into human batteries (See: "The Matrix") to power an army of robotic drones (See: "Terminator"). But until that day comes, its my job to make sure you do good on the EOCT. Unless SAMS shoots me into space first (See: "2001: A Space Odyssey").

Anyway, you should always do your best, period.

(Will be using SAMS to find YOU!)

Random:

In honor of our French vistors, and since its so close to Halloween, I thought I'd include this, the scariest frenchman alive:







This is Sebastien Chabal, a lock forward for the France national rugby team. The 2007 world cup was held in France this year, and the French had a very good showing, defeating the New Zealand All Blacks in the quarter-finals!

Anyway, everybody goes nuts when this guy takes the field. Mainly because its like watching people try and tackle a moving bus.

Randy says, "Study hard, kids...or else"

Failing to do homework is NOT cool, no matter what the seniors tell you. Apparently, however, its becoming a fad as the percentage of completed homeworks is dropping drastically. Where o' where has your focus gone?

Remember, homework counts somewhere between 5-10% of your final grade. That is easily the difference between letter grades. Why run the risk of getting down to the end of the semester and having a borderline grade? Just do the work now, and rest easy when the break rolls around.

Try to imagine stepping into the octagon to fight former UFC heavyweight champion Randy Coutoure without training. Not even boxing a little or being on the wrestling team Would that be smart? Could you expect to win?

No! The only thing you could reasonably expect to happen is to become a stain on the octagon canvas.

Well, taking a test without doing homework (aka "studying") is much like being in a kickboxing match with no prior experience. There is only one real outcome you can expect; total academic destruction. Of course, my tests only have a fraction of the destructive power of Randy, but you get the point.

Mr. Mclain's Blog

Behold.

Behold the most awesomest power of the 21st century interweb!

If 55 min a day was not enough, you can now access Mclain 24 hrs a day directly from your home!

That's right faithful students, Mr. Mclain has a blog. The internet has not be rocked this hard since Al Gore invented it. Stay tuned, and prepare for an intravenous dosage of Pure Physical Science, and a little chemistry thrown in for flavor!

Physical Science!

Mr. Mclain/Mr. Keller Physical Science/Spring 2007
Room H107 Phone: 770-521-7600
E-mail: mclain@fultonschools.org
keller@fulton.k12.ga.us

Textbook: Holt Science Spectrum Holt, Rinehart & Winston (2001)
(replacement cost $51.00)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The HS Physical Science curriculum continues students’ investigations of the physical sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County Systemwide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed as an introductory overview of the major concepts in chemistry and physics to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in physical science. The course includes more abstract concepts such as structure of atoms, motion and forces, conservation of matter and energy, action-reaction principle, and the behavior of waves. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.

The End of Course Test (EOCT), May 2 – 4, will act as the final exam. The EOCT WILL BE CUMMULATIVE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR, covering the major concepts of units 1 through 6. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE EOCT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.

OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS: At the end of this course students should be able to:
Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
Explain the current understanding of the structure of the atom and compare ionic with covalent bonds.
Use information, calculations, and predications to explain the nature, properties, classification, and conservation of matter.
Explain the nature and process involved in radioactive changes.
Explain the trends in the Periodic table and use the knowledge to predict the properties of representative elements.
Compare and contrast the phases of matter as a result of atomic and molecular motion.
Describe the nature of solutions and the factors that affect the solubility of substances.
Explain the transformation and flow of energy in deferent medium relative to the heat capacity of different substances.
Use calculations to determine the relationships between forces, mass, and motion.
Explain the properties of waves and recognize that all waves transfer energy.
Explain the nature and production of static electricity and electric currents based on electron movements.
Describe the relationships between electricity and magnetism and explain their applications.

FORMAT: The course is divided into units and topics for the spring semester which are in compliance with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and will cover chapters 8-14 of the textbook.

Georgia Performance Standards

The following Georgia Performance Standards will be covered this spring semester. A detailed description of each Standard may be read on the Georgia Department of Education website (www.doe.ga.us).

SPS7: Students will relate transformation and flow of energy within a system
SPS8: Students will determine relationships between force, mass, and motion
SPS9: Students will investigate the properties of waves
SPS10: Students will investigate the properties of electricity and magnetism

Units and Topics

Unit 3: Motion, Force, Work, and Simple Machines
Chapters 8 – Motion and Forces (SPS 8)
9 – Work and Energy (SPS 8)
Unit 4: Energy
Chapters 9 – Work and Energy (SPS 7)
10 – Heat and Temperature (SPS 7)
Unit 5: Waves and Optics
Chapters 11 – Waves (SPS 9)
12 – Sound and Light (SPS 9)
Unit 6: Electricity and Magnetism
Chapters 13 – Electricity (SPS 10)
14 – Magnetism (SPS 10)

GRADE DETERMINATION

The Fulton County Grading Scale will be used for all graded assignments
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C Below 70 = F

Calculation of Final Semester Average will be as follows:
Tests, Performance Assessments= 40% Quizzes=10% Homework = 10% Laboratory Work = 15% Participation/Classwork= 10% EOCT/Final = 15%

Tests and Quizzes: Written tests and quizzes include information from class notes, the textbook, handouts, lab activities, and demonstrations. Adequate notice of tests will be given and you will be expected to take a test even if you are absent the previous day.
Test make up times must be arranged with the teacher.

Laboratory Activities: Labs are an important part of the curriculum. EACH person in the lab group is responsible for participating in the lab in class and completing the lab questions and/or write-up on his/her own paper. Labs not collected by your teacher should be placed in your notebook. Labs will be graded for accuracy and/or completion. Lab make-ups will be scheduled on an as required basis.

Participation: Attendance, attentiveness, being prepared with the proper materials and appropriate behavior during class activities are factors in participation. Notebooks will be check for organization and sponge activities.

Homework: This grade includes class work and homework assignments. Homework is checked at the beginning of class. NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR HOMEWORK THAT HAS BEEN MISPLACED, LEFT IN YOUR LOCKER OR AT HOME, ETC. Homework is checked for accuracy and/or completion.

Make-up Work: After any absence it is the total responsibility of the student to find out immediately on their return what make-up work is required, when it is due, and how it should be accomplished.

Notebook: You are required to keep a notebook. A three ring binder is best of either red or white. Everything we do in Physical Science should be in your notebook (notes, worksheets, labs, class work, homework, quizzes, information sheets, and the syllabus) in an organized fashion. I will check occasionally in class to see if you have your notebook and I will take sections of it up occasionally to grade for completeness.

RECOVERY POLICY: FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.

Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.

2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.

There is no planned extra credit in this class and your lowest test grade is not dropped at the end of the semester. It is therefore very important that assigned work is completed and turned in on time. Be prepared and seek help early.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CLASS BEHAVIOR RULES

HONOR CODE POLICY: Any act of cheating “either by giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a graded experience” will be considered a violation. I will complete an Honor Violation Form which will be filed in the office and “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically, memberships in honor clubs (NHS and Beta)”. You will receive a grade of ‘0’ on the assignment or test, and I will call your parents to inform them of the violation. Please refer to your handbook for additional information.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF ETHICS: According to the Fulton County School policy, “students shall not alter nor attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes but is not limited to:
1. Changing desktop settings or control panels on computers.
2. Removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware.
3. Modifying computer software.
4. Damaging computer disks, CD ROMS or other media.

Also, students must not access any program or website, unless specifically authorized to do so by the teacher. Always ask before you log on the internet, or access any program on the computer. Students are not allowed to check their e-mail.

EXTRA HELP: Physical Science is a demanding academic subject. If you are having difficulty you are encouraged to make arrangements with me for extra help before or after school. In addition, Homework Hotline operates from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at 404/843-7700. It is a free service and the teacher there can usually assist you with your homework.

ATTENDANCE: It is essential that you attend class and complete the assignments. There is no guarantee that unauthorized late assignments will be accepted and they will certainly receive a discounted grade. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignment.

NIGHTLY STUDY: Information is presented in class every day. Therefore, it is expected that you review each day’s work at night so that any difficulties can be resolved during class the following day.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIORS

1. All student handbook rules apply in this class.
2. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
3. COME TO CLASS PREPARED! Bring your homework, your notebook, writing instrument, paper, calculator, and any other supplies you need for the day. Have your homework out on your desk at the beginning of the period.
4. No use of cell phones or musical/video devices.
5. Be respectful to your teacher, classmates and visitors.
6. Alert, aware behavior is appropriate.
7. Lab safety rules apply in this class.

Failure to follow these rules will result in a teacher conference with the student for the first offense, then a private detention will be assigned (30 minutes of on task time before or after school). The third offense will result in a call home and another detention, and if these are not successful, you will be referred to an administrator.
ANY BEHAVIOR WHICH ENDANGERS YOU OR ANOTHER STUDENT IN THE CLASSROOM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO AN ADMINISTRATOR.
















Student’s name: _________________________

Period: _________________________

Please sign and date below indicating that you have reviewed the Physical Science syllabus.

Student:


(Signature) (Date)

Parent:


(Signature) (Date)

Parents: Chattahoochee has a program called Parent Connect that allows you to view your child’s academic progress and attendance over the internet. Register for Parent Connect through the front office.

The best way to get a hold of me is by email. If you have an email address that you are willing to share, please include it below.


(Parent’s email)
Thank you.
W.Mclain
L. Keller
Science

Chemisty Syllabus!

Mr. William Mclain Chemistry Spring Semester 2007 Room H107
E-mail: Mclain@fultonschools.org

Textbook: Modern Chemistry. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2002. The cost of book replacement is $53.85.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Chemistry curriculum continues students’ investigations of the physical sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County System wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in chemistry. Chemistry extends the physical sciences to more abstract concepts including, the structure and properties of matter, structure of atoms, the interaction of matter and the conservation of matter. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry. Since this semester has considerable quantitative material, a non-graphing scientific calculator is strongly recommended. (TI-30 or equivalent)

GHSGT: This semester the juniors will be taking the Georgia High School Graduation Test in March. Evaluation and review of the concepts involved in science will occur during the semester, in hopes of better preparing the student for passing the science portion of the test. There is information on my webpage about USATESTPREP, a website for review of GHSGT concepts.

OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS: At the end of this year students should be able to:
1. Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
2. Use information, calculations, and predictions to explain the nature, properties, classification, and nomenclature of matter including the prediction of chemical formulas based on balance of charges.
3. Use the law of conservation of matter, including molarity and molality, to determine chemical composition under different reaction types and conditions.
4. Use modern atomic theory to explain the characteristic properties of atoms including size, charge, particles, isotopes, chemical bonds, light emission, and electron movement.
5. Explain the trends in the Periodic table and use the knowledge to predict the properties of representative elements.
6. Demonstrate the effects of varying factors (concentration, temperature, and pressure) on the rate of chemical reaction.
7. Collect, analyze, and compare data on the effects of motion of atoms and molecules on physical and chemical process and relate these to energy flow during phase change.
8. Explain the process involved in solute-solvent interactions and evaluate the nature of acids compared with bases.

FORMAT: This course is divided into the following units with written tests and/or performance assessments with each unit. Quizzes are given as needed. The Characteristics of Science Standards* will be covered through the semester.

County Semester Book Approximate
Unit (YR) Unit TOPIC Chapter Days___

4 1 Stoichiometry 9 15

5 2 Phases of Matter 10, 11, 12 15
and the Gas Laws

6 3 Solutions 13, 14 15

6 4 Acids and Bases 15, 16 20

7 5 Reaction Energy 17 15
and Reaction Kinetics

4 6 Equilibrium 18 10

Enrichment Redox, Carbon and 19-22 As time allows
Nuclear Chemistry

*Parents and students may view the detailed Georgia Performance Content and Characteristics of Science Standards at http://www.doe.k12.ga.us under the Georgia Performance Standards section of the High School Science curriculum or at http://www.georgiastandards.org./science.asp
I will furnish a ‘What Students Should Know/What Students Should Be Able To Do’ list at the beginning of each unit, which will be an explanation of these standards.

GRADE DETERMINATION
The Fulton County Grading Scale will be used for all graded assignments
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C Below 70 = F

Calculation of Final Semester Average will be as follows:
Tests and Performance Assessments = 45%
Homework, Class work = 5%
Quizzes = 15 %
Laboratory Activities = 20%
Final Exam = 15%

TESTS AND QUIZZES: Written tests and quizzes include information from class notes, the textbook, handouts, lab activities, and demonstrations. You are expected to take a test even if you are absent the day before the test. The day before the test is usually review. THE FINAL EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE, COVERING THE MAJOR CONCEPTS OF UNITS 1 THROUGH 6.
If you miss a test or other assignment, be prepared to take in within the time allowed by Fulton County policy, which is that students are allowed one day for each day absent to make up the work. (If you are only absent only on the day the assignment is due, you will be required to turn it in or make up the work on the day you return to school. If you miss two days, you must make up the work within two days, etc.)

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES: Because this is a lab course, labs are an important part of the curriculum and you can expect to do one or two labs each week. EACH person in the lab group is responsible for participating in the lab in class and completing the lab questions and/or write-up on his/her own paper. Labs not collected by your teacher should be placed in your notebook in the LABS section. Labs will be graded for accuracy and/or completion. You will have one or two lab assessments during the semester during which you may use the completed labs from your notebook. You will also write lab reports for some of the labs.
Please make arrangements with your teacher for lab make ups.

HOMEWORK: This grade includes class participation, working problems on the board, sponge activities, notebook checks and homework assignments. Homework is checked at the beginning of class. Homework is important for practice of the more difficult concepts in Chemistry. Class work will be assigned as needed. NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR HOMEWORK OR CLASS WORK THAT HAS BEEN MISPLACED, LEFT IN YOUR LOCKER OR AT HOME, ETC. Homework is checked for accuracy and/or completion.

NOTEBOOK: You are required to keep a notebook. A three ring binder is best. Everything we do in Chemistry should be in your notebook (notes, worksheets, labs, class work, homework, quizzes, and information sheets) in an organized fashion. I will check occasionally in class to see if you have your notebook and I will take sections of it up occasionally to grade for completeness. You are not eligible for recovery if your notebook is not up to date and complete.

RECOVERY: FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.
CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.


GENERAL INFORMATION AND CLASS BEHAVIOR RULES

HONOR CODE POLICY: Any act of cheating “either by giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a graded experience” will be considered a violation. I will complete an Honor Violation Form which will be filed in the office and “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically, memberships in honor clubs (NHS and Beta)”. You will receive a grade of ‘0’ on the assignment or test, and I will call your parents to inform them of the violation. Please refer to your handbook for additional information.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF ETHICS: According to the Fulton County School policy, “students shall not alter nor attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes but is not limited to:
1. Changing desktop settings or control panels on computers.
2. Removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware.
3. Modifying computer software.
4. Damaging computer disks, CD ROMS or other media.
Also, students must not access any program or website, unless specifically authorized to do so by the teacher. Always ask before you log on the internet, or access any program on the computer. Students are not allowed to check their e-mail.



EXTRA HELP: Chemistry is a demanding academic subject. If you are having difficulty you are encouraged to make arrangements with me for extra help. I am available for help most mornings at 7:30 am and afternoons upon request. In addition, Homework Hotline operates from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 404/843-7700. It is a free service and the teacher there can usually assist you with your homework.

ATTENDANCE: It is essential that you attend class and complete the assignments. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignment.
NIGHTLY STUDY: Information is presented in class every day. Therefore, it is expected that you review each day’s work at night so that any difficulties can be resolved during class the following day.


EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIORS
1. All student handbook rules apply in this class.
2. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
3. Come to class prepared. Bring your homework, your notebook, writing instrument, paper, calculator and any other supplies you need for the day. Have your homework out on your desk at the beginning of the period.
4. All food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria. You may have bottles of water.
5. Be respectful to your teacher, classmates and visitors.
6. Alert, aware behavior is appropriate.
7. All lab safety rules apply in this class.
Failure to follow these rules will result in a teacher conference with the student for the first offense, then a private detention will be assigned (30 minutes of on task time before or after school). The third offense will result in a call home and another detention, and if these are not successful, you will be referred to an administrator.

Failure to follow the safety rules will result in a warning, then time out. The third offense will result in sitting out of lab for the entire period and a phone call to your
parents. The fourth offense will result in a referral to an administrator and you will sit out of the lab the entire period.

ANY BEHAVIOR WHICH ENDANGERS YOU OR ANOTHER STUDENT IN THE CLASSROOM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO AN ADMINISTRATOR.