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.