SYLLABUS & EXPECTATIONS
Course: CHEMISTRY
Teacher: Mr. John Arner
Availability: Come see me.
Book: Handouts and
Chemistry: Matter and Change, Glencoe Science
Table of contents
DESIGN OF CLASS
This class is designed to give you a basis in chemistry such that you can take your acquired knowledge to college and have a fair degree of confidence that you will be successful there. However, in order to really gain the knowledge needed in college it is important that you study to learn the material not just to complete the assignments, view the assignments as the minimum amount of work you need to do as opposed to the maximum, and to recognize that completing a unit does not mean that it is "okay" to discard the knowledge from that unit. If you adopt these strategies the likelihood of you being successful in this class improves dramatically and you will do better when you take chemistry in college.
By the end of this class you should:
- Gain a fundamental understanding of chemistry.
- Write lab reports well.
- Work independently and in groups.
- Think in terms of possibilities not limitations.
- Analyze a problem, dissect it, and make a plan to solve it.
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GRADING
You have six ways to get points in this class: tests, quizzes, labs, participation ("karma" points), bonus credit (jeopardy and contests), and homework. The first five comprise 90% of your grade while homework constitutes 10% of your grade.
- Tests. Tests occur at the end of units. You will be rewarded with points for the knowledge you demonstrate.
In addition, if you take all the tests on the test date you will receive a free 50 out of 50 score added into your grade. BEWARE!!! In order to take the test on time you must have completely all of the basic homework package. Otherwise, you cannot take the test and cannot pass the class.
- Minor Rewards. Minor rewards are given frequently (unless there is a major reward that day) to check your understanding. The total value of the minor rewards for the semester will not exceed that of one test grade. I will throw out your worst five minor rewards.
- Labs. One formal lab (25 points) per semester will be turned in. Before you perform any lab, an INTRODUCTION,
PURPOSE, PROBLEM and DATA TABLE must be written on your lab report and initialed by me, your instructor. See sample lab
for the correct format.
- Bonus Credit. This is given occasionally for completing assignments above and beyond the norm. The resulting grade is 10/10, 25/25, etc., depending on the task.
- Participation ("karma" points). You receive "karma" points for showing up to class on time, answering homework questions, asking relevant questions, and maintaining a positive attitude. You can also lose points by being disruptive, not paying attention, not treating others with respect, not following lab procedures, etc. You can earn up to 100 "karma" points during the semester. "Karma" points will be added to or subtracted from your grade at the end of the semester.
- Homework. Each unit will have homework assigned. Homework will be scored on a 3 point scale. No homework is accepted after the unit test is given.
3 points--Proper format, turned in when originally collected, and complete.
2 points--Proper format. Turned in when originally collected (and nearly complete), or complete (but turned in later).
1 point--Turning something in.
no points--Turning nothing in.
- Late Work. Anything turned in past the due date is considered late no matter the reason. Quizzes cannot be made up, but you get to throw out all but your worst five.
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SCIENCE CLUB AND OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Students are greatly encouraged to participate in the science club. Meetings are not mandatory and usually consist of people doing demonstrations. This year we are planning to host family science night and I am entertaining the possibility of having a robotics team (who will compete in local competitions). The dues are $5 in September and $10 starting October 1st.
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SYLLABUS
| 1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
| Unit 1--Basics of Chemistry |
Unit 9--Stoichiometry |
| Unit 2--Matter |
Unit 10--Gases |
| Unit 3--Quantum Model of the Atom |
Unit 11--Liquids, Solids, and Solutions |
| Unit 4--Periodic Table |
Unit 12--Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Rates |
| Unit 5--The Elements |
Unit 13--Equilibrium and Acids and Bases |
| Unit 6--Ionic Compounds |
Unit 14--Oxidation, Reduction, and Electrochemistry |
| Unit 7--Molecular Compounds |
Unit 15--Organic and Nuclear Chemistry |
| Unit 8--Chemical Equations and the Mole |
|
FINAL COMMENTS
This course requires a great deal of work on your part and mine. Expect to have
about a half hour of homework each night (on average). Chemistry demands a lot from those studying it and can
be frustrating and humbling at times. Whatever you do, don't give up!!! When you solve a
problem or understand a new concept you have accomplished something that most people
never experience. It is my hope that all of you perform to the maximum of your abilities.
Comments, questions? Drop me a line.