Course Syllabus

Course Title:  Chemistry – Matter and Change

Level: CP

Instructor: Mr. McDavitt

mcdavittb@wellesleyps.org

Room 358

Description:

Welcome to Chemistry! The objective for this course is to allow students to develop an appreciation for science and the chemical properties that govern our world. Students will spend time examining the physical structure of matter, how this matter interacts through chemical processes, and the role of energy in these interactions. Students will also develop an appreciation for the application of Chemistry in our society. Experiments, application activities, problem solving, and group decision-making are a central part of this course. Nightly homework focuses on reviewing class notes, applying concepts learned in class, and laboratory reports. Students in this course should have completed a year of science and have the recommendation of their grade nine science teacher.

Course Sequence:

Sequence subject to change to better accommodate students and schedule.

Semester 1: Chapter 1: Intro to Chemistry Chapter 2: Analyzing Data Chapter 3: Matter – Properties and Change Chapter 4: The Structure of the Atom Chapter 5: Electrons in Atoms Chapter 6: The Periodic Table Chapter 7: Ionic Compounds Chapter 8: Covalent Bonding

Semester 2: Chapter 9: Chemical Reactions Chapter 10: The Mole Chapter 12: States of Matter Chapter 13: Gases Chapter 14: Mixtures and Solutions Chapter 18: Acids and Bases Chapter 24: Nuclear Chemistry

Required Course Materials:

Three Ring Binder

• Handouts and notes should be kept in a binder. All material for the year should be organized. You will need it.  Binder Checks will usually occur at the end of each Unit. 

Lab Supplies

• All labs completed during lab blocks should be kept in a bound notebook of graph paper. Please take note of the recommended types. Labs are often lost if the pages are easily removed. This is the student’s responsibility. Students will also need scissors and glue sticks to complete lab set up.  Students should have lab supplies BEFORE the first double block period.

Textbook

• Students will be provided with the Chemistry: Matter and Change.  Students will be given a hard copy of the textbook as well as provided with access to an online version.  Students will be asked to complete readings, online assignments, and activities using this resource.  Students do not need to bring the textbook to class daily.  Students must return their textbook in June at the completion of the course or pay for a replacement.  The cost of this book is $100.  

Scientific Calculator

• The subject of Chemistry is often very math-based. You should bring a calculator daily. Certain graphing calculators or other electronic devices may not always be permitted.

 

Grading Policy:

The final grade for CP Chemistry will be calculated according to the following breakdown.

 

Item	Weight
Semester 1	50 %
Semester 2	50 %
Overall Grade	100%

 

Semester Grade Details:

Exams and Quizzes: 

• Exams will be given at the end of each unit and will be worth 100 - 200 points. Quizzes will be worth 5 - 20 points. The format of exams in this course may vary depending on the topic we are covering. Students should expect written exams as well as lab practical exams. Tests are given at the end of each unit and will cover all of the learning goals in that unit. Expect around 5 tests per semester.

Lab Reports and Projects: 

• Lab Reports will generally be worth 20 - 30 points. A larger, long term project might be worth more. Completed Lab reports and class activities will be collected on the day of the lab or the next day that the class meets depending on the lab depth. Each lab partner must turn in an individual lab report. Points will be deducted from lab reports turned in late.

Homework: 

• Homework assignments will be worth 5-15 points depending on the complexity of the assignment. Homework will be assigned most nights and due the following class. Homework will either be checked in class or collected daily. In addition, Reading Guides for each chapter will be completed through Canvas. Assignments turned in late will receive a reduction of points. Homework assignments for a given unit will not be accepted after the unit test has been completed. 

Chemistry in the News:

• While we are learning about chemistry in a classroom setting, it is important to remember how influential the subject is to our everyday lives. To help connect what we are doing to the real world, students will be responsible to find and summarize interesting and recent ways chemistry has been in the news. This will be done through Canvas and students will be assigned weeks to find articles and other weeks in which they are to respond to their classmates' posts. However, students are always welcome to contribute to the discussion any time they find something interesting or wish to comment. I would recommend looking into topics that are of interest to you (fashion, food, sports, etc), chemistry is everywhere and what you find might surprise you! 

Final Exam/Final Experience:

• At the end of the semester, the material covered will be synthesized into a final assessment. Details of this assessment are TBA and be released closer to the end of the semester.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Graded assignments are posted on PowerSchool.  Students may access assignments through the PowerSchool Portal.  Students are expected to check assignments and grades often. 

Participation:

• While this portion of the overall grade receives the smallest percentage, it is the most critical in the overall classroom atmosphere. Both the students and I are expected to contribute positively and constructively to the experiences in chemistry class this year. This includes appropriate behavior in the lab. Behavior that endangers the safety of you or others will not be tolerated and result in significant loss of participation points. Participation points will be assessed at the middle and end of each semester.

Cell Phone Policy:

• In an effort to create the best learning atmosphere possible, cell phones should be silenced and placed in the cell phone "cubbies" each day upon entering the classroom. Improper use of cell phones will negatively impact the student's participation grade.