Course Syllabus

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Chemistry at the College Prep level is a hands-on project-based course that asks students to develop an understanding of the behavior of matter at the atomic level. Topics covered include chemical bonding, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, kinetics, and equilibrium, and are taught through teacher-directed, project-based units. Students learn important chemistry concepts while investigating major societal problems involving water, energy, petroleum, and nuclear chemistry. Structured teacher support helps students develop effective strategies for learning and problem solving so that students can gain a basic mastery of chemistry. Experiments and group collaboration on projects are central components of this course. Nightly homework and reading focuses on reviewing class notes, applying concepts learned in class, and laboratory reports.

Course Sequence:

Sequence subject to change to better to accommodate for students and schedule.

Sequence will be updated as the course progresses.  

Semester 1 Sequence:

Semester 2 Sequence
Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Chapter 2: Analyzing data
Chapter 3: Matter - Properties and Change
Chapter 4 / 5: The Structure of the Atom          
Chapter 24: Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 6: The Periodic Table and Periodic Law
Chapter 7:Ionic Compounds and Metals
Chapter 8: Covalent Bonding
Chapter 9: Chemical Reactions
Chapter 10 / 11: The Mole and Stoichiometry
Chapter 12/13: States of Matter and Gases
Chapter 14: Mixtures and Solutions          
Chapter 15: Energy and Chemical Change
Chapter 16: Reaction Rates
Chapter 17: Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 18: Acids and Bases
Chapter 19: Redox Reactions

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 will be kept in a bound notebook of graph paper.  You will be provided with a lab book on the first day of lab. Labs need to be finished during the double block to receive full credit and lab books will remain in the classroom. Students will need scissors and glue sticks to complete lab set up.

Textbook

  • Students will be provided with the Chemistry: Matter and Change textbook.  Students will be given a hard copy of the textbook.  Students will be asked to complete readings, online assignments, and activities using this resource. 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. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted.

Grading Policy: 

Grades will be frequently updated on Power School. Please check often to make sure you are on top of your assignments.

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%
Exams and Quizzes: 
  • Exams will be given at the end of each unit and will be worth 50 - 100 points. Quizzes will be worth 5 - 50 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.  An exam or quiz will be given at the end of each chapter or unit and will cover all learning goals provided in that section.
Lab Reports and Projects: 
  • Lab Reports will generally be worth 20 - 30 points. A larger, long term project will 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. 
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 to receive full credit. Homework will be checked in class or collected. Assignments turned in later will receive a reduction in credit. Homework assignments for a given unit will not be accepted late after the unit test has been completed.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Graded assignments are posted on the homework calendar and in 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.  Participation points will be assessed at the end of each term.

Lateness:

  • Arrive to class on time. Any arrival 2 minutes after class begins will be marked as tardy, 10 minutes after class begins will be marked as unexcused absence.

Cell Phones:

  • Cell phone use is not permitted inside of the classroom. Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of class and returned at the end of class.

Food and Drink:  

  • No food may be consumed inside the classroom. Drinks are allowed in the front half of the classroom as long as they are kept in a container with a lid to minimize spills. No drinks are permitted in the back half of the classroom.

Laptops:

  • Laptop use during class will only be permitted for appropriate activities.

 

  • Final Exam / Experience Details:

    • Students will complete a final exam/project at the end of each Semester.  This experience will synthesize material presented during the year into a final product.  Specific details will be provided in class. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due