Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. van Geel
Office: 358
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to Honors Chemistry! My fellow chemistry teachers and I have developed a curriculum that is challenging and fun. Chemistry is an extremely rewarding science; a strong understanding of chemical principles will not only serve you very well in your future scientific studies, but it will enrich your appreciation of the materials you encounter in your everyday life. The general topics we will cover are:
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Semester 1 Analyzing Data Matter: Properties and Changes The Mole The Structure of the Atom Nuclear Chemistry Electrons in Atoms The Periodic Table and Periodic Law Ionic Compounds and Metals Covalent Bonding |
Semester 2 Chemical Reactions Stoichiometry States of Matter Gases Mixtures and Solutions Energy and Chemical Change Reaction Rates Chemical Equilibrium Acids and Bases Redox Reactions |
In addition to lectures, readings, and homework, we will use a number of hands-on activities and labs to allow students to fully experience the material. There will also be some independent projects, including a major research project during the second semester. I expect students to work hard, have fun, and ask lots of questions.
MATERIALS:
Textbook and Workbook: The textbook and workbook files can be found in the Honors Handouts folder.
Three-ring binder: The binder should be 2” thick and have a transparent sleeve in the front cover.
Scientific calculator: Students need to bring their calculators to every class.
Closed-toe shoes: For safety, students must wear closed-toe shoes to every class. Keep a pair in your locker.
Computer: You will need your laptop or tablets for note-taking, writing labs, etc. Please bring it to every class.
Software: Download and install the program Logger Lite (Links to an external site.). We will use it to collect data in lab.
TARDINESS:
If you are more than 10 minutes late you will receive a cut. Lab for this class starts at 7:30 AM. If you are late with a written excuse, go to your house office. If you are late without a written excuse, come directly to class.
MISSING CLASS: If a student misses class for any reason, they must take the initiative to ask a classmate for class notes, announcements, and make up missed work.
SAFETY:
You will be handling hazardous chemicals in this class, so it is imperative that the class environment remains calm and quiet. No running, sitting on lab benches, or roughhousing of any kind. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during lab. There will be no food, drink, or gum in lab.
GRADING:
To be determined.
DIAGNOSTIC QUIZZES:
After each chapter there will be a diagnostic quiz. Diagnostic quizzes do not count toward the grade. The purpose of a diagnostic quiz is to assess your current mastery of the material; it is an important source of feedback for both student and teacher. If you do poorly on a diagnostic quiz, it is highly recommended that you come in for extra help.
HOMEWORK AND PARTICIPATION:
Homework will be assigned most nights and is due the following class. Homework will be checked in class. Students are expected to stay on top of the material and be ready to participate in classroom discussions.
CONTACTING ME:
If I am not teaching a class, I can often be found in the science office, room 358. The best way to get in touch with me is email (vangeelt@wellesleyps.org); teachers in the science department do not have individual phones. I check my email daily, but my voicemail rarely. My schedule is posted on the classroom door.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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