Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. van Geel
Office: 358
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to ACP 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: Will be provided in hard copy. Digital copies can be downloaded from the course's shared folder.
Other Handouts: Will be either provided in hard copy or can be found in the shared 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.
Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Wellesley High School
- Serious, responsible behavior is expected in the laboratory at all times.
- You are expected to follow all directions given by your instructor at all times.
- Safety glasses must be worn when work involves toxic chemicals or the possibility of eye contact from material being used. If the instructor informs you that safety glasses are required for this lab, you MUST wear the goggles. Contact lenses are not always allowed since some chemicals which can get stuck behind the lenses cannot be removed easily. Some safety goggles may be worn over prescription glasses.
- Know the location and understand the usage of the following safety features of the classroom: fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, eyewash, and emergency exits.
- Sandals are not permitted in the laboratory. Feet must be completely covered to protect against injury from spilled chemicals or broken glass.
- Long hair must be tied back to avoid contact with chemicals, flames, and equipment.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited in the laboratory.
- Report all accidents and injuries to the instructor immediately.
- Food is not allowed on the lab benches.
- Do not return unused portions of chemicals to the reagent bottles. This could contaminate the chemicals. Measure materials carefully and consult instructor on the proper disposal of each chemical.
- Clean up all spills immediately. Broken glass must be disposed of in the marked container. Always consult your instructor on the proper way to handle cleanup of spills.
- DO NOT perform any experiments that are not authorized and supervised by the instructor. DO NOT use any equipment in the laboratory for any purpose other than how you have been instructed.
- Never taste chemicals in the laboratory. When smelling chemicals, “waft” the smell toward you by waving your hand. Do not put your nose directly into the chemical.
To certify that you have read the syllabus and lab safety rules, please click here (Links to an external site.).
van Geel workbook 2016 ACP.pdf 
download
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.
Mechanical pencil: There is no pencil sharpener in the room.
Closed-toe shoes: For safety, students must wear closed-toe shoes to every class. Keep a pair in your locker.
Computer: This is a computer-friendly class. I encourage you to bring laptops or tablets for note-taking, writing labs, etc.
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, he/she 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:
Tests and Quizzes (50% of term grades): The format of exams in this course may vary depending on the topic we are covering. Tests are given at the end of each unit and will cover all of the learning goals in that unit. Expect 2 tests and 0-2 quizzes per term.
Labs and Activities (50% of term grades): 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. Unfinished labs can be turned in for half credit until the day of the exam on that unit. Labs turned in after this point will not receive credit.
NOTE: The above grade percentages may change during the year. Homework and participation may be graded if necessary.
Final Exams (16% of year grade): There will be two final exams. The semester 1 final will be in January or February; the semester 2 final will be in June. Each exam counts for 8% of the grade for the year.
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 352. 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.
Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Wellesley High School
- Serious, responsible behavior is expected in the laboratory at all times.
- You are expected to follow all directions given by your instructor at all times.
- Safety glasses must be worn when work involves toxic chemicals or the possibility of eye contact from material being used. If the instructor informs you that safety glasses are required for this lab, you MUST wear the goggles. Contact lenses are not always allowed since some chemicals which can get stuck behind the lenses cannot be removed easily. Some safety goggles may be worn over prescription glasses.
- Know the location and understand the usage of the following safety features of the classroom: fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower, eyewash, and emergency exits.
- Sandals are not permitted in the laboratory. Feet must be completely covered to protect against injury from spilled chemicals or broken glass.
- Long hair must be tied back to avoid contact with chemicals, flames, and equipment.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited in the laboratory.
- Report all accidents and injuries to the instructor immediately.
- Food is not allowed on the lab benches.
- Do not return unused portions of chemicals to the reagent bottles. This could contaminate the chemicals. Measure materials carefully and consult instructor on the proper disposal of each chemical.
- Clean up all spills immediately. Broken glass must be disposed of in the marked container. Always consult your instructor on the proper way to handle cleanup of spills.
- DO NOT perform any experiments that are not authorized and supervised by the instructor. DO NOT use any equipment in the laboratory for any purpose other than how you have been instructed.
- Never taste chemicals in the laboratory. When smelling chemicals, “waft” the smell toward you by waving your hand. Do not put your nose directly into the chemical.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|