Course Syllabus
Advanced College Prep Chemistry: Course Expectations
Instructor: Dr. Kaczmarek
Classroom: 436 Office: 358
Dr. Kaczmarek - Office 358 2022/23
Course Description:
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 for students and schedule.
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Semester 1 |
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Semester 2 |
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Unit 1: The Nature of Matter Unit 2: The Atom and Nuclear Chemistry
Unit 3: Electrons and the Periodic Table
Unit 4: Compounds and Chemical Bonds
Unit 5: Chemical Reactions
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Unit 6: The Mole and Stoichiometry
Unit 7: Molecular Compounds and Properties
Unit 8: Properties of Gasses
Unit 9: Solutions and Acid/Base Chemistry
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Materials
- Charged Laptop
- Headphones
- Notebook OR Loose leaf paper in a binder
- Pen OR Pencil
- Calculator
- Textbook: van Geel textbook (hardcopy and online access)
Grading Policy:
The final grade for ACP Chemistry will be calculated according to the following breakdown. Grade weights or sequence may shift to better support students and schedule.
| Item | Weight |
| Quarter 1 | 22 % |
| Quarter 2 | 22 % |
| Quarter 3 | 22 % |
| Quarter 4 | 22 % |
| Exams (include: Semester 1 & 2 Final, Final lab experience) | 12 % |
Grade Details:
Grades are determined by total points. Generally, assignments will fall into one of the following categories:
- Quizzes or Tests
- Labs and Projects
- Activities
- Homework
- Exit Tickets
*Late Work Note: Please make every effort to submit work on the day it is due. If there are extenuating circumstances, please reach out to Dr. Kaczmarek prior to the due date.
Classroom Expectations
The community of learners in our classroom must work respectfully, collaboratively, and openly so that each student may have the opportunity to learn and share effectively. As a class, we will create norms to uphold as a group that adhere to the core values.
Academic excellence
Cooperative and caring relationships
Respect for human differences
Commitment to community
It is important that you understand the policies and rules outlined in the WHS Student Handbook apply to you AT ALL TIMES during this class.
TARDINESS
If you are more than 10 minutes late you will receive a cut. Lab for this class starts at 7:30 AM. At this time traffic can be heavy; this is not a valid excuse for tardiness. We will sometimes take a short break during double block; students will be marked tardy if they do not return to class by the designated time. If you have a written excuse for being late, take it to the office before coming to class. If you are late without a written excuse, come directly to class.
MISSING CLASS: If a student misses class for any reason, he/she/they must take the initiative to check Canvas, 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.
WEBSITE:
We will be using Canvas for this course. All academic information will be posted here.
Academic Honesty/Integrity
Please be clear that cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will NOT BE TOLERATED and the school policy will be followed.
Parent/Guardian-Teacher Communication
Parents/Guardians should feel free to contact me at any time via school email at kaczmareks@wellesleyps.org as email is the best means of communication for me during the school day. The class syllabus on Canvas is public as well.
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 (kaczmareks@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.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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